The Ultimate Everyday Commuter Backpack

SHOP $280, evergoods.us

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It’s easy to underestimate backpacks. When we finished school and became adults with jobs, a whole world of messenger bags, satchels, and briefcases opened up to us. We’re not going to Sociology 102 anymore. We’re going to work.

In reality, even adults know backpacks are an A-plus commuter accessory. Having both hands means we can enjoy a coffee and a bagel, and unlike messengers that sag on the shoulder, a backpack evenly distributes all that weight we’re carrying. It’s simply the most practical option.

But even “adult” backpacks have huge drawbacks. Aesthetically, you might as well wear the Spider-Man one your kid brings to school. There’s zippers upon zippers and unnecessary bulk, which can be a real drag on your outfit. Meanwhile, ultra-minimalist backpacks often sacrifice durability.

Is there a backpack that can do it all? An everyday carry bag that is built for the daily routine but stylish no matter the season? Actually, there is. Since 2018, Montana-based Evergoods has struck the balance between heavy-duty utility and stylish minimalism. Tailor-made for outdoorsy folk with indoor careers, Evergoods’ backpacks, duffels, and slings can brave both the mountain trails and subways equally. Of all the options Evergoods has available, there’s one Swiss Army knife that deserves attention: The Civic Panel Loader.

SHOP $280, evergoods.us

Get a Load of This

As its name implies, the Civic Panel Loader (CPL) is an everyday carry backpack for commuters that can hold up against tougher environments. While Evergoods has bags specially built for traveling (Civic Travel Bag), outdoor adventures (Mountain Panel Loader), even school (Civic Bookbag), the Civic Panel Loader is Evergoods’ flagship for one simple reason: It’s the do-it-all, the master of none. It can be your bag for all of that. Mostly.

If you’ve never heard of Evergoods, get acquainted. The brand launched on Kickstarter with an early version of the Civic Panel Loader and the Mountain Panel Loader. The bags originally came in a black nylon that lent a graceful patina over time, but they were prone to picking up dust and were hard to clean. In 2022, Evergoods updated its lineup with a new ballistic nylon, with a texture and feel that bears a resemblance to Tumi. Evergoods also updated the bags with more pockets, such as in the front-zip panel (where the bag gets its name) and a quick-access yoke pocket above the shoulder straps.

The Kickstarter bags were great, but the updated bags are superb. The ballistic nylon keeps its day-one shine while protecting your valuables from the elements. The abundance of easy-access pockets is a difference-maker.

But these are just toppings on an already rich EDC sundae. The CPL, which comes in a roomy 24L or a compact 16L, offers plenty of storage for all you need for the office and beyond. There’s a zippered slim pocket for laptops and tablets, with a main storage compartment that is roomy enough to keep other EDC staples: headphones, chargers, pocket knives, zip windbreakers, even a book or two or three depending on how ambitious. Meanwhile, a sturdy back lining means the CPL never droops or sags. Whatever your day looks like, the Civic Panel Loader is up to the task.

User Friendlier

The most astonishing thing about the CPL is the user experience. And yes, I realize how I sound talking about UX on a backpack of all things. But Evergoods has solved some of my biggest grievances with backpacks that bigger-name brands have been unmotivated to solve. For example: While almost all backpacks have a top handle, the CPL’s handle is rigid, ensuring a strong hold no matter how heavy your bag might be. There is a second longer handle on the side, allowing a horizontal hold. This might not seem like a big deal, but being able to grab your bag at any orientation is a heck of a thing on flights and packed subways.

As an option, Evergoods sells what it calls “Access Pouches,” essentially padded mini-bags that act as internal storage for smaller items. (Think chargers, wires, computer mice.) These slide in perfectly into the CPL’s main compartment. So, if you’re the type to value organization, the Access Pouches are a worthwhile extra that can ensure all your things have a place, not bumping against each other all willy-nilly.

One last addition you should know about is Evergoods’ high-visibility patches. If you, like me, sometimes walk home after dark, these hi-vis patches—purposefully sized to Evergoods’ clever velcro logo on the front—means you can still be seen by passing vehicles.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

The Civic Panel Loader excels as an everyday carry bag, but it rocks for travel. To be clear, I wouldn’t nor have never used mine as my primary travel bag. Even for short weekend getaways, I use a duffel. For longer trips, I still rely on wheeled luggage. But the CPL is the best carry-on bag I’ve ever used. It is sized perfectly to commercial flight regulations, and the ballistic exterior means it has withstood spilled drinks and getting shoved under seats.

Even for grounded adventures, the CPL is a workhorse. From rural hikes to comic book conventions, my CPL has accompanied me on truly unexpected journeys. About the only situation I don’t use my CPL for is the gym. While it can be a gym bag, it lacks adequate ventilation for stank shorts and towels. (Also, it’s just sanitary to keep gym stuff away from work stuff.) For everything and everywhere else, the Civic Panel Loader is practically built for it.

There are a million and one fine bags out there, but the Civic Panel Loader is impossibly superior. Its sleek yet simple look means it never looks out of place wherever you are, and it looks great no matter what you’re wearing. But it also accomplishes its main task with gusto: keep your stuff together, and protected. Finally, a grown-up backpack that actually feels grown-up. Nothing against Spider-Man, we just prefer things in black.

SHOP $280, evergoods.us