DAYFARER V2 Backpack XPac

I was searching for a work/gym bag for a while until I finally found this! This limited edition is so premium, it’s a great upgrade from the original. It’s sleek, lightweight and spacious, it’s got lots of well thought out quick access points and the shoe compartment is spacious and smartly designed, the handles are thick and robust and the Fidlock buckle is fantastic! It’s one of the rare backpacks I own that looks great with casual clothes as well as more formal attire. Alongside the Active sling I purchased a while ago for my light carry needs, I can say that I’m totally sold to the ingenuity of this company. This backpack is a 5 star beauty!

Okay I feel like this is a 4.5 star backpack, but 4 is too low so I am rating it a 5. The X-Pac material is really good for the Seattle weather I walk through about 30 minutes a day with the backpack commuting to work with a laptop, notepad and small lunch sack inside. The backpack has good compartments. The materials used: XPAC, YKK Zippers, Fidlock magnets are all wonderful. Great padding for laptop. The backpack is cheaper than a lot of other backpacks in its class ($250 was comparing Mous and Nomatic), but it gets negated when you buy the sternum strap that does not come automatically with it. External water bottle holder is a good feature (not on Nomatic). Backpack is also light for its size/class (Mous was much heavier and Nomatic), I love the hidden back wallet pocket. The back ventilation paneling is wonderful too. Stiff enough so it actually breathes. Straps are also nice and somewhat firm, which means better comfort for heavier weight during longer distances (my walking commute is about 15-17 minutes each way). It has a very nice low profile when not fully expanded via flap top. Side access pocket is also nice and convenient. The top flap does work somewhat like straps when you need it to hold your sweater/jacket. This backpack has also functioned very well for me for air travel (to bring my stuff I need on the airplane, not so much to pack all my clothes).

Cons:
- Water bottle pocket if using a smaller/slimmer 22-24 ounce bottle that is tall and not rubber coated will slip out easily when slinging backpack to one shoulder strap. That is annoying.
- No Pen sleeve inside - personal preference
- Really wish the top flap had a zipper fleece lined pocket for sunglasses
- X-Pac material being what it is, is a bit loud/crunchy sounding in a business environment
-Add-on accessory sternum strap does not have a cord strap holder "dangle stopper" as nomads nation would call it.
-bag does not sit upright on its own and the bottom is curved so it will always fall over. You need to prop it against a wall or hang it.
- External bottom carry straps would be nice

Side note: I wish they offered the regular dayfarer with this fidlock buckle (which is so much nicer looking)

That being said I was comparing this vs the Mous and Nomatic Navigator and I stuck with this one and returned the others.

I bought the limited edition Modern Dayfarer xpac version recently as my EDC and minimal travel backpack. I loved the xpac fabric and the weather resistant that comes with it. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze.. I've recently taken it on a 3 days 2 night overseas business trip. After packing 3 days worth of business and casual wear, plus my 13 inch Dell laptop and 10.9 Inch Ipad, I still had room for my working leather shoes in the shoe compartment. Although the bag was packed out, it felt comfortable carrying it through the airport and walking on the streets, thanks to the padded harness system and thick and ventilated padding on the back panel. It has become my favourite EDC and will continue to be my daily cum minimal travel carry for years to come.

I was fed up with carrying a duffelback and a backpack to my office, and started looking everywhere for a backpack that could do both, gym and office. This backpack is everything I have been looking for. I can have my laptop in the laptop compartment, my headphones, paper and pens in the main compartment, and shoes and sweaty gym stuff in the seperate shoe compartment. And the dark green looks really good, and fits my style quite well.

Having recently rejoined a gym I needed something that could be both functional and stylish for gym and the office. Enter the Dayfarer V2 XPAC in the perfect dark green color. Having used it for a week now I can easily store my gym shoes AND shower sandals in the shoe compartment while also fitting my gym or work outfit in the main compartment. The laptop sleeve easily fits my 15" XPS and the accessory pocket is perfect for wallet, keys, and AirPods. The upgraded clasp is seamless and my kids have already tested the XPAC material by spilling juice on my back, quick and easy cleanup. To top it off the bottle holder fits my 32 oz water bottle. Amazing bag that I can't wait to also travel with!

I bought the DAYFARER V2 BACKPACK XPAC in dark green- and wow what can I say? Very sharp! Love the new buckle too. The best EDC backpack. Job well done.

I’ve thought about ordering a Dayfarer V2 backpack for quite some time now. My only actual issue was that most of the other bags I have in my small collection are black. But suddenly a mail dropped in about a limited edition which also comes in olive x-pac. Less than one minute later I had placed the order.

This bag oozes quality. It is sturdy, feels great to the touch and packs a lot. The laptop pocket is absolutely amazing. My work laptop is an over-sized 16’ and it fits easily. That doesn’t happen often. I tested with a tiny 13’ MacBook Air and that sits snugly as well without rattling around or anything. Magic. The pockets and organizational features are perfect for me as I tend to pack with additional pouches and cases. If you appreciate built in admin panels a such, this bag might be found wanting. However there are a lot of pockets and compartments here and there so I think it is enough for most people. At least it is for me! I personally won’t use the shoe compartment but I love that it’s there just in case. It is in no way blocking functionality. The bottom lid for the shoes can double for other small storage so it makes itself useful regardless. The fidlock system is physically addictive. So are the zippers.

This version also matches material wise with my “active sling“, which has been my favorite for over a year now. I only have left to purchase the RVX25 tech pouch and then I have a complete x-pac set. I already have the black cordura one and it works great. But looking forward to the bright orange against the olive color.

And yeah I almost forgot: the bag sits very comfortably on the back as well even when heavily loaded. I was slightly surprised that the chest strap was a separate product, but I guess not everyone would want one. Depends on how you use it!

Thanks for making this absolutely perfect bag!

This is my very first bag or anything from this company. I bought the V2 in the limited run xpac and V fidlock style. Was extremely surprised at how lightweight the bag is, and the x pac material with the new lock is amazing, super water resistant and makes it a very sexy bag. The organizational pockets are very well hidden, which is a great security feature to me and a plus, but can be a little tight to get into. The fact that this “top loader” bag can completely open flat clamshell style was amazing, and the fact you can “stow away” the internal shoe bag compartment really well was fantastic, as I never carry shoes with me inside my travel bag. The shoulder straps are very comfortable as well as the back panel. It has an impressive false bottom for the laptop compartment, but the opening for the laptop compartment has a very limited opening and doesn’t unzip all the way down on the sides, which I would have preferred, but was not a deal breaker for me. Overall, I’m very very impressed with this bag, and intend to use it for weekend travel and not as an EDC. Thank you! So glad this was my first purchase.