From Outdoor Adventures to Business Trips: A Thorough Comparison of 3 High-Function Backpacks

A backpack that works across a wide range of settings—from private outings on days off and travel, to daily commutes and business trips. To comfortably carry both bulky items like changes of clothes that are hard to find locally, and small items like contact lenses and cosmetics, all together, choosing a bag that suits you is essential.

However, backpacks with a variety of functions can be hard to judge by size alone, and choosing one can be confusing. That's why this time, we compare three high-function bags across durability, storage capacity, and comfort of wear, to help you find a backpack that fits your lifestyle and hobbies.

We hope this helps you find the ideal backpack you can cherish for years to come.

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▼Here are the products being compared

Comparing 【Capacity and Storage Capability】

An outdoor backpack that can quickly hold large items like clothing and souvenirs.

The construction is very easy to understand and simple to handle. Since it folds down compactly, it's also handy as a large-capacity sub bag. When you're out and about, buying souvenirs tends to increase your luggage, but with this much capacity, you can feel at ease no matter how much your load grows.

A stylish business backpack that keeps you light on your feet with no need for a separate pouch. It's a backpack that lets you instantly see what you want to take out during meetings or while on the move, while still offering plenty of storage. The pockets are arranged diagonally, so you can retrieve items simply by opening the zipper a little—a very smart and unique feature. You can also stow the shoulder straps and carry it as a briefcase.

An outdoor backpack you can travel with all on its own, boasting reassuring capacity and excellent storage for small items. It's divided into two compartments, each with multiple pockets. From a large zippered pocket for dirty shoes or clothes, to a pocket that doubles as a pouch, to a hidden pocket for your passport, it covers a wide range of needs—a backpack that excels in both the security and usability you'd want while traveling.

Comparing 【Comfort and Fit While Wearing】

FJALLRAVEN

Chest strap / waist belt: None

Breathability ★★★☆☆
Cushioning ★☆☆☆☆
Comfort of wear ★★☆☆☆

Staff review:
It's extremely light, giving the sensation of almost not wearing it at all. The shoulder straps are simply constructed with no cushioning, so wearing it felt like a secondary role, but that's clearly what allows for the reduced weight. It transforms between a duffel and a backpack, and is just right for strolling around hands-free.

STANDARD SUPPLY

Chest strap / waist belt: None

Breathability ★★★★☆

Cushioning ★★★☆☆

Comfort of wear ★★★★☆

Staff review:

It's large yet lightweight, and comfortable to wear without feeling burdensome. The back pad and shoulder straps are made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying mesh, giving good breathability and preventing sweatiness. It also has just the right amount of cushioning, so even with hard, delicate items like a laptop inside, it doesn't hurt even after long hours.

Matador

Chest strap / waist belt: Yes

Breathability ★☆☆☆☆

Cushioning ★★★★★

Comfort of wear ★★★★★

Staff review:

Like a mountaineering bag, the waist belt and shoulder straps are cushioned, and we were surprised at the sense of unity when wearing it. It feels as comfortable as sitting on a sofa the whole time, with extremely high cushioning—though this does come with a bit more heft and sweatiness—but with this level of fit, you can feel secure even as the load gets heavier.

Comparing 【Durability and Materials】

FJALLRAVEN: Polyamide (Nylon)

POINT: Prized for softness, lightness, and durability

The surface is treated with a PU coating, so light rain won't get the contents wet. The PU coating also repels dirt, so you can casually set it directly on the floor or ground. It's soft and can be folded down compactly.

STANDARD SUPPLY: Polyester

POINT: Water-repellent finish withstands light rain, with a simple water-resistant zipper protecting your belongings

The exterior has a Teflon finish, and the interior has a urethane coating, making the fabric water-resistant. The zipper is a simple water-resistant type, built to withstand rain.

Matador: Nylon

POINT: Reliably blocks water, giving peace of mind even when moving around in the rain

A fabric with PU waterproofing and water-resistant zippers gives you peace of mind in the rain. It's also highly resistant to dirt, so you can set it down directly on the floor or ground without worry.

Summary

FJALLRAVENis a large-capacity outdoor backpack that's perfect for travel and outdoor activities. It's compact yet accommodates unexpected increases in luggage.

STANDARD SUPPLYis a business backpack that emphasizes organization and style. Its unique pocket layout allows quick access to essentials, making it a great choice for business professionals.

Matadoris an outdoor backpack designed specifically for travel, featuring a variety of storage options and security features. It's especially well-suited for extended trips.

For outdoor use, FJALLRAVEN and Matador are recommended, while STANDARD SUPPLY is ideal for business settings. That said, it's also worth choosing based on your own preferences regarding pocket count, materials, and other features. STANDARD SUPPLY's diagonally arranged pockets can also be used as an organizer for outdoor activities, which is quite convenient.

Every one of these backpacks offers high quality and functionality, so if you choose one that matches your lifestyle, it's sure to become a favorite you'll use for years to come.

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