Venture Pal Ultralight Lightweight Packable Foldable Travel Camping Hiking Outdoor Sports Backpack Daypack (Black)

I do not leave many reviews, and I am very picky about my backpacks. There are too many bags that clearly have been designed by someone who does not actually use backpacks to carry books, papers, or whatever . . . I find that unforgivable. I suspect that this product was designed by someone who shares my frustration since this backpack has details and features that many absurdly expensive backpacks somehow lack. (Double zippers, for example,) Convenience, unexpected details that enhance this product's usefulness, and durable construction all make this a product that does not disappoint. Frankly, even as an ultra-light backpack, I prefer this to some of the heavier - and far more expensive - bags I routinely use. When folded up, this isn't really much of a tote bag. That's really not the point, however: the bag is so compact that throwing this into a piece of luggage to bring on vacation a no brainer. On my last vacation, this bag proved itself to be invaluable as an extra backpack each to take along as a precaution for excursions, for shopping, for short hikes, or for the beach. Because it's so light and compact, bringing it is easy and no big deal if it did not get used. From the first time I used the bag, I was impressed by its solid construction and thoughtful design. Its versatility allowed it to essentially outperform substantially more expensive daypacks I had also brought. The low cost of this bag makes this an outrageously good deal. I am pleased to be able to recommend this product without hesitation. Usually, deals that seem too good to be true ARE. I gambled on bought this bag, and I am very very glad I did so. I look forward to giving this out as stocking-stuffer gifts in December.

I use this as a weekender, usually just going to hotels or friends houses etc. Previously, I was using a MOLLE style tactical backpack and it was at least 4 lbs empty, this thing is ounces, so my bag weighs 30% less no matter what. Big pocket has smaller pouches inside to make a section for socks and shirts and such, while the big area holds 3-4 pairs of shorts and pants. The outside upper pocket holds my small electronics well, but the lower front pocket is a strange place. When the inside is packed, it really pushes on the front lower pocket's interior pouches and makes them hard to use effectively. Putting the pouches on the opposite side of the pocket would probably alleviate the issues. The handle that is used when the backpack is converted to tiny mode is also in this lower outside pocket, just hanging out in there. It doesn't really have a use there and just looks like a second thought. Would someone actually carry it by this handle if it was in tiny mode? Probably not. A tiny clip or a small loop of cloth w/caribiner would be nice in this pocket for long trips to keep your house or car keys safe when you know they won't be used for a week or so. Overall the only thing that needs work in a future revision would be the front lower pocket. I don't really convert to tiny mode, so I can't comment on that. I did black sharpie the the bright logo on my black one, mostly because I prefer subdued look to help me be less visible in a crowd. So, a reflector free and pure black option would be nice as well. I've packed this bag probably 20 times in the 8 months I've had it and it's holding up, no damage to report. The zippers are top quality, have a solid feel and sound. Straps are fine, some padding but it's so light fully loaded, any more padding isn't really necessary. The water bottle side pocket is pretty short, can hold a 12oz bottle, but the big ones everyone uses nowadays are too tall for the pocket, it feels like a big bottle would just fall out, maybe a tiny clip strap to lock your bottle in here would be nice, but I mostly use that pocket for used snack wrappers and napkins etc.

First, you have to understand that this bag is probably not a great choice for daily use. Its unstructured and made of what I would describe as "windbreaker material". Its thin nylon. But for me, that's what makes it 5 stars. I use this as a day pack while travelling. It holds a water bottle, rain jacket, small first aid kit, phone charger, and souvenirs collected along the way. Then it packs flat or into its own pocket for the trip home, or maybe serves as an extra carry on if I bought too many of those souvenirs. It is very sturdy for what it is though. It has double zippers that can be locked together with a small biner. Its a very nice size and has external water bottle pockets. So maybe not for every day carry, but perfect for the occasional use on vacation as it fold flat, is very light and has the features needed to do the job. Would definitely recommend.

I bought this light weight pack in 2023 for a trip to Europe as a day pack. I have used it on 3 European trips and 6 other short hauls. Love all the separate zipper spaces/pouches. Fits my 2 iPad Pro 14 , 2 coats, and has always worked very well , also has two size water bottle holders. Love it so much that I want another incase something happens to this one. VERY HAPPY WITH this product

Update after months of using: Yes, it's true that that one of the zippers gets stuck. The one on the top of the front side. The pack is stitched to cover the zipper, probably against rain. (It's where I sometimes put my cellphone, so I'm glad.) But opening it without the zipper getting stuck is a two hand job. Which isn't the worst thing: makes it harder for a person behind you to steal. It unzips easily enough. Though yes this is an annoyance. I'm leaving it at five stars because I'm not sure how they could have done it "better" without adding weight or bulk. Which still amazes me how light but sturdy this pack seems. Straps are comfortable even when carrying two TWO-Liter bottles of water. And the top carry handle is handy and good, too. The only thing the pack does not do, is hold it's shape when empty. Which I specifically like -- I bought it to pack it "formless" into a larger bag to then use on arrival. I mention it, because I find I like the pack and have been using it in more situations. So now, holding itself open might be nice. Not sure I'll ever go back to the classic overkill day/study backpacks I used to drag with me everywhere. --Original review: Even more cleverly designed than I expected. What this backpack improves on: +The bottle pouches: This is the first backpack I've owned or seen firsthand where the pouches can actually hold the huge tall bottles I use. Thanks to the horizontal strap above each pocket, and the forgiving main material of the pack, even a TWO Liter (half gallon!!) water bottle sits in the drink pouch, and is strapped upright to not fall. One on each side, even. (Admittedly this encroaches into the main pouch area a bit, but I think that moves the weight more central and am glad. +The pocket it zips itself nto: Lots of packs and bags zip down into a small pocket. That's not new. But this one, when in use that same zipper, turned inside out, becomes a handy little front pocket. With a great internal mesh see-through pocket. Which mesh pocket shows when it's all zipped down into itself, too, so if you want something easily accessed, it's available either state. +Several internal pockets, inside each section. More than I'll need, but they don't add bulk. +Shoulder straps actually are well padded compared to what I expected. Without adding weight or bulk. And, they'll breathe, which matters for hot days. +Stitching reinforced with material in several key stress areas. +Straps each serve a purpose, and are long enough. Clips and zippers work smoothly and are a pleasure. Note that the main compartment is tall, which I specifically wanted, to accommodate certain gear. It's not overly wide. But I THINK it would accommodate a basketball. (But while doing that, might prevent it from fitting 2 two-liter bottles in the outer side pouches at the same time.) Negative: The whistle doesn't work so well, or maybe there's a trick to how to blow it. That wasn't what I bought it for anyway. I looked at almost every similar pack on Amazon before I chose this one. There were one or two others very close to it. And one that looked better. But after reading reviews, asking questions, I chose this one. Glad I did.