A revolutionary hike-bike-travel-commute daypack. The first of its kind: a pack so versatile, it works as well on a bike as on a hike. Designed to perform while commuting or exploring outdoors, this pack does it all. Stretch panels throughout the bag allow the pack body to expand and curve depending on the load and suspension setting. FABRICS: Nylon 210D Ripstop UTS Coating / Nylon 420D. BODY: Waterproof top pocket, easy-access flap-style lid, hidden daisy chains & tool loops, removable hip belt, hydration sleeve and port, adjustable sternum strap. VOL: 25L / 1,526in3 TORSO: 16 ̋ / 41cm WT: 2lb 2oz / 975gIn three months of testing, the Boreas Lagunitas has proven effective and reliable in a variety of situations. I’ve used it for day hiking in Utah, ultra-light camping in Sequoia National Park, and bike commuting in Boston, and it’s impressed in each realm. Normally, I have specialized backpacks for different situations — camping, hiking, bike commuting, etc.

To find a single do-all pack that performs as well or better than the hike, bike and travel-specific packs I own was a revelation. The Lagunitas has proven to be an exception to the “tool for every job” rule. For a pack that can do the work of three or four, it’s a steal at $140, with size and comfort distinguishing it from other packs I’ve used. Size: The 25L capacity is a sweet spot that allows me to haul groceries on the bike or pack for an efficient overnighter, without issue. The pack’s streamlined shape is a noticeable improvement over other packs on the bike. No more feeling like you’re pulling a parachute. Comfort: Initially, I thought trampoline suspension might be overkill on such a small pack. That worry quickly disappeared, along with my sweaty back. For warm weather hiking, biking or really anything, getting direct pressure off your back is clutch. For bike commuters aiming to avoid overheating on the way to work, allow me to introduce your new best friend.

Boreas is an independent company founded in 2010 by veteran outdoors gear designer Tae Kim. Tae worked as a design director at The North Face and Timbuk2 before launching Alite Designs in 2008 and Boreas two years later. I can’t confirm that he sleeps, but it’s no wonder that the force behind the Lagunitas boasts a big-time design pedigree. The pack makes use of two hits of reflectivity that are well positioned for bike commuters. The waterproof top panel and water-resistant fabric that make up the rest of the pack get the job done in most rainy conditions, though I wouldn’t want to get caught in a torrential downpour with my laptop in-tow. My only critique of the pack is the small side pockets. A Boreas designer explained to me that the pack is on the small end of their line and is primarily for commuting and day trips, thus, they kept things sleek with pockets sized for keys, wallet, phone, snacks, etc.. Makes sense, but I certainly wouldn’t mind digging deeper in a pocket to find my keys if it meant I had room to carry extra water for longer days.

Regardless of pocket size, I haven’t hesitated from reaching for the Lagunitas anytime I’ve needed a backpack the past three months. The pack is a standout, and I feel better about recommending it than anything else I’ve tested this year. Not to long ago we did a feature on Boreas, they are a recent company based in San Francisco that make practical and hard wearing outdoor equipment. They recently presented a new line up of bags and were kind enough to send us the Lagunitas, a revolutionary hike-bike-travel-commute daypack. cooper pegler backpack sprayerRead our thoughts and check out some pictures below...hot topic skunk backpack Boreas motto is "Comfortable isn�t complicated", they believe the best gear is neither complicated nor expensive, that it should be as versatile as the person using it, and that there�s no reason to compromise form for function. parra eels backpack

We agree, and we witnessed there view on the Lagunitas Backpack, the perfect no-compromise backpack for cycling and hiking. The Lagunitas features a revolutionary backpack design that lets you change the suspension according to your needs. With it�s "trampoline suspension" system you can choose from a flat panel back-hugging pack with little airflow to a weight-off-your-back pack with a large ventilation channel(perfect for biking and hot day hikes). This is achieved by pulling a strap, making the back panel bow away from the mesh. You can see how the system works below Another great feature on this bag is the waterproof top pocket, for storing your cell phone, wallet, and other stuff you want to keep dry. Two stretchy zip-closure side pockets keep other small items at hand. It has one large main compartment which you can access trough a U-shaped zipper on top entry, inside it has great storage for all your days gear and an adjustable padded internal pocket that can expand out to carry a laptop or hold a hydration pack.

The Lagunitas also features a chest stability strap and a waist belt that you can adjust and move in to place via a clever "rail" system. Great for getting the waist belt bellow your belly when cycling, allowing the bag not to swing around so much. Overall, the no-compromise pack is ideal for someone who likes to cycle to work with a laptop, gym-goers or hiking adventures in the woods. It is clean, functional, comfortable and reasonably priced. A fine and versatile pack, with great usability and stylish design. The Lagunitas is available in three color combinations, all black, orange and grey, and the version we got our hands on, red and grey. You can get it from the Boreas online store, or at Amazon 210D ripstop nylon impregnated with waterproof silicone Torso length: 18-20 in (46-51 cm) 22 liters (1342 cubic inches) 2 lbs 2 oz (970 g) : Bless this Stuff     FreddyThe Lagunitas backpack from Boreas has been spending some time on my shoulders over the last several weeks.

It is designed to be a “hike-bike-travel-commute daypack.” That is a mouthful, and when I first donned the pack it didn’t seem much different than any other light weight hiking day pack. What sets this pack apart though is its flexible metal frame. By pulling the blue strap the frame bows out away from your back so only the mesh portion of the pack is touching your back, leaving a couple inches of room between the pack and your back. You really can notice the ventilation, and it keeps your back from getting sweaty, but when on the bike the pack feels much more stable without the ventilation system activated. The blue foam is comfortable and lightweight and you can’t feel the metal frame even when the bag is hugging your back. I would recommend only using the ventilation system when hiking or carrying a light load. I found that the bag stayed in place and rode better on the bike when it was snug against my back (ventilation system deactivated, aka normal sweaty backpack back).

It is a medium sized pack (claimed 25L volume), and much lighter than my traditional messenger bag or bike backpack I have been used to. It is not waterproof (keeps it light weight and non-bulky) but does have a waterproof pocket to stash your phone or other small electronics. Using the bag on the bike I found it most useful for quick trips, or when I needed a minimal bag (alley cat race, urban cross ride, sunny day riding). It is compatible with water hydration systems, although I haven’t taken advantage of that feature yet. For me it will never be my daily go-to bag. I live in Seattle (it rains here, a lot) and my daily bike bag needs to be water proof. Also it is a smaller pack than I typically need (I’ve been spoiled by my XL messenger bags that can carry just about anything your willing to strap on your back). I see myself continuing to use it on the bike when I don’t want the weight of my full sized bag. However the main thing I foresee using it for is day hikes and off-the-bike errands.