ALPAKA Essential Backpack Pro (22L) Review

The ALPAKA Essential Backpack Pro (22L) takes a relatively simple approach to a daypack, with a lightweight build, practical organization, and enough room for daily essentials without looking oversized on your back. We tested this backpack for two weeks, putting its pockets, laptop storage, and overall comfort to work. Made from ALPAKA’s 210D Axoflux ripstop nylon, it weighs around two pounds, making it a manageable option for commuting, running errands, or bringing a change of clothing for an after-work gym session. Two exterior water bottle pockets also give it an advantage over the smaller version, adding some welcome versatility to the design.

However, the Essential Backpack Pro isn’t trying to be a particularly structured or feature-packed bag. Its lightweight material can look lumpy when the backpack isn’t fully loaded, and we found a few details that could use refinement. The laptop compartment lacks a false bottom, and the magnetic sternum strap attachment proved less secure than we’d like. Still, between its comfortable shoulder straps, convenient quick-access pockets, and flexible main compartment, there’s plenty to appreciate. Let’s take a closer look at how the ALPAKA Essential Backpack Pro (22L) performs in everyday use.

External Components

The Essential Backpack Pro has a 210D Axoflux ripstop nylon exterior, which gives the backpack a lightweight feel without making it seem particularly delicate. We like the subtle ripstop pattern, and the material is relatively easy to keep clean if we catch dirt before it settles in. We did notice some minor scuffing near the bottom during testing, although it wasn’t especially distracting. The fabric can feel a little crunchy and tends to show the outline of whatever we’re carrying when the bag isn’t full. That’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but those who prefer a structured silhouette may want something more substantial.

At around two pounds, this backpack is easy to carry without adding much weight of its own. The exterior design is understated, with a simple ALPAKA logo (on Hypalon material) and paracord-style zipper pulls. YKK AquaGuard zippers run throughout the bag, offering a degree of weather protection for our gear. We don’t mind the feel of these zippers, though they’re not everyone’s favorite. Overall, the exterior keeps things straightforward rather than adding decorative details or unnecessary features.

One welcome addition is the water bottle pockets on each side. These weren’t present on the smaller version, and we appreciate having two dedicated spots for hydration or other items. They fit standard-sized bottles well, including bottles around 16-24 ounces. However, the pockets narrow toward the bottom (there are no gussets), so larger bottles can be difficult to slide in, even when there’s enough width near the opening. We recommend sticking with smaller bottles, though one pocket could always hold an umbrella instead.

The harness system is similarly straightforward, but comfort is a strong point. The shoulder straps have mesh-covered padding that feels cushioned without being overly stiff or bulky. We like how easily the straps flex and compress, allowing them to sit comfortably. They also taper toward the bottom, preventing them from rubbing against your arms as you move. There’s enough padding for daily use without making the backpack feel overly bulky, like it’s trying to compete with hiking backpacks.

A pass-through makes it easy to pair the backpack with rolling luggage, and we had no trouble sliding it over a suitcase handle during testing. The bag can also stand upright on its own, depending on how we’ve packed it, particularly when heavier items sit at the bottom. However, it doesn’t do so consistently, so we wouldn’t count on it every time we set it down.

The magnetic sternum strap is one feature we’d like to see refined. During testing, one side detached after its plastic hook slipped out of the attachment point. Fortunately, we didn’t find the sternum strap necessary for a 22L backpack this comfortable. Still, we’d prefer an attachment that stays securely in place when we’re not using it, and we’re sure ALPAKA would agree, as we’ve never had this issue with their backpacks before.

Fit Notes

At 22L, the Essential Backpack Pro hits a useful middle ground for everyday carry. It doesn’t look particularly large, yet there’s enough room for a mix of work essentials, tech accessories, and a few extras for the day. We can see it working well for commuting or running errands, especially if we’re carrying a packable jacket or a change of clothing. It can even handle an after-work gym trip, provided we’re not bringing bulky shoes or other oversized equipment.

The flexible shoulder straps help keep the load comfortable, and we didn’t feel the need to use the sternum strap during our testing. The trade-off is that the soft construction doesn’t maintain a clean shape when the bag is only partially packed. Contents can press against the fabric, creating visible lumps, particularly when the front pocket holds bulky items. We recommend keeping flatter essentials in the front compartment and placing heavier or larger gear in the main compartment. That approach makes better use of the available space while keeping the exterior looking a little tidier.

Inside The Backpack

The Essential Backpack Pro offers several compartments for organizing gear, starting with a hidden zippered pocket against the back panel. It’s large enough to hold a passport or similar valuables, with a broad, square-shaped space that extends across much of the rear area. We like having a dedicated place for travel documents, although the visible zipper pull makes the pocket less discreet than we’d prefer. Since it’s positioned close to the back, we can at least keep an eye on it while wearing the bag.

The front compartment is a convenient place for items you might need throughout the day. We typically use it for a hat, gloves, or keys, and the included magnetic key attachment makes it easy to clip keys in and remove them when needed. We appreciate that the pocket doesn’t extend too far down, which keeps smaller items from disappearing into an awkward corner. It also reduces competition with the main compartment. However, bulky items can push against the space behind them, so we’d stick to flatter accessories here whenever possible.

Above that, a top quick-access pocket provides a useful home for our most frequently used essentials. We found enough room for a phone, wallet, AirPods, and lip balm, with space for a pair of sunglasses in a case during testing. We like having these smaller items within easy reach instead of digging through the main compartment. The pocket’s layout accommodates flat items and smaller accessories, making it one of the backpack’s most practical features.

The dedicated laptop compartment fits devices up to 16 inches and has a felt-lined interior with some padding. We appreciate the soft lining, but the compartment lacks a false bottom, so a laptop can reach the bottom of the backpack. That leaves limited protection if you accidentally drop the bag or set it down too hard. We’d like to see additional separation beneath the laptop to help absorb impacts. There’s also a stretchy mesh slip sleeve behind the main compartment that can accommodate a 16-inch laptop. It offers an alternative storage location, though access is less convenient.

Laptop protection is worth keeping in mind. When we tested the smaller version, our laptop was damaged when the backpack fell off a chair and the device struck a corner. While that doesn’t mean the same thing will happen with this model, it reinforces the importance of handling the bag carefully. We’d favor the dedicated laptop compartment for convenience, while recognizing that neither storage option replaces proper impact protection.

The main compartment opens with dual zippers that travel down the sides, allowing us to open the bag widely and see what’s inside. We found it easy to reach our gear, even when the compartment was loaded with a Steam Deck case, a tech pouch, a packable jacket, and a small packing cube containing extra clothing. The opening folds back far enough to provide a useful view of the contents, although an overfilled front pocket can prevent it from opening as neatly as we’d like.

With 22L of capacity, the main compartment offers flexibility for everyday use. We could also fit leftover food containers inside, and placing heavier items toward the bottom sometimes helped the backpack stand upright. There’s no complicated internal layout to work around, which makes packing relatively straightforward. We can arrange our gear according to the day’s needs rather than trying to fit everything into a rigid set of compartments.

An interior mesh pocket provides another option for smaller accessories. We tend to prefer dedicated pouches for organizing tech, so we didn’t use this pocket much during testing. However, it’s spacious enough for a cable, wall charger, or other electronics without requiring a separate organizer. For anyone who wants to keep accessories contained yet accessible, it’s a useful addition that doesn’t take away from the main compartment’s flexibility.

All things considered, the ALPAKA Essential Backpack Pro (22L) gets the everyday carry basics right, with comfortable straps, practical pockets, and enough space for a full day out. We’d just like to see a few details refined, particularly the laptop protection and sternum strap attachment, to make this already versatile backpack an even more reliable daily companion.