Compact, lightweight, protective, everything you need in a commuter backpack, but what if you needed more? What if you also needed a bag that could carry your clothes, your tech, for when you’re going on a short trip away. Then perhaps you need this backpack. This is Hybrid Backpack from Stubble & Co.
Starting at the back, there is a padded luggage sleeve, ideal for sliding through your suitcase when travelling around. Ergonomically designed, adjustable padded straps, complete with a chest strap, providing a secure, comfortable fit and one that should not cause any backpain during long stints.
To each side of the bag, 2 adjustable compression straps, that allow the bag to be more compact, for when you don’t need too much storage, or bigger and offering more space, when you do. The top compression strap to each side also clips and unclips, allowing full access to the main clamshell compartment of the bag.
To the front of the bag, at the very top, a small pocket for essentials, although I managed to squeeze my water bottle in, which should give an idea of capacity. Note the bold orange colour inside, which I love. There are three colour ways available with this bag: black with orange, like this one, cream sand with light blue or midnight blue with grey.
Speaking of water bottles, to the left-hand side of the bag, the elasticated, mesh bottle holder, making it easy to slide your water bottle in and out. As this is on the left-hand side when you look at the bag, it means you can stretch around with your right arm to remove the bottle without the need to take the bag off.
To the front of the bag, to the side, another zipped pocket to hold smaller belongings. If we then move to the back of the bag, you’ll find two zips that open the laptop compartment. Padded, protective, it can hold a 16in laptop within the large pouch, and a tablet or iPad in the smaller one. On the other side, another small pouch for perhaps your passport or other important items.
As we move round to the front, this is the main compartment of the bag, which offers the most storage space of upto 30litres and where unclipping those compression straps allows full access. Keep the straps on for a quicker, more protected access. Inside the main compartment, you’re greeted by that bold orange colour again. Unclip the luggage straps and put in whatever clothes or items you want, and secure them in place. As an example, I put in some jeans, a jumper and t shirt, with space to spare, so you could easily get enough clothes in here for a weekend away. To the other side, zipped, mesh compartments to store more items. My Steam Deck tends to come with me when I go away, so I thought I’d add that in too and still have space for more.
I found this bag to be very comfortable and supportive, and it houses a lot of items without looking too bulky on my back. Access is easy; there are pockets everywhere for loose items. It’s made from recycled materials and has water-resistant zips and weatherproof seams. It has grab handles on the top and to the side, making it easy to carry for short periods of time when you don’t necessarily want it on your back. The 30L model currently retails for £175, while the 20L model retails at £155. If you’re looking for an all-in-one, multi-use bag for going away and day-to-day commutes, I don’t think you can really get much better than this. While I’ve been using it, it’s only been a handful of weeks. I will keep using it and share feedback on durability and longevity as the months go by.
