About Topo Designs
Topo Designs is an outdoor gear company known for its high-quality, durable backpacks and bags. Founded in 2008 by longtime friends Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen in Colorado, Topo Designs draws inspiration from the outdoors, travel, and mountain culture.
The brand focuses on creating gear that combines classic styling with modern functionality using sustainable manufacturing processes and materials. Their products are popular for hiking, camping, travel, commuting and everyday use.
Overview of Topo Designs Gear
Topo Designs offers a wide selection of backpacks, bags, accessories and apparel. Their flagship backpack, the Daypack, features a roomy main compartment, laptop sleeve, and side water bottle pockets.
The company uses high-quality, sustainable materials like 1000D nylon, cotton canvas, full-grain leather and recycled fabrics. Their bags feature durable stitching and zippers, padded straps, and functional organization.
Here‘s a quick glance at some pros and cons of Topo Designs gear:
Pros
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- Spacious compartments and pockets
- Lifetime warranty on backpacks
- Sustainably made with eco-friendly fabrics
- Stylish, outdoorsy aesthetic
- Good for travel, hiking, commuting
Cons
- Gear runs on the expensive side
- Limited third-party reviews available
- Newer brand so resale value unknown
Now let‘s dive into the details on some of Topo Designs‘ bestselling backpack models.
Topo Designs Backpack Reviews
Topo Designs Daypack
The Daypack is Topo‘s signature backpack made of 1000D recycled nylon. Featuring a roll-top closure, this 22L pack has a 15" laptop sleeve and numerous organizational pockets. The padded shoulder straps, reinforced bottom panel and water bottle pockets make this an ideal everyday bag.
Ideal Uses: School, work, commuting, travel
Topo Designs Rover Pack
A little larger at 29L, the Rover Pack is a panel-loading backpack suitable for outdoor adventures or everyday tasks. It features a drawstring and top flap closure, daisy chain webbing, and side pockets and is made of water-resistant 1000D nylon. Padded shoulder straps provide comfort even when loaded up.
Ideal Uses: Biking, hiking, travel, school
Topo Designs Klettersack
A rugged, panel-loading backpack built for the trails. With a large main compartment, daisy chains and ice axe loops, the 1000D nylon Klettersack easily fits layers, gear and equipment for serious outdoor pursuits like climbing, hiking and overnight camping. Padded shoulder straps provide comfort and sternum straps keep the 42L pack close to your back.
Ideal Uses: Hiking, camping, climbing, travel
Topo Designs Core Pack
A more urban, streetwear take on their classic backpack design. The Core Pack is made of durable ballistic nylon with water-resistant zippers, laptop sleeve, and pockets. With room for everyday office or school supplies, this stylish 18L pack comes in unique colorblock patterns. The padded straps, hardwearing fabrics and secure closure straps make it suitable for daily use in the city.
Ideal Uses: Work, school, commuting, travel
Additional Topo Designs Gear Reviews
Beyond backpacks, Topo Designs makes other bags, accessories and apparel suitable for traveling, hiking, cycling and everyday carry. Here‘s a look at two popular items:
Topo Designs Hip Pack
This versatile little hip bag can be worn as a fanny pack, crossbody bag or handle tote depending on your needs. Made of durable nylon with water-resistant zippers, the spacious main compartment carries daily essentials while the front storage pocket keeps small items accessible. Compression straps allow you to cinch it down for a more streamlined carry when biking, hiking or walking around town.
Ideal Uses: Hiking, travel, commuting, everyday carry
Topo Designs Dopp Kit
This simple triangular toiletry bag is perfectly sized for all your bathroom and grooming essentials. Made of durable pack cloth with water-resistant lining, it features an exterior zip pocket, interior mesh pockets and convenient carrying handle. The wipeable fabric and upright design allow for easy access and visibility into the contents of your bag. It‘s sized to pack nicely into larger Topo Designs luggage like duffels and packs.
Ideal Uses: Travel toiletry bag, gym/sports bag, tech/gadget organizer
How Do Topo Designs Bags Perform?
Based on our research into customer reviews and third-party gear testers, Topo Designs bags consistently rate very well for:
Durability – Many reviewers mention still using Topo packs for 5+ years with barely any signs of wear and tear. Their 1000D nylon can really withstand hardcore use.
Weather Resistance – While not fully waterproof, most Topo bags use durable water repellent (DWR) coatings to keep moisture out in light rain and snow. They work great as outdoor gear.
Versatile Organization – Reviewers like all the exterior daisy chains, lash points and pockets to securely carry gear. Interior pockets neatly organize smaller items too.
Comfort – The padded shoulder straps and reinforced back panels prevent dig-in and discomfort even when loaded up.
In terms of drawbacks, some users have noted that:
- Topo‘s laptop sleeves don‘t always fit thicker, modern 15" laptops
- Plain nylon fabric scuffs fairly easily
- Gear is expensive for smaller, lesser known brand
Comparing Topo Designs to Popular Brands
How does Topo Designs stack up against more established outdoor gear companies? Here‘s a brief comparison against two top brands:
Fjällräven
Both offer durable, outdoor-ready backpacks but Fjällräven treks on the more traditional side while Topo Designs has a youthful, energetic vibe. Fjällräven‘s waxed canvas may be tougher but Topo‘s 1000D nylon better resists weather and abrasion. Topo‘s bold colors suit urban use nicely too.
Patagonia
These two outdoorsy brands take environmental impact seriously but Patagonia has a longer track record of sustainable practices whereas Topo Designs is just ramping up eco-efforts. Both make durable gear but Patagonia commands prestige that warrants its higher prices. Topo Designs tries to strike an attainable balance between quality and cost.
What Do Customers Think of Topo Designs?
Scouring buyer reviews on Topo‘s website and third-party retailers, most customers seem very satisfied with their purchases. Here‘s a quick glance at average ratings among best selling bags:
| Backpack | Avg. Rating |
|---|---|
| Daypack | 4.7/5 |
| Rover Pack | 4.8/5 |
| Klettersack | 4.6/5 |
| Core Pack | 4.5/5 |
Positive feedback includes roomy compartments, comfortable carry, durable construction and great styling while negatives call out expensive prices and lack of water bottle pockets on some models.
Here are some example comments that sum up common sentiments:
"Awesome backpack for everyday use! So many neat lil compartments and pockets. Very comfy and love the style."
"Used this bag hiking the Colorado Trail and it was awesome. Love all the attachment points and convenient pockets for organizing gear while keeping weight centered."
"Super stylish and travel-friendly backpack. Gets lots of use on my commute and business trips. Wish the laptop sleeve was a bit more padded but otherwise no complaints."
Who Should Buy Topo Designs?
With their outdoorsy aesthetic and functional designs, Topo Designs appeal most to:
Students – Stylish, durable bags for lugging heavy books, laptops and gear across campus
Adventurers – All-purpose packs, duffles and accessories for hiking, camping, travel excursions
Commuters – Sleek silhouettes work great for the daily bus, bike or train ride
Travelers – Highly versatile luggage and packing organizers convenient across all forms of travel
Everyday Carry – Multifunctional slings, hip packs and totes ready for whatever your day holds
Basically their gear suits anyone looking for long-lasting, lifestyle-oriented bags rather than niche technical packs built specifically for climbing, trail running etc.
Topo Designs Backpack Care Tips
To keep Topo Designs gear performing smoothly for years, follow these care and cleaning guidelines:
- Spot clean spills/stains ASAP using warm water, mild detergent and soft brush
- Rinse fabric thoroughly with water after cleaning
- Air dry out of direct sunlight
- Deep clean bags periodically by hand or gentle cycle
- Use gear wash for heavily soiled packs
- Reinforce stress points with seam sealant
- Store packs with stuffing when not in use to retain shape
Following these tips will maintain the water resistance and durability designed into each pack or duffle.
Where To Buy Topo Designs Bags
Topo Designs sells all their gear through their own website along with partnerships with outdoor retailers like REI and Moosejaw. You can also find select bags at urban boutiques like Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.
Buying directly from TopoDesigns.com gives you easy returns plus you may find limited edition colorways sold exclusively online. Their newsletter subscribers also get first dibs on new product releases and promotions.
When shopping sales keep an eye out for newly discontinued colorways which often get steep discounts before selling out.
Topo Designs Review Conclusion
With their dedication to highly functional, sustainable gear you can trust on all of life‘s travels, Topo Designs makes excellent backpacks and bags worth investing in.
Bridging outdoor performance with sleek aesthetics, Topo packs upgrade your everyday and adventure carry. While prices run on the higher end, the lifetime warranty provides peace of mind that your bag was built to last.
