A travel bag is great for the minimalist nomad, but most of us need the right gear to meet our city adventuring requirements. Here we introduce the simple, but essential daypack. Smaller for everyday use but required for all your necessities, not more not less.
Goruck GR1
GR1 is the very first Goruck that started the cult brand. The GR2/3 came up top on our list of onebagging travel bags, and the GR1 is on this list for more or less the same reasons. Almost indestructible with denier CORDURA®, the same material used by Special Forces, Goruck tops that with their Scars Lifetime Guarantee program which gives you free repairs for life. Cities, airports, warzones, or whatever hazards you throw at it, you can count on it to pull through.
RAINS Backpack
With a brand name that spells out their signature feature, waterproofness is something you can count on with this daypack. Whether it’s snow or a downpour, this slender and minimally-designed pack has a flap that covers with magnet. So minimal, that there is even a hidden pocket on the back for discreet everyday carries.
Jack + Mulligan x Uncrate Welles Backpack
We are not only fans of Uncrate’s curation, but their collaboration where they simplify already simple objects like this Jack + Mulligan’s Welles backpack. Reconstructed in bison leather in their signature stealthy black and limited to only 50 pieces, this beautifully simple pack is great for any occasion because of its slim, minimal exterior.
Filson Journeyman Backpack
Filson is a legend when it comes to quality goods. Their reputation of gear that lasts literally a lifetime earns them a spot on this list. The fully-lined Journeyman Backpack is no exception. Their signature materials, the 100% cotton rugged twill, 15-oz. oil finish tin cloth and American craftmanship come together to create this perfect, water-repellant bag with compartments for almost anything you need with you.
Arc’teryx Veilance Black Nomin Backpack
Another regular brand on our site, the Veilance series from Arc’teryx combines style and quality to create this water-resistant nylon canvas backpack in beautiful black. Taped seam construction and WaterTight™ external zippers throughout for extra protection against the wet. Tonal seams and details litter the black silhouette for that ninja-like total darkness we obsess about.
PB 0110 Black CA 6 Backpack
We considered options from Prada, Thom Browne and Jimmy Choo, but it was the simplicity of the relatively unknown PB 0110 that ultimate attracted us in the realm of black leather bags. It looks so premium and yet so street.
Nanamica Black Day Backpack
Arguably the simplest one on the list, this bag is about as “standard” as it can get. Made in Japan by a cult Japanese brand, we love how little it strays from the norm and how it doesn’t resort to unnecessary “frills” that a lot of bags try to pitch. Less is better.
Visvim Black Ballistic 22L Backpack
One of singer-songwriter John Mayers favorite brand, those who’ve never heard of Visvim are missing out. There are little brands, even in trendy Japan, that exudes such charm and style. Based off vintage Americana, Visvim really takes simple items to the next level with little details like the leather logo flag at face and detachable press-stud panel at top carry handle.. Made from Nylon Cordura®, you can show this off for years to come.
Got more bags that you think are more minimal? Let us know by leaving a comment and we will check it out.