Pakt Everyday 25L Tote Review

Although this bag doesn’t have the most lightweight materials or pack down into itself, we’re amped to give it a go with its durable, water-resistant fabric and hidden trolley sleeve. Will it be a capable travel companion for those looking to ditch their backpack, or will it be better suited for trips to the park? Let’s find out!

External Components

The primary pack material is recycled 500D nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating. It’s relatively soft, durable, and does well in light rain, thanks to the additional layer of protection. Plus, without PFCs, there aren’t as many chemicals heading into nature.

The zippers are from YKK—you’ve probably heard us rave about these before. In 2023, they’re still the top dog. Typically, if we have issues with YKK zippers, it’s how they were utilized, not the fault of the zipper itself. The main compartment access point can potentially hold water, which we don’t love, but no water got inside in testing. Over extended use or in a downpour, this might be an issue.

There are two attachment loops on either end of the main compartment zipper. You can attach the included strap if you want, and they stay out of your way if you aren’t using them. The latter is critical, as you don’t want large attachment loops getting in the way whenever you try to access the main compartment. Out of sight (nearly), out of mind.

The strap that comes with the tote has metal triangle clips on either end. They’re durable, easy to operate, and won’t pop off when you don’t want them to, which is the most important thing. The triangle adds a sleekness to the strap, too.

The backside of the tote has a luggage pass-through or trolley sleeve. There are magnets inside that hold it in place when you aren’t using it. We dig this design because you can’t tell it’s there if you are uninitiated in the world of this Pakt tote. We love added features, but this can get chaotic when they get in the way of other things. This one works just right!

Although we aren’t inside yet, it’s probably the right time to talk about the pocket on top of the trolley sleeve we mentioned. It’s flat, without much room for depth, even more so when using the trolley sleeve. Flat items are your friend, and this is an excellent spot to stow quick-use things like your phone, wallet, Kindle, or other flat gear; however, there isn’t much padding, so be careful with what you slot inside. We wouldn’t put anything that can get wrinkled here, as this could happen while you’re attaching the tote to your rolling luggage.

There isn’t much else going on here. The tote employs a sleek, stylish look, and we’re here for it. It stands up on its own if you pack it smartly so that you can access your gear easily. But what can you fit inside here?

Fit Notes

There are two ways to carry this tote without using the included strap. There are four handles total: two sets of two. There’s one taller set and another that’s shorter. The former can be thrown over your shoulder, and the latter can be held closer to your body when moving quickly or changing directions frequently.

Neither set has padding or aeration, but they’re reasonably comfortable. This will depend on how much gear you’ve got stored inside (and how heavy it is), but even when fully packed, carrying it this way is manageable.

The included strap is a better bet for long, more stable journeys when the pack is filled up. Similar to the handles, it doesn’t have any padding or aeration. However, it never feels overly uncomfortable because you can’t fit everything and the kitchen sink inside. If you’re wearing a thin shirt or a tank top, it might be slightly uncomfortable, but it always feels manageable. You can switch between wearing the shoulder strap, using the longer handles, and carrying it with the shorter ones to keep things fresh.

All three options look fairly sleek and aren’t too loud. They blend nicely with the tote’s materials and are comfortable to hold onto. Overall, we dig the carry options presented by Pakt.

Inside The Tote

Apart from the luggage pass-through pocket that we went over earlier, there’s just one other secondary compartment. It’s on the opposite side of that one; we’ll call it the front of the tote.

There’s a fabric welt over the zipper, which hides it reasonably well, adds to the sleekness of the tote, and protects it from the elements. There’s no organization inside this pocket, just open space. It’s easy to use and is a solid option for quick-access gear at the airport, on public transit, or in the park.

The liner material inside this travel tote is recycled 70D nylon. It feels durable and water-resistant enough to add an extra layer of security from the elements.

The main compartment doesn’t have a ton of organization, but there’s a lot of space to stow gear. Let’s get in there! On the back side are two large daisy chains down the side of the pack. You can attach things here, making this an excellent modular option.

On the other side, there are two large liner pockets. One is big enough to stow a laptop, and the other is more tablet-sized. There’s a fair amount of padding on both, but you might want to use a case if you’re rough on your gear or are a worry-wart. After all, it can’t hurt, right?

There’s a zippered pocket on this side, too. On the inside, there’s no wholesale organization; however, there is a hidden AirTag holder and a key leash. The former is a nice inclusion for those who like to keep track of their gear (literally), and the latter is handy for keeping hold of your keys. It’s long enough to reach outside the main compartment, which is ideal for opening and closing the door on the way to and from adventures in a new city. This zippered pouch is a stellar spot to stow tech if you’ve decided against a tech pouch.

Either side of the main compartment has small dividers with an even smaller pocket on the interior. This is a lovely spot to stow larger items, like a toiletry bag or a travel water bottle, so you know where they are constantly, and your liquids aren’t bouncing around the main compartment. The divider doesn’t connect on the bottom, so smaller items can travel freely through the space. The pocket is a nice addition but can be hard to remember to use.

The rest of the space is wide open. There’s so much of it that you’ll probably want to use packing cubes and other organizers, but who are we to tell you how to live your life? If you want to throw everything inside willy-nilly, go ahead. However, if you get tired of trying to find your socks in the mess that is your life while traveling, check out the Pack Hacker Packing Cube Guide to try something new.

Overall, we dig this tote. It’s not super lightweight or packable by any means; however, adequate attention to detail makes it an excellent addition to carry on luggage on your next trip or as your companion on weekend ventures to the park.