Weighing in at just 3 ounces — but touted to be able to carry more than 30 pounds — the just-announced Bindle Daypack from Trek Light Gear is a featherweight of a day pack with hidden strength.
Like the company’s hammocks and other bag products, the Bindle Daypack is made of a parachute nylon that’s strong and resistant to mildew and rot. It stuffs into a pouch about the size of a wallet and easily slips into the pocket of your blue jeans.
When unpacked, the stuff sack hangs inside the pack and doubles as a container for valuables such as a cell phone or keys.
Make no mistake, this is a no-frills backpack. It is broken into a main interior compartment and a second smaller compartment that is accessible from outside just behind the wearer’s back.
Like similar models we’ve reviewed over the years (see “Micro Waterproof Pack”), the Bindle Daypack is noteworthy mainly for its packability. This is a nice product to have “just in case” during travel or a bike trip, as examples, if you suddenly need capacity to carry a few items on your back.
There is no panel or “support” in the pack, making it uncomfortable if loaded wrong. The shoulder straps are a thin material but just wide enough to spread out the load up to the aforementioned 30 pounds, though that’s a lug.
Unveiled at the Teva Mountain Games earlier this month, the pack created a buzz and promptly sold out at Treklightgear.com. It got my attention on the streets at the Games in Vail Village because of its minimalist design and simple functionality.
The Bindle Daypack retails for $34.95.