Honest Able Carry Daybreaker 2 Review

I’ve tested many backpacks in the last two years searching for the perfect one. For me, a super lightweight backpack is crucial. So, I was excited to try the Able Carry Daybreaker 2, the lightest backpack I’ve found so far.

I received the backpack for free but this Able Carry Daybreaker 2 review is still fully honest. I’ll cover both pros and cons, leaving nothing hidden so you can decide if it’s the right backpack for you.

SUMMARY

Able Carry Daybreaker 2 Model X-Pac (X42)

✅ Lightweight
✅ Robust and Waterproof
✅ Spacious
✅ Handy Side Pocket

❌ Back gets hot
❌ Carry Comfort for Smaller People
❌ Water Bottle Pocket isn’t Mesh

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Able Carry Daybreaker 2 Features

Size and Material

The backpack measures 19.7″ x 10.2″ x 7.5″ (50 cm x 26 cm x 19 cm), fitting most airline personal item size limits. It’s slightly too large for some budget European airlines like Ryanair, but if you can squash down the top just a little bit it meet size restrictions.

The Daybreaker 2 is available in two different materials, the Cordura Ripstop Nylon and the X-Pac (X42). The Cordura is super light at 660 grams / 1.4lbs. The X-Pac (X42) is more robust, but weighs slightly more at 718 grams / 1.58lbs.

I have the X-Pac Coyote Brown (VX21) model. Even though this is the already slightly heavier model, it’s still the lightest backpack I’ve tested so far.

Compartments

The backpack has one spacious main compartment inside, an easily accessible zipped side pocket, and an external water bottle pocket that accommodates bottles from 0.5 to 1.5 liters. Inside the side pocket, there’s a handy keychain.

Inside the main compartment, there’s a discreet zipped pocket at the back for valuables like passports and wallets. There’s also a zipped pocket inside the flap, but if it holds heavier items, the falls open awkwardly. (Watch my YouTube video to see what I mean)

Besides the external water bottle pocket, there’s another one inside. However, I found the inside pocket somewhat unnecessary since I only carry one water bottle, and using it reduces space in the external side pocket.

There’s no dedicated laptop compartment, just a thin separator inside the main compartment. If you want to use it for your laptop, you’ll need a separate laptop sleeve for protection.

Carry Comfort

The Daybreaker 2 features an adjustable, magnetically-closing sternum strap. It fit me well, but others with larger chests mentioned it’s a bit short.

The backpack has an air channel for ventilation between two raised back panels, but when I tested the backpack out in summer in Spain, my back still got very hot due to insufficient air circulation.

The shoulder straps are well-padded, though the padding is firmer than on some other backpacks.

My main issue is that the straps are set too wide apart, concentrating the weight on the outer side. However, as I’m quite small, this might be a personal problem. My boyfriend found it comfortable to carry.

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Pros of Daybreaker 2

• Lightweight: Weighing in at only 718 grams (1.58lbs) for the X-Pac model, this backpack is super light and the Cordura model is even lighter.
• Robust and Waterproof: The X-Pac model is made from durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions.
• Spacious: The main compartment offers plenty space for all my minimalist packing gear. It’s big enough for long-term travel for me.
• Handy Side Pocket: Easily accessible for quick access to items like keys or phone. The keychain inside the side pocket looks very sturdy.
• Personal Item Size: Fits most airline personal item size limits, making it travel-friendly.
• Adjustable Sternum Strap: Provides added stability when carrying heavier loads.
• Guaranty: You can test out the backpack for 2 weeks and send it back if it’s not the right fit for you and you have a lifetime guaranty against workmanship defects.

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Cons of Daybreaker 2

• Back Gets Hot: The air channel feature doesn’t provide enough ventilation, leading to discomfort on warmer days.
• Carry Comfort for Smaller People: The shoulder straps may not fit smaller frames comfortably, as they are set a bit wider apart, which can lead to weight distribution issues.
• Water Bottle Pocket Isn’t Mesh: The external water bottle pocket lacks a mesh design, which would allow for better drainage and quick drying.
• No Laptop Protection: Without a dedicated laptop compartment, you’ll need to purchase a separate sleeve for safe transport.
• Inside Pocket May Be Unnecessary: The second water bottle pocket inside takes away space from the zipped outside pocket.
• Taxes: Depending on where you are in the world, you may need to pay taxes on the shipment.

Who is Able Carry Daybreaker Backpack for?

The Able Carry Daybreaker 2 is perfect for long-term travel if you embrace a minimalist lifestyle like I do. Its lightweight design and spacious compartments make it easy to pack everything you need. Interested? Check out my minimalist packing tips!

That said, for most people, this backpack is probably best suited as a day trip bag, city bag, or even a gym bag. Its versatility and design make it a reliable companion for various activities while keeping you stylish and organised.

However, I wouldn’t recommend it as an outdoor or hiking backpack, despite it being advertised as such on the official website. It lacks a hip belt, and the carry comfort is not good enough due to the poorly ventilated back panel.

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Able Carry Alternatives

When I first saw the Daybreaker backpack, it reminded me of the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack. The Patagonia is a great alternative with a more padded back and more color options, though it’s slightly less spacious.

A great alternative if you’re looking for a similar lightweight backpack is the Patagonia Refugio backpack. I love its simplicity and the separate laptop compartment with removable laptop sleeve.

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