Honest Knack Pack Series 2 Review

Knack Pack Series 2 Features

First things first, here are the basics you need to know about the Knack Pack Series 2 in the medium size which can shift from a 24-liter capacity up to a solid 35 liters.

This versatile backpack measures 19″ x 12″ x 4.5″ (48.3cm x 30.5cm x 11.4cm) when not expanded, and can balloon up to 19″ x 12″ x 9″ (48.3cm x 30.5cm x 22.9cm) when you need that extra space.

All this functionality comes in a package that weighs 3 pounds (1.36kg).

Expandability

The best feature of the Knack backpack is that it’s expandable. The unexpanded version is 24L big and once you open up a hidden zipper you get a 35L backpack. That’s a whole 11 liters of extra space.

So, whether you need a backpack for a short weekend break or for a few months of traveling, the Knack Pack has got you covered.

The expandability also comes in handy for those moments when you end up buying more souvenirs than expected, or when you travel to different climate zones and need to pack more or less clothing.

Suitcase-like Opening

The suitcase-like opening of the expandable Knack Pack is a game-changer. No more digging around the bottom of your backpack, trying to find that one item you need – everything is easily visible and accessible when you open it up like a suitcase.

I really like how you can use every inch of the backpack’s space by packing it like a suitcase – no wasted space at all. This was a drawback of my Patagonia Black Hole backpack where I always had empty space surrounding my packing cube which was difficult to fill.

Plus, this feature makes it easier to organize and keep your items neat while traveling.

Multiple Compartments

The Knack Pack has several compartments that make organizing your belongings really easy.

There are two large compartments: one with a suitcase-like opening in the back, and one in the middle. The back compartment has a zipped mesh pocket and a strap to secure items and is also the expandable part of the backpack. The middle compartment includes several smaller mesh pockets.

The front compartment has many small pockets to keep items organized. Personally, I find there are almost too many slots. There’s also a padded pocket for sunglasses, but I prefer not to store mine there as my prescription sunglasses are large and could break. I use this pocket for my Kindle instead.

There’s a laptop compartment at the back, which can be accessed from the outside, making it convenient for airport security checks.

The water bottle pocket is zipped away, so you can’t see the bottle from the outside. My half-liter bottle fits really easily.

And there’s one hidden pocket on the back panel for your passport or other important travel documents. It’s hidden so well, that when I first looked at the backpack I couldn’t even find it!

Security

The Knack Pack also has some security features to keep your belongings safe. The zippers for the main compartment and front compartment have loops where you can put a lock through, providing some peace of mind when traveling in crowded areas.

The hidden pocket on the back panel is also a great place to store valuables as it’s not easily accessible to someone else.

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Cons of the Medium Knack Pack Series 2

• Front compartment has too many unnecessary pockets for my taste.
• Hip belt is not included, but you can buy it separately if you need it.
• If the back compartment is fully packed, it takes space away from the middle compartment.
• They don’t ship worldwide. Luckily my boyfriend is from the UK, and they ship there.
• Limited color options and no colorful colors.
• Hidden water bottle pocket takes away space from the main compartment.
• The empty backpack weighs 1.36kg (3 pounds) which is a bit heavy for my taste.

Knack Pack Alternatives

In the past year, I got to try out quite a few different minimalist travel backpacks, but I can honestly say that the Knack bag is my favorite one! But in case it just isn’t the right fit for you, here are some other great backpack alternatives.

• The Tortuga travel backpack is very similar in functionality to the Knack bags with the suitcase-style opening, but a few details are different.
• If you want a smaller and simpler backpack, the Patagonia Black Hole or the Patagonia Refugio might be better suited for you. They are both very simple and lightweight.
• The Able Carry Daybreaker 2 backpack is a great lightweight alternative, it’s the lightest backpack I’ve tested out so far and I love how spacious it is for 25L.
• Cotopaxi also has suitcase-style opening backpacks in very bright colors if you’re looking to stand out and be seen easily.

In general, there are plenty of backpack options out there, but I highly recommend giving the Knack Pack Series 2 a try – it might just become your new go-to travel companion!