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Honest Patagonia Refugio 26L Review: For Travel
Patagonia has long been a brand synonymous with durability and adventure, crafting gear that appeals to everyone from the outdoor hiker to the world traveler.
I’ll be completely honest with you, I’ve personally gone for the Black Hole backpack, and my boyfriend opted for the Refugio 26L.
For the purpose of this review, I decided to borrow his Refugio bag to give it a spin myself, but don’t worry, I’ll be sharing his experiences too since he’s had way more adventures with it than I have.
Together, we’ve got a pretty solid grasp on what makes this backpack tick and I’ll share all of it in this Patagonia Refugio 26L review.
Patagonia Refugio 26L Overview
It’s the perfect backpack if you’re looking for a simple and lightweight yet versatile backpack.
You can remove the padded laptop sleeve to optimize the backpack for your needs.
The backpack is produced in a fair trade factory using recycled materials.
Patagonia Refugio Features
Material & Design
I love colorful bags, my boyfriend not so much, that’s why he went for a very classic black Refugio backpack. In case you love color like me, there are plenty of color options as well for the Refugio day bag.
The front pocket’s opening mechanism, which extends down the front of the backpack, seems a bit quirky both in terms of looks and functionality.
The backpack is made out of 100% recycled polyester and has a durable water-repellent DWR finish, making it perfect for those unexpected rain showers during outdoor adventures.
š¤© Look at the different color options for the Refugio backpack!
Different Compartments
I absolutely love the laptop compartment at the back with a removable padded laptop sleeve. That way you can simply leave the laptop sleeve at home if you don’t need it on your trip. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a versatile travel backpack.
There are two water bottle pockets on the sides, it’s great for a half-liter reusable water bottle.
I’m not a big fan of the front pocket because the opening down the middle seems a bit impractical since things can easily fall out.
There’s no small zipped pocket on the outside.
Size and Comfort
The backpack has adjustable shoulder straps and a little padding on the back.
While the Refugio 26L might not be the go-to for those long, challenging hikes, given its lack of more comfort features, the backpack’s lightweight design definitely earns it some bonus points.
One downside is its lack of resilience compared to other Patagonia backpacks. For instance, my boyfriend once tried using it to carry heavier bottles, but it didn’t feel safe due to concerns about the straps handling the load.
Pros of Patagonia Refugio 26l backpack
- Environmentally-friendly material
- Produced in a fair trade factory
- Laptop compartment with removable sleeve
- Very lightweight
- Water-repellent finish
- Multiple color options
Cons of Patagonia Refugio 26l backpack
- Quirky front pocket design
- Limited comfort features for longer journeys with the backpack
- May not handle heavy loads well
- No small pocket on the outside
My Experience using the Patagonia backpack
On our latest 2-month trip to Spain and the UK, where we spent most of the time housesitting, my boyfriend only had the Patagonia Refugio 26L with him and I traveled with my Patagonia Black Hole 25L.
The Refugio bag is advertised as a daypack but for extreme minimalist travelers, it’s enough for a longer trip as well.
It actually feels very spacious for 26 liters. I noticed when I compared the Patagonia Refugio 26L to the Black Hole 25L that the Refugio backpack feels way more spacious even though it’s just one liter bigger.
All in all, after using it on a 2-month trip my boyfriend fell in love with the backpack’s simplicity and its light weight.
Patagonia Refugio Daypack Alternatives
- The Refugio also comes in a 30L option, if you’re looking for a bit bigger size.
- The Patagonia Black Hole 25L backpack is great if you’re looking for a backpack with a similar size but which seems more robust.
- The Knack Pack is expandable. It’s compressed size is similar to the Refugio, but if you need more space for a certain trip you can simply expand the backpack.
- The Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L is amazing if you’re looking for a backpack with more organization features.
FAQs About Patagonia Refugio Backpack 26L
Is Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26l waterproof?
The Patagonia Refugio backpack has a water-repellent finish.
How much does a Patagonia Refugio backpack weigh?
The Patagonia Refugio 26L weighs 1 lbs 9.9 oz (735 g), and the 30L model weighs 1 lbs 12 oz (795 g).
Final Thoughts: Patagonia Refugio 26L Review
Overall, the Patagonia Refugio 26L backpack is a great option for those looking for a lightweight and environmentally friendly daypack or a simple pack for minimalist travels.
While it may not have as many comfort features or organizational compartments as other travel backpacks, it’s a perfectly simple backpack for everyday use. The removable laptop compartment adds an extra layer of versatility.
Read more backpack reviews:
- Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel (Carry-On Size)
- Honest Knack Pack Series 2 Review
- Honest Patagonia Black Hole 25l Review: For Travel
- Honest Patagonia Refugio 26L Review: For Travel
- Patagonia Refugio vs Black Hole: Which to Choose?
- Honest Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L Review
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35l Review: Del Dia Collection
- 13 Easy Minimalist Packing Tips for Travel
- Ultimate Minimalist Packing List For Women
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