Whether for a student in need of something sporty and durable or a traveler who loves weekend escapes, Topo Designs makes some of our favorite backpacks. (Yes, lots of campuses remain closed, and most travel is still limited, but some people are already slowly, safely returning to normal life — and most of us are longing to do so as soon as possible.) The brand’s not-too-small Y-Pack backpack is a favorite of stylist Cassandra Sethi, who basically told us its superior construction renders it versatile enough to tote books or hike the backcountry. “This backpack is made out of a ballistic weave,” she explains, “which is highly durable and can stand all the daily wear and tear.” The backpack’s main compartment has a drawstring closure and is secured with the neat-looking Y-strap that gives the bag its name; inside that main compartment is a padded sleeve made to protect laptops or other tech. There are two side pockets for water bottles or other gear, plus a large zippered top flap pocket for even more storage. The backpack’s thoughtful construction and design normally come at the steeper price of $79, but today, we found this cheery red version on sale for 46 percent off — or just $43 bucks. If red’s not your thing, it’s also on sale in green for $63 (though the discount is less good).
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