My 3-in-1 Totepack Does It All
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
Totepacks are myfavoritekind of backpack because of the flexibility in how they can be worn — on your back, over your shoulder, or held by your side. But they usually sacrifice some comfort in favor of a sleek design: The backpack straps might be too thin and lack cushioning, the top handles may be too short for carrying on your shoulder, or the back may not have any padding, to name a few. For the past year, I’ve been on the hunt for one that’s as comfortable as it is versatile, with padded backpack straps, top handles, and a long shoulder strap. I didn’t have any luck until walking into my local outdoors store recently and seeing theSherpani Soleil. It has a long, removable shoulder strap for wearing as a messenger or tote bag, plus cushioned backpack straps and short handles for carrying. It’s my new go-to bag for hauling all my work gear.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Like my other favorite backpack,Tom Bihn’s Synik 30, the Soleil’s design leans more sensible than stylish. That’s fine, though — it’s one of the most versatile bags I’ve ever tested. It’s made of 100 percent recycled polyester and has a sufficient, but not bountiful, number of pockets. The front has two: one big one and one small. The larger pocket can hold a midsize notebook, e-reader, or paperback book, while the smaller one has space for a smartphone or keys and a wallet. Inside is a sleeve that can hold laptops up to 14 inches, plus two pockets for small items.
The best thing about the Soleil, though, is its abundance of straps. While most totepacks max out at four, this one has five. The backpack straps, which can be tucked away into a sleeve when the bag is in tote mode, are cushiony enough to wear comfortably for long walks. That said, the back isn’t very breathable, as with many totepacks, so it may be best to carry this one another way in the heat. Atop the bag are two short handles covered in nice-feelingfauxleather that adds a hint of elegance to an otherwise understated bag.
My favorite of the straps is the long one that attaches at the top corners of the Soleil and extends up to 51 inches. When keeping the strap short, you can carry the bag on one shoulder like a traditional tote. But because it’s so long, it can also turn the bag into a cross-body one. There’s even a small bit of cushioning on the edge of the strap where it rests against the front of your shoulder. It’s a small detail that makes a remarkable difference when wearing the bag for extended periods of time. And when I don’t plan on using it, I can take the long strap off and leave it at home or store it inside the bag so it doesn’t get in the way. No other totepack I’ve tried offers that.
I also like that the top of the bag, which opens up bucket-style, can be zippered closed. The zipper has a long tab made offauxleather that makes grabbing it and opening or closing the Soleil a breeze. While it’s not the only totepack with a top opening and accompanying zipper, it is the only one I’ve tested with an expandable top, which allows it to hold a few more or slightly taller items. I’ve been able to fit myiPad Pro, aTraveler’s Notebook, a 40-ounceOwalawater bottle, a couple of paperbacks, somenoise-canceling headphones, and ane-readerall together.
Other backpacks we recommend
New! You can now save this product for later.
A more affordable totepack with an outdoorsy aesthetic.
New! You can now save this product for later.
The totepack I turn to when I want something stylish and lightweight.
New! You can now save this product for later.
A work backpack that's compact enough for daily use but spacious enough for all your gear.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
The compartmentalized design makes for easy gear organization.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Can hold up to a week's worth of clothes, plus a laptop.
More From The Strategist
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- The Strategist Summer 100
- I Replaced My Tretinoin With This $30 Retinal Cream
- My Hunt for Fisherman Sandals That Won’t Tear Up My Feet
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
