Able Carry DAILY Backpack | 20L Commuter Pack

Able Carry is a young brand that is quickly moving up my list of favorite backpack manufacturers. Their backpacks are very well made with high quality materials and stitching. And their pocket layout makes more sense to me than some competitors. The sleek low-profile appearance that Able Carry incorporates across the line seem to blend into most environments. An important asset for those operating in less permissive locations. I’ve been traveling with Able Carry’s larger MAX backpack all summer and haven’t looked back. And was happy when they asked me to take a peek at their smaller 20L DAILY commuter backpack.

“The Able Carry Daily Backpack is built with the modern workplace in mind. 20L of storage, protective laptop sleeve and designed for comfort on the go, the Daily carries all you need to do what you love, anywhere.” ~ablecarry.com

Able Carry DAILY Backpack Video:

Although designed with the urban commuter in mind, I decided to bring the DAILY with me on a trip from Michigan to Grenada. My wife and I were rolling heavy with our SCUBA gear and a weeks worth of clothing. Once checked into our flights and unburdened by our baggage, we settled in for a day of air travel. Carrying the modern day essentials like a MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone, headphones and all the necessary charging bricks and cables. Along with a pair of flip flops, a change of clothes, sunglasses and my dive computer. I even had a little room for a ball cap, water bottle and some small snacks for the flight.

Meet Your Everyday Companion

The layout of the pockets keep everything organized and easily reachable. Especially while on the plane. A small zippered pocket on top of the pack near the carry handle is accessible without needing to pull the pack down from overhead. Here I stashed my wallet, passport, phone and AirPods. Another easily accessible exterior pocket held my least favorite travel item of all, disposable masks for the flight. I also fit my Bose Headphones in there for quick access.

Inside the 20L main compartment is the DAILY’s sweet spot. A large water resistant YKK zipper reveals an area rich with organization. Inside, you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve that sits an inch or so above the bottom of the pack. Although the bottom of the DAILY is padded as well, this design further protects your computer should the backpack take a harder than normal hit from the bottom. On the outside of the laptop sleeve is a zippered mesh pocket keeping smaller items or documents visible. Two pen/pencil pockets flank the laptop sleeve. Although I wish they were a little bit larger so I could slide a small pen light in one of them. Opposite the laptop sleeve is another enclosed zippered compartment plus an internal water bottle sleeve. I stash my power cords and a few smaller items in the zippered pocket. And either my glasses case or a water bottle in the sleeve.

The padded shoulder straps, vented back panel, sternum strap and A-Frame create a synergy of comfort and load security. While traveling to a hot climate, the vented back was key to reducing sweat while waiting to clear Grenada’s lengthy COVID protocols. Which were neither quick nor efficient. While the stowable sternum strap and padded shoulder straps did a great job as I ran to make a connecting flight in Miami.

Able carry DAILY Dimensions

• Height: 48cm (19″)
• Width: 28cm (11″)
• Depth: 19cm (7.5″)
• Capacity:  20 liters
• Weight: 0.9kg (2.1lb)

Internal sleeve will fit

• Most 15″ laptops (Including 16″ Macbook Pro)
• Max recommended laptop size: H39 x W28 x D4 cm (15.3”x 11” x 1.5”)

MSRP: $128

Able Carry did a great job with this low-vis commuter pack. Even sewing in loops in the straps for attaching additional items for those that need more space. For me, the 20 liters of internal storage and pockets were all I required. The longer you look at the DAILY backpack, the more you’ll find well thought out features. A web loop at the end of the main zipper for securing with a TSA lock. An attachment point for bike locks. A storable sternum strap. And don’t forget to look for the very well hidden stash pocket. Just big enough to hide some cash in. Let me know in the comments if you find it.

Between the Able Carry MAX and DAILY, I think I have all I need for various travel situations. That is…until they ask me about their DAYBREAKER, ha!

About Able Carry:

We’re a small team from Hong Kong, a tiny island of 7 million people, giant skyscrapers, and as much city as you can handle. When we couldn’t find an everyday backpack designed for city like ours, we built it ourselves and launched it on Kickstarter. Since then, we’ve been on a relentless mission to make the best tools for todays citizens, so they can carry better with gear, in comfort and style.