Nitecore BP18 | The Ultimate Commuter Pack

When I first opened the box, I thought the Nitecore BP18 is never going to accommodate my daily EDC for personal or professional use.

My natural tendency is to over pack but I’m working on that. I’ve been scaling down my pack size to keep things lighter and more streamlined for easier movement. My personal and professional EDC is broken down into four basic areas and one optional.

The basic four are medical, power for my phone/tablet, light handheld and a headlamp, and comfort items. The optional area is personal defense tools which are situation and destination dependent.

One feature that caught my eye is the BP18’s slim profile in both width and depth. This helps when moving through tight and crowded areas like train stations, airports, entertainment venues, and various work situations where quick fluid movement is essential.

Nitecore BP18 Video Review:

Nitecore BP18 Specifications:

• Capacity: 18L/1098 cu Inches
• Dimensions: 16cm(L) X 24CM (W) X 47cm(H) – 6.3:(L) X 9.4”(W) x 18.5”(H)
• Weight: Approximately 710g/1.6 lbs
• 500D wear proof fabric
• YYK zippers
• MSRP: $89.95

The exterior of the BP18 is covered with MOLLE webbing for attaching additional items. Additionally, an exterior top pocket can accommodate small items like a wallet, phone, cash, and other carried items. Two slip pockets are located on either side that expand to fit standard size water bottles.

Inside the pack, there’s a laptop/tablet compartment, two additional pockets that will fit water bottles or any other items of a similar size. The main compartment is accessed via a clamshell style opening. However, removal of your laptop/tablet can be done through a separate zippered opening. The main flap is covered with material to accept hook and loop compatible pouches and pockets on the inside of the bag.

The shoulder straps have a unique quick release clip for the removal of the straps. A useful feature as the BP18 can be alternately configured as a sling bag. And the quick release buckles facilitate this transformation with the UTX Duraflex buckles on the bottom of the straps.

There is also a sternum strap for using when carried backpack style. Just a quick note regarding the various carry methods. Although I’m not a big fan of the sling carry, the BP18 was comfortable and performed very well in this configuration.

Final Thoughts:

During my test period, the Nitecore BP18 comfortably hauled my EDC necessities. Which included but wasn’t limited to my IFAK, headphones, 12″ iPad Pro, a shemagh, personal med/comfort kit, water bottle, snacks, flashlight, headlamp, and a few other miscellaneous items.

I think this is a great commuter pack for day trips, a little small for me as a travel pack but I tend to pack heavy. I like the conventional backpack and sling bag carry options for versatility. The external and internal water bottle pockets are a big plus for me. And the small footprint is just what I’m looking for in a day trip bag.

The exterior MOLLE is nice but I don’t usually run pouches on my packs. I prefer them slick but it’s nice to have that option. On the interior wall of the pack, I stuck a hook/loop admin pouch. As the BP18 doesn’t include an admin/organization for small items.

However, Nitecore does sell pouches and pockets that are compatible with the BP18. The fit and finish feels good and I can foresee using this bag often for day trips and work. It would also work great as a gym bag. If you’re in the market for a small, light, multifunction bag you can’t go wrong with the Nitecore BP18.