Everyday commuter bags from major outdoor brands tend to be blinged out鈥攑ockets, buckles, daisy chains, compartments for everything from laptops to running shoes. Those designs have their place, for folks whose听days are packed with diverse activities that require keeping a lot of gear well organized. But sometimes you听just need a pack that鈥檚 well built and comfortable, without all the sporty-looking听bells and听whistles. That鈥檚 the niche Osprey filled with its new Arcane series, a line of three urban commuter packs.听
The waxed-cotton bags are a massive departure from the technical designs听Osprey is known for: no chest straps or hipbelts, hardly any external pockets, no stretch mesh or lightweight ripstop nylon. After a few days with the line, we听found that, while the bags border on too听simple (we could use an extra pocket or two),听they hide an array of thoughtful features ideal for everyday carry. And like Osprey鈥檚 other packs, the bags are durable and ride well. Here听we break down each model.
Osprey Arcane Small Day Pack 10L ($90)
Aesthetics are where 听shines. The sleek听waxed cotton and clean听turtle-shell silhouette look as great on the way to the office as they do at the bar afterward. The small ten-liter size is perfect for my daily essentials (coffee mug, wallet, lunch, coat), and the external zippered pocket holds my phone, keys, and even a book or snacks. My only gripes: the top main zipper is covered by a waxed-canvas flap, which offers protection from precipitation but gets in the way of quick access, and there are no external water-bottle pockets.听 鈥Emily Reed, assistant editor听
Osprey Arcane Large Day Pack 20L ($110)
I like keeping accessories in pockets for easy access, so at first I was on the fence about 鈥檚 眉ber-pared-down design. The internal mesh pocket fits only slim items, and the vertically zippered outside pocket isn鈥檛 great for small sundries, which tend to fall out when it鈥檚 open.听But after several days, I came to appreciate the pack鈥檚 simplicity, which made for an easier and more comfortable carry, thanks to the absence of dangly straps and overstuffed side pockets. Plus, the vertical zipper on that external compartment means items are right at hand when I hang the pack off one shoulder. Other small features鈥攍ike mesh sleeves on the shoulder straps that are perfect for holding a Metro card, an internal sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, and a hook to strap the pack around a chair leg to prevent someone from scooping it up on the fly鈥攎ake the Arcane Large a great urban commuter bag.听 鈥Ariella Gintzler, assistant editor
Osprey Arcane Large Top Zip 18L ($120)
After toting the on my walks to and from work for a few days, I found myself surprised by how much听it offers despite its听minimalist design. The side zip pocket is barely visible, tucked away in a fold,听but it holds a jacket or other extra layer, keys, wallet, and a phone. Soft听ribbed back padding is another delight, adding comfort and breathability. How simple is too simple, though? When I loaded the bag to capacity, the straps started to tug and slip away around my shoulders as I walked. Though a chest strap would take听away from the pack鈥檚 clean aesthetic, it would听add security.听 鈥Jeremy Rellosa, editorial assistant