Osprey Unisex Parsec Backpack

This is a seriously good bit of kit. Commuting, hiking and even works as a holiday backpack. All in one. Sturdy, tough and well made. I hunted around a lot, for a replacement ‘everyday, every situation’ backpack and this hit the mark for me.I’ve even customised my bag with some patches, which was straightforward to sew on due to the front compartment pocket allowing access. If you’re so inclined like me =)Pros:- Cavernous capacity. It can swallow a lot and do it comfortably. It seems true to its stated capacity of 26 litres. I've come from a North Face Jester backpack from 2016. Which was 23L, this Osprey bag is fair bigger and makes me think other brands are overly generous with numbers. There are two main compartments with double zippers, followed by two smaller front compartments with single zippers. Lots of ways to split your items up and fit them in. Makes the bag versatile.- Osprey like to use recycled materials in all their products but this doesn't mean the quality has been compromised at all. It's lovely that they are environmentally aware.- There is a small scratch-resistant lined zip pocket (where the Osprey logo is) for sunglasses and other scratch venerable items. It would suit watches and jewellery too.- It has what they call an 'AirSpeed' back panel which is like a springy mesh which makes a gap between your back and the bag material. This lets air circulate and keep the sweatiness down. Although, I've found its main reason is shape comfort / suspension. Keeps pointy objects in the bag from poking you. Mesh conforms to you back better and thus more comfortable.- Sternum strap. Great for when the bag is full and heavy to spread/ remove shoulder load. Also, very useful for cycling, securing the bag on your shoulders. However, I did shorten the strap and restitch, as I found the extra material to flap around way too much.- Removable hip belt. I find a hip belt useful when hiking but when commuting, it’s just annoying. Being able to remove it is very helpful.- Strong grab handle, zips that feel tough and stitching that doesn’t have loose ends. There is defiantly quality built into this bag, which makes me feel it will last for many years.- Two bottle pockets either side is great for hiking, with straps to really secure bottles in place when you are more active.- The kickstand feature / bag frame. This is what adds to the weight (see cons) but its what makes the bad really useful and strong. The bag sits upright by design without needing to lean against something. The frame also helps the bag maintain is shape, which stops objects bulging through the bottom as much as on none framed bags. The frame is hinged so the bag can collapse flatter.Cons:- Weight. This backpack is over 1.1Kg on its own. Compared to other back packs of the same capacity, which are almost half the weight (around 0.75Kg). It's got some gravity. However, this becomes insignificant when you put the bag on your shoulders. The frame adds strength and shape. A worthwhile trade-off I feel.- Slight design flaw. The hip pad attachment points have a silly tendency to fold in on themselves as you put the pack on. I found myself reaching behind every time to push them into place. Solution is some elastic strap and some thread. Pictured my solution in red. Works a treat as I can still access the hip attachments when needed. =)

Great for daily commute usage, Amazing Kickstand feature, and more then enough place to carry daily commute items.I use it for university and I carry:MacBook Air,iPad Pro 12.9 inch,Some papers and books,Cables and chargers,A big battery brickA coat,2 Water Bottles,some small extras,2 boxes of food for two meals.And it still has space to carry a bit more. Perfect for students that plan on spending their whole day in the university.