“As a university student and a traveler, I have found the DayOwl backpack to be an indispensable part of my daily life. This backpack is not just a bag; it's a versatile companion that has seamlessly adapted to my busy lifestyle, whether I'm rushing to classes or exploring new cities.
Firstly, its storage capacity is commendable. The DayOwl comfortably houses my 16-inch MacBook Pro, a necessity for my studies. Additionally, it accommodates my 32 oz Hydroflask, ensuring I stay hydrated throughout the day, a sweater for those unpredictably chilly classrooms, and my various notebooks and study materials. Everything fits in snugly, without making the backpack feel overstuffed or bulky.
The true test of its versatility came in the summer of 2023 when I traveled to Italy. The DayOwl transformed into the perfect travel companion. Its robust design withstood the rigors of travel, and the cleverly designed suitcase handle strap was a godsend. This feature allowed me to securely stack the backpack on my rolling suitcase, taking the weight off my shoulders during long transit waits and airport sprints.
Aesthetically, the DayOwl is a stunner. I chose the maple brown color, which exudes a classic yet modern vibe. It's a color that stands out in a sea of generic backpacks yet remains elegantly understated. The grey-blue interior lining is another thoughtful touch, adding an element of surprise and sophistication to the overall design.
Durability, functionality, and style are the hallmarks of this backpack. It's rare to find a product that ticks all these boxes with such finesse. My experience with the DayOwl backpack has been nothing short of exceptional. It's a purchase I would recommend to any university student or traveler looking for a reliable, stylish, and practical backpack. Whether it's a day at the university or a trip across continents, the DayOwl has proven its worth as an essential gear in my life.”
Hey Daniel! This is an awesome review:) We truly appreciate your details and kind words.
WOW! Our staff always enjoys reading reviews such as yours! It lets us know we are making customers happy and doing something right! You are a valued customer and we're glad to have you in the community.
Nina
Customer Care
“I've had a couple of backpacks for work that I've ended up liking for personal use, but none of them compare to the Day Owl backpack. I was looking for a backpack that was 1) professional enough that I didn't feel like a little kid wearing it, 2) well laid out enough that I wouldn't have to take every single item out of the backpack if I needed to get at something at the bottom, and 3) large enough to fit my laptop, my lunch, and my knitting. I've been using it near-daily for two months now, and the Day Owl backpack meets all three of those criteria! I had considered getting the Slim in case the regular backpack felt bulky, but I don't regret getting the regular one at all. I love the fact that they manage to fit in a top pocket, two side pockets, and a front pocket without it ever feeling bulky at all.”
Hi Annora! Thanks so much for your support. We appreciate your positive feedback and are so glad you had a great experience with us. We are glad to have you in the community.
Nina
Customer Care
“Review written 12/28/2023, last edited 04/16/2025
TL;DR: Best for school, work, and short trips. Uncomfortable for wearing hours on end.
I've worn this backpack for 1.5 years now. I've taken it to school, work, hiking, and multiple trips. I have subjected it to every mode of transportation and many weather conditions (except hail and snow). This backpack is best for school or work due to its heavier, padded design, minimal design, and low-maintenance material. I would not recommend it for travelers looking to backpack, hike, or travel abroad because it is heavy, can't expand much, and is uncomfortable to wear for hours on end.
And that's my biggest complaint: the straps. I use the shortest length, and the backpack places all its weight on your shoulders. This was really uncomfortable for the first week, and it still is uncomfortable if I wear this backpack for multiple hours. The straps also loosen over time, so I have to readjust the straps to the shortest length every few weeks. This isn't a huge issue, but I do wish I didn't have to deal with it.
Sizing notes:
- The water bottle pocket is pretty tight. Most 24oz bottles will fit, but I find it annoying to take bottles out. As a result, I use this pocket for an umbrella or snacks and put my water bottle in the main pocket.
- The small top pocket can hold a surprising amount. You can store keys, travel-sized products, earbuds, pens/small stationery, and even chargers. However, this pocket gets damp when it's pouring.
- The main pocket can comfortably hold all school/work things: binders, notebooks, pencil pouches, chargers, a jacket, a water bottle, and a wallet.”
Hi Andrea! We truly appreciate your support. Thanks so much for your thoughtful feedback.
I will definitely pass it on to our production team. You are a valued customer and we are glad to have you in the community.
Nina
Customer Care
“Road Tested Inside and Out! I purchased this bag years ago when Day Owl was first launched. It has been a great bag since accompanying me on my daily commute and frequent travels. In fact, I took it with me when I went to the Balkans for 6 months earlier this year. And when I say "road tested" I mean it. We rented a car in Sofia to travel with a group of 5. Amidst all the craziness of retrieving the car, communicating with attendant and managing a set of bags, I managed to leave this bag on the ground in front of the car - and drove over it. The bag caught on the underside of the car and I dragged it through the parking deck a good 100 ft. Fortunately, I didn't not run over it with the wheels and my laptop was not damaged! The surface of the bag seemed abraded, but after a week, it wasn't noticable anymore. Impressive! Now about the inside. I made peach preserves this summer and had a jar in the office refrigerator. Decided to bring it home - but forgot about it in my backpack. It didn't exactly explode, but it did create a mess. I was amazed at how easily I was able to clean up the insides with a wet sponge and a little dish soap. Simply great materials inside and out. Couldn't be happier with this bag even all these years later.
(Disclosure - I am associated with an organization that made an early investment into this company and my curiosity led me to try out the bag. However, I do not benefit from its success and so do not feel like there is any conflict of interest in my posting)”
Hey Shannon! It's so nice to hear from you. What an AWESOME review!! We can't thank you enough for your continued support. We truly appreciate you. You are a valued customer and we are glad to have you in our community.
Nina
Customer Care
