Topo Designs Rover Trail Pack Is the Best Backpack I’ve Ever Used

Courtesy of Topo Designs Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story As we get out of the house, the gear-obsessed WIRED Reviews team is writing about our favorite bags and EDCs. Today, reviewer Martin Cizmar raves about his Topo Designs backpack. You can also check out other Bag Check stories where WIRED writers share their carryall of choice.

Topo Designs may just make the best bags in the world. The Denver-based gorpcore brand sells gear that looks cool, lasts forever, and has every feature a sensible person desires in a bag without making the product feel overbuilt. If I ever win the lottery, I won't tell anyone, but there will be signs—like me hauling groceries from Trader Joe’s in two Mountain Gear bags. (I currently use blue polypropylene Ikea bags and shop at Aldi.)

In March, I took a spring break trip to Ireland and Scotland with a carry-on-sized roller bag and the Topo Designs Rover Trail pack as my personal item. I am frequently testing new bags, and I didn't think much about the decision to commit to the Rover for a week. I quickly learned that you get to know a bag pretty well when you take it on seven flights and stay at eight different hotels in 10 days. By the time I landed back home, I was fully convinced the Rover is the best backpack I have ever used.