OutdoorMaster 45L - Review 2023

• DiveIn Score: 4/5
• Construction: 4/5
• Storage: 4/5
• Water and Impact Protection: 3.5/5
• Price/Quality: 4.5/5

Normally when we review a bag it’s for a very specific purpose: a hiking backpack that’s comfortable on your back during long walks, a travel backpack that’s tough and great for long weekends away, or a commuter bag that fits extra folders and will protect your laptop against bumps and rain.

This backpack is a hybrid in that it taps into the phenomenon of people using hiking backpacks for their commute. And since so many people are using bikes and scooters, the virtues of a hiking backpack make even more sense.

With a laptop sleeve and pockets designed for stationary stuff, OutdoorMaster is keen to cater to both segments and it seems to work.

Biking with laptop, books, small tools and cables–all the gear in an urban warrior’s kit–the straps on the bag seemed pretty comfortable and even makes you forget you’re lugging stuff around.

There’s plenty of space for hiking essentials like extra clothing, thermos, etc., the bag seems to work best when it does have more than half its capacity filled. Its sagging when empty makes it obstructive when putting contents into the various sleeves and compartments.

This flaccid kind of feel is not unique to a lot of more affordable backpacks and it doesn’t really affect the bag’s overall appeal, but it’s something to note in relation to much protection it provides.

No damage was done to my computer or earphones over the course of two months, but I was mindful of the lack of padding around the front of the bag and took precautions to avoid any damage. This is the biggest drawback of the bag for computer mules. Beyond a minor irritant in the chest strap, that’s really the only serious drawback of the OutdoorMaster 50L Smart Backpack Pro.

Construction

First off, this high-quality backpack is made with lightweight and durable nylon. Weighing in at 2.4 pounds it’s 23 x 15 x 8.6 inches.

The back has airspeed mesh suspension so as you’re wearing this on a hot summer day walking, hiking, or even cycling you’re not going to get a sweaty back because there’s a good two inches between the mesh and the back of the bag keeping you comfortable while also sitting tight and firm against your back.

The padded adjustable shoulder straps provide you with a comfortable fit. It also features a chest strap and hip strap to keep the backpack securely against your body during more physically demanding activities.

There are also two mesh spaces to keep your water bottles secure.

Storage

On the front panel, you will find a small pocket ideal for headphones or a granola bar to keep you from starving during a hike or your commute to work.

Right above that, we have another small pocket that’s easy to access so I won’t suggest putting anything valuable in here. Like I said this is a 50-liter backpack and it has not one but two internal compartments.

The first pocket is big enough for a spare set of clothes or to store away a raincoat or extra jacket. It has different compartments to successfully organize your backpack. The second pocket is definitely the biggest.

When using it as a Hiking backpack you can use this space to store your water bladder, extra snacks, or your camera gear. Store your shoes or extra clothes when using it for a weekend trip or for an everyday backpack; it features a laptop sleeve and enough space for books, folders, or additional documents.

Water and Impact Protection

One of the concerns when using your backpack for a work backpack is if your computer will survive if you ever got stuck in the rain. Luckily this smart hiking/travel backpack comes with a rain cover you can easily pull over your bag to protect you from the rain.

Having put this through its paces in some heavy downpours, I never noticed any water or moisture in the pack and definitely not on my computer. Though it continues to be a concern given the placement of the zipper and the flaccid nature of the laptop sleeve here. But I’ve no complaints after winter rain.

On the other hand, you’re not gonna get too much protection for your computer or any delicate goods because there’s no rigid material or padding here. Recommend using a protective sleeve for your laptop.

Like all bags, there will always be a pros and cons list. It’s up to you what is more important and what you can’t compromise on when it comes to your bag. If you want an affordable bag that can carry a lot and have enough compartments for your arsenal of accoutrements, give this one some consideration. You’ll likely not be disappointed. If you suffer from tennis elbow and like to use the chest strap, it’s placement too close one side will give you discomfort, but that hasn’t stopped me from using it and it shouldn’t stop you either.

Overall my favorite part of this backpack is the way it hugs my body when I’m moving, almost becoming more like a thick jacket instead of a bag hanging off of me and weighing me down. This hiking profile pays dividends when weaving in and out of the concrete jungle by bike.

Although the design is best described as kind of clumsy. It’s only when it’s filled up that it has any kind of rigid form, making it less easy to quickly find the zipper and open one of the two main compartments. This sagging also means there isn’t that much protection for delicate goods from the front side. While this Isn’t great, it’s definitely not a deal-breaker!

This backpack is ideal for people with an adventurous side who also enjoy using their backpack as a daily backpack.