I've got this backpack (maybe an earlier version, seems the same) a while ago, I think it was called the F.A.R. backpack. Not sure why they'd call it an outdoor bag, its more of lightweight (not packable) travel backpack. It feels really light for 26L, but it does fit a lot compared to other 25L rated bags and it has surprisingly a lot a padding, though the padding isn't stiff. The zippers are big but feel super light, like too light. Still it goes on sale occasionally for like half price, which is decent. My dad sort of took mine, I guess its sort of a dad bag. Suprisingly a few years on, that fabric holds up, he uses it all the time and it doesn't look beat up. He has a bright orange/red one and you'd notice if it was peeling.
I originally bought the Away FAR Backpack (which I guess has been rebranded as the Away Outdoor Backpack) as a fun occasional weekend travel bag, but it has surprrisingly become my everyday carry bag. I bought it for the look (the dark green one), external water bottle sides, and the relative comfortability. But I agree with many of the flaws listed in the video - laptop compartment don't have a false bottom, the plastic zippers feel cheap, and the lack of internal organization (I wish there was a zippered internal compartment). To overcome the biggest flaws, I put my laptop in a soft cover (which adds to comfortability of wearing the backpack) and use pouches for small items. As for the zippers, they have held up. Just make sure to place the zippers at the bottom slides (when the backpack is full, the zippers can spread apart - i.e. open - if they are placed at the peak/top of the bag). Making these adjustments have made it my EDC as I appreciate the space and look of the bag.
I've got this backpack (maybe an earlier version, seems the same) a while ago, I think it was called the F.A.R. backpack. Not sure why they'd call it an outdoor bag, its more of lightweight (not packable) travel backpack. It feels really light for 26L, but it does fit a lot compared to other 25L rated bags and it has surprisingly a lot a padding, though the padding isn't stiff. The zippers are big but feel super light, like too light. Still it goes on sale occasionally for like half price, which is decent. My dad sort of took mine, I guess its sort of a dad bag. Suprisingly a few years on, that fabric holds up, he uses it all the time and it doesn't look beat up. He has a bright orange/red one and you'd notice if it was peeling.
I originally bought the Away FAR Backpack (which I guess has been rebranded as the Away Outdoor Backpack) as a fun occasional weekend travel bag, but it has surprrisingly become my everyday carry bag. I bought it for the look (the dark green one), external water bottle sides, and the relative comfortability. But I agree with many of the flaws listed in the video - laptop compartment don't have a false bottom, the plastic zippers feel cheap, and the lack of internal organization (I wish there was a zippered internal compartment). To overcome the biggest flaws, I put my laptop in a soft cover (which adds to comfortability of wearing the backpack) and use pouches for small items. As for the zippers, they have held up. Just make sure to place the zippers at the bottom slides (when the backpack is full, the zippers can spread apart - i.e. open - if they are placed at the peak/top of the bag). Making these adjustments have made it my EDC as I appreciate the space and look of the bag.
Wish this video had been around when I bought this last year. Such an uncomfortable and unremarkable pack!
Great, honest review! I was looking at this bag in-person at the Away store and had many of the same thoughts
For a hundred-quid backpack there are a lot of misses, definitely a pass.
Honest review!
🤙🤙🤙
❤
Why would you by this