Patagonia Crosstown

Patagonia Crosstown
The Patagonia Crosstown backpack is a great pack for the daily commuter or the traveler on the go. With space for a large collection of papers, magazines, or books, it seems to be the perfect size for the daily grind or a day hike. A smaller section for items that you need quick access to rounds out the mass storage areas, although the advertised office organizer leaves something to be desired.  The Crosstown sports numerous small pockets providing a place for loose change, cell phones or any other small item you can think of.  From the obvious pocket on the top, to the one on the side, to the obscure pocket on the inside of the outer pouch, there are surely enough pockets to lose something in. The top pocket came in particularly handy while removing all the metal objects from my pockets while standing in the security line at the airport.  It does however, lack an earphone hole for those that like to keep and iPod in there. That said, the greatest feature is the laptop pouch on the backside of the large pouch. It's big enough to accommodate a laptop up to 17" and keep it well secured. The laptop pouch is suspended to keep your laptop from touching the ground when you set the pack down and is sufficiently padded for extra protection.  The pack does have outside mesh water bottle pockets but these never seem to work out as good as the designers intended.  I like to use the outside pouch for items I need quick access to, but I'm selective in doing so as there is no security to keep prying hands out, a problem for those commuting in high density areas.  The crosstown is also coated with a DWR (durable water repellent) to keep your wares dry when caught in an unexpected shower.

Quick Info

Design: Commuter Backpack Capacity: 26l (1,597 cu/in) Weight: 1lb. 11oz. Retail: $100 (Buy) Why it’s hot:
  • Laptop pouch
  • Lots of pockets
  • Great size
  • DWR
Why it’s not:
  • No security on outside pouch
  • No earphone jack
  • Mesh pocket doesn't work so well
http://www.patagonia.com