Osprey FlapJack Men's Backpack

Many points to love about this pack:

I'm a 5'4" medium-build woman, and it fits me well. I really get tired of the women's designs that are covered in flowers and such I need a pack that works for informal business circumstances, so I don't want to feel like a tween. That's why I chose the FlapJack over the FlapJill. I'm so happy to find that the sizing is a great fit! The pack is light and distributes weight very well the most comfortable commuter pack I've ever owned. Also, because the flap compresses the load, it feels less bulky and is easier to maneuver with than other, non-flap, packs of a similar size.

It's roomy! My 13.3" laptop in a neoprene case fits with room to spare in the padded laptop compartment. I always have that laptop with me, and so far I've combined it with:

a second large laptop, handbag filled with files & paperwork, totally full envelope-style file folder, small camera, phone, cords for everything, wallet, passports & tickets, cookies, scarf, glasses case, and other sundries.

my motorcycle half-helmet, water bottle, other sundries with plenty of room to spare.

a sizable load of groceries.

handbag filled with files & paperwork, shoebox-size plastic storage bin, several other small boxes, cords, other sundries this load was taller than the body of the bag, but the lid still strapped and held everything together over a bumpy ride.

Green interior looks sharp and makes it much easier to spot items in the bottom of the bag.

Straps are comfortable and adjusting them is easy.

Feels secure! I live in a city with tons of foot traffic and many areas where the crowds can be a little chaotic. I've had pickpocket attempts before with other bags where an outside pocket of a pack was opened up, or someone thrust their hand in my bag with an open top. The flap secured by straps is what sold me on trying this pack. The only pockets that are easily accessible to a passerby are the long pockets on the flap and on one side -I simply don't keep anything important there. All of the other interior pockets are safely tucked under the flap --when the straps are pulled tight, it would take some effort to get into any of those spots. I would certainly notice anyone trying to get into the bag. Riding on motorcycle taxis for most of my transport, I'm really glad to have a bag that I can wear comfortably on my back (not in front of me) and still feel that my belongings are safe.

Very few drawbacks:

The flap that keeps everything safely tucked away also makes it hard to have quick access to your belongings. The process to get something out from under the lid is more complex than with a traditional backpack. (But, as an anti-theft feature, this is still a plus in my book!) One solution, which I may try, is to purchase pouches that attach to the straps in front for quick access to phone, money, etc.

The pack is not waterproof -if you bump up to the next Osprey price point, you can get a similar style pack with a built-in rainfly. That was out of my budget. But this pack looks highly water-resistant, and I'll pack a backup rain cover during the rainy season.

One suggested improvement -It would be great to have a drawstring closure for the big interior space. While the flap does cover well, I would like the ability to make my belongings even more secure by compressing the top of the bag space when my load is light.

Overall, I am extremely happy with the pack and highly recommend it!!