Series 1: Medium Expandable Knack Pack® - Smoky Taupe - Discontinued

A little background: I probably own close to a dozen backpacks of all makes and sizes. The brands I own range from Camelbak to GoRuck. You can say I'm very fickle when it comes to backpacks.

This one has been in constant use since I got it back in July. I purposely waited a few months to allow time to really evaluate this bag and give my honest impressions. I've been using it as my bike commuter bag for work which is about 16 miles round trip. I use this bag while bike commuting about 3 times a week and use it when I'm commuting by car.

I am amazed at how comfortable this pack is on my back loaded with my work essentials and bike EDC. I keep a pair of chinos in the unexpanded compartment that I change into when I arrive at work. I love that I can keep a few items and pants in the luggage compartment without having to expand it.

To be honest, I wasn't in love with the triangular shaped admin pocket but I have adapted and love it for one reason. I can clip a round blinking amber bike light at the apex of the flap. Then I can tuck it in such a way that about 30% of the light is under the flap that houses the zippers when fully closed. The resulting tension holds the bike light in place quite securely when the flap is closed all the way with the zippers under the flap. I can even squeeze on the KK logo to press the power button to turn on my light! (I wish I could post a pic of what I am talking about!!! It's one of those things that just works out amazingly!) It means I can use my rear bike safety light without having a molle loop or any kind of loop for that matter.

Some additional points:

I ordered a factory 2nd example and for the life of me, I cannot find anything wrong with it!

The bag is deceptively small but it's really not. I love the sleekness of it as well as it's simple yet clever and innovative design. It offers so many carry solutions for my items without being overly complicated (like some tactical style packs).

It's light weight (especially compared to a GR1) but feels stout and ready for heavy loads (which it is). Even fully loaded with a laptop AND an ebike battery in the main compartment, the pack is still comfortable.

On the surface the bag looks simple yet is as comfortable if not more than some packs that "look" comfortable (a bunch of adjustment straps).

My only honest and hopefully constructive criticisms are as follows:

I feel like the number of business card pockets in the admin section is excessive. That being said, I've used some of this pockets for holding single Fig Bars or Clif Bars. It would be nice to see a pen sleeve or 2. Maybe even a pocket for a small flashlight. I would also like to see the key keeper relocated to the admin section.

For me, the key keeper in the main compartment gets in the way of the zipper pull of the internal mesh pocket on the back panel. Because of this, I keep that mesh pocket open mostly.

I would like to see maybe some gussets for the mesh pockets to give them more usable volume especially when the pack is full.

Lastly, I wish Knack went with a regular side release buckle on the sternum strap. My muscle memory keeps wanting to squeeze a buckle rather than clumsily trying to unhook it from the webbing. When in a hurry I feel like a side release buckle is just easier and faster.

All in all, I still give this pack 5 stars. I love it that much. The simple looks of it are deceiving. This pack is bigger than it is and more comfortable than it looks. It's a refreshing option for those looking for their next backpack. Well done Knackbags!

I have had the medium bag now for about a month and I love it. I park and commute daily to work. The bag is comfortable to wear daily and just the right size. I am able to fit my lunch box in the main compartment and use the expandable section if I have something else to carry in. This makes it very nice as I can make my trek each day and not have to carry anything. The quality of the fabric is excellent and the zippers are heavy duty. The blue color is very nice. I highly recommend this bag! I waited and purchased mine through the "seconds" sale for the savings. I couldn't find a thing wrong. Great product Knack!

I love my knack bag. It easily fits my laptop, books, clothes, water bottle, and other essentials. For someone who walks to work and prefers to travel light, it’s perfect.

I've used the medium for two trips and it has proven amazing for organizing all my carry-on items. Love the bottom pocket for my electronics/cords. I've only had to expand for one of my trips, but I see it being a huge benefit for my weekend trips and if I make purchases for my longer trips that go beyond the weight I can put in a checked bag. A friend I stayed with on my last trip ended up purchasing a Knack medium backpack based on seeing my usage.

I was so blown away traveling with my knack bag 1.0 that when the opportunity presented itself for me to purchase a 2nd. I jumped right on it. I travel alot with my company and was tire of paying luggage fees at the airport for a 2 to 3 day business trip. My knack bag simplified everything for me.