There’s a new sheriff in town, and it ain’t Reggie Hammond. Stubble & Co. pushed, shoved, and shaved their way through a crowded field of backpack makers to find themselves on the shoulders of modern travellers and gearheads alike.
Having spent years testing travel backpacks, I can tell you that genuinely waterproof bags at a reasonable price point are surprisingly rare. Most brands either overpromise on weather resistance or charge a premium for it. Stubble & Co have carved out a niche by doing something refreshingly simple: building tough, weather-ready packs that don’t require you to remortgage your house.
The company’s main claim to fame is its robust outer layers that bring real waterproofing down to a more affordable price point. The Tekwax canvas and recycled PET fabrics feel different from many competing bags, and they help keep your gear dry and protected through years of travel.
Tekwax is found on Stubble & Co’s backpack models, providing water and dust resistance that gets ‘er done. But to these guys, that’ll do will never do.
Some models take things a step further with the power of PET. This sustainably sourced fabric makes the company’s most robust backpacks virtually waterproof. It’s the final push in their mission to build bags that can handle pretty much any adventure you throw at them.
Having used Stubble & Co bags in airports, cities, and on the road, what stands out most is their versatility. They’re not technical hiking packs, nor do they pretend to be. Instead, they occupy that sweet spot between travel bag and everyday carry that many travellers are actually looking for.
Each one of these backpacks can handle the city and stop just shy of being full-on hiking packs. Every model comes with a comfortable back support system, complete with the company’s mountain logo subtly worked into the mesh, but they’re not really designed for serious backcountry use.
Instead, they work best in the urban jungle and continue to perform well when the line between city travel and adventure starts to blur. The tough exterior handles airports, buses, trains, tuk-tuks, and the odd dusty trek that backpacking inevitably throws your way.
The final touch of these hardy traveller packs is the understated styling. Stubble & Co make bags that look professional enough for work while still being perfectly suited to life on the road. Let’s take a closer look at the line-up.
What Is Stubble & Co Known For?
Stubble & Co has built its name around a very specific kind of bag, one that works just as well on a rainy commute as it does on a travel day.
The design language is simple and deliberate. Most of their bags come in muted, minimal colourways (with the all-black option doing most of the heavy lifting), making them easy to carry through cities, airports, and everyday life without drawing attention.
Where they really stand out is in weather protection. Their use of Tekwax canvas and recycled PET fabrics gives these bags a level of water resistance — and in some cases near-waterproofing that goes beyond your typical commuter backpack. If you’re regularly dealing with bad weather, that’s a genuine advantage.
There’s also a clear sustainability angle. Recycled materials, responsible manufacturing standards, and even repair options all point to a brand that’s trying to build longer-lasting gear rather than disposable products.
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In terms of use, these bags are at their best in;
- City commuting
- Short trips and weekend travel
- Work-to-travel crossover setups
They’re less suited to;
- Backcountry hiking
- Heavy loads
- Technical outdoor use
In short, Stubble & Co isn’t trying to compete with traditional outdoor brands. They’re building sleek, weather-ready bags for people who move between work, travel, and city life, and want one bag that can handle all three.
Stubble & Co Bags Reviewed
These bags can handle the rain, see through the dust, and bounce off bruises. Most options use the exact same materials: a blend of recycled PETs or Tekwax canvas protecting the exterior and YKK zippers to batten down the hatches.
From hip belts all the way up to 60-liter duffels, each bag brings similar industrial functionality to the way the bag looks, feels, and stows. Beyond the brand ethos, each option takes a niche shape and steps Stubble & Co into new scenarios.
The Roll Top 20L
At a glance
- Capacity: 20L
- Best for: commuting, daily carry, light travel
- Laptop sleeve: Yes (up to 16”)
- Carry-on friendly: Yes
- Weather protection: High (waterproof materials + sealed construction)
- Price vibe: Mid
The Roll Top 20L is basically the bag that defines Stubble & Co. It’s the one you pick if you want that clean, minimal look but still need something that can actually handle real-world use , rain, commuting, airports, and the occasional chaotic travel day.
The roll-top design is doing a lot of work here. It gives you flexible capacity (you can squeeze more in when needed) and adds an extra layer of weather protection, which is one of the main reasons people buy this bag in the first place. Combined with waterproof materials and sealed seams, it’s built to handle proper bad weather, not just light drizzle.
Where it works best is daily life plus travel crossover. Laptop carry is easy thanks to the external sleeve, and the luggage pass-through makes it genuinely useful for airport setups. It’s one of those bags you can use five days a week and then take straight onto a trip without switching gear.
That said, it’s not perfect.
The roll-top design, while great for weather protection, isn’t the most convenient for quick access. You’ll notice that more if you’re constantly in and out of your bag during the day. And at 20L, this is firmly a daily carry or light travel option — not something you’re going to stretch into proper one-bag travel unless you pack very minimal.
There are also some mixed long-term durability experiences out there, nothing major, but worth noting if you’re hard on your gear
The Backpack 20L
At a glance
- Capacity: 20L
- Best for: commuting, work carry, light travel
- Laptop sleeve: Yes (up to 16”)
- Carry-on friendly: Yes
- Weather protection: High (water-repellent canvas + coated zips)
- Price vibe: Mid
This is one of those “small but actually useful” additions to the lineup. The Wash Bag is built around simplicity and durability. You’ve got a structured 3L compartment that fits your essentials without wasted space, plus a small internal zip pocket to stop things disappearing into chaos.
Where it stands out — like most Stubble & Co gear, is weather resistance. The waterproof recycled materials and wipe-clean interior mean leaks, damp bathrooms, or being thrown into a wet backpack aren’t really an issue
In real use, it’s ideal for short trip, gym carry and keeping your main bag organised. It fits easily into carry-on setups and doesn’t try to overcomplicate things which is kind of the point.
That said, it’s not a feature-heavy wash bag.
There’s no hanging hook, no complex internal dividers, and no expansion. If you like ultra-organised setups with multiple compartments, this might feel a bit too stripped back.
Kit Bag 30L
At a glance
- Capacity: 30L
- Best for: gym + travel crossover, short trips, multi-use carry
- Laptop sleeve: Yes (up to 13”)
- Carry-on friendly: Yes
- Weather protection: High (waterproof materials + sealed construction)
- Price vibe: Mid
This is where Stubble & Co moves away from “backpack” and into great duffel-backpack hybrid realms and it’s one of the more practical bags in the lineup because of it. The Kit Bag 30L is designed to flex between gym, work, and travel. The big selling point is the duffel-to-backpack conversion, which sounds gimmicky until you actually use it. Sling it like a duffel for quick moves, throw it on your back when you’re navigating airports or walking longer distances, it adapts pretty well.
Organisation is also a step up from the backpacks. You’ve got a large main compartment, plus separate storage for shoes or worn gear, which makes it ideal for gym use or keeping dirty clothes away from everything else.
Where it really works is short travel and “everything in one bag” days. It’s carry-on sized, tough enough to handle rough transit, and waterproof enough to deal with bad weather without thinking twice.
But there are trade-offs.
As a backpack, it’s not as comfortable as a purpose-built one. The carry system is decent, but you’ll feel the difference on longer walks. And as a travel bag, it sits in an awkward middle ground, more structured than a duffel, but less efficient than a proper travel backpack.
Note that it also comes in a 40L version which is, in my view, much better for travel as you get 25% more storage space.
Hybrid Backpack 30L
At a glance
- Capacity: 30L
- Best for: travel, work + travel crossover, short trips
- Laptop sleeve: Yes (up to 17”)
- Carry-on friendly: Yes
- Weather protection: High (waterproof materials + sealed construction)
- Price vibe: Premium
This is the bag where Stubble & Co leans hardest into travel functionality, and for a lot of people, it’s the best all-rounder in the lineup. The big difference here is the clamshell opening. Unlike the roll-top or standard backpack, this opens like a suitcase, which makes packing (and repacking) dramatically easier. Add in the split-zone layout, and you’ve got proper separation between clothes, tech, and daily gear, something most commuter-style bags struggle with.
At 30L, it hits that sweet spot for short trips. You can comfortably pack for a couple of days, use it as a carry-on, and still move through airports without feeling overloaded. It’s very clearly designed for people who travel regularly but don’t want a bulky 40L+ pack.
It also carries well for what it is. The structured back panel, load lifters, and chest strap help keep things balanced, though it’s worth noting this is a heavier, more built-out bag than the simpler models.
Where it really wins is versatility. This is one of the few bags here that can genuinely handle, commuting, gym, short trips and carry-on travel without feeling like a compromise.
But it’s not perfect.
It’s noticeably heavier than simpler backpacks, and you feel that if you’re carrying it for long periods. It also leans more toward “travel bag” than “daily bag” — meaning it can feel a bit overbuilt if you’re just using it for commuting. And like the rest of the lineup, it’s not made for hiking. It’ll survive it, but it’s not what it’s built for.
Looking for a backpack for work? Check out our guide to the best commuter bags for some more options.
Toiletry Bag
At a glance
- Capacity: 3L
- Best for: travel organisation, toiletries, minimalist packing
- Laptop sleeve: No
- Carry-on friendly: Yes
- Weather protection: High (waterproof materials + wipe-clean)
- Price vibe: Budget / mid
This is one of those “small but actually useful” additions to the lineup.
The Wash Bag is built around simplicity and durability. You’ve got a structured 3L compartment that fits your essentials without wasted space, plus a small internal zip pocket to stop things disappearing into chaos. Where it stands out is weather resistance. The waterproof recycled materials and wipe-clean interior mean leaks, damp bathrooms, or being thrown into a wet backpack aren’t really an issue.
In real use, it’s ideal for short trips, gym carry and for organising your main bag.
It fits easily into carry-on setups and doesn’t try to overcomplicate things, which is kind of the point.
That said, it’s not a feature-heavy wash bag. There’s no hanging hook, no complex internal dividers, and no expansion. If you like ultra-organised setups with multiple compartments, this might feel a bit too stripped back.
Tech Bag
At a glance
- Capacity: ~2–3L (organiser format)
- Best for: tech organisation, travel accessories, daily carry add-on
- Laptop sleeve: No
- Carry-on friendly: Yes
- Weather protection: High (waterproof recycled materials)
- Price vibe: Budget / mid
This is basically a packing cube for your tech, and if you travel with cables, chargers, SSDs, or random bits of gear, it makes a bigger difference than you’d expect.
The main strength here is the internal organisation. You’ve got elastic loops, mesh pockets, and small compartments that actually hold things in place, instead of letting everything turn into a tangled mess. It’s designed so you can open it up and immediately see everything, which sounds simple, but a lot of tech pouches get this wrong.
The wide opening and dual zips also help. You’re not digging around blindly, rather everything is accessible, which matters when you’re in an airport, co-working space, or just trying to grab a charger quickly.
But there are limits.
It’s not ultra-compact if you only carry a cable and a charger, and if you prefer super-minimal setups, it might feel like overkill. It’s also not rigid, so it won’t offer hard-case style protection for delicate gear.
Not Convinced? Stubble & Co Alternatives
There are plenty of alternatives to a bit of stubble on your chin. The upstart company isn’t the only brand with a finger on the pulse. Although there is no other backpack on the market using Texwak canvas, here are a few backpacks that provide equally timeless protection and futuristic storage potential.
Nomatic Travel Bag
- Volume (L): 40 (30L version also available)
- Dims (In): 21 x 14 x 9
- Best Use: International itineraries
- Price ($): 289
Nomatic competes with Stubble & Co’s sleek and sexy exterior while turnings up a notch inside the bag. Both the bags are cabin-approved carry-ons, although, at 40 litres, Nomatic’s bag won’t sneak under the seat of some budget flights. It’s still overhead compartment compatible, and it puts every single one of those forty litres to good use.
The Travel Bag comes fully loaded with a detachable hip strap and a deployable laundry bag. This bag can look and feel like a duffel with two top straps and a solid back support system that doubles as grit-resistant. When the situation requires a horizontal approach, the shapeshifting backpack provides the same easy access to your gear.
Nomatic’s Travel Bag brings more organisation to the table, but there is one key area Stubble & Co might have it beat: the last line of defence. Nomatic’s backpacks have their fair share of weather resistance, but Stubble & Co’s signature exterior layer is better. Plus, Nomatic’s manufacturing process can’t rival Stubble’s sustainability.
Both of these durable gear providers bring a whole lot to the table. You can’t go wrong trusting your next carry-on to either one of these two modern backpacks.
Want more info? Check out our comprehensive review of the Nomatic Travel Bag.
AER Travel Pack 3
- Volume (L): 35
- Dims (In): 21 x 13 x 9
- Best Use: Always pullin’ up
- Price ($): 249
Comparing Stubble & Co to the Travel Pack 3 is a lot like comparing Lebron to Michael. You can choose various statistics to bring one over the other, but fervent supporters on both sides will never change their minds.
The Travel Pack 3 has one of the internet’s most dedicated backpack fanbases. Its name is legend on certain message boards, often referred to simply as TP3. The backpack built a cult following because of its variable capability.
Redditors often hark TP3 as one of the best one-bag travel options out there, and AER listened. Its runaway success in long-term travel prompted different size options that brought the pack to even more places. Nowadays, you can find an AER travel pack for every occasion.
Whether you’re trying to narrow everything down into one bag or bring the office with you on the road, TP3 can’t be beaten. However, Stubble & Co’s loose options are still better for many commutes that don’t require passports.
Have a look at our Aer Travel Pack 3 in-depth review for more information on this epic bag!
Harber London Weekender
- Volume (L): 26
- Dims (In): 20 x 9 x 8
- Best Use: Money laundering
- Price ($): 1225
This Weekender is the only other bag on our list that comes close to Stubble & Co’s style. Out of any backpack we’ve looked at today, The Weekender would be the most comfortable heading to the airport early and slipping into the lounge for a pre-departure bevvy.
Its crisp look isn’t deceiving you: that’s genuine leather wrapped around every inch of this pack, which stays within Europe for every step of production. Designers map out the bags in the UK, sending the plans down to meet up with German microsuede in sunny Spain. There, leather crafters hand-stitch the goods.
Once it’s all sewn together, the leather bag only grows better with time. Combined with proper care, this Weekender should last you for life. That’s where the justification for the higher price point comes in. While it’s true that paying extra for quality can save you money in the long run, you could have 6-8 Stubble & Co backpacks for that price.
The truth is, Stubble & Co’s choices get the job done equally well while saving you hundreds. There’s just one thing you can’t put a price on in this comparison: Leather. Harbor London bags bring the extra craftsmanship and durability to feel like great choices if you didn’t keep your money in Silicon Valley Bank.
Need more deets? Have a look at the in-depth review of the Harber London Weekender we’ve put together.
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Which Stubble & Co Bag Is Best?
Stubble & Co has nailed a very specific lane: clean, low-profile bags with strong weather protection that move easily between commute, travel, and everyday life.
Across the lineup, the appeal is consistent — minimalist design, durable materials, and a focus on real-world usability rather than gimmicks. These are bags you can take from a rainy walk to work straight onto a flight without thinking twice.
They’re best suited to:
- Commuters who deal with the elements
- Digital nomads and hybrid workers
- One-bag travellers doing short trips
- Anyone who wants a sleek bag that doesn’t look like outdoor gear
They’re probably not for:
- Backcountry hikers or outdoor-heavy users
- People carrying heavy or bulky loads
- Travellers who want ultralight gear or full suitcase-style systems (unless you go Hybrid 30L)
At the end of the day, the “best” Stubble & Co bag comes down to how you move:
- Roll Top 20L – best for weatherproof daily carry
- The Backpack 20L – best all-round commuter
- Kit Bag 30L – best for gym + travel crossover
- Hybrid Backpack 30L – best for short trips and one-bag travel
If your life sits somewhere between city, airport, and occasional adventure, then you’ll probably find something here that fits you beautifully.
