Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L Review 

Casual backpacks should emphasize style and functionality, with no frills or features that have no use in your daily experience With Patagonia Refugio, you get practical design and superior versatility The Refugio is the most popular daypack in the Patagonia line, and after spending some time with it, we can see why

This mid-size 28-liter keeps you organized on your day-to-day excursions, with plenty of pockets for your devices and accessories, while providing a comfortable, lightweight fit The Refugio isn’t a hardcore hiking daypack; it’s more of a travel-pack that suits anyone that’s traveling on short trips or managing their daily grind around the city

About The Product

Specifications

The Refugio features a 28-liter capacity, with four exterior pockets and two main compartments, and a zipper front compartment Inside the main compartment, you'll find a laptop subdivision that fits most standard 15-inch devices If you're carrying a tablet or iPad, there's a separate carriage sleeve for your device as well

It has a dry weight of 1-lb, 75-oz, making it one of the lightest packs in its class As with most Patagonia products, the Refugio features construction with nylon and recycled materials for a sustainable product that benefits the environment The pack's dimensions measure out at 19 x 12 x 8

Design

Patagonia Refugio has a clean and elegant design that’s both practical and stylish The stitching and materials are all top-quality, and what we’ve come to expect from all Patagonia products

Overall, we’re happy with the quality and finish on this pack, and we’re quite pleased to see that it doesn’t have belt-straps, making it easy to stow away in overhead compartments on planes and trains

Features

Patagonia is both stylish and functional Its features are those that you will find truly useful in a daypack 

Best Use

We feel the Refugio is the ideal pack for taking around town or traveling We don’t think that the Refugio would suit active sports use, such as hiking or riding

Pros and Cons

The Refugio is a great update on the previous model, and we like the robust side pockets, which are an improvement over the earlier model's mesh pockets that catch and tear easily The addition of the second storage compartment for accessories is an excellent improvement, and we love that it comes in a range of attractive colors

While the pack is excellent for commuting and every-day use, avid hikers and sportspeople may not find that they get enough out of the new Refugio It lacks the waist straps needed to stabilize the weight on your back, resulting in sore hips and a stiff lower back when packed full

We found that the sternum strap doesn't really add much support when the pack is full, and after trying it once, we never used it again We feel like this strap gets in the way, more than it provides practical use

Still, if you're looking for a new school bag or a bag to carry your devices and accessories to work, the Refugio provides everything you need – and much more We enjoy the sleek and professional look of the Refugio in black, but there's a range of colors to suit anyone's taste and style

Where to Buy

Patagonia Refugio is available at most sporting goods retailers and specialist hiking supply stores However, why go to the hassle of visiting the mall when you can order it online Pick up your Refugio from Amazon The pack is available through Amazon Prime, with same-day shipping, and hassle-free returns

Final Verdict

Patagonia Refugio is the ideal day pack for taking on your commute, running errands, as well as accompanying you on your travels across the country on planes or trains While it's suitable for light sports activities, if you're looking for a technical pack, then it's not the best choice

The stylish design and comfortable fit make it ideal for carrying your devices and accessories to and from the office or school With quality stitching and robust materials, the Refugio is one of the best casual daypacks available