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I’m an adult who stands a proud 5-feet, 1-inch tall. My height has mostly been a non-issue, but one persistent frustration has been the lack of backpacks that actually fit my proportions. Every backpack I’ve owned throughout the years had dimensions clearly intended for someone at least six inches taller. They hurt to wear, and their overwhelming size became the inadvertent focal point of my look. So when, at the airport, I glimpsed a fellow short person wearing a backpack that actually fit them, I immediately noticed. I snuck a little closer to check out the brand: Timbuk2 .
Timbuk2's Flight backpack , which sports a surprising amount of storage and two unique front pockets.
When I followed up on the site later, I fell upon a holy grail backpack for us short folks: The Timbuk2 Flight backpack . It was intriguingly compact, measuring a cool 15.6 inches tall and 10 inches wide, yet large enough to fit a 13-inch laptop.
Its minimalist design was right in line with my own understated style preferences, and I loved the unique double pockets on its front.
I’ve written before about my dislike of spending money, and the backpack seemed a little pricey (but isn’t everything these days?). I walked myself through it: I hated wearing the backpacks I did own because they simply didn’t fit and were uncomfortable. Yet I wanted a backpack I could depend on. And, those double front pockets! (I’d been looking at an L.L. Bean child’s backpack , with the same unique double front pockets, for a while — but didn’t buy it because I needed a backpack sturdy enough for adult use.)
I got it. And when it arrived, I felt validated and obsessed. It fit shockingly well, like it was made for my short frame. Finally, a backpack that didn’t “wear me” — I wear it.
Sitting above my hips, under my shoulders and snugly against my back, the Flight pack feels comfy, lightweight and has quickly become a staple. It’s my go-to for errands and travel , and holds a surprising amount: My 13-inch laptop, a jacket, hat, a few books, my Kindle , makeup and anything else I want to take long.
And those two front pockets are perfect for keeping little essentials easily on-hand: I stash lip balm, lipstick and sunglasses in the smaller top pocket, and in the bottom pocket, an A5 notebook, snacks, pens and keys.
It also has two side pockets that hold average-sized water bottles and coffee thermoses. While I’d love a sleeve that’d fit my 32-ounce Nalgene , I rarely go through an entire one while out anyway, and keeping reasonably-sized drinks in it helps keep things light when I’m on the go, anyway. The pockets also sport nice expandable drawstrings to help keep bottles secure.
I’m thrilled I took the leap on this thing; it’s quickly become an essential of its own.
Timbuk2's Vapor backpack , available on
Timbuk2 and
Amazon , has the same features and sizing as the
Flight backpack .
Timbuk2 also offers a similar pack, the Vapor backpack , which sports the same compact sizing (with identical measurements) and the same features, including the two front pockets. The only difference, according to the brand, is that it’s made with a different fabric (both packs use recycled material). The Vapor pack is available on Amazon in granite , cocoa brown and black , and on Timbuk2′s site in granite and black .
Check out what others — including multiple fellow short adults — have to say about these diamond in the rough Timbuk2 backpacks:
“This backpack checks all the boxes for me. I am mother to a toddler and wanted a daily backpack that didn’t scream diaper bag. I like the minimalist style. It seems to be well made and wipes off easily. I am on the smaller side (5′3″) and the bag is the perfect size to be practical without overwhelming my frame. The straps are slim but comfortable. Average size water bottles fit in side pockets. I love the separate front zip pouches for quick grab items (phone, chapstick, etc).” — Christine Roberts
“This backpack is perfectly sized for someone who is 5′2″ . Backpacks are generally very large on me and I finally found a winner ! I also love the way the material feels. The quality feels great. I love it!” — raissa
“Bought this bag before my freshman year of college and it has never since failed me. Halfway through the degree now and it has protected my laptop from the Bay Area rains and somehow always manages to shock everyone with how much it fits . Love love love this bag !” — Miri
“I use this backpack for school and I love it! I’m 4′10″ so I really wanted a bag that didn’t look oversized on me but also had a lot of storage . This is the perfect size ! Such a nice a color and great quality.” — Aamna
“I bought one of these a few months ago for myself and like it so much i bought another one for my 86 year old mom for mother’s day. It’s light, great pockets, wide straps that don’t dig in to your shoulders and the color goes with everything.” — Marcella
“This backpack is the perfect size to fit a ton of stuff including a water bottle. Great for moms (or anyone else) on the go . Love the granite color and material. Straps are sturdy too. Two front pockets are also well made. Happy with this purchase, especially at this price. ” — Lauren
“I’ve been eyeing this bag for about a year. It wasn’t available the last time I was thinking of buying it, and then I checked again, and I decided to get it before it disappeared again. I’m glad I did! It’s exactly what I was looking for . The outer two pockets are so useful ! And I love the style of it. It doesn’t look overly casual like a school backpack, but it’s not too formal either .” — Mirah
Looking for more surefire travel product recommendations? Flight attendants swear by these items for making travel a breeze:
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