When it comes to backpacks, sometimes I feel like Goldilocks, “This one is too big. This one is to small….”, and although the Sonora Backpack by Overland Equipment is not “Just right”, it’s pretty close. Billed as a “rucksack for the minimalist” this pack is long on functionality and short on bells and whistles.
Made from 16 oz. waxed canvas* and featuring a roll top design, the Sonora Backpack has worked its way into the number one slot for me over the last few months. It has one main compartment with a sewn in divider that accommodates a 13″ laptop. The divider also has various organizer pockets but I tend not to use those. Of course, that’s just my personal preference. The main compartment also has a side zipper for easy access so you don’t have to continually open up the roll top to get your gear. I will admit that I did not realize the pack had this feature until I had been using it for about 4 weeks (what a pleasant surprise that was). The main compartment is large enough for me to easily carry my lunch, my laptop, a book plus a lightweight jacket. And, the waxed canvas has kept the rain at bay all winter long.
The Sonora also has a large front zipper pocket which I’ve found to be extremely useful. It’s a great place to stash my phone, my pens, or any other gear that I need quick access to. I have to say that the size of this pocket is great. Large enough to carry a few essential items, but not so big that it becomes a kind of black hole that sucks everything in. the Sonora also comes with adjustable shoulder straps that are comfortably padded but not bulky and a sternum strap to help ensure a snug fit.
My only complaints about this backpack center around the roll top design, well part of it anyway. Most of the roll tops that I’ve used roll over twice and are then secured with some kind of cinch straps. the Sonora only rolls over once, more of a fold over really, which leaves the open seam exposed to the elements. There are two snaps inside of the bag to help keep that seam closed, but when you have a heavy load in the pack and the weight shifts, the snaps give way and the seam can sometimes pop open. I find this to be a total bummer. But honestly, it usually happens when I’m taking the pack off of my shoulders. Maybe I’m swinging it a little too vigorously. Of course, it could be an actual design feature, kind of a quick access thing, but I doubt it.
My other issue with the roll top is that the straps take a little too much time to open. I love the fact that they went with metal cinch buckles. They work perfectly when you cinch the straps down, but they bind a little too much on release. You have to actually use both hands to loosen each strap. I know, such a travesty.
The final issue that I have is this; now that I’ve written the review for the Sonora, it will somehow become my wife’s backpack. At least that is what I’ve been told ever since it showed up in our house. I guess you can take that as another vote of confidence. Goodbye backpack. It’s been great.
The good
- great size
- easy acces to main compartment
- comfortable
- Waxed cavas keeps things dry
The bad
- Roll top is more of a fold over
- internal snaps sometimes pop open
- cinch buckles a little too tight on release
- my wife is claiming it as her own
Available in gun metal blue or cinder ash grey from Amazon for about $98.00
*The more you know: When describing fabric weight, ounces are used to designate the areal weight of a specific amount of the fabric. Generally speaking that amount is either a yard of a specific width or a square yard.
boring stuff: Overland Equipment provided me with a free review sample. This in no way effected the opinions expressed in this review. All images via the Overland Equipment website.