Just a little over 2 years ago, I bought my first "legit" backpack. Before, it was just regular school backpacks and nothing special about them. Then, before my first solo trip to Bali, I was on a mission to find one for my upcoming travels and daily use.

After doing some research, I had my eye on the North Face Women’s Never Stop Utility Pack. But when I couldn’t find it in stores, I turned to another contender: the Columbia Trek Backpack. With a lower price tag and a design I preferred, it seemed like the smarter choice.

Now, after two years of adventures, commutes, and daily wear, has it lived up to my expectations? Let’s find out.

Why I Chose the Columbia Unisex Trek 28L Backpack

Since I needed a backpack that could seamlessly transition from travel to everyday use, finding the right size was key—spacious enough for my essentials but compact enough to avoid bulk. Practicality was my top priority; aesthetics and brand names were secondary.

When I first saw the Columbia Trek in-store, its size immediately caught my eye, and once I picked it up, I was surprised by how light it was. It has a sturdy look and holds up pretty well, even though there’s no back support structure. Nevertheless, there is foam padding for the back. At the time, there were three color options, and I went with ‘Dark Mountain,’ a sleek navy blue.

In terms of price, I purchased it for approximately $70, which in my opinion is quite affordable considering its durability and comfort, especially compared to the regular backpack.

Columbia Trek 28L Backpack: Top Features

Dimensions: 15.7" x 22" x 5.5" (39.9 cm x 55.9 cm x 14 cm)
Style Options: Available in multiple colors
Laptop Compartment: Fit up to 15" devices
Colors
Ergonomic Design: Foam-padded back for comfort and support
Smart Storage: Front and top pocket, and two exterior zippered pockets on the sides
Adjustable Sternum Strap: Secure fit for all-day comfort

Columbia Trek 28L Backpack: Pros & Cons

After 2 years of using it, here are the pros and cons of the Columbia Trek 28L Backpack:

Pros

Lightweight yet durable materials — The lightness of the backpack was one of the main reasons I bought it in the first place. I’ve been using this backpack for two years, and its durability is no joke. Since my city in Indonesia implemented the no-plastic-bag policy, this backpack has come in handy. Sometimes, I put my groceries in it, including 5kg of rice, a few cartons of milk, and many more.
Top handle — Except for the strap at the back, the backpack also features a handle that allows me to pick up my bag like a tote bag for some uses. I didn’t really care about the handle at first, but it has proven useful at times.
Offer comfort — I walk a lot, both when I travel and even when I take a little exploration in my city. Whether I'm traveling with just my laptop and water bottle or a full pack of essentials, it provides the same level of comfort. When I went on a short hike or when the backpack was at full capacity, I could get more comfort and stability by using the sternum strap.

Cons

There is no inside pocket except the laptop sleeve — A small zippered sleeve inside would’ve been ideal for securing essentials like my wallet, passport, or keys. Without one, I’m left tucking these items into the front or top pockets, which feels less secure.
There is no rain cover available — Though marketed for casual use, this backpack would benefit from weather protection, especially for travelers who might get caught in unexpected showers. It’s a small addition that would make a big difference in practicality.

Our Experience Using the Columbia Unisex Trek 28L Backpack: Travel and Daily Use

As I mentioned earlier, the backpack has no separate section inside, so I recommend using packing cubes to better organize your belongings. Also, while the laptop sleeve does its job, I've heard reports of devices getting damaged during rough travel. As a precaution, I always use a separate laptop case (which does add bulk, though) and remove it during flights when stowing the bag overhead.

That said, the Columbia Trek 28L Backpack truly proved its worth during my month-long trip through Banyuwangi, Bali, and Makassar. It comfortably carried my digital nomad essentials, including my laptop, power bank, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel gear. During my Ijen hike, it also performed perfectly as my daypack. The side pockets fit my 750ml water bottle snugly (though larger bottles might struggle), and while I initially missed internal organization, I've adapted by using the top pocket (with its secure back-positioned zipper) for quick-access items.

For urban use, it's been equally reliable. As a remote worker, it comfortably carries everything I need for full-day work sessions across cafes, libraries, and meetings. The durable construction handles daily commutes effortlessly—though during rainy season, I do wish it had a built-in rain cover for better laptop protection.

Our Experience Using the Columbia Unisex Trek 28L Backpack — Photo: Veronica Maureen for @freakingnomads

Should You Also Buy the Columbia Trek 28L Backpack?

After two years of near-daily use, through city commutes, remote work sessions, and even multi-day trips, I can confidently say this backpack strikes that perfect sweet spot. It delivers just enough space for essentials without sacrificing comfort or style.

If you’re looking for shorter trips and can double as a daypack, the Columbia Trek 28L Backpack is an excellent choice. But if you frequently carry bulkier gear or need more organization, you might want to consider other alternatives.

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Veronica Maureen

Articles by Veronica Maureen

Columbia Unisex Trek 28L: Ultimate Backpack for Travel and Daily Use?