As travelers we all need a great backpack right? Where do you even begin searching for the perfect choice when there are so many different options out there? With such a variety of brands, colors, sizes and designs to choose from, as consumers we are all faced with a saturated market that makes it difficult to differentiate the various options!
Well folks, we think that we have found a perfect backpack that will meet your needs if you are an adventure traveler, weekend traveler or just someone who needs something to carry around your personal items – the Drifter Backpack by STM Bags.
STM Bags
Founded in Sydney Australia in 1998, STM Bags offers a diverse range of lifestyle oriented laptop bags, iPad cases, iPhone cases and of course their primary focus – the ultimate backpack for the traveler!
As the leading Australian bag and case designer, STM Bags are truly a well recognized manufacturer not only in the Southern Hemisphere but also on a global scale. In March 2014, STM Bags released the Annex collection with their primary focus on the urban, fashion-oriented customer. This is where the Drifter Backpack fits in alongside the Trust, Sequel and Link range. Available in three different colors (Graphite, Red or Olive), this is a great choice for the avid traveler.
STM Drifter Backpack
Like your favorite pair of cargo pants, the Drifter is easy to wear, contains pockets in all the right place, and is comfortable to boot.
This quote really sums up for me the quality of this backpack! When you consider purchasing a backpack, you want something that is rugged, durable, lightweight, spacious and of course aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The Drifter has it all plus much, much more.
One of the major selling points of this backpack is the tuck away rain cover located at the bottom, which covers the whole backpack for those unexpected downpours keeping everything inside water resistant!
Pros
- Built In Rain Cover – Huge benefit of the Drifter is the integrated cover that keeps everything waterproof!
- Integrated Luggage Strap – Great to be able to slide over my other carry on bag when traveling through an airport. Conveniently located for ease of use.
- Lightweight Design – Inclusion of three front pockets with only one primary pocket really helps keep the weight of this to a minimum (2.3 lbs/1.0kg).
- Durability – Sturdy design of the zippers, straps and use of modern material makes this a backpack that will last for quite some time.
- Inclusion of a ‘Reward Tag’ – Each bag has a unique ID that allows you to go to a website and offer a ‘reward’ should you lose this.
- Fleece Lined Compartments – Great benefit for storing valuable items while traveling.
- Padded Straps – Extra Comfort.
Cons
- Size – The backpack is a little on the small size especially if you want this to carry multiple items such as a laptop, camera, jacket etc. However, this could also be considered an advantage if you are seeking out a small, lightweight option!
- Material – The main negative of the material is that I found it easily shows marks and stains.
- Unconventional Design – The Drifter design takes getting used to because it looks and feels different to conventional, everyday backpacks. Overcome this and you are on to a winner for sure!
Conclusion
Whenever you are considering a backpack purchase, you have to first consider exactly what your needs and desires are in the product. For me, I want a backpack that I can use everyday while at the same time use this whenever I travel, whether it is for one of our weekend getaways or an outdoor adventure trip. Yes, I have pretty high standards and requirements but I am delighted to say that the Drifter Backpack meets all of these.
With every product, there are always going to be negative aspects but the reality is this is a great backpack that I would highly recommend! Check out this backpack along with the rest of the product line at STM Bags.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received a free sample from STM Bags for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*
I have yet to find the perfect travel backpack. I need one that holds electronics securely but also one that I can use for trekking and that allows me to access my dslr camera easily. This looks like a great backpack actually.
There are so many options out there, it really is tough to find one that perfectly meets your needs! I would highly recommend checking out the Drifter or even other options that STM Bags offer. We have been really happy with their range!
The “reward tag” is something I’ve never heard of before! What an interesting concept… I’d prefer if someone returned my bag to me out of the goodness of their heart… but if it all came down to paying a reward vs. never seeing my bag again, I suppose I would definitely pay!
I hadn’t either but it is pretty cool concept, basically your hoping if lost the person who finds it is an honest person. Hey, there are plenty of those people like that out there 🙂
Sounds pretty useful! I like how they’ve designed the pockets, it looks like you could keep things really organized that way. The reward tag feature is handy too.
I was looking for a daypack for my next big trip, and this just might be it. Thank you for the review !
I love that it comes with a waterproof cover- most I’ve seen in stores are buy separately so that’s a huge plus. Sounds like a pretty good daypack/ weekend getaway pack. Mine is on it’s last legs so I will keep this in mind 🙂
Awesome! Thanks for your support!!
Great reviews! Sounds like a handy bag to have. Never heard of the brand, although I’ve never been a brand person but having a look at their website and they really have some good stuff. Will definitely be keeping them in mind for when I need something like this.
STM is an amazing product and brand, from bags to cases they have it all and well worth the money 🙂 Thanks for your support
This thing looks like it could keep even addle-brained moi organized! So many pockets! A rain cover is always handy and, I too, like the reward tag idea. Nice product review. Has me interested.
This bag has so many pockets but in all the right places and keeps them all protected.
you are right – it is a minefield trying to find a new bag, especially if you want something that can double up as a work bag, with space for gym kit, as well as a weekend walking or light packing bag! This looks good, it doesn’t look boxy and i love the little zip inside area – avoids all manner of things swilling around in the bottom of the bag!
This is all of those bags combined! and very lightweight to carry around with you.
The rain cover and pockets are hug pluses in my eyes. My current backpack feels like a bottomless pit. I’d love to have something with smaller pockets to help organize my stuff.
I am the same! I was a little uncertain of this bag in the beginning, just because it was different but am in love now! Great bag, well made! The rain cover is an amazing feature that STM made and they did an awesome job. Also, just to add the rain cover is attached to the bag so it will not detach or fall off. Pure quality here!!
Looks very compact and handy!! Mine if a bit like Amy’s as well: a bottomless pit in which you can be sure the one thing you need is in the very bottom 🙂
Thats is how I was as well but this keeps you organized and easily accessible to everything
Looks like a great option. Especially the rain cover – somehow when I buy a new backpack I always forget to check whether it has one, and my stuff ends up getting soaked. It also looks quite smart!
It’s a really cool option Margherita! The built in rain cover is pretty unique for backpacks I think but honestly it’s a great invention because we all have that issue whenever it starts raining about our valuable items getting ruined becaus the material isn’t waterproof or even water resistant!