Over the last 5 years I think I have tested and reviewed over 100 backpacks with maybe a good quarter of this amount being what we call “Daypacks” – regular (290/30L) sized bags that hold around a day’s worth of gear. As you can imagine, it’s quite rare these days that I get excited about one but today we really do have an exception.
The Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack combines sleek aesthetics with practical features, to create a handy solution for both day-to-day needs and longer adventures. Over the past month, I’ve put this bag through its paces, using it for commutes, weekend getaways, and even a hiking trip.
So let’s dive into the details and I will tell you exactly why this bag has earned a permanent spot in my travel arsenal. Spoiler Alert: It ain’t just about its good looks.
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Overview of The Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack
Let’s start with a very basic overview. The Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack is a 30-litre multi-functional bag designed to cater to both day to day, and travel needs. It’s a “hybrid” of a day pack (for gym/work/school) and a small, carry- on travel pack.
Here are its key specifications:
- Price: £175
- Volume: 30L
- Weight: 1.4 kg
- Dimensions: 50 x 32 x 20 cm
- Laptop Compartment: Yes (fits up to 16-inch laptops)
- Carry-on Compliant: Yes
It’s positioned as a premium travel bag, combining high-quality materials with a minimalist design that’s equally suited to city commutes, weekend adventures and maybe even longer trips for the minimalists and light packers among us.
Detailed Breakdown
In this section I will address each different aspect of this pack individually in some level of detail.
Storage, Access and Compartments
There are basically 2 main storage compartments along with what I am calling a ‘half compartment’ hidden at the front exterior. Lets dig in and look inside this pack.
Main Compartment
The main compartment is accessed through a wide clamshell opening (ie, it fully opens), making packing and unpacking easy and efficient.
Inside, there’s ‘weekend bag’ space for clothes, shoes, and other essentials — I’d say enough for a 2-3 day trip. I managed to fit a pair of jeans, three shirts, a pair of shoes, and a toiletry kit with a little room to spare.
Note that clamshell opening is not the best access style for reaching in and grabbing stuff. This can be a bit annoying when using this as a hiking pack or “on the go”.
There are also a few thoughtful additions in the main compartment, like a zipped mesh pocket for smaller items (perfect for socks and underwear, plugs) and a hidden compartment near the base for valuables. The compartment’s design maximises the available space without ever feeling bulky.
Laptop Compartment
The padded laptop compartment is located at the rear of the bag, with a separate zip for easy access. It comfortably fits my 13-inch MacBook Pro INSIDE its soft case and has additional slots for a tablet or notebooks. The padding feels very secure, and the compartment is elevated slightly to protect against accidental drops.
There’s also a hidden pocket within this section, ideal for passports or other travel documents. It’s a small detail, but it is one that can be quite useful when navigating airports – although personally I use a Nomatic Sling Pack for my airport gear (now that’s a a pro-tip if ever one there was!)
Front Compartments
The front of the bag features two little quick-access compartments. The top pocket is shallow and lined with soft fabric, perfect for sunglasses or a phone. Below it, a larger zipped pocket includes organisers for pens, cables, and other small essentials like little books.
I found this section particularly handy for keeping travel documents, paperback books and snacks within easy reach.
Water Bottle Compartment
Oh and there is a stretchy water bottle compartment on the side. It will comfortably fit a small to medium filter water bottle (maybe half liter) but it wont hold a full 1 litre bottle.
Weight and Carry Comfort
Right, weighing in at 1.4 kg, the Hybrid Backpack is definitely slightly heavier than some competitors and a lot heavier than modern ultra-lightweight hiking packs. And yet it doesn’t really feel overly cumbersome when on the shoulders.
The weight is well-distributed, and the ergonomic shoulder straps and padded back panel provide excellent support. I’ve carried this bag for a good few hours on end without feeling discomfort. This speaks volumes about its design.
The addition of a sternum strap offers extra stability, especially useful when the bag is fully loaded. There’s also a luggage pass-through strap for attaching it to a suitcase, which adds to its travel-friendly credentials.
What I will say is that the pack is a lot heavier than my Osprey Quasar but it is also better supported. Physics eh!!
Style and Aesthetics
Minimalist yet sophisticated, the Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack is suave and a bit of a classy head-turner. It’s available in classic black and a muted grey, both of which exude elegance. Whether you’re heading to the office (poor you) or boarding a plane (yay!). This bag blends seamlessly into most settings.
That said it will kinda look out of place if you take it on a hike, and I aint a huge fan of the orange interior lining – that said it does make spotting packed items that bit easier.
Materials and Build
The bag is absolute quality. It’s constructed from water-resistant, recycled materials, with a durable canvas-like tarpaulin texture that really does feel premium. The interior is lined with soft, high-quality fabric, and all zips are YKK—known for their reliability.
Even after several weeks of heavy use, there’s no sign of wear or tear. It’s too early to really call but I feel as confident as I can that the pack will last some years of use.
Weatherproofing and Resilience
While not fully waterproof, the Hybrid Backpack is highly water-resistant. Light rain beads off effortlessly, and I’ve used it in the standard go-to British drizzly conditions without any issues. For heavier downpours, you might want to pair it with a rain cover (not included), but overall, it is built to withstand the elements.
As I said above, the robust materials and reinforced stitching suggest it’ll last for years. The only potential weak spot might be the bottom corners, which could show wear over time, though they seem to be pretty well-reinforced for now.
Best Uses
This backpack is designed and sold as an all-rounder and it is.
It’s suitable for daily, EDC use —whether commuting to the grindstone or hitting the gym — thanks to its organised compartments and stylish design.
For travel, it’s absolutely ideal for weekend trips or as a carry-on for longer journeys. The 30L capacity strikes a perfect balance between spaciousness and portability.
However, I would personally not really use this for hikes if I had much choice. While it will suffice (and it DOES have a water bottle holder on the side), it is heavier than proper hiking backpacks, less weather resistant and the clamshell opening could get annoying if you were having to pop the pack down to fully open up every time you wanted to grab something.
Price and Value
£175
At £175, the Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack sits at the premium end of the market.
However, its build quality, thoughtful design, and versatility make it worth the investment. Comparable bags, like the Nomatic/Gomatic 30L, are even more expensive and lack some of the Hybrid’s stylish touches.
Alternatives To The Hybrid
Nomatic 30L Travel
The Nomatic 30L offers similar storage and organisational features but leans heavily into a techy aesthetic. It’s highly functional but lacks the versatility of the Hybrid for more formal settings. It’s also maybe a bit overpriced.
We have fully reviewed Nomatic here.
Osprey Quasar
The 28L Osprey Quasar is a more budget-friendly option at around £90. While it’s light, comfortable and durable, it’s a lot better suited to outdoor adventures (hiking/camping/festivals) than professional, urban or travel use.
Personally I’d advise you to buy both the Stubble & Co Hybrid AND the Quasar if you can.
FAQ’s About The Stubble & Co Hybrid Pack
Final Thoughts
The verdict is clear on this one. The Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack truly and duly lives up to its name, offering a blend of functionality, style, and durability that’s very hard to beat.
Whether you’re going to be navigating city streets, heading to the gym, or embarking on a long-weekend getaway, this is a bag that adapts to your needs.
While the price tag might give some pause, its quality and versatility make it a worthwhile investment. For me, it’s not just any old backpack—it’s a new travel essential.
