Mixing equal parts style and functionality, Stubble & Co.’s range of backpacks and bags have something to offer for everyone.
A good everyday carry bag will take you and all your gear where you need to go. A great EDC bag will do all that with style, panache, and impeccable organization.
But the best bags — the most memorable ones, the kind that you’ll be able to pass down to your kids — do all of that with a natural feel that’s a joy to wear and carry.
We got our hands on a couple bags from Stubble & Co. recently, and we have to admit: We’re impressed.
In this Stubble & Co. Review, we’ll give an in-depth look at two of their packs (The Backpack and The Roll Top), followed by a final verdict of who these bags are the best fit for.
About Stubble & Co.
Stubble and Co. is a UK-based bag and backpack company that’s on a mission to make the perfect all-rounder bag.
From commuting to outdoor adventures and beyond, their lineup of thoughtfully designed bags encapsulates their motto: “‘That’ll do’ will never do.”
With a keen focus on the details and an eye towards handsome functionality, they’re a refined breed of bag that we think will appeal to many men.
Daypack vs. Backpack
You may have seen our review of the Stubble and Co Daypack. The Daypack has been discontinued and replaced by the Backpack which we review in this article.
The Backpack is bigger than the Daypack was, and is slightly more expensive.
What We Tried
With 10 different bag offerings to choose from at the time of writing, Stubble & Co. seems to have a backpack for everyone.
We would have loved to test them all, but narrowed our choices down to just two: Their standby classic The Backpack, as well as the waterproof and travel ready The Roll Top. Let’s look at each of them in greater detail below.
The Backpack – For Work and Beyond
Designed as the brand’s most versatile everyday all-rounder, The Backpack is made with a British Millerain Tekwax canvas that gives it a great combination of durability, weatherproofing, and easy carrying style.
Stripped-down functionality is the name of the game here.
Two water bottle ready side pockets and a padded interior 16 inch laptop pocket are paired with one large internal storage space as well as two zip pockets for a good blend of organization options without becoming overly complicated.
It’s important here to mention the most unusual feature of Stubble & Co.’s The Backpack: A drawstring closure underneath the top flap hood.
This closure style may take some getting used to, but after a month or so of wearing The Backpack every day and practicing with it, we’ve found it to be a useful and convenient way to expand or shrink the pack’s size to accommodate our gear.
Padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel make The Backpack comfortable to carry — though we noticed that when the bag is packed completely full, it tends to pull backwards uncomfortably.
Try to keep your heaviest things closest to your body, and don’t overpack it if you’re looking for a comfy ride.
The Backpack is available in two (very different) sizes: 10.5 liters and 21 liters. We tested the 21 liter backpack for this review, and found it to be an excellent fit. There are also three colors to choose from: Flat black, a pirate gray, and olive drab.
The Roll Top – Waterproof Daily Carry
We also wanted to test the latest and greatest bag from Stubble & Co.: The Roll Top, a waterproof backpack made from a durable recycled PET material.
Of the two bags we tested, The Roll Top seems more rugged and ready for adventures.
Its waterproof construction came in handy on a week of rainy Cincinnati days, where we got the chance to take it through the wringer of urban commuting in a downpour.
It performed admirably, and our gear inside the bag stayed completely dry — thanks in large part to the water resistant zippers and reinforced base.
This bag’s roll-top style makes it a great choice for bicycle commuters, too.
That’s paired with an extra-cushioned back panel, helpful sternum strap that made it more comfortable to carry for long periods of time, and reflective trim for higher visibility in the rain and gloom.
Between the two bags, the choice is pretty clear: If you walk or drive most places, The Backpack is the better pick. But if you’re biking or taking your backpack on a hike, The Roll Top will hold you in better stead.
A Note on Other Options
At the time of writing, Stubble & Co. also offers quite the range of other bags. That includes miniature versions of the two we’ve reviewed, as well as larger duffel style weekender bags and a pricier (but extra tough) Adventure Bag with a big 42 liter capacity.
We’d encourage you to check all of them out, as we’re quite impressed with the quality of the bags we tested relative to their price points.
Stubble & Co. Pros and Cons
And here’s our top level rundown for Stubble & Co.’s bags:
Stubble & Co. Pros
- Thoughtful design
- Plenty of options to help choose your perfect bag
- Good balance of comfort, function, style, and durability
- Really nice quality bags for the price
Stubble & Co. Cons
- Unconventional closures can take some time to get used to
- Backpack sizes top out at around 20 liters, with the exception of the Adventure Bag
- May need packing cubes to fully organize these bags’ interiors
Like any product, there are pros and cons! You just have to decide how they weigh out for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we go: Answers to the most commonly asked questions about Stubble & Co.s bags.
Where Are Stubble & Co. Bags Made?
We’ll let Stubble & Co. explain this one: “We use a fantastic small workshop in Southern China. It is managed by Matthieu, who we have weekly phone calls with.
We’ve worked with the same producer since we founded the company and with regular trips and communication, we’re really proud of our supply chain.
We’ve made sure that everything is being run on European standards and is BSCI accredited. Our skilled manufacturers are experts in what they do, ensuring your bag is of the highest quality.”
Where Are Stubble & Co. Bags Designed?
All of the brand’s bags are designed in London.
Do Stubble & Co.’s Bags Have a Warranty?
All of Stubble & Co.’s bags come with a 2-year warranty.
Final Verdict
We’ve had our hands on a lot of bags and backpacks over the years — and have become quite particular about what makes for a good bag.
In our opinion, Stubble & Co.’s backpacks hit all the right notes: Attention to detail in their construction. Handsome style. Thoughtful design. And a good value for the price, to boot.
That’s why we can say without a doubt that Stubble & Co.’s bags are good buy, and we’d gladly recommend them to any friend looking for a new everyday backpack.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
