Patagonia Atom Tote 20L Review - A great everyday for women and children

[@cresole]

comments from a petite woman of 5 feet: 1. the shoulder pads are kind of wider and using the clippers to close them is important to make it feel comfortable with heavy load. 2.the size is great for 15 inch torso, can't find a better one on market that fits good, with padded shoulder pads and light materials 3.compared with Fjallraven, Kipling etc, this one fit my needs better with competitive price 4.the laptop sleeve is an overkill, I don't need it. 5.the water bottle sleeves are too loose for 20 oz bottles 6.the straps at the top are surprisingly unnoticeable and great for hand carry. Thanks for the review which helped me make the decision to buy!

[@EDG]

Thanks for the insight! Really helps people hear your experience.

[@user-mb9ym6fc9d]

This is a great bag. I'm a 5'9" tall male with an 18" torso and it fits fine; sure it's a little stubby looking on my back but I use it primarily as an airline personal item and carry it by the handles and it's perfect for that. My main bag is a 40L travel convertible backpack. I agree with others that the backpack straps should stow; additionally, there should also be attachment loops at the top sides to attach a shoulder strap so it can have another carry option for those using a larger travel back back. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

[@EDG]

Yep, I’d agree with that. I’m the same size. It’s a decently solid bag especially for the price. But it’s just lacking a few features to make it really useful, as there are better options out there

[@MichaelWebber]

Functionally very similar to Fjallraven Kanken, the version with the padded laptop slot, but worlds different in styling. I'm amazed this holds 20L. My 20L Osprey Daylite Plus seems a lot bigger; this reminds me more of the Osprey 13L Daylite (not "Plus"). This is not the only current gen Patagonia to forego nicknack pockets and "office panels"; Arbor Link 25L comes to mind.

[@EDG]

I can see that. The shape gives it that sneaky volume similar to the kanken. I had a daylite and that was so skinny it didn’t hold too much. I do with this had storable backpack straps though to make it a proper tote

[@nubbyc]

I have had mine for a few weeks now and I enjoy it for the laptop cushioning! I'm coming from the Arbor classic 25L which has minimal laptop protection but got me through college with the carrying capacity and large lid pocket. I am petite framed and agree that this backpack would not suit larger frames. The tote handles are also handy like the Fjallraven bags but the material on the Atom is more water resistant. The North Face has a similar bag to the Atom tote but is even pricier and I felt like Patagonia was a better value for the size and color way (the Pampas Tan is just gorgeous). I hope Patagonia keeps making more of these because they make great commute bags.

[@EDG]

Thanks for the subscription, really appreciate it . Yea! Glad you can confirm that this smaller bag is better for a small frame. There aren’t as many high quality backpacks made for smaller frames. Yea I’m digging the design too, as I love Fjallraven! What’s your opinion on the separate laptop sleeve thing that’s included?

[@nubbyc]

@@EDG I thought it was strange for Patagonia but I've been testing it and I actually appreciate it. Without it, the false bottom and pocket are effective, but I have more peace of mind with the added sleeve. The mesh pocket on it is great for a small note pad or sticky notes, but I'm afraid of pens ripping into it.

[@EDG]

@@nubbyc nice, glad it’s working for you

[@user-xw9ef4mo3f]

why the title says great for women and children? they are not for men or what?

[@EDG]

Yes, it's a little small for men. unless it for men that are like 5'5" and below

[@Mattzerfyer]

I think this bag should also offer stowable backpack straps.

[@EDG]

That would be a great addition , and would make sense since the bag is so small

[@lucadaleno5661]

Hi. I love this backpack so much but i Need Just few more space to fit my 15" laptop. Do you think that i can fit my laptop in this backpack but not in the laptop sleeve? I am also searcing anything else in this style minimal but useful can you help me? Thank you and Sorry for my english

[@EDG]

Hi Luca, thanks for the question, you’re English is just fine. I think this pack will be too small for a 15” laptop to be honest. I’d search for something a bit larger. It will probably fit your laptop, but not have right room for much else.

[@mandubabulam]

I was looking at this bag for the minimal look and smaller size- but I'd prefer something with more organization- what would you recommend?

[@EDG]

Check out my review of the REI ruckpack 18l. It’s roughly the same size, just as light. And even more minimal as it doesn’t have branding. And the organization is surprisingly great. It’s my daily travel and definitely better for your needs.

[@mandubabulam]

@@EDG thank you! watched your review, looks perfect for me

[@EDG]

@@mandubabulam yeah, I really like it. It’s the small backpack that I continue to use. And on sale it’s like $45.

[@lucadaleno5661]

Hi. If you do not use the laptop sleeve you can fit a 15" laptop inside the back pocket?

[@EDG]

hi Luca, yes if yo don't use the laptop sleeve, you can probably fit a 15" laptop. thanks for the question.

[@mariannelee9594]

Hello! What are the dimensions of the laptop sleeve? I want to know if I can fit my macbook pro in it, but I have not found the dimensions anywhere :( Thanks!

[@EDG]

HI Marianne, Sorry, I don't have the pack anymore, so I can't give exact dimensions. But, if you have a 13" MacBook Pro, it'll fit, because I have the same laptop and tried it.

[@mariannelee9594]

was it a very tight fit? or a bit of wiggle room? my macbook pro 14 inch is 8.71in and your macbook is 8.36in

[@EDG]

@@mariannelee9594 Hmmm, that I can't remember. Patagonia carries these at REI (idk if you live in the states). But you could try it out there since I know there aren't too many Patagonia stores around.

[@mariannelee9594]

@@EDG unfortunately im not from the states but i love the REI bag from your other video so i might just splurge hahaha

[@scottshiau]

Is this bag suitable for men?

[@EDG]

Probably not. It’s too small and won’t be comfortable, plus it’s won’t loook good on a bigger frame.

[@scottshiau]

@@EDG thanks！

[@cutch16]

Hey! What are the absolute dimensions? I can fit my 16” laptop into my 16l Fjallraven rekanken. So I think I’ll be able to fit it into this bag too, as this bag is apparently a few cm bigger than the rekanken. Thanks!

[@EDG]

It’s 16” x 12” x 5”