Patagonia Refugio 26 and Refugio 30 Review (2022) - I don’t know about these changes...

[@cosmicowl42069]

Almost no one has published reviews of the redesigns of these bags, much less direct comparisons. Appreciate it

[@deadnorwegianblue614]

I bought Refugio last week and I love it. I was never a fan of internal organizer, never used them and they just ate space, so it’s great that I can remove it and have some free space.

[@kilim2169]

how is the laptop sleeve protector? is it suspended high enough when its inside the bag so it doesn't hit the floor?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bag! I can definitely see some of the benefits that would come with this chance and I am glad to hear it has been working well for you!:)

[@deadnorwegianblue614]

@@kilim2169 I don’t have a problem with it. It’s not as high as such but the pouch pretty well-padded plus it’s attached to the loop on the top of the compartment. My laptop is very boxy and I don’t have a problem with it hitting the floor, but I haven’t thrown the backpack onto the floor. Unless you do that, it’s well protected

[@CB-vg1wq]

I agree! I think the built in styles ends up using space. I like the option- you may not want to bring your laptop. Sometimes I just use my phone.

[@Watchamocalit]

Super helpful review. Thanks for suggesting the 20l fjallraven, I wanted something a little more compact but the patagonia 20l atom tote laptop sleeve didn't fit my iPad Pro 12.9 with the magic keyboard on. Will definitely check that out!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@Jaybiiird]

this backpack review was super helpful thanks!!

[@user-ct1br1je2v]

Your video is very useful! I really wanted osprey’s backpack. But there is no stock in Japan and the arrival is so late. So, I decided to buy Refugio day pack by watching your video. I’m enjoying and learning English by your video! Thank you! (I’m not native speaker. Maybe there is some grammatical error.)

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I hope you enjoy using the Refugio a lot!:)

[@venkatk3419]

The only missing feature is padding at the bottom of the bag. Its very thin and hard to carry any stuff other than cloths without containers.

[@dimitris470]

The dimensions that you give at around 4:00 give 23 and 25 liters in volume. It is "optimistic" to call them 26 and 30 liter bags, even with lots of stretching

[@CB-vg1wq]

Thank you for this well done review! I like the new design of the Refugio 26. Why? Well, I am a minimalist- and travel with very little. So, I can actually use this bag for a week. What do I most miss? A pass through for a luggage handle. When I travel with other family (who prefers roller bags) it would have been so cool to put this bag on top. Also, I would have liked a small zipper compartment on top for passport, gum, mask, etc. I really like the large compartment - I toss 4 tees, 1 travel trousers, 4 pair socks, 4 underwear, 1 light weight sweater, 1 pair flip flops, 1 knit cap and 1 hat with a brim. I use the top zipper section for toiletries. I like the dedicated pouch for laptop and the removable sleeve. I looked at other bags that had these built in but felt the built in style just used up so much space and made it much harder to fit in clothes. Many people maybe using this for an everyday carry bag but since I am interested in using it for travel, I may have a different perspective. I filled it out with travel cubes, too - helped distribute the weight more equally in the large storage spaces. I am 5'4" and weigh 120 lbs so, my clothes are fairly small, too. Men might need the larger Refugio. One other comment, It is really helpful to take the time to adjust the straps to your frame. When I purchase bags, the straps are often out maximally and it really helps to snug them up for comfort. I am trying to carry the bag high across my back.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s great to hear the bag matches up well with your travel and packing style!:)

[@jesot]

Heh. I bought the 30l as a travel bag because the laptop sleeve is removable. More space for other things since I rarely travel with a laptop.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I can definitely see the value in that case of being able to leave the laptop sleeve behind and save on space and weight!

[@ukelilly]

I don't use those bungie straps so would rather have the front zipper for a sleeker look. I don't carry a laptop so I am glad it's a removable sleeve. Too bad it's not a full clamshell. I would give up one of the water bottle pockets to allow for that if that's what's holding it back And a compression strap inside would be nice to keep things compact and may prevent the bag from sticming out too much. Thx for the review

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I’m going to be testing the updated Patagonia Mini MLC which might be a cool alternative to check out!

[@bethchaplin2023]

Thanks for the video. I just purchased the Refugio 30 and did not understand about the load lifters; now I will take a look and see if adjusting them will make the pack more comfortable for me. Overall, I like it due to the high capacity, as it's replacing a slightly smaller backpack which doesn't have quite enough space. I haven't seen the previous versions, but for me, the laptop sleeve looks like it will be useful for a long-haul flight, as I can take it out if needed and still have a secure place for all my electronics.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! And That’s a good point on being able to use the removable sleeve for flights as well!

[@Jv808UHM]

Best video on this bag yet

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@briesoleil]

thank you for this review! i’m going to college for environmental science next year (aka a lot of hiking and fieldwork) so this was perfect helping me decide what back to get. i am short ish but i think the 30l will work just fine

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@hackthoo]

Aesthetically I love the 30l one, since I like the cords, however I am like 5’10” so I don’t know if it will feel ok. I am really in a dilemma

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I think the 30l is still pretty manageable even tho it’s a little bigger, another option to check out if you like the cords is the osprey quasar which comes in at 28l

[@CB-vg1wq]

Since you are 5'10" - you can go for a bigger bag - 35L or 40L maybe perfect.

[@RicardoAlbertoMartinez]

The laptop attachment is the best of this backpack!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and although it’s not my favorite setup I can definitely see the appeal for many people!

[@estuardogonzalez9472]

Thanks for the review, Danny! Stuck on which bag to get. Would you recommend the 30L Refugio or the 32L Black Hole?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Overall I think the 32 black hole is a more versatile bag and I prefer the organizational layout and laptop compartment, but I do think the 30l Refugio size might be a little bit better for edc

[@estuardogonzalez9472]

@@dannypacks thanks for that info, appreciate it! With that comparison definitely going to get the black hole!

[@MattLeeSteer]

So maybe the Refugio is better as an option for gym/work EDC if the need is not there for longer travel?

[@DiddlyD-xx2ih]

I hate taking up space with a bunch of pockets that don't fit the items I have, so I'm a fan of the changes.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s a fair point!

[@andresromero9702]

Would a 17 in laptop fit on the computer laptop without the sleeve on both of them ?

[@abijah123456789]

thanks for the review! I think I'll get the 30L because I'm using it to commute but I like the smaller tech sleeve 😖

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I hope you enjoy using the bag a lot!:)

[@monderkbaeli9411]

I noticed that you barely mentioned that these bags are water rebellent and breathable permanently ♾, maybe you're in a country where it doesn't rain that often , but for me in germany it could rain anytime and having some build in water protection is a really really nice.

[@CB-vg1wq]

Thanks for letting us know about the water protection, Monder! I live in a dry climate (American SW) but travel to Europe so it will need to handle rain for me!

[@monderkbaeli9411]

@@CB-vg1wq I bought Fjällräven Skule 28 recently but I noticed that there is zero reviews about it, even though it is 28l but it feels like it can't hold much, and even though is has school in the name the front zipper (admin compartment) it is not practical for books. the bag hold it's shape when it is not full that is one of the main reasons why I bought it. it has reflactor stripes and the logo in the front works as a reflator too could increase my safty when I go with the bike at night. it is water resistant but not waterproof. it seems small on my back specially when it is not full and also because it has two bilts on the sides either to keep things tight inside when it is full of to make look smaller when empty in my opention. the elastic wire in the front looks nice . the zippers move really easy and stay.

[@OKAYFAM]

Hi! Thanks for the review. Do the load lifters work well on the 30l version please? I really like this feature as I have back problems and most of my backpacks make my shoulders super tired. Oh yeah second question, does the compression strap on each side can make the backpack flat? Or it will always look a bit bulky?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I feel like the load lifters work well, but the side compression straps don’t slim the bag down too much, they help a little bit they are more useful for attaching items

[@OKAYFAM]

@@dannypacks Thanks a lot for your reply. Great video.

[@Phamtom_images]

great informative review. I will be going to Paris and looking for a bag to carry on to the plane to serve as a personal item. And then later used as a day pack to walk around the city. I'm debating between the refugio 30L vs TNF recon vs osprey nebula. Being that you're a backpack expert, out of those 3, which would you recommend for my purposes. How is the back harness/strap system between those 3 when it comes to comfort and support and ventilation? which is the most comfortable for a stocky build? thanks.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Between the 3 the nebula and recon will have the more comfortable harness imo (I might give a slight edge to the nebula as it has better breathability). With that being said the nebula and Refugio might be pushing what certain airlines will allow as a personal item. The Refugio can hold alot and is less rigid so it can squeeze a bit better under a seat and some airline seats can likely handle the nebula. The Refugio is not a lot smaller than these 2 but it looks a little slimmer and more compact so it might be less likely to draw attention from the airline. Hope that helps a bit and hope you have an awesome time in Paris!:)

[@franciscofuentes8916]

I think the change is great in the bigger size though it looks more like a revised Chacabuco (with two 'c's). I'm using the Refugio to commute and I'd happily swap it for the new one

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and glad to hear you like the updates, I figured they might be good for many people depending on use cases :)

[@jaspery5812]

What are those wall hooks you have for the bags? Curious!

[@ge26925]

I’m now in a dilemma. I don’t know whether to get the current Refugio 30l, (as I like the bungee cord and the horizontal quick access pocket, but don’t like the lack of organization) or to get the older Refugio 28l (as it has more organization and I prefer the straps). Or should I wait for the next Refugio to be designed with upgrades? Please help me if possible…

[@finnL.t]

Is it going to be updated again??

[@0anant0]

I love Paxat because it has external pouch in front and both the side pockets have zippers.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I have the Paxat and mine has a water bottle pocket on one side and the zippered pocket on the other side

[@erichanson5628]

Thanks Danny!

[@marcobrugnaro9150]

Hi!! great videos on you tube!! Do you prefer/advise osprey apogee or this patagonia refugio 30? (I really don't care about new "caddy" for laptop).. thanks a lot

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Personally I would lean towards the apogee as I prefer the harness, organizational layout and harness system

[@marcobrugnaro9150]

@@dannypacks thank you very much💪

[@laughter95]

@@dannypacks Thanks so much for these tips. I'm buying a new backpack for professional school for the first time since two decades ago... Too many options out there and I get a bit of FOMO. Input like this is such a huge help to make the buying process so so much easier. I watched to the end of your Apogee video and noted the comparison to other bags. It's definitely helpful but I still wasn't sure what I wanted. Pulled the trigger on an Apogee.

[@WhatSize00]

good review thanx

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@WhatSize00]

@@dannypacks I bought a 26liter I'm satisfied Thank you so much

[@DriftLibrary]

Great features on the 30L. The laptop compartment on backpacks like this is pointless as pressuring the extremities of a laptop can damage the internal compartments and cause darkened pressure points on the screen. Would not recommend any backpack for laptops tbh. Great hiking pack though.

[@marsinse]

Do you think that 26 L is better for traveling? I mean, thinking about the policy about the bag's size!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both are pretty good for traveling but I think the 26 will be a safer option for more airlines

[@marsinse]

@@dannypacks thank you !

[@klaythompson663]

I just want to know if they are waterproof. Will they keep the contents of the bag dry if you're outside in rain all day?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! They are not waterproof so I’m heavier rain water would start to seep in

[@sebastiant9545]

You should do a review on the arcteryx mantis 26L

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion!:)

[@Fduthoy]

My man... imn looking for a daypack for day hiking (going to hike and coming home the same day) would you recomend the 26 for that? thanks in advance boss

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I think the 26l is a good option for that if you don’t need a ton of organization

[@dowook]

Thanks for the review. Is it possible to take off the bungee cord on 30L?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Unfortunately it doesn’t look like that can be removed

[@erichanson5628]

2021 Refugio 26-28L were the top bags sold by REI. Shame that they changed them.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree, really wish they had kept the same layout!

[@nellatrab]

Danny could you do a review of the Gregory Rhune 20...?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I wasn’t familiar with that one but it looks pretty cool! I’ll have to see if I can get one to test out!

[@kieranmoore784]

I have the original Refugio 28, sort of. My wife has adopted it as her work bag, so I thought about getting the new one. However, the separate laptop compartment and lack of organiser pockets up front has crossed it off my list. I am retired, so don't have a real need for a laptop carry, and I resent the separate pocket eating into the overall storage capacity!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree, I was pretty disappointed with the changes as I really liked the setup on the previous edition. The black hole 25 or the new mini MLC may be better replacements if you are looking for a similar bag

[@City-Hiker]

Although both Patagonia and North Face are mainly made mountains hiking wears, I think the Patagonia is famous in corporate vests, but for the backpack, I believe North Face and it’s sister companies like Jansport, Vans are more popular.

[@oliviasnow2527]

I am looking for a backpack to use for school and I like the look of the 26L bag but am worried that it won’t be big enough. Does it have enough room for notebooks and a binder?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! The simple layout of the 26 allows it to hold quite a bit and I think it could hold the items you described

[@Saahilvk]

Would a 17 inch laptop fit in the 26L version?

[@kaan1776]

I have a 15.6 inches laptop can it fit into 26l backpack?

[@jpsaezco]

hello! you recommend the 30 for day a day, go to boxing in bike?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and yes I think it can work well for those use cases!

[@kilim2169]

how would you rate the laptop protection sleeve for 26L? is it suspended well enough? looking for a good laptop bag

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! The sleeve is not suspended but it is pretty well padded all around so although it’s not my favorite way to carry a laptop I felt like it was safe

[@CB-vg1wq]

The bottom of the bag is slightly padded but not, for example, an 1 inch false bottom to really super protect the lap top. The sleeve is padded slightly, too. The sleeve has a nylon tab that you could attached the velcro hook inside for added stabilizing protection. I think if you are carrying the bag yourself, storing in overhead in plane yourself- I think it will be fine. I would not give this backpack to bag handlers at airport!

[@ibnunadzir223]

Do they remove the organization compartment?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Sadly yes, that was removed and combined into the removable laptop sleeve somewhat

[@raquelcuevas2852]

Would you recommend the 30L for college? I tried the borealis but feels very tight and narrow

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I think the 30L is a solid option for college, that main compartment can really hold a lot of stuff, even bulkier items like books and notebooks

[@amanday7278]

same, got the borealis and could not figure out how to make it less awkward to carry

[@Glassmanog]

What’s backpack is that blue one on the left side of the screen ? Thank you

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That is the topo Designs global briefcase 3-day

[@hiac1]

Hi, does laptop compartment have some false bottom because I've heard so.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! The previous version did, but in this one it is a removable laptop sleeve so it has padding on the bottom but it is not necessarily suspended

[@marekweclawek5897]

What are the dimensions of the 26l version?

[@schnickschnack2090]

45 x 30,4 x 16,5cm

[@ge26925]

Do you recommend the 26l or 30l for high school?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I think both can work well for school (comfortable straps and back panel and plenty of space for books / binders / etc). The biggest difference will be if you think you need some extra space or you want the ability to adjust your straps a bit more at the top via load lifters, in that case the 30l may be the better option

[@ge26925]

@@dannypacks thank you

[@mdubb4855]

The laptop insert alone would cost us $50 from Bihn.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and although I prefer the previous version of the bag I agree it’s a good deal that the sleeve is included with the bag

[@mdubb4855]

@@dannypacks I'm debating. I think the 30L is much better than my 30L Chacabuco. But I don't like losing an office panel in the Refugio 26.

[@davidm810]

Can I fit a 16 inch macbook in the 26L one?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I think the sleeve would be a little tight (particularly on the height) for a larger laptop

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I have a white and blue version of this 28l Refugio. Plus two previous generations of the Refugio. I like the look of this one but it's disappointing to me they removed the fleece lined sunglasses pocket

[@triticate6029]

what was the clothes bag at 9:00

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That is a compressible packing cube from arcido :)

[@City-Hiker]

Opens in a new window This backpack design basically is same as Kelty Flint.

[@suedawes2220]

Now all the internal fixed pockets are gone, where are you supposed to keep your phone??

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree that it’s sad those pockets have been moved into the laptop cache which isn’t as convenient to use :(

[@leodileodileo]

Pocket

[@franciscofuentes8916]

Probably as the new trend goes, you'd carry it in a sling

[@CB-vg1wq]

I agree with you, Sue! The loss of a small zip pocket on top is a real bummer! I put my phone in my jacket pocket but would have liked the option of the bag pocket.

[@IamGadgetcom]

sorry but I turned you off when you gave your opinion that you did not like the load lifters because you did not like the aesthetics. "HUH ?" Of course you are entitled to your opinion but when you are doing a video to show features at least you can say what an excellent benefit load levelers can be. Many people do not know what they are. I had tried this pack on last week. I can see when it is full it will bulge a lot and can make the pack hang and therefore make the pack feel heavier. When I used the load levelers it pulled the pack up higher and felt a lot lighter. Function first...( I happen to think load levelers look good. It is an added feature.

[@sillytorque]

thanks for the review. They have gone too basic and cheap looking in my opinion. They have lost a lot of functionality. The only reason these would sell is because of the brand name.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I agree, I prefer the previous edition

[@Goofygobbler609]

As an Italian, I don’t want to be rude, but that is not how you pronounce Refugio at all. Just pronounce the g as a g and not an h

[@delbertista]

Sorry to correct, but as a native Spanish speaker, it actually is most likely pronounce like an h as patagonia is named after a mountain range in argentina, a Spanish speaking country

[@user-uk9lh6pu2w]

I don't want a variety of organizers, but zero organizer pocket? so much disappointment.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree, would have been nice to have a little more organization