Patagonia Refugio Backpack Review

Looking for a versatile everyday backpack that’s not made just to carry a laptop? Patagonia Refugio might be the bag you’re looking for, and you’ll find out everything about it in this detailed review!

Construction, carrying comfort, organizational features, and versatility of the backpack are all covered in this review. Read on to learn more about the Patagonia Refugio backpack and see why it’s such a good option for both the urban and the actual jungle!

Materials And Durability

What is the Refugio 30L backpack made from and how does it handle frequent use? That’s all covered in this section!

Materials

The Patagonia Refugio backpack is made from 100% recycled polyester. The bag is coated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) for the best performance in wet weather conditions. Polyester is a good material for daypacks because it’s very tough, durable, and lightweight. It’s also very easy to clean, which is important for daypacks that were designed for frequent use.

DWR coating is one of the best things a backpack can have to improve its overall water resistance. It’s PFC-free so it’s perfectly sustainable, and it allows the backpack to just shed the water. DWR coating does not make the backpack entirely waterproof, so you’ll still want to seek shelter in case of heavy rain, but you’ll be fine walking around with the Refugio in light rain.

Also, it’s worth pointing out that Patagonia is trying to improve the overall sustainability of its products. That’s why they are using recycled materials in most of their newer lines, and why the Refugio backpack is entirely made from recycled polyester. If you want to support a brand that’s making a conscious effort to be as green as possible, Patagonia is certainly one of the best options.

Durability

Polyester isn’t the most durable material that backpacks are made from but it’s certainly one of the top options. It has good water resistance without any additional coating, it’s tear and abrasion-resistant, and it performs very well in changing conditions.

In addition to the durable body of the bag, it’s worth noting that all the hardware on the Refugio pack is also premium quality. Overall, it is a very sturdy bag that should last you years even with daily use thanks to the excellent materials and craftsmanship.

Sizing Options

The Refugio backpack from Patagonia is available in two sizes – the Refugio 26L bag and the Refugio 30L bag. The differences between the two are minimal, and the key difference is truly just the size.

The bigger bag does have a few extra features, but most are directly related to its total capacity. It’s equipped with a bungee cord on the front panel, which allows you to stash a few bulkier items on the exterior of the backpack.

Comfort

Is the Patagonia Refugio backpack comfortable to wear for prolonged time periods? You’ll find out in this section.

Back Panel And Shoulder Straps

Both the shoulder straps and the back panel of the Refugio backpack feature thick padding and breathable spacer mesh. The padding ensures that the bag feels comfortable against your body and that you don’t feel the contents of the pack, while the spacer mesh allows your body to breathe and lets any moisture evaporate.

The back panel of this bag also has an airflow channel in between the two spacer mesh panels, for even better breathability. Also, you can adjust the length and the position of the padded straps, which is crucial for getting a comfortable fit. The Refugio backpack is overall a very comfortable bag to wear, especially when it’s packed light.

Sternum Strap And (No Hip Belt)

There’s a sternum strap on the Refugio backpack, which will help ensure the bag stays put on your torso while you’re out and about. It’s possible to adjust the height of the sternum strap, so almost everyone can make it fit their body perfectly.

The sternum strap also helps distribute the load of the pack more evenly, but it’s nowhere near as functional as a hip belt. Unfortunately, the Patagonia Refugio backpack doesn’t include any sort of hip belt, so you will need to bear its entire load on your shoulders.

The 26-liter bag is okay without a hip belt, but the 30-liter one could benefit from this accessory. A fully packed 30-liter backpack can be heavy enough to cause pain in your torso, so go with the smaller pack if you want to be sure you’ll stay comfortable while you’re wearing this backpack.

Organization And Accessibility

How many pockets and compartments are in the Refugio backpack? Read on to see for yourself.

Main Compartment

The Refugio’s main compartment is very spacious and it can easily hold everything you need during the workday or a day out on the trail. It doesn’t have any internal pockets or sleeves so it’s great for the bigger and bulkier items.

The main compartment is large enough to hold clothes for a few days, making this backpack a decent option if you need a bag for a weekend away. And don’t worry about the lack of pockets in the main compartment – they’re hidden in a different compartment of the Refugio.

Padded Laptop Sleeve

The Refugio backpack boasts a padded laptop sleeve that comfortably fits 15” devices. The sleeve is removable so you can take it out of the backpack and use it on its own. It’s got a zippered pocket in addition to the sleeve, which holds all the accessories you might need to use with the computer.

Patagonia calls this laptop sleeve a Tech Caddy because it’s designed to carry all those accessories you might need in the different zippered pockets. It’s also worth noting that the backpack has a dedicated compartment in the back for this organizer.

Stretchy Side Pockets

The Patagonia Refugio backpack boasts stretchy pockets on either side. They’re actually the only part of the backpack body that’s not entirely made from recycled materials – instead, they’re made from nylon and elastane.

The side water bottle epockets are the perfect size to hold water bottles, tripods, small umbrellas, and whatever you might want to keep in them. They’re deeper than they appear, and they can work for most bulky items that you don’t want to keep inside the main compartment. The side pockets also keep the items inside them more easily accessible, so they’re great for things you want to be able to grab quickly while you’re on the go.

Top/Front Compartment

The Refugio backpack features one additional pocket. On the smaller backpack, it’s a zippered compartment on the front panel, but on the bigger backpack, it’s a small zippered pocket at the top of the bag.

This is a very basic pocket, best suited for the items you want to have easily accessible, or just the things you forgot to pack in the main compartment.

Versatility

Patagonia claims that this backpack is great for both work and play, but which features of the bag can back up that statement? That’s what we’ll explore in this section.

Hydration Hanger

This backpack features a hydration hanger with pass-through access, which is the one feature it needs to be suitable for use on the trail. The hanger allows you to store a hydration bladder of choice in an easily accessible compartment, and you get all the pass-through points you need to easily set up the hose for hands-free hydration.

Bike Light Clip

The Refugio backpack has a bike-light clip at the base. It’s another small feature that makes the pack much more versatile, and it’s extremely helpful for anyone who often cycles.

The bigger backpack is an even better fit for cyclers, thanks to the addition of the bungee cord on the front panel which can easily hold a helmet. However, it’s worth noting that without a hip belt, neither of these bags is an ideal solution if you’re specifically looking to get yourself a backpack for bike rides.

Value For Money

Is the Refugio worth it? If you’re looking for a backpack that’s so versatile you’ll be able to take it anywhere, it absolutely is.

It’s a pricey backpack but it’s got enough features to justify the price point. It’s a great everyday backpack but it’s also suitable for hiking, travel, and cycling, so you will be able to get a lot of use out of the backpack.

The men’s laptop bag is also made from high-quality materials that hold up well with regular use, plus it’s backed by Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee. Although you can get cheaper bags with similar features, you’ll have a hard time finding a  bag that’s as versatile as this one and made from durable but recycled materials.

Patagonia Refugio Backpack: Final Thoughts

Is the Refugio backpack the right bag for you? If you need a versatile bag that will take care of all your backpack needs, then it most likely is.

Patagonia Refugio is primarily an everyday backpack, but its features are versatile enough that it can work for hiking, cycling, and travel. If you want to get one backpack that you can use whenever you need to bring a bunch of stuff somewhere, this is a great backpack to have.

It’s also made from very durable materials that perform well in wet weather and that will hold up with frequent use.

In case the Refugio backpack is a little out of your price range, you’ll find some more affordable alternatives in our related posts!

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