Datum Bags Now Available in U.S.

Backpacks are useful and convenient: a necessary part of commuting that keeps your stuff safe and your hands free.

Too often, though, they make you look like you’re headed to varsity soccer practice.

Datum bags have been the exception for years, but until now, these designed-in-California bags were only available in Japan.

Now, they’re coming home — with their U.S. distribution handled by our friends at DSPTCH, our fave accessories brand in town.

Our choice? It’s gotta be the Trecknos Loader, made from super-tough 500D Cordura Plus nylon.

The padding means that you can pack your gear in it without worrying overly about the errant shove, trip, or tumble.

At 22 liters, it should fit everything you need — whether you’re loading heavy for a busy worklife or packing light for a weekend away (this one can fit under an airplane seat, if you have somewhere else to put your legs.)

For an extra four liters, check out the roll-top pack — maybe not so hot for the office but a worthy companion on your next trip.

Huge in Japan, made here at home: That is a solid combo.

Meet your guide

Diane Rommel

Diane Rommel has written for The Wall Street Journal, Outside, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, Wallpaper and Afar, as well as The Cut, Buzzfeed, Huffington Post and McSweeney’s. She once drove from London to Mongolia, via Siberia.