Patagonia Refugio Backpack

Trains To Trails

Our first impression of this backpack was that it is generally quite simple and lacks some of the flashier features you can find in other backpacks, such as the North Face Jester.

However, after a few weeks of use, we understood that its minimalistic design is actually the winning ticket for this backpack. By having a relatively stripped-back look, this backpack isn’t catered to just one need, like a camera backpack, and can be used for a range of activities and occasions.

A unique feature of this Refugio backpack is its removable laptop sleeve. This one accessory now means we can quickly convert this commuter backpack into a hiking one. The back pocket has a hydration hanger and a pass-through for your tube if you want to use a hydration pack.

The main compartment is just one large section, which you might think is a pro or a con. For commuting, we would have liked an organizer for smaller items such as a pen, lip balm, or a purse. That’s where the laptop sleeve case comes in handy.

However, for larger items such as books and lunch boxes or jackets and sleeping bags, this compartment worked well, and it was nice to not have any obstructions when packing.

With the front pocket, we had a little love-hate relationship, depending on the situation. The zip runs vertically to the bag, which means that if you sling it forward, it’s easy to access, whether you want to stuff away your jacket or grab a book. However for smaller items, for example, your phone, they had a tendency to fall out or be hard to find. The Venture Pal has a small pocket, so your phone or wallet was a bit more hidden away, and that would’ve been nice here with this Refugio.

Dedicated Desk Caddy

Even though the Refugio is lacking a designated laptop compartment, they have included a separate 15-inch laptop sleeve. This sleeve is padded for protection, has a velcro closing so your laptop can’t accidentally slide out, and has a reasonable mesh pocket for accessories like your mouse or charger cables. Inside this pocket, there is actually a key clip, which, although we never used it, is always nice to have.

Having an actual removable sleeve versus a designated pocket isn’t something we have come across before and the more we used it, the more we liked it. Gone are the days of rummaging through the bag to find your mouse or your charger cable getting snagged.

Now our laptop and work accessories are all kept together and can be easily removed as soon you want to use the backpack for another use.

All The H20

On both sides of the Refugio, there are water bottle slip pockets. They are big pockets and the sturdy 32oz Naglene bottle fits perfectly. Since they are relatively wide and deep, you could also fit other items, such as gym shoes. The pockets are made from a stretchy mesh, which is an 84% recycled nylon / 16% elastane blend. This mesh material means these pockets could be a good place to carry damp items such as a towel.

External Features

Compared to some of its counterparts, the Patagonia Refugio lacks some external features. However, since this backpack’s purpose is to be a comfortable middle ground between commuting and day hikes, you could argue that perhaps four lash points are actually all you need.

On the base of the backpack on the front, there is one more lashpoint intended for a small bike light to clip onto. Although a small feature, we thought was a clever little add-on.

Across the chest, there is a sternum strap. It has an elasticated strap keeper which helps to keep things a little tidier. This sternum strap can be adjusted into 5 different positions along the shoulder straps or removed if you prefer.

This also means that you can potentially swap the two parts for better accessibility. The 5 loops for the sternum straps could also be used as extra lash points. There are also two loops at the top of the shoulder straps.

This Refugio backpack has one top grab handle and two compression straps. Both are reasonably minimal. We had no issue with the durability of the handle and have no reason to believe it won’t last. The backpack has a slightly padded bottom, giving it a stand-up design, so it won’t sag or collapse on the shoulders.

Water Resistance

The Refugio backpack is not waterproof and can only resist light moisture. The main fabric of the bag is made from 1005 recycled polyester with a PFC-free DWR finish. This gives the backpack a durable water-repellent coating.

If you get caught in a quick drizzle on your bike, then most likely the bag will be fine. However, a more serious shower when you’re hiking will be problematic for the bag and its contents. If you are worried about getting caught in the rain, then you should consider an extra waterproof cover.

People and Planet Friendly

Even though Patagonia has grown a lot in the last 50 years, they’ve never lost sight of its sustainability morals. The Refugio 26L backpack is made mostly from recycled materials. All fabrics are 100% recycled polyester, and the stretchy mesh for the side pockets is an 84% recycled nylon/16% elastane blend.

The backpack was made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, which means the people who made this product earned a premium for their labor. Lastly, since Patagonia is “1% for the Planet”, it has pledged 1%of its sales to planet conservation.

Price and Value

As with all Patagonia products, the price tag is slightly higher than some of its competitors. For example, the North Face Borealis or Jester are both a little cheaper and have many more features, both internal and external. However, with Patagonia, you get what you pay for. That is a top-notch quality product that will last for many many years to come. So a worthy investment for you and the planet. Also, all of Patagonia’s products come with their “Ironclad Guarantee. This means if you’re not initially satisfied or the product doesn’t measure up to your expectations, simply return it to the store you bought it from or to Patagonia for a repair, replacement, or refund.

Do we recommend it?

Yes, we recommend this backpack. However, it has to be said that you should carefully consider what you want to use this backpack for.

If you’re after an activity-focused bag, such as for hiking or your camera, then the lack of features and the simple design will probably be more of a frustration. Also, the front pocket with its vertical zipper isn’t perfect and an organizational pocket to tuck away our earbuds and wallet would have been appreciated.

An added value of this backpack is that it is produced by Patagonia, which has strong sustainability and cultural morals. It is becoming increasingly important for many people to buy an investment piece than a fashion piece.

The Refugio is great if you are after a generic backpack that has ample storage and can be used for all kinds of versatile scenarios for years to come. The extra desk caddy means you can toss out your work stuff and easily transition from boardrooms to backroads.