Kapten & Son has launched its lightest backpack to date, combining a packable design with enough protection and storage for everyday technology.
Founded in Münster in 2014 and now headquartered in Cologne, Kapten & Son is a German lifestyle brand that began with minimalist watches before expanding into backpacks, luggage, eyewear and clothing.
The new Åre Daypack Lite weighs 700g, meaning it is less than half the weight of the current 15-inch MacBook Air, which tips the scales at 1.51kg.
Despite that difference, the backpack has a padded compartment large enough to accommodate Apple’s portable computer.
The bag is not only spacious, but its soft construction also allows the Åre Daypack Lite to pack flat inside a suitcase.
This makes it particularly suitable as a secondary bag for holidays and work trips, providing something more substantial than the flimsy drawstring bags often sold as packable daypacks.
The 13-litre main compartment is accessed through a fold-open front panel, while two mesh bottle pockets provide additional storage.
There are also several internal compartments, including mesh and zipped pockets for organising smaller items.
Light work
Although Kapten & Son describes the Åre Daypack Lite as ultralight, there are lighter hiking backpacks available.
Patagonia’s similarly sized Terravia Pack 14L, for example, weighs approximately 471g.
However, the Åre includes several features normally found on heavier commuter and travel bags.
These include a breathable padded back panel, adjustable padded shoulder straps, a chest strap and an integrated sleeve for securing it to a suitcase handle.
A concealed anti-theft pocket provides somewhere to keep a passport or wallet, while an included rain cover offers additional protection when the water-repellent outer material encounters heavier downpours.
The backpack is constructed from 90% recycled PET and 10% polyester, and measures 42 x 28.5 x 13.5cm. Kapten & Son also describes the design as vegan.
The Åre Daypack Lite is available now at Kapten & Son for £99.90 / €99.90 (~$114 / AU$163) in All Black, Taupe and Muted Rose colourways.
