Real Experience: My Current Favorite Backpack

Recently, during a conversation with colleagues about backpack choices for us working folks, I couldn’t help but talk enthusiastically about the backpack I’ve been using for about 5 years. Additionally, during two trips around the May Day holiday, I tried using two other backpacks, which made me appreciate my current old bag even more.

Regarding backpacks, you might have similar needs and frustrations as I do, so let me share my thoughts here.

Nayo Almighty Backpack - Currently My Favorite

I got this in August 2020, choosing the large size 32L. I purchased it from the official website using a discount code for $48.99 USD, which was equivalent to 317.055 CNY at the time.

The screenshot above was taken when I visited Erhai Lake in 2020. Not bad, right? Even when the backpack is empty, it can stand upright on its own.

This model has now been upgraded to the 3rd generation, which should be even better than mine.

Multi-functional Features

What impressed me about this backpack is its multi-functionality. Many detailed design elements perfectly solve my specific scenarios and pain points.

Here are some specific scenarios:

1. Sunglasses - Position #2 allows you to hang sunglasses directly.
2. Keys - Position #3 has a zippered pocket specifically for keychains.
3. ID card - Position #6’s zippered compartment is perfect for it, no need to take off the backpack.
4. Luggage - Position #4 can be placed directly on the luggage handle, so you can pull both the suitcase and backpack together.

And so on. There are quite a few scenarios where it solves pain points like these. With other regular backpacks, I simply couldn’t achieve this level of convenience.

Additionally, the interior compartments are well-divided, so when I travel and pack clothes/electronics, everything stays organized.

In summary, this backpack currently meets my needs for commuting, travel, and various other scenarios. It’s truly a multi-purpose bag.

Let me break down the overall pros and cons.

Pros

• Large capacity.
• Well-designed features, such as the strap pocket for keychains, insulated zippered compartment, sunglasses hanging spot, etc. The best part is that it can stand upright even when empty.
• Reasonable price. Compared to the hundred-yuan backpacks I bought before, it’s not expensive. I checked and the 2nd generation currently sold on JD is slightly more expensive than what I paid with the discount code, but not by much.

Cons

I personally think the build quality is just average. However, checking the official website, it has now been upgraded to the 3rd generation, while JD still sells the 2nd generation. Both are newer than mine, so this shortcoming might have been improved.

Interesting Point

Sometimes when going through subway security, my backpack can pass through the scanner directly even when it’s empty, due to its naturally bulky and heavy structure. So is this a pro or a con? I’ll categorize it as “interesting.”

Other Backpacks I Currently Own

• Recently, my company issued an Anta Baichuan backpack, priced at around 300 CNY. I used it during the May Day trip and found it comfortable for the waist, but the pain point is that when I want to store keys, there’s no dedicated place for them. With only a few interior compartments, I often put things in and then can’t remember which layer I used, which is very annoying.

• I also have several other backpacks bought years ago or cheap ones issued by the company. They all have similar problems - they don’t solve many practical pain points and merely provide some crude pockets for storage.

Final Thoughts

1. I looked up Nayo Smart and it’s a domestic Chinese brand, definitely not a big-name brand. However, I think the design is quite thoughtful. If you’re not pursuing big brands, it’s worth trying.
2. From my current perspective, I can abandon my plans to try other backpacks several more times. This backpack really is the most suitable for me. It seems like I can use it for a few more years before upgrading to a newer version.