It’s rare that a brand comes along and truly changes the way I think about an everyday product… But despite the odds, that’s exactly what this Oregon-based company has done.
And it only took one week.
It’s a product that most of us use almost every day. A product that demands both form and function. And a product that is as ubiquitous as it is essential to daily life.
The backpack.
With the introduction of their Cascade Backpack in June of last year, Portland Gear has fundamentally changed the backpack game for the better.
Tell me if this sounds familiar…
- You’re looking for a good backpack to buy, but you can’t find one that has the features you want AND looks like it was designed for humans with eyeballs…
- Every backpack you find is either too bulky OR just can’t fit everything you need for the day…
- And worst of all, if you happen to be out and about when the weather decides to change moods, you end up with a backpack full of soggy books, or god-forbid – a soggy laptop 😬
But fear not, Portland Gear’s brand-new Cascade Backpack is here, and it changes everything.
After wearing it for one week, I honestly will never look at backpacks the same ever again. It’s safe to say the Cascade Backpack has officially ruined every other backpack out there for me.
With that being said, here are…
The Top 5 Reasons The Cascade Backpack has become the must have backpack of the year.
1. Clean/Stylish Design with Weather-proof Construction.
Born in the Pacific Northwest, the Cascade Backpack is built to handle any weather the day throws at you. From downpours to blizzards, all your stuff stays safe and dry inside the weather-sealed zippers and water-resistant material. Gone are the days of showing up to class or work with a soaked backpack that takes all day (or longer) to dry out.
But it’s not just functional – the Cascade Backpack also just looks plain cool. Clean lines, sleek silhouette, and technical fabric all come together to make one of the best-darn-looking backpacks out there for guys and girls alike.
With a backpack that looks this good, it’s no wonder this thing is absolutely flying off shelves across the country.
2. 21-Liter Volume is the Perfect Middle Ground Between Capacity and Compactness.
Almost every backpack on the market today is designed one of two ways:
1. To fit everything and the kitchen sink (at the cost of a convenient form-factor)
Or…
2. Can hardly fit a laptop, notebook and a sweatshirt without having to white-knuckle the zipper closed through a storm of expletives and profuse sweating.
Our prayers have finally been answered, the Cascade Backpack exists at the intersection of fits-everything-you-need and doesn’t-look-it-was-made-for-a-silverback-gorilla. For the first time maybe ever, capacity and convenience coexist.
Whether it’s books for school, groceries from the store, or clothes for an overnight, it can handle it all. And importantly, when you only need to carry a few items, it doesn’t look like a deflated balloon.
The Cascade Backpack looks great whether you need to carry a lot or just a little.
3. Effortless Access with Pop-Top Technology
Maybe the feature that sets the Cascade Backpack apart more than any other is its unique and hyper-functional wireframe top.
All too many backpacks essentially function as bottomless pits to toss your stuff into, never to be seen from again. Only after digging and fumbling (and occasionally upending the whole backpack) can you find what you were looking for.
But no more.
The Cascade Backpack’s innovative top opening makes it SO much easier to see and access everything in your bag. It will make you wonder how you were able to live without it.
4. Stands Up On It’s Own
This next one may not be a must have feature for all backpack users – but for many, it’s at the very top of the list. Not only is it convenient for accessing your stuff when your backpack is sitting next to your chair, it also keeps your backpack much cleaner because it’s not constantly laying flat on the dusty or dirty ground.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished my old backpacks had this seemingly simple feature, and how many fall flat (pun intended).
The Cascade Backpack stands alone as one of the few backpacks that doesn’t topple over immediately when you set it down.
5. Ultra Durable & Wipes Clean
The Cascade Backpack’s premium construction means this backpack is built to last a lifetime. DWR Nylon Denier fabric, high-tensile filament webbing, and premium waterproof zippers all add up to a backpack that stands the test of time, and the elements.
Plus, as an added bonus, the water-resistant construction means your backpack will easily wipe clean with just a damp cloth if you happen to get it dirty.
The Cascade backpack is built tough to withstand the demands of daily commuting and rigorous adventuring.
So… Is It Worth It?
These five amazing features (along with a whole bunch I didn’t have time for here), add up to a truly innovative and functional backpack. Since I got mine, I can’t count how many times people have asked me where I got it, and it’s no surprise! It looks as cool as it is effective, and I can see this being my everyday backpack for a very long time.
If you’re wondering whether the Cascade Backpack is worth trying, I’d say most definitely.
Where can I get one?
The Cascade Backpack was sold out for almost all of the holiday season due to high demand, but as of today (PUBLISH DATE) they’re finally back in stock! These things go fast, so if you’re considering getting one, I’d do it now. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
