The Hikari pack from Alite Designs is the clown car of urban packs. Stowing an endless amount of stuff and instantly transforming from a backpack, to a tote, to a shoulder bag, the Hikari fits perfectly into the Alite design ethos of simple, creatively designed, multi-functional, good looking, everyday gear.
With 21 liters of storage space, this deceptively small pack will easily swallow your 17″ laptop, iPad, magazines, books, snacks, a puffy coat, all your electronics and cords, organized accessories, coffee thermos, and water bottle, all while leaving room for that inevitable extra stuff you buy when on the road.
The Hikari uses adjustable shoulder straps that transform from tote style to a backpack, along with a removable cross-body strap to convert the pack to a shoulder bag. The open top-loading style gives you easy access to the bag’s main storage area. It may take a bit of wrangling to get the tote straps out of the way for larger items.
The main compartment features a laptop sleeve and zippered pocket for your wallet, keys, sunglasses, or phone. An insulating skirt and cinch allows you to securely close the top of the Hikari pack and protect the contents from falling out or inclement weather.
Hidden, double-front zipper pockets on the Hikari pack provide additional storage space. The left pocket includes a velcro attached organizer pouch for your pens, phone, business cards, and passport. If you want to use the pack pedaling around town, the Hikari features a strategically placed fabric loop for your bike light.
The Hikari pack has served me well for everything from an airplane carry-on and flea market shopping bag to a day hike and courier pack for delivering packages to the post office by bike.
Extremely versatile, clown car capacity, great colors, fits under an airplane seat.
Tote straps can be fussy – perhaps clips could be added?
Bottom Line: The Hikari pack oozes urban versatility. It would make a great gift this holiday season.
The Alite Hikari pack normally retails for $84 but is currently on sale for $63 on the company website.
