Earth Pak’s packable backpacks need to be distinguished from its waterproof roll-top bags. The older 30-liter pack described in this article and the current Nobo packable backpack should not be treated as interchangeable products. Confirm the model before relying on a capacity, pocket layout or weather-protection claim.
The older pack and the current Nobo
The earlier article described a foldable daypack with zippered compartments, side pockets and adjustable straps, but its capacity and pocket counts were not consistently documented. Those historical details do not establish specifications for a current purchase.
Earth Pak’s current Nobo listing describes a 16-liter pack that weighs four ounces, uses 40D nylon ripstop and folds into its built-in pocket. The manufacturer explicitly says it is not waterproof and recommends it for light daypack loads. These figures apply to the Nobo, not automatically to the older bag pictured here.
If buying older stock, ask the seller for its label, measurements and care instructions. If you want the Nobo, match that name and the actual product photographs. If you want a dry bag, compare the separate waterproof range and its closure instructions rather than assuming the Earth Pak brand name guarantees waterproofing.
What packability is good for
A soft bag that packs into a pocket is convenient as a spare for short outings, shopping or light travel use. It takes little room in a larger suitcase and can be opened when you reach your destination.
The tradeoff is that compact storage does not provide the structure or load transfer of a framed hiking pack. A large stated volume is also not a weight rating. Old customer anecdotes about heavy groceries, laptops or long hikes cannot establish a safe carrying limit for another version.
Plan the load before choosing
Lay out the items needed for the trip, then test whether they fit without straining the zippers or placing hard corners against your back. Keep heavier items stable and close to your body. Put small valuables in a secure compartment rather than an open bottle pocket.
For hiking, use the National Park Service’s equipment-planning guidance and adapt it to your route and conditions. A light spare bag is not a reason to leave out necessary supplies. Choose a larger or more supportive pack when the required load calls for one.
Fit, electronics and hydration
Adjust the shoulder straps with the intended contents inside. Check for rubbing, shifting and concentrated pressure. Where a chest strap is fitted, it should help position the shoulder straps without restricting breathing. Do not assume the same strap lengths suit every wearer.
An internal sleeve is not necessarily padded protection for a laptop. Confirm your device’s dimensions and use suitable protection. Likewise, do not assume a water-reservoir compartment, secure hanger or hose opening exists just because a bladder can be placed in the main bag. Verify those features before buying it for hydration-system use.
Weather and care
Keep electronics and other moisture-sensitive items in suitable waterproof protection. Rain resistance and immersion protection are different requirements, and the current Nobo’s own guidance rules out treating it as a waterproof bag.
Empty and dry the pack after use. Follow the care label for cleaning, inspect straps and seams, and avoid storing it folded while damp. Ripstop construction does not make fabric immune to punctures or abrasion.
Before ordering
Compare the exact model, loaded fit, current price and return terms. Read the manufacturer’s current warranty conditions rather than relying on an old promise or a personalized-note anecdote. For air travel, check the packed dimensions and weight against the airline’s rules. See our hiking-backpack guide for other options.
