Why A Good Backpack Is Essential For A Full Timer RVer/Traveler
One thing that can be said about full-time RVers is that we love the outdoors. We love it so much that we choose to live and travel full time because we just can’t get enough of it.
Whether you’re traveling full-time in a small van or a large RV, one thing we could all use a little more of is storage space.
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That’s why the camping gear we choose is best when it’s multi-functional, lightweight, and easy to pack down to a small size for storage.
The Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia daypack (click to view on Amazon) is that kind of camping gear.
I live in a small motorhome and I was in the market for a backpack that could do two things. Be taken on pretty much any hike or adventure and be used for getting groceries on my bicycle.
I’ve been a fan of the Cotopaxi brand for years and have a few of their clothing items but I’d never had the chance to get my hands on any of their backpacks before.
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After doing some research I decided that the Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia was the perfect backpack for my needs and I got one.
I’ve been using it for a few months now and I can honestly say that I absolutely love it, but more on that later.
First, let’s get into all the features and options that come with this fantastic backpack.
Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia Backpack Features
Fabric
One thing that makes Cotopaxi unique as a company is the way they make their bags and backpacks.
The fabric used in the Del Dia line of bags is 100% repurposed fabric that’s been left over by other companies.
Basically, they are taking small unusable scraps of fabric and putting them together to make one of a kind bags that are colorful and just a bit better for the environment.
It’s also kind of cool because the different color combos used for each bag or backpack are completely done by the person sewing it together.
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It’s a cool way to give workers a little more control of the product their making and every bag is a little unique.
The fabric used is lightweight but strong ripstop nylon that’s a common choice for most outdoor gear since it’s so durable and resistant to the elements.
When purchasing, you can either look at about 50 color options on Cotopaxi’s website go with the surprise me option, and they will send you a random color combo.
If you purchase from a third party like Amazon you automatically get the surprise me option.
Straps
Mesh Shoulder Straps
The thing that really sold the Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia Daypack (click to view on Amazon) for me was the mesh shoulder straps.
Most of the hiking or travel backpacks that I’ve used have solid fabric shoulder straps with some padding.
Padded straps are great for extra large backpacks that are going to have some weight to them but for a daypack, it means unnecessary insulation which often results in hot sweaty shoulders.
It’s especially uncomfortable if you like to wear tank tops and you aren’t getting any airflow on your skin.
The mesh is double layered but still breathable and comfortable.
There’s also a nylon fabric border on both sides of the mesh that adds even more strength so there’s no worry about shoulder straps stretching or breaking.
A cool thing I noticed right away was the mesh color for each shoulder strap was different, the Del Dia bags really are one of a kind.
Chest & Waist Strap
Like many outdoor backpacks, there’s a chest strap and a waist strap.
Both are made with 3/4 inch nylon straps that are all different colors. Even both parts of the two heavy duty buckles are different.
The chest strap is used to keep the shoulder straps in place when you’re moving a lot and I use it all the time, especially when I’m on my bike.
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The waist strap is a little less functional since it’s not really made for distributing weight. I usually just have it snapped together behind me.
I do use it when I decide it’s a good time to start running or the few times I’ve been climbing up some rocks when hiking.
What I like about it is it’s there when I need it, and out of the way when I don’t
Pockets
Main Compartment
This is a day backpack that’s designed to be simple but functional. It doesn’t have a million pockets but it does have a few for necessities.
First is the main compartment. This is another unique thing about the Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia daypack, it doesn’t use a zipper to close the main part of the bag.
Instead, it uses a drawstring with a common spring loaded clamp.
I can see this as being something people will either really love or hate but I say give it a chance.
When I first started using it I did spend a little time fumbling around trying to open it but after I got the hang of it I started to see the genius of the drawstring.
One thing I really hate about backpacks is when you stuff them full and try to zip them up only to have the zipper get stuck on whatever’s inside.
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I’ve spent many frustrating moments trying to force the zipper open on my backpack to get something out.
With the Luzon Del Dia, the drawstring eliminates that issue. I can now stuff it full and easily close or open it without having to worry about any zippers catching.
Hydration Sleeve
Inside the main compartment, there’s a large inner pocket that’s against the back. It doesn’t zip close but it has an elastic trim on top so it stays against the back of the backpack.
This pocket is mainly for holding a hydration bladder (click to view on Amazon).
There’s a velcro strap on the top for holding the bladder in place and a little opening under the fabric hook for the hose to go through.
Zippered Front Pocket
Finally, there’s a small zippered front pocket on the 18L Luzon Del Dia. This is the only zipper found on the entire bag.
The pocket is 11 inches wide and 7 1/2 inches deep which is just big enough for essentials like your keys, wallet, and phone but not so big you are going to have to spend time digging around for things.
The zipper feels durable and of high quality. It’s easy to open and close even when the bag is stuffed full.
Weight & Measurements
The volume of the Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia Daypack (click to view on Amazon) is 18 liters.
It measures around 20 inches long and 4 1/2 inches deep.
The exact width is a little hard to state since it uses a design where it’s narrow at the bottom and wide at the top.
The front panel fabric is 7 1/2 inches wide at the bottom and 11 inches at the top.
It weighs 0.66 lbs (10.5 ounces or 300 grams).
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Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia Daypack Pros & Cons
Pros
- Drawstring Eliminates The Common Zipper Catching Problem
- Mesh Shoulder Straps For Breathability
- Hydration Bladder Sleeve
- Waist & Chest Straps
- Very Lightweight
- Can Be Packed Down To Small Size
- Uses Durable Ripstop Nylon Fabric
- 100% Repurposed Fabric
- Made By A Certified B Corp
- Amazing Colors Chosen By Workers
- Very Well Made & Fantastic Quality Control
Cons
- No Water Bottle Pocket
- Water Bag Holder Is Velcro (Clip Would Be Better)
- No Small Inner Pockets For Valuables
- Shoulder Straps Not Made To Carry Heavy Weight Comfortably
My Review Of The Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia Daypack
From the perspective of a full-time RVer/traveler, I think the Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia Daypack (click to view on Amazon) is one of those backpacks that can be used for whatever life throws at me.
It’s replaced both of the old school style backpacks that I used to have and it can be packed down to a really small and portable size for storage.
I was even able to fit it inside a 1 quart Ziploc freezer bag. Not many 18 liter backpacks can do this.
Like I mentioned before what I really needed was a lightweight backpack for hiking that could also be used for packing heavy groceries.
I’ve put a gallon of milk and a bunch of other groceries in the Luzon Del Dia, hopped on my bike, and ridden 3 miles to my RV before and have had zero issues.
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It’s been able to take a lot of weight and I’ve been comfortable even though the straps aren’t padded.
With that being said I don’t think this is the right kind of backpack for hiking long distances with heavy gear but for storing everything you need for a day of adventure it’s pretty perfect.
I’m a little torn on whether I would like there to be a water bottle pocket on the side or not.
Since there’s a hydration bladder sleeve you technically don’t need a water bottle to carry water with you in the 18L Luzon Del Dia, but not everyone uses or likes those.
I think if there was a water bottle holder on the side it might be difficult to use if the bag was stuffed full.
Also since the bag doesn’t have a lot of structure a water bottle would probably fall out all of the time anyway.
If you absolutely must have a side pocket for a water bottle there is a larger 24L Luzon Del Dia Backpack (click to view on Amazon) that has a mesh water bottle pocket.
If you want a smaller backpack there is also the 16L Batac Pack (click to view on Amazon) that also has a water bottle holder.
All-in-all I really like the Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia Daypack (click to view on Amazon) for my full-time RV lifestyle and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a lightweight backpack.
It’s made with quality materials, the sewing and craftmanship are exceptional, it’s the perfect size for everything, and it’s made with sustainability and the factory workers in mind.
Have any questions about the Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Dia Backpack for full-time RVers and travelers? Leave a comment below.
