For the past few years, I’ve been hopping from country to country with just one reliable companion — and no, it’s not a person. It’s a backpack.

I used to think I needed a fancy roller bag or something designer to travel well. I’ve been proven wrong, again and again, by a sleek, minimalist pack that’s now my go-to for every trip, long or short: the Lululemon New Crew Backpack (22L).

From Airports to Cafés: It Goes Everywhere

The first thing that impressed me? How versatile this backpack is. I started using it for weekend getaways, but it quickly replaced my everyday bag too. I’ve taken it to co-working spaces, early morning flights, even quick gym sessions.

Made with water-repellent fabric, it handles bad weather, crowded metro rides, and messy overhead compartments like a pro. I’ve even had an unfortunate iced coffee spill — cleaned up in seconds, no stain left behind.

Surprisingly Roomy Without the Bulk

If you’re used to backpacks that claim to be “compact” but barely fit a sweater, this one’s a breath of fresh air.

Despite its 22-liter capacity, I’ve packed:

  • 2–3 outfits
  • A laptop, tablet, and Kindle
  • My headphones, toiletries, and travel snacks
  • Even a lightweight jacket

It opens wide, which makes packing and unpacking feel less like a game of Tetris and more like, well, packing. There’s also a padded sleeve that keeps your laptop secure without making the bag feel stiff.

Thoughtful Features You Didn’t Know You Needed

Some backpacks just throw in a few pockets and call it a day. This one is actually designed with travelers in mind.

  • The trolley sleeve slides perfectly over suitcase handles.
  • It has two adjustable water bottle holders — yes, adjustable. That means they’ll hold your slim HydroFlask and your chunky coffee tumbler without drama.
  • Interior pockets make it easy to stay organized without digging around for your charger or passport.

Stylish, But Not Flashy

There’s a reason I keep coming back to this bag — it blends into any environment. Whether you’re in a boardroom or boarding zone, it looks appropriate. The colors are clean and timeless (but still fun — the pink and lavender options are gorgeous), and the design is minimal enough that you won’t feel like you’re carrying “travel gear.”

Final Word: It’s Worth It

At $98, the Lululemon New Crew Backpack isn’t the cheapest on the market, but it’s also not trying to be. It’s built to last, thoughtfully designed, and stylish enough that you’ll actually want to carry it daily.

If you’ve been searching for a reliable, stylish carry-on that pulls double duty for your everyday life, this might be it.