The Carhartt WIP Kickflip is everywhere. It’s the unofficial backpack of art school kids and skaters who don’t actually skate. We carried one around for a month loaded down with a laptop, a heavy water bottle, and a couple of hoodies to see if the straps actually hold up under real weight distribution.
The aesthetic? Immaculate. The utility? Honestly, kind of mid.
The Reality Check
The board straps on the front are great for strapping a jacket down, and the canvas looks better the more beat-up it gets.
The Downside
There is almost zero internal organization. It’s basically just a giant, bottomless cave. If you drop your keys in there, you have to go digging like you’re searching for buried treasure.
The Harness System
It lacks proper load-lifters. If you pack it heavy, it sags down your back, destroying your posture. It’s a great bag if you’re carrying a notebook and an iPad, but don’t try to use it as a heavy-duty travel pack unless you want a backache by noon.