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I’m an adult who stands a proud 5-feet, 1-inch tall. My height has mostly been a non-issue, but one persistent frustration has been the lack of backpacks that actually fit my proportions. Every backpack I’ve owned throughout the years had dimensions clearly intended for someone at least six inches taller. They hurt to wear, and their overwhelming size became the inadvertent focal point of my look. So when, at the airport, I glimpsed a fellow short person wearing a backpack that actually fit them, I immediately noticed. I snuck a little closer to check out the brand: Timbuk2.
When I followed up on the site later, I fell upon a holy grail backpack for us short folks: The Timbuk2 Flight backpack. It was intriguingly compact, measuring a cool 15.6 inches tall and 10 inches wide, yet large enough to fit a 13-inch laptop.
Its minimalist design was right in line with my own understated style preferences, and I loved the unique double pockets on its front.
I’ve written before about my dislike of spending money, and the backpack seemed a little pricey (but isn’t everything these days?). I walked myself through it: I hated wearing the backpacks I did own because they simply didn’t fit and were uncomfortable. Yet I wanted a backpack I could depend on. And, those double front pockets! (I’d been looking at an L.L. Bean child’s backpack, with the same unique double front pockets, for a while — but didn’t buy it because I needed a backpack sturdy enough for adult use.)
I got it. And when it arrived, I felt validated and obsessed. It fit shockingly well, like it was made for my short frame. Finally, a backpack that didn’t “wear me” — I wear it.
Sitting above my hips, under my shoulders and snugly against my back, the Flight pack feels comfy, lightweight and has quickly become a staple. It’s my go-to for errands and travel, and holds a surprising amount: My 13-inch laptop, a jacket, hat, a few books, my Kindle, makeup and anything else I want to take long.
And those two front pockets are perfect for keeping little essentials easily on-hand: I stash lip balm, lipstick and sunglasses in the smaller top pocket, and in the bottom pocket, an A5 notebook, snacks, pens and keys.
It also has two side pockets that hold average-sized water bottles and coffee thermoses. While I’d love a sleeve that’d fit my 32-ounce Nalgene, I rarely go through an entire one while out anyway, and keeping reasonably-sized drinks in it helps keep things light when I’m on the go, anyway. The pockets also sport nice expandable drawstrings to help keep bottles secure.
I’m thrilled I took the leap on this thing; it’s quickly become an essential of its own.
Timbuk2 also offers a similar pack, the Vapor backpack, which sports the same compact sizing (with identical measurements) and the same features, including the two front pockets. The only difference, according to the brand, is that it’s made with a different fabric (both packs use recycled material). The Vapor pack is available on Amazon in granite, cocoa brown and black, and on Timbuk2′s site in granite and black.
Check out what others — including multiple fellow short adults — have to say about these diamond in the rough Timbuk2 backpacks:
“This backpack checks all the boxes for me. I am mother to a toddler and wanted a daily backpack that didn’t scream diaper bag. I like the minimalist style. It seems to be well made and wipes off easily. I am on the smaller side (5′3″) and the bag is the perfect size to be practical without overwhelming my frame. The straps are slim but comfortable. Average size water bottles fit in side pockets. I love the separate front zip pouches for quick grab items (phone, chapstick, etc).” — Christine Roberts
“This backpack is perfectly sized for someone who is 5′2″. Backpacks are generally very large on me and I finally found a winner! I also love the way the material feels. The quality feels great. I love it!” — raissa
“Bought this bag before my freshman year of college and it has never since failed me. Halfway through the degree now and it has protected my laptop from the Bay Area rains and somehow always manages to shock everyone with how much it fits. Love love love this bag!” — Miri
“I use this backpack for school and I love it! I’m 4′10″ so I really wanted a bag that didn’t look oversized on me but also had a lot of storage. This is the perfect size! Such a nice a color and great quality.” — Aamna
“I bought one of these a few months ago for myself and like it so much i bought another one for my 86 year old mom for mother’s day. It’s light, great pockets, wide straps that don’t dig in to your shoulders and the color goes with everything.” — Marcella
“This backpack is the perfect size to fit a ton of stuff including a water bottle. Great for moms (or anyone else) on the go. Love the granite color and material. Straps are sturdy too. Two front pockets are also well made. Happy with this purchase, especially at this price.” — Lauren
“I’ve been eyeing this bag for about a year. It wasn’t available the last time I was thinking of buying it, and then I checked again, and I decided to get it before it disappeared again. I’m glad I did! It’s exactly what I was looking for. The outer two pockets are so useful! And I love the style of it. It doesn’t look overly casual like a school backpack, but it’s not too formal either.” — Mirah
Looking for more surefire travel product recommendations? Flight attendants swear by these items for making travel a breeze:
A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger
A sturdy, lightweight eight-compartment pill organizer
Amazon
A comfy, ergonomic Trtl neck pillow
Promising review: “This is the best travel pillow ever. As a flight attendant, I travel all the time. This makes getting stuck in a middle seat palatable. I’ve used this in cars, planes, trains, etc; it’s great. In fact my sister was so jealous on our last trip to Italy that she kept trying to steal it off me. Ordered her one for Christmas.” — Amazon customer
A luggage drink caddy
Promising reviews: “This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it’s my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, and it did do me a favor! I don’t have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too.” — Philip
“Great tool to keep your hands free. I’m a flight attendant and I love this, especially the [hook and loop fastened] ‘quick detachment.’ It’s the best! I had one before that just stretched over the handle and it was a PAIN! This one is great. There’s room for two large drinks and a slim pocket for phone or wallet. Many people see it and ask where I got my clever little caddy!” — Debra G
A TSA-friendly toiletries set
Promising review: “If it wasn’t for me forgetting them in the hotels, I wouldn’t have to buy more. This is my third set and I love these things! I’m a flight attendant and these are easy to fill, use, and pack!” — Raena Hill
Anker
A lightweight, compact, and high-speed portable charger
Promising review: “Very handy! I’m a flight attendant and travel a lot. This has come in handy on the airplane and in the airport. Perfect size and lightweight.” — Rae
Amazon
A simple luggage strap to smaller bags or jackets
Amazon
A carry-on friendly travel Gillette razor
Promising reviews: “I am a flight attendant, and space is limited in my bag. This is a great product for your travel bag.” — Caitlin Hemphill
“I got this for a vacation and it was great! The little carrying container is awesome, and keeps you from having a weird, loose razor floating around in your suitcase. Plus, the heads are the same as a regular-sized razor, so you can keep using it when that one is worn out!” — Tegan H
A pack of four Apple AirTag trackers
Promising review: “These are definitely worth the money. I put one in my flight attendant bag when ever I have to check it. I put one on my dog and the other on my keys. I was very impressed and surprised by how easy they were to set up. I would definitely invest in these if you have a child. There are keychains you can put them in and put them on their backpacks. 10/10 from me for these!” — Micky D
A popular, versatile off-the-shoulder jumpsuit
Promising reviews: “It is a favorite among our flight attendant group when we are traveling. We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit! I absolutely love it, it’s comfortable, inexpensive, easy one piece, dress up or dress down. I add a belt and it’s perfect! I am planning to purchase more colors!” — Floridagirl0611
A portable door lock
An electronics organizer
Promising review:
“I am a flight attendant and I LOVE this organizer! I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels and needs to keep organized.” — amazonislife
A resealable travel-size pack of antibacterial wipes
Promising review:
“As a flight attendant I always need wipes. These small packs are great for putting in your purse and having on the go. The bundle pack is a great value.” — SJ1326
Amazon
A weighted sleep mask
Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed
A mini travel steamer
Promising review: “This steamer is very compact, easy to use, and well-made. I am a flight attendant so this has helped my life tremendously. I never even pick up an iron anymore. It works extremely well on my uniform and also just to get wrinkles out of my clothes while on layovers. The best part is that it doesn’t take up too much space in my bag. I hate ironing with a passion, so I am so glad that I found this product!” — Amazon customer
A mini, lightweight flat iron
Promising review: “This fits perfectly in my toiletries travel bag that I take with me as a flight attendant. Anything that comes in a small size and still works well is perfect for me.” — Kathy S
A collapsible water bottle
Promising review: “Just what I was looking for! I’m a flight attendant and was looking for a collapsible water bottle that did not leak. I’ve had this for two weeks now and I love it! Easy to roll up, clean, and drink from.” — Selene Marie
Comrad Socks
A pair of super soft compression socks
Promising review:
“LOVE THESE SOCKS!! I’m a flight attendant and these have saved my legs.” — Henry L.
A jewelry organizer
Promising review:
“I am a flight attendant and am away from home for long periods at a time. This is perfect for traveling! It fits so many things, bracelets, necklaces, SO many earrings, rings, etc. that you will not have to worry about leaving behind your favorite pieces of jewelry because they don’t fit. I looked at many other travel jewelry holders before and this one is the best because it packs so much yet isn’t bulky. Honestly this is like my 5th bag from Bagsmart and I just love everything they have.” — Hope Ayala
Amazon
A compact, carry-on friendly portable espresso maker
Promising review: “I’m a flight attendant so I travel a lot and spent a lot of money on coffee when I wasn’t home with my Nespresso machine. This has been a GAME CHANGER. Very easy to use and clean. Very travel-friendly!” — Rikki
A reusable and collapsible coffee cup
Stojo is a small biz founded by three New York dads who wanted a better way to get their convenient coffee fix without all the waste. Now they make stylish collapsible essentials in a variety of sizes and colors, including bottles and food storage containers.
Promising review: “I love this cup — I am very glad I decided to get one as being a flight attendant I don’t always find paper cups in the hotel rooms and ewwww, don’t always want to have to clean a mug in the room. Having this is great! I like that it comes with a holder much like the cardboard ring that coffee shops provide — I always use it and it helps the cup be extra sturdy!” — AuthorEP
Abby Kass / BuzzFeed
A waterproof Kindle
Promising review:
“Love it so far ! I am a flight attendant and I love to read so it’s so much easier to have a Kindle instead of carrying around multiple heavy books. The charge lasts what seems like an eternity. And I love that it’s waterproof because I leave to read while on the beach or by the pool.” —Tiffany
A pair of anti-nausea wristbands
Promising reviews: “FLIGHT ATTENDANT–APPROVED! They work. In my experience, 100% of the time.” — Jessica
“I was skeptical about these but I was quickly all about them when I put them on. I get really motion sick when flying but this weekend I did not get motion sick at all during a four hour flight! I was even able to read my book for a while on the plane without sickness! I have never been able to do that before. I love these and they are now a must-have whenever I travel again. 10/10.” — Rosse
A USB-chargeable mini handheld fan
Amazon
An assistive zipper puller attachment
“I am a flight attendant. Our uniform dresses are so hard to zip up in a hotel room when you are by yourself. This is the best. It works wonderfully and is great quality. I would recommend this to anyone who isn’t a contortionist. Excellent product!!!!!” — L. ward