Level8 Atlas Backpack Review: My Honest Thoughts
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a commission by clicking these links, which helps me create more free travel content for everyone. For more information, check out my cookie policy.
Carrying around precious gear can be nerve-wracking. Especially when the only backpacks you own are hiking backpacks. That was my case until I decided to try the Level8 Atlas Backpack.
Having a true laptop backpack has been something I’ve needed for a while, and the Level8 Atlas didn’t disappoint. It’s comfortable, has everything I need, and can even be used for activities other than going to a coffee shop.
One of the unique things that I like that other laptop backpacks don’t always have is a pocket on the side for drinks. Not one but two!
Laptop backpacks aren’t always cheap but if you find the right one, it’ll last a long time.
In this blog, I’ll give a full review of my experience using the Level8 Atlas backpack and what else I like or might not like about it.
Level8 Atlas Backpack Overview: My Verdict
I’ll get right to my thoughts about what I think of this Level8 Atlas Backpack for those who aren’t interested in reading the full review. Overall, I’d rank this laptop backpack a 4.5/5.
The quality of the backpack and how comfortable it feels are what truly bump this up for me. If one of those two things were bad, then I probably wouldn’t recommend it.
| Feature | Score (out of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design / professional look | 4.5 | Sleek, office-friendly style that doesn’t scream “hiking backpack.” |
| Comfort (straps + back panel) | 4.5 | Good padding and support, but comfort depends heavily on how much weight you load it with. |
| Laptop protection (13–16”) | 4.5 | Dedicated laptop compartment designed for 13–17” devices; padding and fit feel secure. |
| Organization/Pocket layout | 4.5 | Lots of pockets for tech + small items; great if you like everything “assigned,” less ideal if you prefer one big cavity. |
| Main compartment space (31L capacity) | 4.0 | Roomy for daily carry and light travel, but not a true “one-bag” replacement for longer trips. |
| Water resistance/weather performance | 4.1 | Great for grabbing headphones, passport, wallet, chargers, etc., without digging. |
| Build quality (stitching, zippers, structure) | 4.0 | Feels well-built and structured overall; long-term durability depends on daily abuse and travel frequency. |
| Value for the price | 4.0 | Solid feature set for the price tier; stronger value if you’ll actually use the organization. |
| Tech commuter features (quick-access pockets) | 4.5 | Great for grabbing headphones, passport, wallet, chargers, etc. without digging. |
Use My Code for 10% Off
Already interested in purchasing your own Level8 Atlas Backpack? Click the link to their website and use my code JAYWALK10 for 10% off!
Best For
The Level8 Atlas backpack is best for those who are looking for a durable bag to carry their laptop in but also like to go on mini-adventures while traveling.
Level8 prides itself in being a modern & minimalist style and I’d have to agree. I love the look of all of their products and if you’re a minimalist like me, I think you’d enjoy it.
These people typically work from their laptops but don’t require more gear like cameras.
After using this backpack for some weeks now, it’s something I wish I had during my many long-term travel stints, like in Medellin, Colombia.
Not For
This backpack isn’t for those looking to replace their carry-on luggage with a smaller backpack. There isn’t a ton of room to fit a ton of clothes but it could still be used for a day trip.
If you have a large or thick laptop, you might run into issues with how it feels. I currently have a Lenovo Legion 5i laptop that has a 15″ display and it fits perfectly.
My Test Setup
Knowing how a review and test are done helps to understand exactly how much you might like a product or not.
One of the ways I tested this backpack out is I planned to get some work done at a coffee shop and then afterwards I headed over to a friend’s later in the day to hang out.
I wasn’t exactly sure what we would be doing, so I brought all of the essentials (or at least what I thought was essential).
What I Fit into the Atlas Backpack
Below is a list of the items that I brought and was able to fit in the backpack (comfortably).
- Lenovo Legion 5i Laptop (15″)
- Mouse pad
- Mouse
- Laptop charger
- Water bottle
- Xbox controller
- Headset
- Extra cords
- Exercise shorts and a t-shirt
Even though this is all I brought with me, there was still room for a little bit more! The Level8 Atlas Backpack can fit a little bit more than what I packed but it felt comfortable on my back with what I had in it.
Where I Tested It
I don’t want to say the Level8 Atlas Backpack is a replacement for a hiking backpack. Having similarities and making is versitile is good but it can’t and shouldn’t replace a true hiking backpack.
With that being said, I wanted to test it out where it would be best while also seeing how comfortable it could be on a longer walk. Nothing too strenuous.
I packed my gear and went on a walk around my neighborhood to see how it felt walking semi-long distances.
The padding was great for a laptop backpack and it was something I wasn’t expecting, which is a good thing! You don’t normally see those things in a laptop backpack.
Atlas Backpack Key Features
So, I’d like to go over all of the features this backpack has in detail. Not only the ones I like but all of them, so you can get a true feel if this is the one for you.
Padded Laptop Holder
The most important feature of the Level8 Atlas Backpack is the compartment that holds your laptop.
I’m paranoid when it comes to my laptop breaking. So naturally, protecting it while on the move is a big deal for me.
What’s great about this compartment is the extra padding they give you. It’s an extra 3D EVA foam padding that I don’t see many other competitors doing.
I have no worries when traveling with my laptop in this backpack.
Multiple Pockets
Alongside the laptop compartment is another large compartment that has multiple pockets inside for various items. It’s a great area to put a pair of clothes, books, cords, or anything else you might need for the day.
There’s also an added zipper pocket to keep things separated that you don’t want to have mixed up into your clothes or anything else.
But wait, there’s more. On the front of this laptop backpack is a smaller compartment that has small velcro sections where you can fit important items like cords.
And no backpack is complete without having an upper zipper compartment. I like to put things I need to access quickly, like my headphones, keys, chapstick, etc.
Two Water Holders
I drink water and I try my best to drink a lot of it. So, having these two side zipper compartments that can easily hold a water bottle is something I desperately need when looking for backpacks.
It’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t have one but having these is a game-changer when looking for a versatile backpack.
Water Repelled Polyester Fabric
Accidents happen and sometimes, the weather comes out of nowhere. That’s why I’m glad the Level8 Atlas Backpack has some form of water-repellent fabric.
Will it save you if the backpack gets fully submerged? Probably not.
Can you stand in a heavy downpour of rain for a long time and be okay? Also, probably not but it’s an added layer of protection that can save your laptop and other gear before it’s too late.
Whether that be if you spill something on your bag or it starts to rain out of nowhere and you have to go find cover.
Sturdy Handle
It might not seem like a big deal but having handles that are durable on a backpack helps save you in the long run.
The top handle on the Level8 Atlas backpack is a metal handle with rubber reinforcements. I can only imagine it would take a lot for this to fall apart and break.
The Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durable: Made with high-quality materials like ballistic polyester to help with repelling water and to keep it from falling apart.
- Extra Laptop Padding: This is a laptop backpack after all, right? Having this extra padding is almost essential.
- Water Bottle Holder: I’ve looked at other laptop backpacks and this is the thing I don’t see the most. Which is weird to me. Bonus points for having this!
- Multiple Styles of Pockets: Having different sizes and styles of pockets helps you to be able to fit and find as many items in the given space as possible.
Cons:
- Only One Color Option: I’m not entirely sure I would choose any color other than black but being given options is always a nice thing to have.
- Not Cheap: I don’t expect this backpack to cost less than it does. I think you get exactly what you pay for and then some at $129.99 but this price range might be higher than some are happy with paying.
FAQs
Is it a Good Personal Item Backpack?
The Level8 Atlas Backpack can be great for personal items if you don’t need to pack things for multiple days.
Does it fit a 16-inch MacBook comfortably?
Yes, the Level8 Atlas Backpack has a laptop compartment that is perfect for laptop sizes between 13 inches and 17 inches.
MacBooks are typically slimmer than other models of laptops and you shouldn’t have any issues fitting them in the backpack.
Is it waterproof or just water-resistant?
The fabric on the Level8 Atlas Backpack helps to make it water-resistant. This means it can handle light rain but it’s not sealed dry, so it’s not capable of being fully submerged with nothing happening.
Final Thoughts
The Level8 Atlas Backpack is a perfect item to add to my collection as a minimalist traveler. It’s comfortable, made with high-quality material and protects my laptop from point A to point B without fear. And that’s all I can ask for in a laptop backpack. Oh, and a water bottle holder, which it has two of!
Overall, I highly suggest taking a look at this product by Level8 if you’re in the market for a high-quality laptop backpack.
