Last week I traveled to Milwaukee to attend the annual Milwaukee Tool new tool symposium. I always enjoy that city, and Milwaukee Tool was an excellent host. We stayed at the Brewhouse Suites, located in the historic Pabst Brewery building that once produced beer from 1904 through the mid-1960s.
I usually travel light, but for a three-day trip I typically bring a laptop bag plus a roller suitcase. While I can usually fit a weekend’s worth of items into a single backpack, three days is a stretch—until I tried the Griffith Park Deluxe Backpack (BOGD-11-BLACK) from Case Logic. At first glance the pack looks slim and low profile, but after fitting in my clothes, laptop, iPad and magazines with room to spare, I was convinced this backpack was ideal for the trip.
The Details
The backpack weighs under two pounds and offers about 1,709 cubic inches of capacity. That’s an impressive volume for such a lightweight pack.
I picked a black model with green accents for a subtle pop, though there are bolder color options like all-red if you prefer. The color choices are tasteful and versatile—appropriate for a day at the beach or a meeting in the office.
When loaded with my gear, the Griffith Park remained very comfortable. I rely on the sternum strap for better load distribution, and the mesh foam padding provided a breathable, cushioned fit throughout the day.
The low-profile zippers are a nice feature, and the nylon zipper pulls add convenience. The pack has a good number of pockets, all thoughtfully arranged and each serving a clear purpose. A bottom pocket dedicated to power cords and cables is especially useful, making it easy to access chargers without digging to the bottom of the bag.
Another standout feature is the laptop sleeve, which accommodates a 15.6″ laptop, plus a separate space for a tablet or iPad. With tech now traveling everywhere, having secure, organized compartments for devices is essential, and this backpack handles that well.
Before I left Milwaukee I picked up a Milwaukee Tool thermos, which fit neatly in the side pocket and also stowed easily inside the main compartment.
If you want a versatile backpack that balances style and functionality without being bulky, the Griffith Park Deluxe is worth considering. It performed well on my three-day trip and proved that a compact, well-designed pack can replace heavier luggage for short journeys.