Dagne Dover backpack review: The classic Dakota is still one of our favorite bags for commuting and traveling

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I've tried a dozen backpacks in my time reviewing products. And while I've enjoyed many, there's one that stands out for its excellence across the board: Dagne Dover's Dakota Backpack. It's unique and polished, and has a more functional design overall.

What many new companies do well is approach old problems, or ubiquitous products, with a fresh perspective. And Dagne Dover does that with the Dakota Backpack. It currently comes in three sizes (small at $155, medium at $195, and large at $215) and seven colors.

The Dakota's inside mesh divider keeps large tech like laptops and notebooks in one spot, so it's a favorite among the best college backpacks. Then, its three interior zippered pockets serve to separate smaller things — headphones, passports, writing utensils, or anything else you want to grab without digging.

The external side pockets allow for easy access to your phone without having to unzip the top, and Dagne Dover included two pockets in the back wall of the bag, so you can keep your keys, phone, or wallet zipped away and secure, but with easy access from the outside. The medium and large sizes also have a luggage handle sleeve so you can stack your backpack on top of your rolling suitcase while you travel.

When I first saw the material in person, I was a little disappointed. It looks like it does online, but I was worried up-close that the material would wrinkle and crease over the course of my Dagne Dover Dakota backpack review. But, a few months of frequent and not-so-gentle use later, and it didn't show signs of wear.

Similarly, I was concerned that it wouldn't weather anything but sunlight very well, despite neoprene being lauded primarily for its practicality in sports like scuba diving thanks to its waterproof nature. But even when I got caught in the rain and the backpack didn't quite make it under the coverage of my umbrella, the texture, color, and shape maintained their original luster. 

Cons to consider

My main issue is with the Dakota is its price tag. At $195 for the medium size, you can technically find a genuine leather backpack of the same size for a similar price, with the added security of a material you know will age gracefully for years to come. However, you can save by taking advantage of the Dagne Dover's 10% discount for first-time customers. And if you are a teacher or member of the military, you're eligible for a 20% discount on any Dagne Dover purchase. 

The bottom line

The fastidious attention to detail and the intuitive, subtle upgrades that make the Dakota backpack worth the expense for functionality's sake. While the scuba material and contemporary palette is most likely to draw first-time shoppers to Dagne Dover, I'd be willing to bet it's the versatility and ingenuity that turns them into repeat customers.

Shop all Dagne Dover backpacks here.