I do a fair amount of personal and business travel and have to tote my laptop with me wherever I go. I've always used a traditional messenger bag that I could wear cross-body, but I wanted to find something more comfortable to carry. Plus, I wanted something with more protection for my computer and space for other stuff when traveling.
I got word that ALPS OutdoorZ was launching several new everyday carry (EDC) packs and was immediately interested. I have several pieces of ALPS gear now and have been completely satisfied with everything. The first EDC backpack released was the Ghost 30, and I placed my order immediately after it was available.
PRODUCT: Ghost 30 EDC Pack
SPECS:
Capacity: 1809 in³ / 30 L
Main Compartment Dimensions: 21.5" H x 11" W x 7" D
Weight: 3 lbs., 1 oz.
FEATURES (from ALPS):
Concealed carry pocket
PU coated and water-resistant 500D Nylon CORDURA®
Two padded laptop sleeves
Loops on the front panel for attaching accessories
Padded sunglasses case pocket located on top of the pack
Interior pockets
Interior zippered mesh pockets
Side pockets with compression straps
Full-access zipper
H2O compatible with two side-outlet ports
Rain cover
COST/OPTIONS:
$169.99 + tax where applicable
Free Shipping (over $100)
The Ghost 30 is only available in Stone Gray.
REVIEW:
Functionality
The Ghost 30 EDC pack is an excellent option for a laptop backpack. My laptop fits perfectly in the padded sleeve, and I can use the other sleeve for notebooks, magazines, folders, etc. In addition, it includes several spots for pens at the top of the main compartment and multiple loops where I can hook my keys. The mesh pockets help keep small stuff organized; since these are on the inside of the front panel, I use these for things I don't frequently need, like post-it notes.
There are two compartments on the outside top. The larger compartment is great for things I need quick access to, such as Advil, snacks, a nail file, etc. The sunglass pocket is ingenious! It is padded and lined with a soft felt material that keeps my sunglasses safe and scratch-free when I'm not wearing them. There's a side pocket on each side that is great for bottles.
I have not used the concealed carry pocket for a pistol, but this compartment is lined with a soft felt material to keep the gun safe. I can't speak to the comfort of wearing the pack with a pistol in this area, but it seems like it could get uncomfortable if worn for a long time or if the gun is larger in size. This compartment is directly against the wearer's back, but it does have a decent amount of padding.
Comfort
I've worn this backpack on multiple airline trips and during travel to the Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City. All of these trips required quite a bit of walking!
Padded shoulder straps, the sternum strap, and the padded back panel help distribute weight when the pack is full. I usually carry my laptop, power cord, phone charger, external battery pack for my phone, snacks, and a drink. But when I travel on a plane, I put my purse in my backpack and pack my carry-on toiletries and an extra set of clothes in case my luggage gets lost (I learned this the hard way).
The only issue I had with the comfort was the height of the backpack. I'm of average height (5' 8"), and the pack is a little long for me. It doesn't hurt anything and doesn't cause any discomfort; it's just a little higher than I'd prefer, so wearing it with a hoodie or hooded jacket can get bulky around the back of my head.
Overall
Since I started using the Ghost 30, I've been very satisfied with it. The only thing I would like to have is maybe additional smaller pockets on the inside for better organization. I would recommend this pack to anyone looking for a larger backpack to use for their laptop and accessories.
The Ghost 20 is also now available, and I was able to check this out quickly at the Hunt Expo. This option looks more like a traditional laptop backpack than a hunting pack. And although this pack is smaller, it still has many of the same features as the Ghost 30. It might be something I'll try in the future!
Sarah Honadel is an avid outdoorswoman from Kentucky, now living in Idaho, who enjoys hunting elk, deer, turkey, pronghorn, and waterfowl. She is a team member at Huntress View, Pro Staff for Browning Trail Cameras, and Brand Ambassador for the GoWild app and BaseMap app. Follow her on Instagram @waddysarah.