On December 15, 2023, I published a review of the SwissGear 5977 ScanSmart Backpack. That was my bag of choice for Everyday Carry, but several things irritated me about the bag. I wouldn’t say I liked the quality of the zippers. The bag leaked in heavy rain. It was heavy and massive at 30.7 liters. I found it too easy to lose things inside of it, and because of the size, I didn’t want to carry it. Lastly, it didn’t come in any color other than black.
During this time, I was getting into carrying fountain pens everywhere, and a pen friend pointed me onto Rickshaw’s pen cases and sleeves. I invested in their cases and sleeves for my fountain pens to protect the investment I was and now carry in my pocket daily. Rickshaw is primarily a bag manufacturer, and while on their website, I found their Potrero Backpack. It’s priced in the middle of some of the begs that I have purchased in the past. Rickshaw is more expensive than SwissGear but less expensive than PeakDesign. I decided to try them, and I have to say that over the two months I’ve had the bag, I have fallen deeply in love with it. It has become my everyday bag and a crucial part of my everyday life.
The Rickshaw Potrero Backpack is 18.9 liters in volume and weighs about two pounds. I opted for the YKK AQUAGUARD zippers. The material is robust and water-resistant. I spilled a cup of coffee on the bag the first week I had it, and not a drop got into the main compartment where my iPad was cushioned in the padded compartment. I also love that the bag was made to order in their small San Francisco, California, factory. Best of all, Rickshaw can customize the color and materials, so I got my all decked out Red inside and out.
I am completely in love with my Rickshaw Potrero Backpack, and I know that while at a premium of $194.00, at the time of this article, the fact that it is customizable, made to order, made in the USA, and made with such quality and care I have no problem recommending this bag.
