When outdoor adventure is your gig, it is essential to have reliable go-to gear at the ready. It is vital for being active, on the go and for peak performance in everything you do. Simply put, it takes the thinking out of packing for outdoor adventures. Over the years I’ve wasted a lot of time and money on products that claim to be rugged but only look the part in promotional photos but just don’t perform practically, so I am always on the lookout for newer and better possibilities.

I recently had the chance to test the Tom Beckbe Canvas Backpack, and it is now in my go-to collection of outdoor gear. It is classy gear made of high-quality weatherproof waxed cotton/canvas, but it is highly functional with the right combination of elements that I use in travel and in the outdoors.

The canvas backpack is perfectly sized to carry 24L (18”H x 12” W x 5.75” D) so it’s comfortable for longer treks and travel.

The exterior of the backpack is a weatherproof waxed cotton and canvas shell that withstands raindrops and damp ground when I need to set it down. The adjustable shoulder straps and padded mesh back making it a comfortable fit without feeling bulky. Side pockets have and elastic top, so they hold things like water bottles securely. If you’ve ever leaned over on a hike and your water bottle goes flying out of the side, then you know what a game changer these small details are.

The other detail game changer for me was the small amount of elastic on the snaps of the other exterior pockets. I can easily reach around behind me to snap the pocket enclosures without needing to take off the backpack or having to frustratingly contort it around the side of me to successfully align the snaps.

The inside of the backpack has a sturdy waterproof interior liner. The padded laptop section means I don’t have to carry my device separately or take another bag which is convenient both for en route travel on airplanes and heading into the field on assignments.

There is a large main compartment that holds a significant amount of gear. The wide-open design makes it easy to reach in for what I need instead of digging around in too many compartments.

The backpack is from Tom Beckbe, a brand inspired by the outdoors and American sporting that designs purpose-built bags and other gear. They are craftfully designed and can withstand the rugged nature of the outdoors.

I’m an outdoors woman who prides herself on the fact that I can don a beautiful dress and speak to an auditorium of professionals as easily as I can enjoy being rugged in the jungle fishing for vicious species while on assignment. I love a product that can appeal to both of those needs and this one does.