Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 (2021) - Worth the Upgrade?
Update: Knack Bags has recently rolled out some changes to their Series 1 and Series 2 Expandable Knack Packs since this comparison was first published. Check out our new Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 comparison for the most up-to-date information!
The Knack Pack is a versatile backpack that goes from a sleek daily carry bag to a travel bag in seconds thanks to Knack’s expandable design.
With the Series 2, Knack has introduced a new look with a few changes to improve the overall security and internal organization. In this Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 backpack comparison we are going to do a deep dive and explore all of the differences.
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|---|---|---|
| Volume | 27-39 Liters | 24-35 Liters |
| Material | Water resistant 1200D Polyester | 420D Nylon or 600D Polyester with PU water resistant coating full grain napa leather |
| Laptop Storage | Up to 15" | Up to 15" |
| Fleece Lined Tablet Pocket | Yes | Yes |
| Compression Straps | No | No |
| Sternum Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Waist Belt | No | No |
| Price | $195 on Knackbags.com | $225 on Knackbags.com |
Video Review
Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2
For this backpack comparison we have both the Series 1: Medium Expandable Knack Pack and the Series 2: Medium Expandable Knack Pack so that we can focus on the features and spot any true differences in size.
Side by side: Knack Pack Series 1 Medium (left) and the Knack Pack Series 2 Medium (right)
Construction and Size Comparison
Materials
One of the biggest differences between the Knack Pack Series 1 and Series 2 is with Knack’s choice of external materials.
The original Knack Pack uses water resistant 1200D two-toned polyester for the outer body while the Series 2 uses 420D Nylon woven with high-twist yarn (Midnight Black) or 600D two-tone polyester ottoman fabric (Storm Gray) depending on the color you choose.
When comparing the two fabrics we found that the fabric used on the Series 2 has more of a lux feel while the fabric on the original Knack Pack feels a little bit more rugged.
Another change that Knack has made on the Series 2 is with the addition of full grain Napa leather on the touch points such as the handles and shoulder straps. This leather feels incredibly supple to the touch and adds a new level of sophistication when compared to the Series 1 Knack Pack.
The bottom of the Knack Pack Series 2 also includes PVC side and bottom panels. This material compliments the bag nicely while also adding extra wear protection.
PVC side and bottom panels on the Knack Pack Series 2 Expandable Backpack
While the original Knack Pack feels like great quality all around, the addition of nylon and leather really bumps up the Series 2 into luxury bag territory. The Series 2 feels like an amazing quality bag when handled and it is here where you’ll start to justify the jump in price.
Knack has decided to keep a lot of the same materials for the rest of the backpack. Both backpacks use water resistant YKK reverse coil zippers and the same branded rubber zippers pulls.
Both backpacks also keep the same antimicrobial nylon lining on the inside. The only difference is that the Series 2 Knack has toned down the original orange print with a more subtle gray print.
Size Comparison
Both versions of the Knack Pack keep the same expandable design that allows you to use the backpack for daily carry and travel as needed.
Daily carry mode: Model height 5’5”
Internally, the Medium Series 1 has slightly more packing room at 27 liters unexpanded and 39 liters expanded when compared to the 24-39 liter capacity of the Medium Series 2. For a better understanding of how much you can pack at each capacity we recommend you check out our guide to backpack sizes.
Travel mode: Knack backpacks when fully expanded
Although the Knack Pack Series 1 has more internal packing capacity, it’s surprisingly not that much larger overall. Both the Knack Pack Series 1 and Series 2 keep a similar profile when worn.
Pockets and Compartments
Organization Pockets
The Knack Pack Series 1 is known for its clever pocket placement throughout the outside of the backpack. The Series 1 includes a top fleece lined pocket on the top, an accessory storage compartment on the bottom with elastic loops for cable management and Knack’s signature V-style pocket in the front for organizing business cards and other small items.
In order to achieve a more streamlined look, Knack has combined all of the smaller pockets in the Series 1 into one massive organizer compartment in the Series 2. Inside this compartment is where you will find all of the original organizer features such as a fleece lined pocket for glasses, cable loops, business card pockets and a variety of larger pockets for accessories like chargers, notebooks and wallets.
Main Compartment Comparison
The main compartment on the Series 2 has also seen some changes.
The main compartment design on the original Knack Pack is slightly larger at 27 liters and is a lot more closed off with the walls of the backpack creating a sort of “cave opening”. This design is great for preventing items from spilling out when opening the bag.
Although smaller at only 24 liters, the Series 2 offers a much more open design giving you easier access to the mesh pockets.
Both Knack Pack main compartments are lined with pockets on either side but Knack manages to squeeze an extra zippered pocket inside the main compartment of the Series 2 for increased organization.
Water Bottle Compartments
A great feature that Knack has decided to keep on the Series 2 is the hidden water bottle pocket.
On the original Series 1, the pocket has a stretchy mesh pocket design. This mesh is what holds your bottle in place and as a result you can fit a larger bottle (up to a 32oz Nalgene bottle). You won’t be able to zip the pocket shut when storing a larger bottle but it can be used in pinch.
The hidden water bottle pocket on the Series 2 replaces the mesh with an internal pocket design. This means that larger bottles won’t fit at all and you’ll really be restricted to slimmer bottles. This is something to keep in mind if you carry larger water bottles or tumblers.
Both bottle pockets are incredibly clever and we think Knack offers the best backpack with a water bottle pocket for those who dislike the sight of ugly mesh pockets.
Laptop Compartment
One pocket that Knack keeps in tact is the 15-inch laptop sleeve located right behind the back panel.
Note: When Knack says it fits laptops up to 15” they really mean it! We found that a 15.6” laptop is too large for these laptop compartments. A 15” Macbook or 14” and 13” laptops all fit perfectly inside the Knack laptop sleeve.
Expandable Travel Compartment
Not much has changed with the each bag’s expandable packing compartment. Both backpacks feature near-identical expansion designs that can be accessed with a hidden zipper.
Inside of each packing compartment you’ll find a similar mesh pocket and a compression area for clothing.
Since the Series 2 has less internal capacity than the Series 1. You can expect this packing compartment to be a smidge smaller at only 11 liters while the original Knack Pack gives you 12 liters. That’s the difference of a couple of rolled up t-shirts.
We found that both compartment can comfortably fit 2-3 days worth of clothing as advertised and if you are a light packer you could fit even more!
Comfort and Fit
Back Panel
The back panel is also different with a change in design and materials. The Series 1 uses a molded foam back panel while the Series 2 went with a memory foam back panel.
Comfort-wise, we couldn’t feel much of a difference between these two back panels even when the backpack was packed full. Knack does a really good job with both of these foam back panels and the pressure points and thickness are similar enough when worn. Only time will tell how the memory foam will perform over the original Knack’s foam.
Shoulder Straps
Knack features near-identical shoulder strap designs in both the Series 1 and Series 2. We found the padded shoulder straps to be incredibly comfortable under weight and we are happy that Knack has kept the same design. You shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken!
Stowable shoulder straps
Both backpacks feature stowable shoulder straps that can be tucked into the back panel but where the Series 2 improves is that it now include a side handle which gives you the option to carry the bag like a briefcase. The Series 1 only features a top handle but no side handles.
Which backpack is the better buy?
Is the Knack Pack Series 2 expandable backpack worth the upgrade if you are considering a Knack Pack? Although functionally both backpacks are very similar, there are some key differences worth considering before making a final choice.
Knack Pack Series 1
Knack Pack Series 2
Choose the Knack Pack Series 1… you want a sleek yet casual look, more color options and more internal packing space. The Knack Pack Series 1 is a great quality backpack that feels a bit more casual and rugged than the Series 2. You also get more internal carrying capacity for busy work days and longer trips. Another bonus is that the Knack Pack Series 1 comes in many more color and size options (Small, Medium and Large) for a customizable carrying experience.
Choose the Knack Pack Series 2… You want a more refined look with nicer materials and better internal organization. The addition of the PVC bottom panel and napa leather accents really elevates the Series 2 to a more mature luxury bag when compared to the original design. And the combination of the original pockets also gives the Series 2 a sleeker minimalist look and beefs up security (less pockets to pick!)
