I usually have my travel bag needs dialed. With a few backpacks and totes, a rollaboard, and a larger bag to check if I ever need to do so (which is rare) — I’ve mostly found my go-tos. But on a recent trip to Surf Synergy[https://www.surfsynergy.com/] in Costa Rica for a 7-day surf camp, I thought I should vary my game.
I went with the DaKine Motive Backpack 30L and the DaKine Split Roller Bag 85L for the journey, and they fit right in. I didn’t have any doubt, coming from a brand that got its start with a surfer on the north shore of Maui in 1979.
I like to carry a multi-use backpack as my personal item on an adventure trip, because I can use it on the plane, on the trail, in town, and on the beach. The Motive Backpack 30L is just large enough to carry a lot of essentials, but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. The pack is made of 100-percent recycled, abrasion-resistant nylon, and has a look that’ll work both in the city and in camp.
The spacious main compartment has interior stash pockets and a zippered mesh pocket for loose objects, as well as a fleece-lined pocket for items like phones, earbuds, and sunglasses — and I had a hard time filling it for a plane flight, even with some extra clothing (just in case my checked bag was delayed). The back compartment has a padded sleeve for laptops and tablets, and an expandable exterior pocket is ideal for high-use things. The fitted, removable rain cover is a nice bonus, and the ergonomic foam back panel and shoulder straps made me never tire of using the pack.
While I rarely check a bag, I thought surf camp was a great time to use the Split Roller Bag 85L. for gear-heavy trips, travels that require lots of layers, or even trips between two places with very different temperatures, this bag will let you pack it all. Made with 100-percent recycled polyester, Bomber Oversize zippers, and durable wheels, the bag is a great adventure buddy. It divides your gear and clothing organization into a split-lever design that allows easy access to multiple large compartments. There’s a Split Wing Collapsible Brace that provides stability when you fill the bag, and when you’re not using it, you can fold it flat for better storage.
The Motive Backpack 30L comes in black ballistic material and lists for $155 on the DaKine site. The Split Roller Bag 85L comes in black, carbon, and rubber, and lists for $270 on the DaKine site.
