Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack – Expressive and Super Functional

Kyle Juszczyk

The Cotopaxi Batac 16LBackpack $60 is a unique, sustainable solution to laptops covered in climbing chalk and pens that smell like feet. Well, that’s what it is for me. Before I picked up the Batac I was dumping out my climbing gym pack every time I needed to take my laptop or notebooks anywhere.

Recently, it became clear that it was time to get a dedicated pack for work and coffee shop runs. The Batac caught my eye because its mismatched colors seemed like a cool design. I checked out its features and perused the Cotopaxi website’s “About” tab and I was sold! After using it for a while, I’m very happy with it. It is expressive, super functional, and produced by a company with values rooted in the ethical treatment of employees and the environment.

Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack

Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack

Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack First Impressions

Getting new gear is always fun, but this Cotopaxi order had me extra excited. I chose the “surprise me” option when I placed my order, so I had no idea what combination of colors I would get. Opening the box was reminiscent of Christmas mornings at an age when there was still a mystery as to what was in the presents. I guess I was a good boy this year, because I opened the box to find a RAD pack! The colors were bright and pieced together artfully, and the fabric was light, but sturdy. The pack came with a hand-signed card from members of the refugee community in Salt Lake City that Cotopaxi supports with employment opportunities. 

Design and Function

Here’s the layout. The main compartment comfortably accommodates a 13” MacBook, notebooks, lunch, and an extra layer. Also in the main compartment are a mesh hanging pocket for pens, headphones, gum wrappers, etc. and a Hydration sleeve for a Camelbak or dropping pens into then forgetting about them.

There is a side zipper compartment on the front of the pack that is great for laptop cords and small notebooks. On the inside of it, there is a small mesh pocket for… well, I’m not really sure what it’s for, but it’s neat. Along the sides, there are two mesh pockets that function as classic water bottle holders. I find they hold a radio and breakfast shake pretty well too. The design of this pack does a great job creating a space for each of the things I want to bring with me. 

The Batac was built to roll up and fit in a travel pack to act as a day pack when you arrive at your destination. It definitely works well for this and without sacrificing function as its own stand-alone pack. I spend most days with a pack on and have a low tolerance for backpacks that feel floppy when they’re not totally full. The shape of the Batac prevents this and even when I just have a few things in it, they stay secure and don’t flop around. 

The Del Dia Process

My favorite attribute of this pack is the one of a kind patchwork of colors each one has. Two factors of the Del Dia line lead to the colorful, unique designs. The first is that they’re constructed of fabric leftover from other companies’ larger production runs. From the Cotopaxi website, “We take high-quality, remnant fabric originally produced for another purpose to create these products. Every (Re)Purpose™ product keeps fabric out of the landfill and puts it in the hands of thoughtful adventurers like you.” The second factor is the empowerment of employees to use their own creativity to assemble the packs.  

Here is a link to Cotopaxi’s website that does a way better job of describing Del Dia than I have here https://www.cotopaxi.com/collections/del-dia 

The Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack has been the perfect pack for getting to and from work. It carries everything I need and it makes me super happy to be able to rock some bright colors with my green and grey summer work uniform. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a lightweight, colorful day pack and wants to support an awesome company. The only thing it lacks is the perceived street cred I think I get from bringing my beat-up climbing pack into a coffee shop. 

Kyle Juszczyk

Kyle grew up in Iowa and after high school ditched the midwest to begin college at Western State Colorado University and start guiding in the summers. 

Kyle says he spent his time at Western climbing, snowboarding, volunteering on the rescue team, and instructing for the outdoor program. He claims if he had spent any less time actually in class he certainly would not have graduated. Kyle’s time with the Western Mountain Rescue Team was extremely formative and revealed his passion for wilderness search and rescue (SAR). He made it his goal to make a career out of SAR. Kyle is well on his way to achieving his goal and currently works as a Ski Patroller in Colorado and a Climbing Ranger in the Pacific NorthWest.

Kyle’s certifications include WEMT-IV, Avalanche Pro 1, and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. Kyle is a certified AIARE instructor and teaches Recreational Level 1, Level 2, and Partner Rescue courses. He is also an Apprentice Rock and Ski Guide through the AMGA

When Kyle has free time he climbs and skis. He’s taken the hard way to the top of El Capitan and the steep way down peaks in Colorado and Washington.

Kyle’s jobs allow or force him (depending on the weather) to work 200 days a year outside. He’s constantly testing gear in all conditions and refining his setups to make work and play easier, faster, and more fun.