Mous Day Backpack review: minimalistic design with highly functional features

If you're constantly on the go, owning one of the best backpacks is essential. Not only do they offer a space to keep all your belongings in one place, but they provide a level of protection and durability that a lot of other bags cannot. As someone who spends (probably too much) time on public transport, it's something I can personally attest to.

Known for its range of impressive tech accessories, Mous recently launched its new Day Backpack. Available in four stylish colours, it combines an effortless, minimalist design with simple access features, and it certainly caught my attention.

Keep reading to find out how well it lasted over three weeks of testing, and whether its features matched the slightly higher price tag. 

Mous Day Backpack review: price and availability 

The Mous Day Backpack is available to buy on the brand's website for an RRP of £149.99. There are four stylish colourways to choose from (Marine, Sage, Stone and Midnight) and I've been reviewing it in Stone. It does have a higher price tag than other day-to-day backpacks, but the materials used and its practical design explains why it's on the steeper side. 

The Midnight colourway is actually priced at £199.99 but there's no clear indicator of why it's more expensive than the others. 

Mous Day Backpack review: design and features

As well as looking incredibly stylish, the Mous Day Backpack has a bunch of practical features that make it an ideal choice for those constantly on the go. However, its central zip design is one detail that stands out more than the rest. 

At a first glance, you wouldn't think the Day Backpack would open up the way it does, but it's incredibly useful to have. It lets you access anything that may have fallen to the bottom, so if you're more of a 'shove it all in and hope for the best' kind of person, it's ideal. 

It also features a flexible top lid and G-hook fastening, designed to provide effortless closure. Over time, zips can often break or lose their structure if constantly stretched, so this kind of fastening prevents it from being overstrained. It also stops users from overpacking, which again, isn't a bad thing. 

The backpack itself is crafted from water-resistant materials which is great for everyday use, but it isn't fully waterproof. That being said, I felt comfortable using the backpack during the inevitable British weather, and all of my belongings stayed dry. 

The Day Backpack has a 20-litre capacity with nine compartments, including a laptop sleeve, zipped pocket, slip pockets and a water bottle pocket. This provides a huge amount of functionality, making it a great option for anyone from commuters to adventurers. 

The laptop pocket can fit up to a 16” MacBook Pro, or a 14” MacBook Pro in a case.  However, if your laptop is bigger, the main compartment will be more than enough. It fit my MacBook and iPad comfortably at the same time, so storage really isn't an issue. 

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Mous Day Backpack review: performance

Unlike a lot of the best travel gadgets, people require different things when it comes to backpacks. Yes, functional space is essential, but the way it looks is also important. That's why I've taken such a liking to the Mous Day Backpack, and I've found it to be the perfect mix of style and practicality. 

I used the Day Backpack for around three weeks, meaning it went everywhere with me. I even brought it to Vivatech 2024, and if you've been to a tech show before, you'll know how much stuff you actually need to take. 

When it came to functionality, it was apparent early on that the Mous Day Backpack was up to the challenge. It was able to store all of my belongings with ease, and the multiple pockets made it even simpler to locate everything. I also loved being able to open it up to find a stray charger or lip balm, and I'm not sure how I'll feel about returning to a normal backpack after this. 

As mentioned, its water-resistant design was persistent, and my belongings were fully protected from the rain. I was also slightly hesitant about the G-hook fastening and whether it would stay closed, but it was actually really effective. It didn't come undone once, and I felt comfortable knowing that nothing would fall out.

I did find myself wishing the backpack had two side pockets instead of just the one, especially as I prefer having my water bottle and umbrella on the outside of any bag I use. As there wasn't an alternative pocket on the right-hand side of the backpack, it felt like wasted space. 

The only other negative was that the shoulder straps would start to dig into my shoulders after a few hours of use. That being said, I was carrying around a number of heavy items and not everyone will use their backpack for as long as I often do, so it's all relative. 

Mous Day Backpack review: verdict

I found the Mous Day Backpack to be extremely versatile and functional over three weeks of testing. It was able to store my belongings safely and securely, and its stylish design attracted a lot of compliments. I did find myself wishing there were two side pockets instead of one, but my overall experience was a positive one. 

Mous Day Backpack review: alternatives to consider

If you're a fan of a stylish yet practical backpack, I'd recommend the Harber London Office Backpack. It has an impressive amount of pockets and zipped compartments, and the straps are really comfortable. It's not as water-resistant as the Mous Day Backpack, but its other features certainly make up for this. 

Another alternative would be the Carl Friedrik Day-to-Day backpack. It's able to fold up and down for extra storage and the leather detailing gives a luxurious feel. Coming in nearly £400, the price tag is the only thing that holds it back, but it’s perfect for those who want a backpack that will last.