I’ve Owned the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack for Over 5 Years: Here’s My Honest Review
I’ve owned and used the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack (Large) for over five years, and it remains my most-used bag for commuting, travel, flights, train trips, cruises, and everyday life. This is not a first-impression or unboxing review — it’s based on years of real-world use, including heavy loads, frequent flights, overnight trips, and daily wear. Not only do I have two Dakota backpacks myself, I also bought one for my kid to use for school and it lasted two years of middle school as well as subsequent travel and sleepovers.
If you’re wondering whether the Dagne Dover Dakota backpack is worth the investment, how it actually holds up over time, what it can realistically carry, and whether it works as a personal carry-on for flights, this review covers all of that and more. I’m sharing exactly how I use it, what fits inside, how comfortable it is, and why it’s still my go-to backpack years later and one of my favorite pieces of luggage.
How the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack Holds Up Over Time
I actually got my first Dagne Dover Dakota backpack way back in 2018! It was instantly a favorite and my preferred work commuting bag. You can see me with my original Dagne Dover Dakota backpack in this article. In 2020, that bag tore at the top handle. I ended up replacing it with the updated version of the Dakota backpack (also in black), which was a more durable neoprene fabric and now had a luggage sleeve. This turned the Dakota into my favorite travel bag as well as commuting and laptop bag!
After five years of frequent use, my black Dakota backpack is still in excellent condition. The material has proven to be exceptionally durable, with no broken zippers, no sagging structure, and no worn-out seams. Last year, I received the camel version of the bag as a gift and the two bags look pretty much the same except that my black bag has a couple creases from it being shoved empty into a pretty full suitcase (last-minute luggage rearrange for a flight home). The two creases do not affect the performance and have faded over time.
This is not a delicate backpack that needs babying. It’s built for real life.
Cleaning is easy: I simply spot clean with a damp sponge, and it looks good as new. I own the backpack in both camel and black, and interestingly, the camel actually hides stains better than the black.
Comfort: Even With Heavy Loads
One of the standout features of the Dakota backpack is the padded shoulder straps. They make a noticeable difference, especially when the bag is fully loaded. This has made it far more comfortable to wear when on travel; I have walked miles with a chock-full Dakota on my back. At 5'3″ tall, I also appreciate that the large size isn't so big it is awkward; it fits well on my back and doesn't inhibit my movement.
The Dakota backpack handles weight so well, I don’t just use this backpack for travel — I also use it for rucking, filling it with books and soft weights for strength training. Being in midlife, I know that carrying weight like this helps with my bones and I didn't see the need to purchase a weighted vest when I had a perfectly good backpack. This way, I have been able to add weight as I have gained strength. The bag hasn't stretched or become misshapen and I have been using it for rucking for over a year.
Even when carrying a heavy load, the backpack remains comfortable and well-balanced, without digging into my shoulders. That level of comfort is rare in a backpack that still looks this polished.
Perfect for Travel and Flights
The large Dakota backpack fits perfectly under an airplane seat, making it an excellent personal carry-on bag for flights. I’ve used it on countless trips, and it slides under the seat easily without needing to be crammed or squished. It also sits nicely on a rolling suitcase thanks to the well-designed luggage sleeve.
The internal compartment design makes traveling so much easier. Everything has a place, which means I can find what I need mid-flight without pulling everything out.
I can comfortably fit:
- My large Bagsmart toiletry travel bag, filled to the gills, sitting at the bottom of the main compartment
- The large Quince crescent shoulder bag, full of my purse basics (including two glasses cases) so the backpack can be my personal bag and I have my purse ready once I reach my destination
- My eReader, a paperback, and a thick magazine
- A pouch of charging cords and tech accessories
- Snacks
- A slim water bottle (the Smartwater bottles are the right size) in a side pocket
- And still have room to spare
It’s one of the few backpacks I’ve owned that stays organized even when packed full.
What Fits Inside the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
Despite its sleek, structured look, the Dakota holds an impressive amount.
Laptops & Tech
I can easily fit my 16″ MacBook in the padded laptop compartment. I’ve even carried two 16″ laptops at once — one in the laptop sleeve and another inside the main compartment’s mesh pocket — without the bag feeling overstuffed or uncomfortable.
One-Bag Overnight Travel
For one-night trips, I often use the large Dakota as my only bag. I can fit:
- Toiletries
- A change of clothes
- Pajamas
- A pair of flats
- My 16″ laptop
- Tech essentials and personal items
Everything fits neatly thanks to the thoughtful interior layout.
Why the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack Is Still My Favorite
After more than five years of consistent use, the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack (Large) has more than proven its value. It’s durable, comfortable even when heavily packed, thoughtfully organized, and versatile enough for commuting, flights, overnight travel, and everyday carry.
What makes the Dakota stand out is how well it balances function and polish. It fits under an airplane seat as a personal carry-on, holds an impressive amount without losing its shape, keeps everything organized in transit, and still looks sleek and put-together. Add in the padded straps, easy spot cleaning, and long-term durability, and it’s easy to see why this backpack continues to be my favorite.
If you’re looking for a high-quality backpack that truly holds up over time — not just something that looks good out of the box — the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack is one I genuinely recommend based on years of real-life use.
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I ordered this after reading your review & researching it. Unfortunately I had a crappy experience ordering it & cancelled the order. My email to Dagne Dover:
When I ordered this, I put in my PO box as a delivery address because USPS doesn’t deliver to my physical address. Nowhere during checkout was it indicated that UPS would be delivering this & a physical address was needed.
Once I was notified it was shipping through UPS, I called them & was told I couldn’t change the delivery address, only the sender could. I called your service desk & was told I needed to call UPS & change the address. I explained that UPS could not change it, Dagne Dover needed to change it. Your service rep indicated that she couldn’t change the address, she could only have it returned to DD, then have another sent out to my physical address.
This has not been a great first-time experience with your company. I don’t have the time or bandwidth to deal with this, as my mother is terminally ill & all my energy goes to her.
Cancel this order & refund my money.
Jane, you have left this on a personal blog, and this will not be read by the company. I am sorry this happened to you; I do wish more retailers shared the delivery service they use for reasons just like you stated. Good luck.
I left the comment so your readers would be aware of my experience & not have the same one.
Literally couldn’t agree more. I have had my dagne dover black Dakota for 4 years and she won’t quit!! I am not kind to my backpacks and she can carry so much, be stretched, and those zippers and seams are still perfect. Took her to work every day (even biking in the rain) and she has been to at least 7 countries. The black color hasn’t faded a bit either! Best money I have ever spent on a bag.
I love to hear/read that you too have been a happy Dagne Dover Dakota backpack owner!
Love this review! Currently between a medium Dakota and a medium Landon duffle. Which do you prefer???
Oh gosh, that’s kind of an apples to oranges question. It depends on what you are using it for. The Dakota is better for carrying heavy and awkwardly shaped items. I wouldn’t want to use my Landon to carry, say a laptop and a few books and a water bottle but it’s fabulous for the gym or as a purse/commuter bag hybrid with soft items mixed in. The Dakota does a better job of separating items and keeping them upright.
Hi Alison
I think I”m ready to buy the backpack. I walk back and forth to work with a laptop, shoes, lunch, water bottle and the rest of my life. If you were buying this today, would you get medium or large? Thanks!
Sorry I missed this! I would get the large.
Thanks for this great review. Now that we are finally starting to contemplate a return to the office, I searched on eBay and scored a new olive-colored one. So happy and excited to trot it out!
Hi there! Do you feel like the black color shows dirt more easily? I’m debating between black and the heather grey. Thank you for this informative post!
I haven’t really had an issue with it. Dusty dirt does show quickly, but it’s also easy to clean off with a damp cloth. I still use my bag almost weekly and it’s been through a lot and still looks great. That being said, I have the heather gray in the Ace fanny pack and that’s my gym bag and it looks great too though it’s pretty dirty!
Hey! I’m seriously considering the Legend Signature Tote in Graphite. Do you have this bag or one for the Signature Tote line? I’m curious if the stiff handles are annoying.. do the handles constantly slip off of your shoulder? Is it easily tuckable under an airplane seat? I travel a lot for work so I’m looking for a bag with a zipper to make sure nothing fall out and plenty of room for my laptop, charger and supplies. Id really love to get your thoughts. Thank you!
I do! I don’t find the stiff handles annoying, I find they become more flexible with wear. One strap occasionally slides off especially if I’m wearing a winter coat but it’s not dreadful. It will fit under an airplane seat but will be bent to do so so it’s up to whether you are comfortable with that. I have a few reviews:
This one compares it to the largest Allyn: https://www.wardrobeoygen.com/dagne-dover-tote-allyn-vs-legend/
This is my most recent Legend review, I’ve had a few for years: https://www.wardrobeoygen.com/dagne-dover-legend-tote-review/
Hope that helps! And for any other Dagne bags, you can find reviews and photos of them being worn at https://www.wardrobeoygen.com/tag/dagne-dover/
About to purchase the Dagne Dover Dakota backpack for trip to Chicago for mother’s day. Looking over your review convinced me. The picture of your airport outfit is what I noticed first. I’m 5’4 similar in size to you. Are you carrying the Large or Medium. I thought I read large, 17”
High, $175 in price. So.. not sure which one. Thank you for your recommendation!
.. ok I just read you have the medium, as large not available at the time you received. If I read correctly, and you have the medium, would you choose medium again or choose the large? Thank you again.
Has this held up for you so far? I’m looking at getting a large grey one for law school, so I need super durable!
Yes it has! In fact I just took a trip to California and used it as my carry-on bag shoved under the front seat. It truly shows no wear other than the occasional stain (easy to spot clean).
One of the young gals in the office has a Dagne Dover bag which I loved, but I want a back pack. I found your review and am now inspired to get one but was hesitant at $195 (I need the large one). Your 20% off code enticed me though so I went to purchase it. The code does not work. Any ideas?
Unfortunately the code was for last year. I don’t currently have a code. They do offer 20% off for teachers and the military: https://www.dagnedover.com/pages/real-life-super-heroes Looking online i found the code EVERYGIRL20 don’t know if it will work or not.
What about water? What happens in the rain?
It repels water. It’s not waterproof but it’s done great for me when caught in the rain walking to my hotel.
What size water bottle can fit on the side? Can it fit a Yeti? Do you have trouble fitting a water bottle on the side if the bag is full inside?
If the bag is full you may be able to fit a small bottle of Poland Springs or that type, or maybe a narrow Swell bottle but that’s it. I haven’t been able to fit my larger water bottles like Nalgene or Thermo Flask, but more narrow bottles that don’t have rubber on the outside (gets caught on the elastic) will fit if the bag isn’t full.
Hey
Just ordering this backpack for my friend. Will this medium bag fit a 15” pro with sleeve on ?
Dont want to order a large bag because the medium seems compact and nice
My friend at Looks Good from the Back recently ordered the medium and she says a 15″ laptop doesn’t fit in the pocket, but will in the body http://www.looksgoodfromtheback.com/2018/11/review-dagne-dover-dakota-and-lo-sons.html However I could fit my 15″ when I had one…
Hi! I tend to carry a lot in my bag for school, so I am looking for something that will not strain my back. Did this backpack wear well over the year that you have had it?
Yep, I just used it this week and is still looks like new. I am not kind to my bags either. Very impressed!
hi! thanks for the detailed review. just wondering if this bag in medium can fit a laptop together with a pair of running shoes? Would it be just right or have some spare space for a towel? thanks!
Yes it can! I’m carrying it today and inside I have my laptop and cord, my purse basics (large wallet and two pouches), a pair of sneakers and a denim jacket plus some snacks!
Does the back have a sleeve to slip the bag over a luggage spinner handle?
No it does not.
If you’re coming to this review later, I just want to add a quick update. Yes, the new version does have a luggage sleeve for spinner bags.
How big is your laptop? Is there room for a 15inch?
I have a MacBook Pro but had a 15″ at my old job and it fit.
so a 13inch would fit in the medium size? do you have the medium size or large?
When I got this bag, the medium was the only size. So yes, a 13″ will fit in the medium.
Thanks for the review and the discount! I just ordered one in black. i’m trying to walk to work more, but using a tote with my laptop is too awkward and hurts my neck .
I love this bag I am going to order one. You look amazing by the way!!!
Thanks so much Lisa! And I hope you love the bag as much as I do mine!
Nice! Do you need to use a laptop sleeve, or are you comfortable going without since the bag is neoprene?
I go without a sleeve. The back of the backpack is padded enough, it’s well covered inside, and like you said the whole pack is neoprene.
Once again . . . you sold me. Just ordered this backpack! I’ve been on the fence for a while, because I do have a backpack that I use when traveling, but this one has so many more features.
It’s a great bag I hope you love it!