Mission Workshop The Rhake Review – USA Made Weatherproof Laptop Backpack
From the café to the office, overnight trips, and beyond, Mission Workshop’s USA Made The Rhake Backpack will keep your cargo dry, protected and organized. At just 3.1 lbs this roll-top backpack is considerably lightweight given its generous 22 L internal volume and waterproof construction throughout. On the exterior you’ll find a really nice HT500 body fabric, though, you can opt for Multicam black camo Cordura should you choose to do so.
For protection from the elements like rain, snow and beyond, Mission Workshop has incorporated a double-layer waterproof construction into The Rhake. You’ll also find water-resistant zippers for peace of mind when it comes to carrying precious cargo like electronics.
Speaking of electronics, this laptop backpack features one of the best laptop and tablet compartments I’ve seen in a long time. On the interior main compartment, a tablet or similar device pocket can be found with essentially double weatherproofing. While there is a dedicated side back laptop compartment that fits 15” laptops and some 17” laptops, I managed to snug my MacBook Pro into the main compartment slot with ease too.
Quick Highlights:
- 3.1lbs weight
- HT500 or Multicam Black Camo Cordura body fabric options
- Dedicated padded laptop pocket fits all 15-inch and most 17-inch laptops
- Dedicated 10-inch tablet/iPad pocket.
- Expandable 22-liter roll up main compartment
- Hidden water bottle pocket with zippered storage compartment
- Exterior accessory pocket for cords, chargers, etc.
- Two zipped mesh compartments for small accessories and EDC gear
- Double-layer weatherproof construction
- Water-resistant zippers throughout
- Spacious interior zip document/magazine pocket.
- Horizontal exterior straps with quick realize buckles
- Optional AustriAlpin COBRA quick-release buckles
- Standard US Made Duraflex Buckles
- Arkiv rails on shoulder straps
- Perforated foam back panel
- Luggage handle pass-through on rear for travel with rolling luggage
- USA made from domestic/imported components.
- Guaranteed forever.
- Available in black, grey, olive, Black camo, and Alpine camo options.
Mission Workshop The Rhake Backpack Review
For storing other gear, you’ll find additional pockets waterproof everywhere. On the top front of the Rhake backpack, there’s a really nice quick access compartment with a protective rain flap. For items you need lightning-fast access to this pocket will serve you well.
At the bottom of Mission Workshop The Rhake backpack there’s a generously sized zippered pocket. For this space, things like a sweater or electronic charging cables fit perfectly. Personally, I like putting my iPhone cord and MacBook Pro charger at the bottom given accessing them while on the go is just so easy to do.
On the front of this tough-looking backpack, you’ll find two front compartments secured by straps. While The Rhake does come with plastic buckles you can opt for the better, AustriAlpin COBRA quick-release buckles.
If you’ve ever owned these buckles before, you’ll know exactly why they are worth getting. I use them on everything from my dog’s collar to his harness, my tactical everyday belt, and beyond. In other words, I highly recommend them. Though, the plastic buckles are heavy duty enough.
Once the buckles are undone, the left front pocket features a handful of smaller mesh pockets with zippers. There’s also a nice key hook located at the top. I managed to fit everything from a bicycle multi-tool to a Samsung SSD hard drive to sunscreen, snacks, a flashlight, pen, a rite in the rain notebook and beyond with room to spare.
On the opposite side, the second front pocket features a simple, large open compartment. If you bike to work this space is perfect for a spare bicycle tube. Of course, you can also fill it up with plenty of other EDC gear too.
On the right side of the Mission Work The Rhake backpack you’ll find a hidden, pull-out mesh water bottle pocket. The compartment is rather discreet making it the perfect place for storing valuable items if you wish to lose the water bottle.
When it comes to the main compartment, you’ll find plenty of space to work with. I slide in a pair of Vertx Delta Stretch pants, alongside a spare shirt. If you need a change of clothes or have a lot of paperwork, books to carry, and so on, you’ll find it roomy enough. To access the main compartment you can either use the Velcro method or go with the hook closure. For covert access, the hook closure is golden.
In terms of comfort, this laptop backpack is wonderful. The padded straps offer plenty of support for when the pack is stuffed full with a heavier load. The sternum straps work as well as they should, while the pack itself actually sits close on the back, giving it a body-hugging feel. Personally, I like it.
Should you not wish to carry The Rhake on your back, there’s a really handy pass-through sleeve for attaching the pack to a roller luggage drag handle.
For durability, this pack is extremely tough. The weatherproofing is exceptionally well-done and managed to highly impress me. I can see this USA made pack easily lasting for years and years to come. In reality, the tactical, tough look it gives off is true to just how rugged the pack is actually built.