Millican (https://www.homeofmillican.com/pages/about-us) prides itself in crafting functional bags from recycled materials for the conscious traveler, and that mission is evident upon inspection of this 25-liter toploader charmingly named Oli The Zip. After using this backpack for months, it istime for a full-blown review.
This zip-top backpack model comes in a variety of neutral colors: Millican’s website currently lists moss, tarn, slate, and graphite grey. It should be noted that though the graphite grey color appears like a dark charcoal on their website, Millican includes the following disclaimer about their graphite grey colorway: “P.S. Please note, our Graphite Grey is a rich, natural Dark Grey – not pure Black.” This is in part due to the Bionic® Canvas material, which is constructed with ~65% recycled materials, that Millican employs in its Maverick Collection product line. Each batch of canvas produced to make these bags can vary in color which makes each Millican bag unique.
As you can see in the pictures below, our specific Graphite Grey pack falls in line with Millican’s description.
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Specifications
- Capacity: 25 liters
- Height: 20.5 inches (52cm)
- Width: 11 inches (28 cm)
- Depth: 7 inches (18 cm)
- Weight: 2.3 pounds (1.05 kg)
- Zippers: YYK
- Buckles/Hardware: Aluminum
- MSRP: $179 (Check the latest price on Amazon)
How does Millican’s Oli The Zip 25L look?
This toploader backpack belongs to Millican’s Maverick Collection. Bags in the Maverick Collection are lightweight & constructed with only metal hardware; there is no plastic featured anywhere on this bag. The metal hardware gives Oli The Zip a refined look & feel.
When the external water bottle pockets are empty, Oli The Zip appears tall & skinny. The proportions aren’t awkward by any means, but filling the water bottle pockets definitely adds some width to the bag. The two side pockets are over a foot deep and will swallow all but the widest water bottles & accessories thanks to the elastic strap. Both pockets are identical and lend to the symmetrical aesthetic of the bag, though I would be wary of storing small loose items here for fear of them being a chore to retrieve from the deep pockets (or worse, falling out when the bag is on its side).
I found that this profile changes as the bag ages; the water bottle pockets become more noticeable (even when empty) as the canvas begins to break in & relax. I was afraid this would change my perception of the bag, but I have come to appreciate the well-worn look of this Millican backpack now that I have been using this bag for months. This appears to be a common trait among Millican’s Mavericks Collection. I have seen Millican’s Smith The Roll & Fraser The Rucksack bags exhibit similar characteristics after being broken in.
Upon close inspection, you will find that Millican’s recycled Bionic Canvas has a tight geometric pattern that adds texture to this backpack. The entire exterior of this bag is constructed with the sustainable canvas, and the large uninterrupted panels provide a sleek yet rugged silhouette. I imagine this canvas plays a large part in the break-in process of the bag. It certainly adds a level of character to this toploader backpack.
I was pleased to find that this backpack holds its shape very well even when empty. This is not a floppy bag. This is due to a thin, slightly-curved back panel that serves to protect the laptop compartment and provide the bag with structure. This formed panel extends the entire height of the backpack and was a welcomed addition.
How does Millican’s Oli The Zip 25L feel?
Upon initial review, the bag feels quite sturdy. The Bionic Canvas is relatively thin and slightly stiff which helps add structure to the bag. That said, I have found the stiffness of the canvas begins to give way after continued use.
It’s hard to put into words exactly what the Bionic Canvas feels like. It features a very tight weave and the external panels are impregnated with paraffin wax which gives the backpack a coarsely coated feel.
The carrying handle features a different fabric reinforced with a strip of leather. This provides an alternative carrying option that feels very robust.
Because this bag features the ergonomic back panel that helps it keep its shape, the 25-liter Oli The Zip backpack is incredibly easy to travel with. This backpack feels like a sturdy piece of travel gear with structural integrity. I am much more confident in this bags ability to protect my belongings than when I travel with a regular backpack or duffel bag.
The back of Oli The Zip is padded with mesh foam inserts that lift the bag off your back and allow for airflow. The back padding is soft and supportive, and it has stood the test of time by not becoming flat or losing its structure throughout my use. All told, this is one of the most comfortable backpacks I have worn in a long time.
How does Millican’s Oli The Zip 25L fit?
The harness system of this Millican bag looks and feels top-notch. The shoulder straps are thickly-padded and include a simple chest strap that can be adjusted to a variety of hidden attachment loops (or removed completely). The straps adjust with ease, and the strap-keepers are a simple & effective addition to the bag to keep them out of your way as much as possible. This daypack feels great with both light & heavy loads.
All of the hardware on the straps is constructed of aluminum; the lack of plastic on this bag is a refreshing departure from the generic black plastic hardware you find on many daypacks. We appreciate the inclusion of a detachable hip strap as well, though I have found very little use for it because it is already such a comfortable carry. Thankfully, the minimal hip strap packs up into a compact area and can be hidden in one of the internal pockets so it is always available if I need it.
The carrying handle on top of Oli The Zip looks elegant, but it’s front-to-back handle orientation takes some getting used to. Carrying this bag by the handle as you walk requires contorting your wrist to avoid the bag from swinging in your path. Since the handle is attached on the top-loading flap, it is fairly useless if you need to pick up the bag while the top is open. There are many reasons for why you might need to use a carrying handle on top of a backpack, but I do not find myself using this handle much.
Features of Millican’s Oli The Zip 25L
YKK Zippers
The two YKK zippers that secure the main compartment come equipped with color-matched zipper pulls for easy access. The angles required to zip/unzip this compartment can feel unnatural as you get used to opening this backpack, so the inclusion of a two-zipper system is appreciated. That said, we hope the awkwardness of opening & closing the main compartment subsides with time as we become more familiar with Oli The Zip.
High-contrast Internal Organization
The minimalist approach is evident as you dive into the large main compartment. You will find very little internal organization beyond a few small pockets and a laptop compartment sleeve secured with a snap-top. I very much appreciate that Millican opted to add a high-contrast yellow fabric to the inside of the main pocket. Toploaders by nature can become unnavigable black holes due to their cavernous interior, so adding a bright yellow background makes it easier to find what you are looking for.
If you are looking for a well-organized bag with many built-in pockets, this may not be the bag for you. A single pen/marker pocket sits next to a thin pocket that is big enough for a wallet or cell phone (but definitely not both together). A slightly larger zipped pocket is the only other organization you will find in the main compartment.The rest of the compartment is massive, and will easily hold everything you need. Our initial test revealed that we could easily fit a two-person tent along with snacks and a change of clothes. Armed with some strategic packing and/or packing cubes, you should be able to put Oli The Zip to good use.
Hidden Quick-Access Pocket
The quick-access zipper compartment hidden on the back of the bag is a thoughtful addition to this backpack. This pocket provides just enough storage for the essentials to keep you from having to rummage through the main compartment while running through the airport or taking a break. The pocket is large enough to fit items like wallets, passports, cell phones, boarding passes, multi-tools, and other important items that you need when traveling. A spring-loaded metal hook tethered to the top of this pocket provides an attachment point for your keys as well.
Final Thoughts on the 25L Millican Oli The Zip
I am impressed with the construction & feel of Millican’s Oli The Zip backpack. This backpack is perfectly suited as a carry-on solution for short trips, and I have used it for countless weekend adventures.
The minimal internal organization means you can fill this backpack without being limited by unnecessary pockets, and the recycled fabric feels sturdy and wears nicely. Some may not appreciate the lack of pockets & partitions, but those people probably aren’t looking for a toploader like this anyways.
Millican beautifully accomplished what they intended with Oli The Zip by providing a large backpack that serves as a blank canvas (no pun intended) for travelers to decide how they want to organize their pack on their own terms. For travelers like me who have ever been frustrated by backpack compartments that end up feeling too small, the huge main compartment of Millican’s Oli The Zip provides a wonderful solution.
Interested in learning more? Check out the Millican Oli The Zip Pack 25L on Amazon.
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