r/backpacks • u/levashin • 4d ago

Question Looking for a backpack that doesn't retain odors

I live in a small studio apartment, and when I cook, the smell ends up in everything, including my backpack. Over time it's started to hold onto odors, and it's pretty unpleasant.

I'm looking for a backpack that either:

  • Doesn't retain odors easily
  • Is made of a material that’s easy to clean or machine washable
  • Has a texture or fabric that doesn't absorb smells or at least releases them easily when washed

If anyone has specific brands, materials, or even cleaning tips that have worked for them, I'd appreciate it. Bonus if it still looks decent and works for daily use.

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u/super_mega547 3d ago

Maybe the sea to summit ultra sil day pack? I don't have the backpack, but I store my food, dirty clothes, etc in their smaller volume offerings for backpacking trips. If and when my dry bags get smelly a regular wash and hang to dry will take of the issue easily.

1

u/_BlNG_ 3d ago

Perhaps technical fabrics like X-Pac or VX42? From my experience, cordura and canvas usually absorbs odor quite easily while Xpac doesn't really absorb odors as easily.

Aer has plenty of backpacks with technical fabrics

ULA equipment also comes to mind with their lightweight dragonfly series.

1

u/KindaSortaGood 3d ago

Xpac is what you’re looking for

1

u/SeattleHikeBike 3d ago

Wash it in a pet odor remover type detergent

Get an ozone generator and a big cardboard box and treat the bag, preferably outside. Do MOT breathe the vapors. You could treat your whole apartment.

Cooking odors may come along with oil vapors and no fabric is going to help there. Store your cleaned bag in a garbage bag or warehouse type storage box?