Need a bag that can keep up with your life, whether you’re hitting the waves or just getting around town? I spent a few months putting the Billabong Combat Large 35L Backpack through its paces – from sandy shores to busy streets –
Billabong: Still a Big Deal in the Surf World?
Billabong’s been around since 1973, starting as a small surfboard company on Australia’s Gold Coast. Now, they’re a global brand known for understanding what people who love the ocean and adventure need. They’re all about cool style and stuff that actually works.
The Combat Large 35L Backpack is a good example of what Billabong’s about: simple design, usefulness, and that casual beach vibe.
First Look: Taking the Combat Large 35L Out of the Box
The Combat Large looks good right away, with its simple design and dark color. It’s made with some recycled stuff, which is cool because Billabong seems to care about being green – something a lot of people care about these days.
It feels solid but not too heavy. At 35 liters, it’s big enough for day trips but not too big for everyday use. And it’s the right size to take on a plane.
What’s It All About? Design That Works for the Beach and Beyond
How It Looks
The Combat Large doesn’t scream surf brand. It’s more low-key. The dark color goes with anything, from swim trunks to jeans. Billabong gets that their customers do more than just surf.
It’s not too flashy for work or school, but it still looks cool and well-made.
The Material
The recycled fabric is nice. It feels tough and keeps the water out, but it’s still soft enough to be comfortable on your back. It also shouldn’t fade in the sun.
What It Can Do: Every Pocket Makes Sense
Main Space
The main area has 35 liters of space, so you can fit a week’s worth of stuff for the beach or a day’s worth of work gear. It opens wide, so it’s easy to pack, and there are pockets inside to keep things organized.
Laptop Spot
A padded pocket for your laptop is a must these days. This one fits most 15-inch laptops and has enough padding to keep it safe from everyday bumps.
Mesh Pockets
These are great for keeping wet and dry stuff separate, like wet swimsuits or dirty shoes. The mesh lets air in, so things don’t get smelly.
Side Pockets
Perfect for water bottles, coffee, or anything you need to grab quickly, like sunscreen or keys. They stretch to fit different sizes and hold things in place.
Audio Pocket
Billabong knows what people need these days. This soft pocket keeps your phone safe from scratches and makes it easy to get to your phone for music or calls.
Using It Every Day: Six Months of Testing
At the Beach
This bag is great at the beach. The water-resistant stuff keeps splashes out. Sand comes off easily, and the pockets make it easy to keep things organized. Put wet stuff in the mesh pockets, keep dry stuff in the main area, and keep electronics safe in the padded spots.
Around Town
The 35L size is good for carrying everything you need for work without feeling too bulky. It’s still comfy, even when you’re walking a lot. And it looks good enough for business casual places.
Traveling
It works great as a carry-on. The pockets make it easy to get through airport security, and it’s tough enough to handle being thrown around.
At School
Students will like this bag. It fits books, a laptop, lunch, and gym clothes. And it looks cool, so you won’t feel like you’re carrying a hiking backpack to class.
Is It Comfortable? Made for All-Day Wear
The shoulder straps have padding that spreads the weight across your shoulders. Even when the bag is full, it’s still comfortable.
The back has vents to keep you from sweating too much. It’s not as good as a hiking backpack, but it’s good enough for what it’s meant for.
The chest strap can be adjusted or taken off. It’s good to have if you’re doing something active, but you can take it off if you just want a cleaner look.
How Long Will It Last?
After six months of using it for everything – beach trips, work, and travel – the Combat Large still looks good. The zippers work fine, the fabric hasn’t faded or ripped, and the stitching is still strong.
The recycled material is tough, so you don’t have to worry about it falling apart. It actually gets softer over time while still keeping water out.
Is It Worth the Money?
The Combat Large 35L is a good value for a nice backpack. You’re paying for:
- Billabong’s history in surf culture
- A design that works for a lot of different things
- Good materials that make it worth the price
- A promise from a well-known brand
It’s more expensive than a basic backpack, but you’re paying for the brand and design. It’s also priced well compared to other similar brands, and it works better.
Is It Good for the Environment?
Billabong’s use of recycled stuff is more than just talk. It’s a real step toward being greener. They want to use more sustainable materials, and the Combat Large is a good example of that.
Also, a bag that lasts a long time is better for the environment because you don’t have to buy a new one as often.
Who Is This Backpack For?
The Person Who Surfs and Works
If you want to surf in the morning and go to work in the afternoon, this bag works for both.
The College Student
It looks good, it’s useful for school, and it can handle being beat up.
The Weekend Adventurer
Whether you’re going to the beach, exploring a city, or taking a short trip, this bag can handle it.
The Eco-Conscious Person
If you want a bag that looks good and works well, and you want to support a brand that cares about the environment, this is a good choice.
What Could Be Better?
Not a Lot of Colors
The dark color is good for everything, but some people might want more colors that show off Billabong’s surf style.
No Way to Make It Smaller
Unlike some hiking backpacks, you can’t make this bag smaller when it’s not full.
A Bit Pricey
If you’re on a tight budget, you might find something that works just as well for less money, but it might not be as stylish or well-made.
How Does It Compare?
Compared to other surf brands like Quiksilver or Rip Curl, the Combat Large has better organization and materials. Compared to regular backpack brands, it has more style and features for specific lifestyles.
The closest competitor might be Patagonia, but the Combat Large is a better value while still being good quality and eco-friendly.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
The Billabong Combat Large 35L Backpack is successful because it knows who it’s for. It’s not trying to be the most technical or the cheapest – it’s trying to be the perfect everyday bag for people who are active and do a lot of different things.
After using it a lot, I think it does what it promises. It has a good design, it’s made well, it’s eco-friendly, and it has that surf culture vibe.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
What’s Good:
- Works for a lot of different lifestyles
- Made well with sustainable stuff
- Good organization
- Comfortable to wear for a long time
- Has that surf brand feel
What’s Not So Good:
- Might be too expensive for some
- Not many colors to choose from
- Can’t be made smaller
Where to Buy
You can buy the Billabong Combat Large 35L Backpack on Billabong’s website, where you can find all the colors and deals.
It’s also on Amazon with fast shipping.
You can also find it at local surf shops, where you can try it out and support local businesses.
Tip: Sign up for Billabong’s free membership for free shipping and early access to sales.
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