Keen Newport DP Daypack
Keen Newport DP Daypack – small versatile daypack with plenty of pockets
I am a big fan of Keen shoes so I was thrilled to test out one of their backpacks. I actually won the Keen Newport DP during a game of Cornhole at the Summer Outdoor Retailer Show. Keen had the most rocking parties at the show and after much hula hooping and beer sampling I got coerced into a game of Cornhole which certainly paid off in sample bags.
The Keen Newport DP has quickly become one of my favorite hiking backpacks. Keeping with Keen’s Hybrid Life, the pack is designed to take you from the office to the trailhead. A dedicated hydration compartment fits a 3-liter reservoir, but without a full bladder the bag can easily hold a laptop in a sleeve and a few books and folders.
The front “easy access” compartment is pretty deep and has a key clip to keep you from losing your keys in the pack and three pockets for organizing all your goods like granola bars, sunscreen, and flash drives. The main compartment has both a zippered pocket and a sleeve to keep even your larger items organized.
A front webbing pocket easily stashes a jacket, but is a bit too small for a bike helmet. The outer pocket makes a great place for my climbing shoes – it keeps their horrible stench outside of my pack and away from my clothes. Two outer mesh pockets are great for water bottles and a stashable rain cover easily zips out of the bottom to cover your pack during a freak downpour.
Wish the pack had a bit more padding on the shoulder straps, but with a light load it feels great. The back padding is plush and the sternum strap slides up and down for the perfect fit. Supposedly the hipbelt is removable, I just haven’t figured out how to take it off yet.
The quick & dirty:
Where you can find on:
Amazon: $82.60
Ebags: $72 – $92
Why they rock:
- Dedicated hydration compartment fits a 3 liter reservoir
- Front easy access compartment with key clip and pockets
- Large main compartment with zippered security and sleeve pockets
- Two side mesh pockets and front webbing holds even more gear
- Hidden rain cover
- Super cushioned back panel
- Shoulder, hip, and sternum straps adjust for personalized comfort
Seat-of-the-pants rating: 9 out of 10
I’ve used the Keen Newport DP almost daily since August and have been really happy with it. It has been great for hiking, mountain biking, and trips to the coffee shop and I am psyched to take it out cross-country skiing this winter. Plus it is cute and matches my shoes.
I wouldn’t necessarily want to drag the bag up a granite rock face like I would the Black Diamond Bullet but it seems pretty durable and I haven’t had any problems so far. I am giving it a 9 out of 10 because the shoulder straps need just a tad more padding.
Looking to buy? Here’s where you can get one:
Amazon: $82.60
Ebags: $72 – $92
