Introduction
My Stubble and Co Rolltop Review is based on real daily commuting, office work, and client visits. I use the 20L version as my everyday work backpack in the UK. For carrying my MacBook securely even inside a protective sleeve. Externally it offers two stretchy hip pockets and a zipped outer pocket. Internally it offers a range of pockets with various sized slots. Additionally a zip pocket, and stretchy mesh pockets for chargers, documents, and daily essentials.
Because I previously relied on a cheap, non waterproof rucksack I bought during a warm trip to Malta. I immediately noticed how the Roll Top design and Tekwax canvas solved a genuine problem by keeping everything dry. Especially when walking between meetings, sites, and the car in all weather. Moreover, the comfort stands out regardless of load. Because the padded shoulder straps, shoulder blade pads, and lumbar support distribute weight evenly.
All while allowing airflow through ventilation gaps across the back panel. As a result, the bag remains comfortable whether lightly packed or fully loaded. I find this matters during long working days rather than occasional trips. This review reflects real long term use. It focuses on practical comfort, waterproof performance, and real world reliability for professional daily carry.
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TL:DR
This Stubble Co Rolltop backpack is well suited to daily office commuting and professional carry. Offering reliable waterproof performance and consistent comfort whether lightly packed or fully loaded. The padded shoulder straps, shoulder blade pads, and lumbar support distribute weight evenly. Whilst built-in ventilation gaps across the back panel help reduce heat build up during long days. Some users may find it suitable for business trips or international travel. Although the roll top closure may not suit everyone’s security preferences.
Stubble Co Rolltop Review: Comfort and Ergonomics for Daily Commuting
The comfort of the Stubble Co Rolltop stands out immediately and remains consistent throughout the day. I use this bag whether it is lightly packed or fully loaded, and the level of comfort does not change. The padded shoulder straps sit naturally on the shoulders and do not dig in, even after several hours of wear. The strap geometry spreads the weight evenly rather than concentrating pressure in one area.
Support across the back plays a big role here. A pair of padded shoulder blade panels help stabilise the load, while the padded lumbar section supports the lower back and keeps the bag positioned correctly. This lumbar padding also forms the luggage pass through, but it does not compromise comfort or structure during daily use. The bag feels balanced whether I pack carefully or quickly throw items inside.
Ventilation and airflow across the back panel
Ventilation is another strong point. The padding is segmented, which creates airflow channels across the back panel. These gaps allow heat to escape without reducing support or weight distribution. During long working days, this makes a noticeable difference, especially when moving between offices, meetings, and site visits.
Overall, the rolltop feels designed for real daily wear. The comfort comes from how the padding, straps, and back structure work together, not from excessive bulk. As a result, the bag remains comfortable, stable, and easy to forget you are wearing, even over extended periods.
Stubble Co Rolltop Review: Laptop Carry and Internal Organisation
I use the 20L Roll Top for daily office commuting and client visits. My MacBook fits into the dedicated externally accessed zipped laptop pocket, even when it is inside a Tomtoc 360 armoured sleeve.
Internal organisation is simple and functional. The inside zipped pocket is where I securely keep my keys, loose change, and basic medication. One of the internal mesh pockets holds a small box of plasters, as you never know when one might be needed. These mesh pockets sit low inside the bag, so they do not keep items visible in use.
Externally, the bag offers two stretchy side pockets and a zipped outer pocket, which helps separate a few items without opening the main compartment.
If you want more organisation for chargers, externals SSD’s, cables, batteries, sdxc cards and smaller tech, I have written a separate review of the Stubble and Co Tech Bag, which is essentially a packing cube for tech with a variety of smaller pockets, mesh and zipped pockets. Also a nylon grab handle for pulling it out of any pack if its at the bottom.
Most importantly it fits like a glove in the Stubble and Co rolltop and also in my previously reviewed Adventure Travel Pack.
Stubble Co Rolltop Review: Security and Roll Top Closure
The roll top closure is a defining feature of this bag and plays a key role in its waterproof performance. It relies on rolling the top down and securing it with a single metal clasp, which is quick and simple to use during daily commuting and work use.
From a security perspective, this design comes with trade-offs. While it works well for office environments, client visits, and everyday carry, I personally prefer a more secure closure system for international travel. A roll top with a single clasp does not provide the same level of reassurance as zipped or lockable designs, particularly in busy public settings.
For me, the addition of an internal, sturdy YKK waterproof zip inside the top of the roll top would significantly improve peace of mind without undermining the roll top design itself. An internal zip would add a discreet extra layer of security while keeping the external simplicity and waterproof benefits intact.
That said, this remains a matter of personal preference rather than a flaw. Some users will be perfectly comfortable using the Roll Top for business trips or travel, especially where waterproofing and flexibility matter more than anti-theft features. For my own use, the roll top suits daily professional carry, but I would welcome an internal zip for added reassurance.
Stubble Co Rolltop Review: Build Quality and Durability
Build quality is one of the reasons the Rolltop has held up well to daily use. I use this bag regularly for office commuting and client visits, which means frequent loading, unloading, and short walks in all weather. The Tekwax canvas feels robust in hand and has proven capable of dealing with routine wear without feeling delicate or flimsy.
The bag holds its shape well in day-to-day use. It does not collapse awkwardly when lightly packed, and it does not feel strained or misshapen when fully loaded. Stitching across stress points appears consistent, and the bag has not developed loose threads or obvious weak areas through regular handling.
Zips, straps, and buckles have also stood up to repeated use. The roll top clasp continues to function as intended, and the shoulder straps and grab handle feel securely attached rather than decorative. Nothing has loosened or degraded in a way that raises concerns about longevity.
Overall, the Rolltop feels built for regular, everyday use rather than occasional outings. For a bag that is carried most working days, the materials and construction inspire confidence that it can handle continued commuting and professional use without issue.
Stubble Co Rolltop Review: Everyday Use and Practicality
In everyday use, the Rolltop fits naturally into a working routine without requiring much thought. I use it for office commuting and client visits, which often means moving between locations, getting in and out of my work vehicle or putting it in my car boot. Also I’m carrying the bag for various periods throughout the day. In that context, it is easy to live with and does not feel cumbersome or overdesigned.
Access is straightforward once you are familiar with the roll top format. The main compartment offers flexibility depending on how much you are carrying, while the external zipped pocket and side pockets allow you to grab smaller items without opening the bag fully. This proves useful during the working day when you want quick access without unpacking everything.
The bag also works well when its contents change day to day. Whether it is lightly packed for office work or carrying more items for longer days, it adapts without feeling awkward or unbalanced. Packing does not require a strict system, and the bag does not punish you if items are placed quickly rather than neatly. That said, another product from the same brand works exceptionally well here. I have previously reviewed the Stubble and Co Tech Bag, which fits neatly in the bottom like a packing cube for tech and is easy to pull out using its nylon grab handle.
Overall, the rolltop suits regular professional use where reliability and ease of use matter more than novelty features. It integrates well into daily routines, handles typical working scenarios comfortably, and feels designed to be used often rather than saved for specific occasions.
Stubble Co Rolltop Review: Who This Backpack Is Best For
This backpack suits people who want a reliable, comfortable bag for daily professional use. It is available in three sizes: 15L, 20L, and 30L. From my experience with the 20L version, I can fit my 14″ MacBook Pro inside a Tomtoc 360 sleeve. It still places easily into the dedicated externally accessed zipped laptop compartment.
I am not certain the same setup would work with the smaller 15L version. For that reason, I recommend checking your laptop dimensions against the official specifications. A friend of mine uses the 30L version in green. He carries a 17″ Razer laptop comfortably, although without a separate protective sleeve.
It is also a good choice for users who value waterproof performance and simplicity over complex organisation. The roll top design offers flexibility in capacity and helps keep contents dry. Whilst the overall layout avoids unnecessary features that can get in the way during daily use.
That said, it will not suit everyone equally. If maximum security is your top priority, especially for busy public transport or frequent international travel, you may prefer a bag with zipped or lockable main access. Likewise, if you want extensive internal organisation built directly into the backpack, pairing it with a separate tech organiser may make more sense.
Available Colours
The rolltop is available in a range of colours, which allows you to choose something practical or more distinctive depending on preference. I use the orange/coral 20L version for daily work, while a friend owns the green 30L variant. Both colours have held up well in everyday use without looking worn or dated.
As colour availability can change or sell out, it is worth checking the official product page for the current options before buying.
Overall, the Rolltop is best for professionals, commuters, and everyday users who want a well built, waterproof backpack that integrates easily into a working routine and is designed to be used regularly rather than occasionally.
Stubble Co Rolltop Review: Final Thoughts
After extended daily use, the Rolltop has proven itself as a reliable work backpack rather than a lifestyle accessory. It fits naturally into my routine of office commuting and client visits, handles wet weather well, and remains comfortable regardless of how lightly or heavily it is packed. Those are the qualities that matter most in a bag that gets used most working days.
The strengths of the Rolltop lie in its comfort, waterproof performance, and straightforward design. It does not rely on novelty features or excessive organisation, and it works best when paired with how you actually move through a working day rather than how a bag looks on a product page. The dedicated laptop compartment, supportive carry system, and durable materials all support that use case well.
At the same time, it is not a one size fits all solution. While the Rolltop works well for travel, I would personally avoid wearing it in very busy locations if I were carrying expensive kit. The roll top closure involves a trade-off between simplicity and security, and some users may prefer a different Stubble and Co setup depending on where and how they travel.
FAQ’s
This will largely depend on your frame size and the laptop you carry. If you use an iPad or a smaller laptop without a secondary padded sleeve, the 15L may be sufficient. Although, if you carry a 14″ MacBook Pro or Air inside a padded sleeve, the 20L is a better fit. If you want maximum space or carry a larger 16″ or 17″ laptop, the 30L is likely the best option.
Yes. From my experience, a 14″ MacBook Pro fits comfortably in the 20L version when used with a padded sleeve. The 20L would also take a 16″ MacBook Pro without a separate sleeve.
Yes, within normal real-world use. I would not submerge it in water, but it has endured several heavy downpours without issue. My laptop and other contents have remained dry, and the Tekwax canvas is easy to wipe clean after wet weather.
