Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack Review (Pros & Cons Compared)

Unique Features Of The Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack 

Size

This backpack is one of the larger ones on the market. With dimensions of 8 x 14 x 20 inches, it can be bulky if you’re looking for something low-profile. However, all of that bulk is great for daily commuting, overnight trips, and college. Make a list of what you regularly carry before purchasing, so you will know if this bag is right for you. 

Carrying Capacity

This backpack has a capacity of 34 liters, which is a medium to large-sized pack. You can fit a light jacket, clothes, and even shoes in the main compartment. It is especially useful for college students who carry a lot of books around campus all day. While this bag may be useful for day trips, we wouldn’t recommend it for extended backpacking. 

Inside The Bag

On the outside of the Kitchen Sink backpack, you'll find a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket and a lower dry sack for shoes or wet clothes. On the inside, under the rucksack hood, you have an organizational pocket for keeping your charging cables, pens, and other valuables. You also have an internal compartment that will hold up to a 17-inch laptop. 

Color & Style Options

You get four different style options including all-black, red/black, black/silver, and black/beige. My personal favorite is the all-black edition since it is easy to keep clean and looks sleeker. All of the color options come with the same components and pockets. This choice will come down to personal preference. 

Material Quality

This backpack feels very durable. The exterior fabric is rip and tear-resistant. The bottom is made of a rubberized material to prevent scuffs when you set the bag down. The interior shoe compartment is water-resistant. While not entirely waterproof, you shouldn’t have a problem in light rain or other inclement conditions. Otherwise, you can check our waterproof backpacks selection for more options.

Zip Quality

The zippers on this backpack felt extremely durable. I would not imagine having any issues with them for many years. They are YKK zippers with dual-lined zips. They are not entirely waterproof, but they can hold up to light rain. The zipper pulls are also durable and double-stitched for easy pulling.

Design & Comfort

Overall, the design of this backpack is pretty tactical with all of the external metal hooks. This might make it great for a bug-out backpack. I also think this bag is very comfortable due to the optional waist and chest strap. It was easy to distribute weight evenly.

Our Review Of The Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack 

In my opinion, this backpack is one of the better options on the market for medium to large-sized applications. Oakley has put a lot of effort into designing a technical pack that can be used as a daily driver or for weekend trips. This bag can do it all.  

The first time I used this pack, I carried my laptop, extra charging cables, a water bottle, a light jacket, and my gym shoes. Everything fit nicely, and I even had extra space in the main compartment. One thing to note, while I was riding the metro to work, I did feel as if I might sling my backpack into someone. Keep in mind; this backpack is rather big. Otherwise, I felt comfortable carrying it. 

To truly test this backpack’s versatility, I carried it with me on an overnight trip out of town. This is where this bag shined. I was able to carry my laptop safely for multiple days. I even fit an extra pair of shoes and clothes into the bag easily. I carried it around sightseeing for a full day with no discomfort.  

One thing I would have liked Oakley to include is a way to remove the chest strap without damaging the backpack straps. I tried to remove it with no luck. When I didn’t want to use the chest strap, I found it to be only a slight annoyance.  

Price Guide & Sales Expectations  

To be honest, I have seen this backpack run for a few different prices depending on the retailer. For example, on Oakley’s website, the backpack is listed for $225, which seems to be on the high side.  

On Amazon, you can snatch this backpack up for about $150, which is considerable savings. You might be able to find it on sale every so often as well, which can save you even more money. Overall, you can expect to pay about $150 for this backpack, which I think is fairly reasonable for what you get.  

Comparing the Oakley Kitchen Sink with Other Backpacks 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are Oakley backpacks made in the USA? 

Yes, Oakley backpacks are designed, engineered, and made in California. The company headquarters is in Foothill Ranch, CA. They’ve been producing quality backpacks in California since 1975. 

Is Oakley Kitchen Sink backpack good for travel? 

I would recommend this backpack for traveling on short or overnight trips. It is comfortable and easy to carry on your back without pain. The laptop compartment makes it easy to work on the go.  

Is Oakley Kitchen Sink backpack good for school? 

Due to its size and durability, this backpack is great for high school or college. It has the space for loads of books. It is also comfortable for long walks across campus between classes. 

How do I clean and wash the Oakley Kitchen Sink backpack?  

Most backpacks can be washed the same way. You can do a spot clean by wetting a rag with soap and water and gently rubbing the exterior fabric. If you want to do a deep clean, we recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Conclusion

At Best Backpack Lab, our goal is to arm you with the information necessary to make quality purchases that fit your lifestyle. We hope this Oakley Kitchen Sink backpack review was helpful for you to make an informed decision.