I’ll be honest. When Target first dropped their high-end travel line, I was skeptical. We’ve all seen the "premium" store brands that feel like cardboard after three weeks of actual use. But the Open Story commuter backpack isn't that. It’s weirdly good. Like, "why am I considering getting rid of my $300 Tumi" good.
If you’re staring at it in the aisle or hovering over the 'add to cart' button, you're probably looking for a bag that doesn't make you look like a hiker who got lost on the way to the office. You want something sleek. You need pockets that actually make sense. Most importantly, you need a bag that won't fall apart when you overstuff it with a laptop, a tech kit, and that heavy hoodie you keep for the aggressive office AC.
The Open Story commuter backpack exists in this sweet spot. It targets the person who needs professional aesthetics without the boutique price tag. It's built with 1680 denier ballistic polyester. That’s a fancy way of saying the fabric is incredibly tough and water-resistant. I've spilled coffee on it. I've been caught in a Chicago drizzle. The water just beads off.
What actually fits inside this thing?
Space is a funny thing with backpacks. Some bags claim 20 liters but feel like 10 because the organization is so bulky. This bag is different. It’s structured.
The main compartment opens up wide. You can see everything. No more digging for your keys at the very bottom like you're searching for buried treasure. There’s a dedicated laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro easily. Even a 16-inch fits, though it’s a bit snug. The padding is thick. I’ve dropped my bag onto a tile floor—not on purpose, obviously—and the laptop didn't even notice.
It’s got these internal mesh pockets. One for your mouse. One for your chargers. One for those random pens you keep stealing from bank counters. It keeps the weight distributed. Most bags sag when they're full. This one stays upright. That’s a small detail, but it’s huge when you’re trying to set it down next to your chair in a crowded coffee shop.
The trolley sleeve is a lifesaver
If you travel for work, you know the pain of a backpack sliding off your rolling suitcase. It’s annoying. It’s embarrassing. The Open Story commuter backpack has a pass-through sleeve on the back. It’s tight. It stays put. You can sprint through Terminal B to catch a connecting flight and the bag isn't going anywhere.
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Honestly, the zippers are the real hero here. They’re YKK. If you know bags, you know YKK is the gold standard. They don't snag. They feel heavy in a good way. Cheap zippers are the first thing to break on a "budget" bag, so seeing these here is a massive green flag.
Why people get the Open Story commuter backpack wrong
A lot of reviewers compare this to the Aer City Pack or the Away Daypack. Those are great bags. They also cost twice as much. People think because it’s a Target brand, it’s "disposable" fashion. It isn't.
The straps are S-curved. This matters for ergonomics. If you have a long commute—say, 40 minutes on the train and then a 15-minute walk—straight straps will dig into your collarbone. These curve away. It distributes the load across your chest and shoulders. Even when I have it packed with my laptop, a Kindle, a massive power bank, and a literal liter of water, it feels balanced.
But look, it’s not perfect. No bag is.
The "discreet" security pocket on the back panel is a bit small. If you have a giant iPhone Pro Max with a chunky case, it’s a tight squeeze. It’s better for a passport or a slim wallet. Also, the side water bottle pocket? It’s sleek because it zips shut when not in use. That looks great. But if your bottle is one of those massive 40oz insulated jugs, it’s not going to fit. Stick to a standard 20oz or 24oz bottle.
Durability and the "Office Vibe"
The aesthetic is very "minimalist tech bro." It’s clean. There aren't a million dangling straps or bright logos. The branding is almost non-existent, which is a huge plus. It looks expensive.
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I’ve used mine for roughly 180 days straight. The bottom hasn't scuffed. The stitching at the top handle—usually the first point of failure—is still rock solid. That handle is padded, too. When you’re just grabbing it to move from one meeting room to another, it doesn't cut into your hand.
One thing to watch out for: the fabric can pick up lint. If you have a white cat or a very shedding-prone wool coat, you’ll be patting this bag down occasionally. A small price to pay for the durability of ballistic polyester.
Is it actually worth the money?
Value is subjective, but let's look at the facts.
- You get high-end materials (1680D polyester, YKK zippers).
- The internal organization replaces the need for extra tech pouches.
- The warranty is actually decent for a retail brand.
Compared to a $250 Peak Design or a $300 Tumi, the Open Story commuter backpack holds its own in terms of daily utility. It lacks the lifetime "no questions asked" repairs of some boutique brands, but for the price of three lunches in midtown Manhattan, you're getting a bag that looks like it belongs in a boardroom.
Real world limitations
Don't buy this if you're a "one bag" traveler for week-long trips. It’s a commuter bag. It’s for the daily grind. It’s for the gym and the office. It is not a 45-liter carry-on. If you try to pack three days of clothes in here, you're going to have a bad time. The slim profile is its biggest selling point, which means it doesn't expand much.
Also, the padding on the back panel is breathable, but you're still going to get a "sweaty back" if you're biking in 90-degree humidity. That's just physics. No amount of mesh can fully stop that.
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Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you just picked one up or you're about to, do these three things to get the most out of it:
Set your strap height early. Because the foam is dense, it takes a few days to "break in" to your body shape. Wear it a little higher than you think you need to. This engages the ergonomic curve of the straps and prevents the bag from pulling on your lower back.
Utilize the vertical front pocket for frequent items. Most people put their tech in the main area, but that front vertical zip is perfect for a badge, a subway card, or AirPods. It’s accessible without taking the bag fully off—just swing it around on one shoulder.
Check the zippers. Seriously. When you get it, run every zipper back and forth ten times. While YKK is reliable, occasional manufacturing defects happen in mass production. It’s better to find a sticky tooth on day one so you can swap it at the store than to have it fail while you're traveling.
The Open Story commuter backpack isn't just a "good for the price" option. It’s a genuinely well-engineered piece of gear that happens to be accessible. It handles the rain, protects your tech, and doesn't make you look like a teenager. For a daily workhorse, that's really all you can ask for.
If you’re looking to organize the interior further, consider getting a slim electronics organizer for your cables. Even though the bag has pockets, keeping your "small stuff" in a removable pouch makes switching to a different bag on the weekend much easier.
Keep the exterior clean with a damp cloth—avoid harsh detergents, as they can strip the water-resistant coating off the polyester. If you treat this bag even halfway decent, it’ll easily last you three to four years of daily commuting without losing its shape.