Discover why the Mission Workshop Rhake weatherproof laptop backpack is the go-to choice for urban cyclists. Explore its military-grade construction, roll-top design, and lifetime warranty.
Finding one backpack that can handle commuting, technology, everyday essentials, and a short trip can be tricky. The Mission Workshop Rhake takes a highly organized approach, combining a roll-top main compartment with dedicated storage for the devices and smaller items you carry throughout your day.
With a 22-liter internal capacity, separate laptop and tablet storage, organizational pockets, and multiple fabric options, the Rhake sits somewhere between a technical commuter pack and a compact travel backpack.
Mission Workshop currently lists the standard Rhake at $435, although prices and availability may change.If you prefer a streamlined bag that keeps work equipment separate from everyday gear, here is what you should know about the Mission Workshop Rhake.
Check out the Mission Workshop Rhake weatherproof laptop backpack today.
What Is the Mission Workshop Rhake?
The Mission Workshop Rhake is a 22-liter laptop backpack designed around commuting, everyday carry, work, and occasional overnight use.
Instead of relying on one large compartment, it provides designated spaces for commonly carried items such as your laptop, tablet, phone, chargers, keys, sunglasses, and water bottle.
Its main compartment uses an expandable roll-top design. This gives you flexibility when your daily load changes, such as when you need to add clothing, shoes, or other larger items.
The backpack is also made in the USA and comes in several material configurations, including HT500, MultiCam Black Cordura, and X-PAC VX-21.
Mission Workshop Rhake Key Specifications
Here is a quick overview of the standard Rhake:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 22 liters |
| External dimensions | 21 x 13 x 5 inches |
| Laptop compartment | Padded, 16.5 x 11 inches |
| Tablet pocket | Dedicated 10-inch pocket |
| Main storage | Expandable roll-top compartment |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs HT500/MultiCam; 3.3 lbs VX21 |
| Materials | HT500, MultiCam Black Cordura, X-PAC VX-21 |
| Additional system | Arkiv rails on shoulder straps |
| Travel feature | Luggage handle pass-through |
| Manufacturing | Made in the USA |
These specifications make the bag relatively compact while providing dedicated organization for technology and everyday equipment.
Organized Storage for Your Everyday Essentials
Organization is one of the biggest distinguishing features of the Rhake. You get two zippered organizational pockets, an exterior accessory pocket, a large interior zip pocket, and specialized spaces for electronics.
This layout may be particularly useful if you dislike searching through a single large compartment for cables, keys, or smaller accessories.
The hidden zip-away water bottle pocket is another practical touch. It gives your bottle its own location without permanently changing the backpack’s streamlined exterior.
Dedicated Laptop and Tablet Compartments
If you regularly commute with technology, the separate device storage could be one of the strongest reasons to consider this backpack.
The Rhake includes a padded 16.5 x 11-inch laptop compartment and a dedicated 10-inch tablet pocket.Keeping these devices separated from clothing and miscellaneous equipment can make organization easier during commuting and travel.
You can also keep chargers and smaller electronics in the additional organizational pockets instead of mixing everything inside the main compartment.
Before purchasing, you should compare your laptop’s exact dimensions with the compartment measurements, particularly if you use a larger or unusually thick device.
Expandable 22-Liter Roll-Top Main Compartment
A fixed-size backpack can become inconvenient when your carrying needs change from one day to another. The Rhake addresses this with an expandable roll-top main compartment offering 22 liters of internal capacity.
For a typical workday, you might carry a laptop, tablet, headphones, chargers, documents, and personal items. On another day, you could use the main compartment for an extra layer or clothing for a short overnight stay.
That flexibility makes the design useful for people who want to move between office, commuting, and light travel without changing bags.
Different Material Options
Mission Workshop offers the Rhake in several body fabrics, so construction varies depending on the version you select.
The available options include HT500, MultiCam Black Cordura, and X-PAC VX-21. The VX version uses Dimension Polyant VX-21, which Mission Workshop highlights for its abrasion, tear, and weather resistance relative to its weight.
The VX21 version is also lighter at approximately 3.3 pounds compared with about 3.8 pounds for the HT500 and MultiCam versions.
Your preferred option may therefore depend on the balance you want between appearance, material characteristics, weight, and price or availability.
Fidlock Magnetic Buckles on VX Versions
Another distinction of the VX models is the use of Fidlock magnetic buckles.
According to Mission Workshop, these buckles are designed for one-handed operation while maintaining secure closure.
That can be convenient when you’re commuting and need to access a pocket while holding your phone, coffee, luggage, or another item. It is a relatively small design detail, but repeated interactions with buckles and pockets can influence how convenient a backpack feels in daily use.
Arkiv Rails Add Customization Options
The Rhake’s shoulder straps include two Arkiv rails that can accommodate compatible small accessories, such as Mission Workshop’s cell phone pouch.
This provides some customization without requiring you to replace the entire backpack.
If you frequently need immediate access to a particular item, attaching a compatible accessory to the shoulder strap may help keep it within reach.
Comfort for Commuting and Longer Days
Storage matters, but carrying comfort becomes increasingly important once you add a laptop, charger, water bottle, and other equipment.
The Rhake uses a perforated foam back panel, which contributes to its structured carrying design.
However, comfort is highly individual. Your torso length, typical load, walking distance, clothing, and personal preference can all affect how comfortable a backpack feels.
At 3.3 to 3.8 pounds when empty depending on material, the Rhake is not an ultralight backpack. You should consider that starting weight if minimizing your overall carry load is a priority.
Travel-Friendly Features
Although primarily positioned as a laptop backpack, the Rhake includes several features that can make it useful for travel.
The luggage handle pass-through lets you place the backpack over the telescoping handle of rolling luggage. This can make airport movement more convenient when you do not want the backpack on your shoulders continuously.
The expandable main compartment can also accommodate some clothing and personal items for short stays.
At 22 liters, however, this remains a relatively compact bag. Longer trips or bulky packing lists may require additional luggage.
Mission Workshop Rhake Pros and Considerations
Potential Advantages
- Dedicated laptop and tablet storage
- Expandable 22-liter roll-top compartment
- Multiple organizational pockets
- Hidden water bottle pocket
- Arkiv accessory rails
- Luggage handle pass-through
- Multiple technical fabric options
- Fidlock magnetic buckles on VX versions
- Suitable for commuting and occasional overnight use
Points to Consider
The Rhake’s $435 listed price places it firmly in the premium backpack category. If your needs are limited to carrying a laptop and a few basic items, a simpler backpack may provide enough functionality for considerably less.
Its empty weight is another consideration, particularly if you prioritize lightweight gear.
Finally, the 22-liter capacity works well for everyday essentials and light travel, but you may want more space if you routinely carry bulky equipment or pack for several days.
Who May Find the Mission Workshop Rhake Useful?
The Mission Workshop Rhake may make sense if your everyday routine combines several carrying needs.
You might appreciate it if you:
- commute regularly with a laptop and tablet
- carry chargers and multiple technology accessories
- prefer dedicated pockets instead of one large compartment
- occasionally need space for overnight clothing
- travel with rolling luggage
- appreciate technical materials and modular accessories
- prefer a structured, minimalist backpack design
On the other hand, you may want to consider a lighter or less expensive alternative if you carry only a laptop, wallet, phone, and a few small essentials.
Is the Mission Workshop Rhake Worth Considering?
The Mission Workshop Rhake approaches everyday carry through organization, adaptable storage, and technical construction rather than sheer capacity.
Its dedicated electronics compartments, expandable 22-liter roll-top storage, hidden bottle pocket, Arkiv rails, and luggage pass-through give you several ways to organize work and travel essentials.
The biggest consideration is value. At a listed price of $435, this backpack makes more sense when you expect to use its specialized organization and technical features regularly.
For commuters, professionals, and travelers who prefer one organized backpack for several parts of their routine, the Rhake offers an interesting combination of everyday functionality and compact travel capability.
Explore the Mission Workshop Rhake and transform your commute today.