Mudroom FAQs

The Mudroom shoe pockets are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. They're designed to handle damp or sweaty footwear and protect the rest of your gear from moisture transfer — but are not rated for submersion or prolonged rain exposure. For outdoor use in wet conditions, the Intermodal's integrated rain cover provides an additional layer of protection for the full pack.

Yes — Mudroom backpacks are machine washable. We recommend Sport Suds, a sport-specific cleaner formulated for technical fabrics (sportsuds.com). For best results: remove all items, turn the pack inside out, and wash on a gentle cold cycle. Air dry completely — do not machine dry.

The Mudroom tablet pocket fits tablets up to 11" × 9" (28.0 × 22.8 cm), accommodating most standard iPad and Android tablet sizes.

The Mudroom shoe pockets fit up to a men's US size 15 (EU size 49) — including high-tops and boots with up to a six-inch ankle cuff. Both pockets are accessible from the exterior of the pack, so you can load and unload footwear without opening the main compartment. (That's a big shoe — and yes, it fits.)

The Quartable is an 18L daily commuter pack — compact, structured, and built for gym-to-work transitions. The Intermodal OTW is designed for more versatile use, available in 20L and 32L, and includes a rain cover integrated into the carry handle. Both feature Mudroom's patent-protected shoe compartment. Choose the Quartable for daily carry; choose the Intermodal OTW when your day, or your trip, is less predictable.

If you're primarily commuting or going gym-to-work with a single daily load, the Quartable 18L is the right fit. If you travel, mix work and athletic use across longer days, or want a pack that handles a long weekend trip as well as a Monday commute, the Intermodal OTW gives you more flexibility - especially in the 32L size. Every Mudroom pack includes a separate shoe compartment regardless of which you choose.

The most important factors are:

1. Capacity: enough volume for your typical load without overpacking
2. Organization: dedicated compartments for your laptop, water bottle, and frequently accessed items
3. Carry comfort: padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a back panel that distributes weight evenly
4. Build quality: look for reinforced stitching and durable fabrics like ripstop nylon 
5. Versatility: a pack that works across your daily contexts is worth more than one built for a single use case

A well-made backpack from a specialty brand typically costs between $80 and $175. At that price point, you're paying for quality materials (420D nylon or higher), durable hardware, thoughtful organization, and a manufacturer's warranty. Backpacks under $40 typically use inferior fabrics and hardware that fail quickly. Packs above $300 are largely paying for branding. The $100–150 range is where durability, features, and value converge.

Look for: ripstop or ballistic nylon fabric (resists tearing); YKK or equivalent zippers (smooth, durable, won't snag); reinforced stitching at strap attachment points and handles; a structured laptop sleeve with padding on all sides; and clean interior seaming with no loose threads. A quality pack should also stand upright on its own — a bag that immediately slumps over has no internal structure and won't hold its shape over time.

It depends on primary use. A 24L backpack is ideal for daily commutes, gym sessions, and day trips - enough room for a laptop, change of clothes, shoes, and daily essentials without unnecessary bulk. A 30–32L backpack is better suited for weekend travel, 2–3 night trips, or heavier gear loads. Mudroom offers both: the Intermodal MH comes in 24L and 32L configurations, so you can match the pack to your most common use case.

Most major airlines limit carry-on bags to 22" × 14" × 9" (56 × 36 × 23 cm). A 40L backpack typically measures around 22" × 14" × 10" - right at or over most airline limits, and often too large for budget carriers with stricter enforcement. For stress-free travel, a 20–32L backpack is the reliable carry-on choice. The Mudroom Intermodal OTW (17" × 13" × 6") fits comfortably within carry-on limits on virtually all airlines.

Most backpacks do not include a dedicated shoe compartment. Footwear typically goes in the main compartment alongside clothing and electronics. Mudroom Backpacks are purpose-built with two external shoe pockets that keep footwear completely separate from the main storage area. The pockets are accessible from the exterior of the pack, fit up to a men's US size 15, and are available on both the Quartable and Intermodal OTW models.

Most backpacks require a separate shoe bag or packing cube to keep footwear isolated from clothing and electronics. Mudroom Backpacks are designed differently: each pack has two built-in shoe pockets on the exterior of the bag, completely separate from the main compartment. Dirt, moisture, and odor stay contained with no bag-within-a-bag required.

Yes, if it's the right size. Most airline overhead bins accommodate bags up to 22" × 14" × 9". The Mudroom Intermodal OTW (17" × 13" × 6") and Quartable (18.5" × 13.5" × 6") both fit comfortably within standard overhead bin dimensions, and under the seat in front of you on most aircraft.

For a 3–5 day trip with efficient packing, 3–4 changes of clothes, one pair of shoes, toiletries, and a laptop, a 20–32L backpack is typically sufficient. The Mudroom Intermodal OTW 32L is designed for exactly this use case. Because the shoe pockets are external and separate, you're not sacrificing main compartment space to carry footwear, which effectively gives you more usable volume than a standard 32L bag.

A water-resistant bag repels light moisture like rain splashes, damp surfaces, and sweaty gear won't soak through the fabric. A waterproof bag prevents water from entering even under sustained exposure or submersion. Mudroom's materials are water-resistant: effective in everyday conditions, but not rated for heavy downpours without additional protection. The Intermodal's integrated rain cover adds a waterproof outer layer when conditions call for it.

A hydration-compatible backpack includes an internal sleeve or compartment for a water bladder (typically 1.5–3L), plus a routing port for the drinking tube through the shoulder strap which allows for hands-free hydration while running, hiking, or commuting. Both Mudroom packs are hydration-compatible: the electronics sleeve converts to a 2L hydration reservoir by removing the laptop and hanging the bladder from the internal hydration hook.

Empty all pockets and shake out loose debris. For a full wash, use a sport-specific detergent. Sport Suds (sportsuds.com) is formulated for technical fabrics and our top recommendation. Turn the pack inside out, wash on a gentle cold cycle, and air dry completely before storing. Do not machine dry, iron, or dry clean. For spot cleaning between full washes, a damp cloth with mild soap works well on exterior nylon.