UNIT 1 TORCH Backpack 23L Expandable Commuter - Smart LED Ready

In this review the UNIT 1 TORCH Backpack is judged as a purpose-driven commuter and travel pack for riders and urban travelers who want organization, weather protection, and smart-light compatibility. The single biggest reason to buy is its unique combination of a rolltop expandable design with compatibility for UNIT 1 Smart Lights and Remote, which adds visible turn signals and brake lights for safer city riding. The pack balances travel-friendly features with everyday utility without feeling like a bulky touring bag.

Key Features

• Smart light compatibility: Integrates with UNIT 1 Smart Lights and the Remote so users can add turn signals and brake lights for improved visibility on roads.
• Travel-ready clamshell: The full clamshell opening and luggage passthrough make airport handling and packing a breeze for short trips or business travel.
• Expandable capacity: Rolltop expansion lets the bag grow beyond 23L so commuters can adapt to packed days or extra gear without carrying a second bag.
• Waterproof construction: Made from 500D Cordura with water-repellent coating and water-resistant zippers to keep tech and clothes dry in rain and puddles.
• Padded laptop sleeve: A dedicated, padded sleeve fits 13'in to 16'in laptops, keeping devices secure and separated from other items.
• Organized interior: Internal pockets and a wet compartment let users separate chargers, dry gear and damp items for tidy, efficient packing.

Who It's For

The TORCH is aimed at urban commuters who ride or walk through mixed weather and need a bag that protects tech, adapts capacity, and increases visibility on the road via smart light compatibility. It also serves business travelers who prefer a TSA-friendly clamshell layout and a luggage passthrough for short trips.

Those who should look elsewhere include ultralight daypack buyers who prioritize minimal weight over protection, and adventure travelers needing large expedition capacity; the TORCH is optimized for daily commutes, city cycling and short business travel rather than extended trekking.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent weather protection from 500D Cordura and water-resistant zippers keeps gear dry during commutes.
• Smart LED compatibility adds actionable safety features like turn signals and brake lights for riders.
• Clamshell opening and luggage passthrough simplify packing and make the bag TSA-friendly for air travel.
• Expandable rolltop and internal organization make it versatile for varying daily loads.

Cons

• The smart lights and remote are compatible but not included, so buyers must purchase them separately to get full signaling features.
• The 23L baseline capacity may feel tight for users who regularly need large overnight packing space.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The UNIT 1 TORCH Backpack is a smart choice for commuters and frequent short travelers who want waterproof protection, a TSA-friendly layout, and the option to add visibility-enhancing smart lights. Its expandable rolltop and organized interior deliver strong everyday value, though buyers should budget separately for the lights and remote if they want full signaling functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the bag include the smart lights or remote?
The smart lights and remote are compatible but not included; they must be purchased separately to enable turn signals and brake lights.

Can it fit larger laptops?
The padded sleeve is rated for 13'in to 16'in laptops; very large workstation laptops may not fit comfortably.

Is the pack fully waterproof?
The 500D Cordura shell, sealed seams and water-resistant zippers provide strong water protection for commuting and light rain, but prolonged submersion is not recommended.