Azteq Topo 32 Backpack Review

Daypacks are by far the most versatile backpack category when it comes to outdoor activities, and the Azteq Topo 32 is no exception. Its size and features allow it to be used in various situations, going beyond the original purpose for which it was created.

Versatility is one of the key aspects to consider when choosing gear. Obviously, not every item used for outdoor activities will adapt perfectly to different scenarios, but many pieces of equipment have this feature — and you can benefit from it. By choosing more versatile items, you’ll be optimizing your gear, saving money, and reducing consumption. With that in mind, let’s get to know the Azteq Topo 32 backpack better.

Recommended uses for the Azteq Topo 32 backpack

The Topo 32 was designed for short hikes, but it has features that allow it to be used for minimalist travel and even longer treks (without camping gear or using compact and lightweight equipment). The main factor enabling this flexibility is the size of the backpack.

Measuring 55 x 30 x 20 cm, it can be used as carry-on luggage on many airlines (measurements may vary by airline). This makes it a great option for quick getaways, especially if you’re not bringing bulky clothes. Precisely for this reason, I chose to evaluate the Topo 32 in two different scenarios: trail use and travel use.

The spacious main compartment includes an internal zippered divider that can be used to split the pack into two sections — similar to what we often see in larger trekking backpacks. The lower section can be accessed through a front opening and is usually used to separate items like a tent or sleeping bag — but it can also come in handy for urban travel to separate clothes or shoes, for example.

Bottom opening and detail of the included rain cover (orange).

Speaking of quick trips, the curved back panel of this backpack is not ideal if you need to carry a laptop. However, because the curve isn’t too aggressive, it’s still possible to fit a laptop inside the Azteq Topo 32. I use a 15-inch model, and it fits inside the Topo 32, but smaller laptops between 13 and 14 inches will fit better.

Extra tip: if you plan to travel with the Topo 32, consider bringing a small compact backpack for your daily outings, as the Topo 32 might be a bit large for urban use. Depending on the backpack, you can fold and stow it in one of the side pockets or inside the Topo 32 without taking up much space. I use it this way: two packing cubes — one against the back panel and another at the front. Between them, I place the daypack, and inside it goes the laptop. When I arrive at my destination, I can leave the Topo 32 at the hotel and use the daypack for getting around the city (with or without the laptop). If I decide to go hiking, I reverse the setup: leave the laptop and daypack at the hotel and head out with the Topo 32.

Example of how I use the Azteq Topo 32 as a travel backpack while still bringing my laptop.

Another organization option would be to use the internal divider and place some of your clothes in the lower section of the main compartment, freeing up even more space at the top. This second option works very well for smaller laptops (13 to 14 inches).

Technical specifications of the Azteq Topo 32

• Weight: 1,160 g (according to label). About 1,180 g on my scale (digital hanging scale);
• Dimensions: 55 x 30 x 20 cm (height, width, depth);
• Volume: 32 liters;
• Materials: Polyester Dobby, Polyester Ripstop, and Polyester 210D;
• Main compartment: spacious interior with the option to divide it using an internal zippered panel;
• Openings: two openings – a U-shaped top opening (main access) and a bottom opening. Both feature double zippers with pull tabs (handy when wearing gloves);
• Side pockets: two expandable and deep side pockets;
• Other external pockets: a top pocket for valuables with a single zipper and pull tab; a front expandable pocket;
• Internal pockets: one hydration bladder sleeve with a Velcro loop to hang the bladder;
• Top exit port for hydration hose
• Shoulder straps: lightly padded, with adjustable sternum strap and elastic loop to hold hydration hose (not included);
• Grab handle for carrying;
• Side compression straps for load adjustment and attaching additional gear;
• Gear loop for trekking poles or ice axe;
• Hip belt: simple and pocket-free, with quick-adjust straps. Performed well on the trail;
• Back panel: curved and ventilated. Provided good support while in use. Internal structure includes a plastic sheet and lightweight metal stay;
• Rain cover: the Topo 32 comes with a removable rain cover. It has a dedicated storage pocket at the bottom of the pack;

The main compartment has a wide opening, making it easy to access your gear. Its squared-off design at the top maximizes usable internal space compared to other backpacks that tend to narrow and curve at the top. This is particularly useful if you use packing cubes during urban travel.

The expandable side pockets combined with the compression straps are great for carrying trekking poles or tent poles. However, this combo can also be a drawback if you use bottles. It’s not easy to insert or remove a water bottle from the side pocket while wearing the backpack.

Side view of the pack in use – showing trekking poles in the side pocket and the curved back panel.

Notice the depth of the side pocket compared to a 750ml bottle and the compression strap – when worn and fully packed, both make handling the bottle more difficult.

The hip belt is simple, with no pockets, and the strap adjustment is easy. This contributes to the reduced weight of the Azteq Topo 32 but also takes away some functionality for those who prefer to keep snacks and small items easily accessible, whether on the trail or while traveling.

Extra tip: If you’re into DIY gear mods, it’s not difficult to add a removable pocket to the hip belt.

The hip belt, shoulder, and sternum straps are long, allowing for adjustment across different body types, but they can result in excess strap length for smaller users. Some straps have elastic keepers to manage the slack. If you’re a minimalist, this might be an opportunity to shave off a few grams.

The sternum strap height adjustment system uses fixed loops and plastic fittings (see photo below). It takes some effort to adjust the height the first time, but afterward, it works very well.

Detail of the sternum strap height adjustment system.

The top pocket has enough room for a wallet, phone, keys, and other small essentials. Bulkier items may not fit as well if the pack is fully loaded. I missed having a key clip in this pocket, but it’s worth noting that every extra feature adds weight. If this is important to you, it’s an easy DIY mod.

The expandable front pocket is one of my favorite features. I often use it for carrying a lightweight windbreaker or shell while hiking. It also works for freeze-dried food pouches, snacks, or other compressible gear. This pocket can’t fit a helmet inside, but you can strap it externally using the closure strap.

This expandable front pocket is approximately 30 cm tall (at the highest point), 23 cm wide at its widest, and 18 cm at the narrowest (bottom of the pocket).

Pros and cons

Some pros and cons are subjective – what’s a positive for some users might be a downside for others. Take a look at each point and compare them with your needs. The “perfect gear” doesn’t exist — each person has different preferences. That’s why it’s important to focus on what matters most to you when choosing a backpack.

Pros of the Azteq Topo 32

• Great balance of weight, comfort, and capacity;
• Can be used as airplane carry-on (always check your airline’s dimensions before flying);
• Attractive design;
• Easy access to the main compartment;
• Internal divider allows organization within the main compartment;
• Curved ventilated back panel proved comfortable and supportive during hikes;
• Includes removable rain cover;
• Good overall finish. Only a few loose threads;
• Compatible with hydration reservoirs (sold separately). Tested with a 3-liter CamelBak Crux;
• Expandable front pocket;
• Deep side pockets that securely hold bottles, trekking poles, etc.

The curved back panel on the Topo 32 does not include the typical mesh seen in similar backpack systems. The internal frame kept the pack off the back without compromising comfort during use.

Cons of the Azteq Topo 32 (negative points)

• The curved back panel offers great ventilation but can limit its use as a travel backpack (especially if you’re carrying a laptop);
• Tall side pockets combined with compression straps make it difficult to access water bottles while wearing the pack;
• Some of the smaller plastic buckles (specifically on the sternum strap, front expandable pocket, and side compression straps) may require extra care when clipping to avoid damage;
• The sternum strap height adjustment isn’t very intuitive at first, but once you find the right position, you usually won’t need to change it again;
• Lack of hip belt pockets;
• Straps are quite long, and some don’t have elastic keepers for the slack. This is both a pro and a con — it allows a wider fit range for different body types, but the loose straps can be annoying.

Among these negatives, in my opinion, only the side pockets and lack of hip belt pockets are truly significant. The other points are minor and don’t interfere with the pack’s intended use, or they can be easily addressed with small adaptations, regular use, or careful handling.

Who is the Azteq Topo 32 backpack for?

The Azteq Topo 32 daypack is a great choice for those looking for a relatively lightweight backpack with lots of space for fast hikes. It can also be used for longer hikes — as long as you don’t need to carry bulky or heavy gear. The Topo 32 also adapts well to short urban trips, mainly due to its size, but keep in mind that it’s not the best choice for everyday urban use (it’s too big for that) or for carrying a laptop (even though it’s doable).

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