Backpacks these days pack loads of innovation--from cool snap-release systems to high-tech materials, here’s how to protect your electronic gear in style
Look into every self-respecting tech-loving, city slicker’s bag today and count the amount of electronics it packs. Between the laptop on the one hand and the collection of thumb drives on the other, there’s bound to be tens of individual pieces of gear to find, often dunked in a haphazard manner for want of better options.
No longer--today’s backpacks are specifically designed to help bring sanity to the often challenging act of carrying all of your precious gadget cargo. Given the myriad of shapes and sizes to contend with, there is one aspect that separates the good laptop bags from the outstanding ones--attention to detail. Not just construction quality and materials, but going beyond and really creating systems that simplify how users access their gear over the course of the day.
Here, then, is my pick of the coolest, most practical backpacks that could grace any technology lover’s shoulders.
Note: not all of these are available in India, but if you’re really keen you’ll know how to source them. What red-blooded geek wouldn’t?
The North Face Access Pack is perhaps one of the most elegantly designed backpacks ever. At its core is a lightweight aluminium frame and a spring steel structured main compartment that lends it durability while protecting its delicate contents. It contains 22 liters of storage capacity and is fabricated using a combination of nylon and polyester.
But its standout feature is its unique ejector handle that enables quick removal of the laptop and tablet from its two main fleece-lined media pockets. This makes it especially easy to whip out these devices while passing through those tedious airport security checks.
There’s also a custom pocket in the laptop compartment for the power supply brick, two external stash pockets, and integrated ladder locks in the shoulder straps to enable a perfect fit on the torso. The main zip also delivers a water resistant seal for the main compartment.
This is a versatile bag that fits virtually every urban need, although it is on the pricey side. Also its stocks tend to deplete quickly, leading to invariable wait times when sourcing one.
Price: $235 (approx. Rs 15,615)
If you’re looking for a roomier laptop bag that can also cart around stuff like clothes and books, the Thule Crossover 32L Daypack is an excellent choice: it features a generous 32 liters of capacity (while still weighing in at only a kilogram.)
There are numerous pockets that can accommodate everything from a 17-inch laptop to a sleeve for a tablet and a crush-proof inner pouch for things like sunglasses and phones. This bag also features a separate zippered pocket for storing the laptop’s charger and ‘shove-it’ pockets on the outside for things like water bottles.
This is perhaps one of the most versatile bags in this roundup, although its size makes it a bit ungainly for smaller-built users.
Price: Rs 9,795 (on Amazon)
If you spend a fair bit of time carrying your laptop bag, here’s one to consider. Its main compartment is built to accept laptops with screen under 16-inches, and it features a thick padding on the back panel that doubles up as back support. The straps are also heavily padded, which makes it especially comfortable to carry over extended periods.
The front compartment contains a pocket for tiny things like business cards, a mesh pocket for tiny, loose objects like keys and thumb drives. There is also a lined, scratch-resistant pocket for delicate objects like sunglasses and cell phones. The interior compartment has large pockets for files, folders, books and the like.
This bag uses a thick, high-quality zipper and its main handle is fastened using metal grommets, which can see it through years on the road.
Price: $69.99 (approx. Rs 4,651)
Think of this as the Hummer H3 of backpacks--compact and built like a tank. It is constructed using a watertight and crushproof case, built to take up to a 17-inch laptop. Its distinctive feature though is its IP67 water- and dust-proof rating, making it capable of protecting contents in its main compartment even when submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, if ever you happen to be in such a situation.
Access to its 16 liters of internal storage space is via an easy-open push-button latch, along with an impact-protected front compartment for a tablet. The base of the bag can expand to accept more gear, and there is also a concealed water bottle pocket. Being water-tight, the bag even features a pressure equalization valve that prevents it being accidentally locked via vacuum!
If you’re looking for the highest protection for a few key members of your electronic arsenal, this bag fits the bill nicely. Although packing all of this protection does come at a price: it is comparatively heavy at 3.65 Kg, and it is pricey to boot.
Price: $216 (approx. Rs 14,350)
If hefty backpacks aren’t your thing, here’s one that stands out from the pack. The Belkin Slim Backpack lives up to its name--created to pack a laptop up to 15.4 inches, it has a slim design crafted using a polyester exterior that is hand washable for easy maintenance.
The interior has space for a laptop, a ouch for a tablet or files, pouches for things like a phone or a bunch of business cards, and a zippered pocket for stuff you don’t want bouncing around inside. Externally there are two zippered pockets that are ideal for holding things like keys and charging cables.
Here’s a handy little bag that’s priced nicely.
Price: $49.99 (approx. Rs 3,322)
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 "Laptop backpacks | The North Face, Thule, Targus, Pelican ProGear, Belkin")
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