OGIO Metro Backpack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm a frequent road warrior with "unique" needs in stuff transportation - my friends refer to my car as "the place things go to die" because I pretty much trash anything I come in contact with. I have worn out more bags in my day than I ever thought possible, and if anything lasts me more than a week I'm fairly pleased with it.

I got an Ogio Metro backpack from my workplace as part of an attendance incentive, and didn't think too much of it. Its not a bag I would have bought myself (I usually buy snowboarder backpacks due to the more rugged construction) but I'd just worn out my messenger bag so I started using this one. I have never been more pleased with a laptop bag in my entire life.

The main laptop pocket works perfect for my dell inspiron, and the inside pocket (the file pouch or whatever) fits my macbook pro like a snug glove (yes, both at once) while leaving the majority of the open section empty and ready for my stuff. A few water bottles, couple of notebooks (I use the thin 1" ones for most things, athough it'd probably hold 2-3 of the "normal" sized ones), some other gear, a couple paperbacks and some peripherals fit easily, there's a couple waterproof pockets with headphone holes for my iPod and would fit a small CD-walkman if I had one, and with my blood sugar issues I LOVE the smaller side pouches because they're perfect for a couple candy bars in case I have a sugar attack. Digital camera goes in another pocket for quick access, with its usb cable and some spare batteries in another.

Padded ribbing and neopropene (sp?) helps the comfort, along with some webbed padding in the shoulder straps. Weight distribution is good, and it survives getting thrown around in and out of my car and never has a problem. The hand grip on the top (by which I frequently drag the bag) is both comfortable and integrated into the design rather than being sewn on as an afterthought so is much more durable than most grips.

Although I'd never have bought this bag to begin with (I'd never even HEARD of Ogio) I would buy another without hesitation and suggest it to anyone who needs a new bag even if they don't need it for an actual laptop.

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Product Description:
The core of OGIO's street pack lineup offers padded side-entry laptop sleeve, dedicated accessory storage, and a fleece-lined audio pocket. Behind its distinctive quilted half-moon pocket is additional fleece-lined storage for a mouse, power cord, and other tech gear. 21"h x 14"w x 9.5"d, 2200 Cu.In/36 L, 2.46 Lbs/1.1 Kg, 400 x 400 dobby pindot nylon / 600D poly.

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Victorinox Bond (Closeout) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product really is worth the additional money. I am continually amazed at how much I can fit into it - yet, it never becomes too bulky or heavy. It really distributes weight well. I am a college student and use it for school; it carries my laptop very nicely. It is also usually my only item of luggage when travelling (it truly holds everything!)

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Product Description:
This Laptop-Pod provides superior protection for your laptop, while offering enormous capacity.

Get 55% OFF

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OGIO Fugitive Streetpacks Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This was my son's new college backpack. Holds his huge laptop, books, sweatshirt and all. Seems sturdy and well made. Very lightweight and conforms to his back. He says it is great.

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Product Description:
Ogio Fugitive Backpack Within its 2000 cubic inches, the Fugitive gets away with storing much more than expected. With the added comfort of thick padded straps, as well as a sternum strap, this bag is ideal for hauling books, multimedia accessories, cell phones, files, and a laptop.Double entry pack
Internal padded laptop sleeve
Two weatherproof fleece lined audiocell phone pockets with headphone exit port
Integrated shoulder harness with neoprene grab handle
Side mesh water bottle pockets
Dual side compression straps
Fits most 15" laptops

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Timbuk2 H.A.L. Laptop Backpack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I originally bought the Q backpack from Timbuk2, but it was too small for my stuff.The H.A.L. is the perfect size for my school stuff, work stuff, and random stuff.But it doesn't feel too big for my 5'1" frame.It also fits my 17" laptop, which not many bags do.Lots of pockets to put random stuff in.If you are looking for a new bag check it out.

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Product Description:
A cleverly designed daypack for students and commuters. Swing Around access makes it easy to dig without taking off your pack and the built-in laptop compartment protects your machine.

Get 21% OFF

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Timbuk2 Hemlock Laptop Backpack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're looking for a roll-top bag that won't cost you a car payment and you're willing to give up a little bit of hipster credibility (and really, how many roll-top owners are actual bike messengers, anyway?), then this might the bag for you. Did I mention that it's huge?

This is a well-constructed, well-designed bag that functions well in both compressed, small-pack situations and when filled to absolute capacity with massive amounts of stuff. I'm always looking for that "one" pack/bag that can do everything, and I've been through about a dozen different ones. This one comes the closest to handling everything you can throw at it without being too bulky when not filled up.

I bike to local pools with my daughter and this pack can handle two huge beach towels, pool toys, drinks and snacks, but can also be rolled up and compressed for simple commutes with just a laptop and bike tools inside. If you're looking for a ton of organization and sections for all your stuff, this probably isn't the kind of bag you want, although the front pocket has plenty of small pockets and slots for phone, pens, tools, etc. But, the point of a roll-top is to offer massive, expandable storage when you need it, and on that front this bag excels. The Hemlock is pretty much a perfect compromise between the business-only messenger-style designs out there and more computer-centric packs, and unless you just have to rock a Chrome bag with your fixie (you know who you are), this may be the bike backpack to beat right now.

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Product Description:
A roll-top pack designed for guys with a lot to carry. Single internal compartment allows for loads of all shapes and sizes and Swing Around access makes it easy to dig without taking off your pack.

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Timbuk2 Q Laptop Backpack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the Timbuk2 Q in black (w/ neon yellow logo, not the black and pink version pictured here) and have been using it for about 1 month.

I am very happy with this purchase and will recommend others to purchase this bag for daily commute with a limited number of things to carry. If you need to bring gym shoes and other large items, consider the Timbuk2 H.A.L.

Simple Black with Neon Yellow Logo:
I have the black with neon yellow logo version - in this version everything is black, inside/outside the only thing not black is the logo. Simple and no non-sense. The green combo looks pretty cool too, but I wanted something that can pass more professionally. I think the pink and black combo is new. For a limited time (December 2009) the brown version is on sale for $65 on the timbuk2 site.

Slim Size with Medium Capacity:
This is a mid size-slim pack. Does not look bulky at all and very comfortable even when stuffed. I generally use this pack for heading out to a coffee shop to study or general run around campus/school day. I generally only bring a laptop, power brick, personal items, a pair of large over the ear headphones, 2 novel sized books, and maybe a portfolio with some papers in there. It can hold more stuff, but if you have to carry a pair of shoes or large science text books this pack might be too small. Consider this pack a day pack where you can carry a laptop and some work with you but dont bet on bringing the text books from all your classes.

Laptop Compartment for 13" to 15" laptops:
13" laptops generally require medium size and up Timbuk2 bags. In this case I have a 13" intel macbook with room to spare in the laptop compartment. Once you zip up the compartment the laptop stays put so its doesnt flop or bounce around. I have read about people with 15" macbook pros and they say that its a bit tight but nevertheless fits in the laptop compartment. There is a "padding" at the bottom of the laptop compartment perhaps intended for extra protection but it shifts and moves - I suspect when the compartment is zipped up it stays put. The zipper might be hard to get to when you swing the bag around, I still think its very convenient to get to the laptop and appreciate the swig around-ness.

Main Compartment:
Double zipper allowing you to position it for swing around access (positioned on the side) or at the top.This is a fairly deep compartment and will take to shoving of items pretty well. If you dont have much items or the pack is not very full things will fall to/bunch at the bottom.

Front Power Brick Pocket:
Fits a mac brick w/ or w/o extension cable and perhaps other small items as well. I use this pocket to hold an umbrella on rainy days so nothing else gets rained on as I scramble for the umbrella. The pocket tapers making for a "vertical" messenger bag feel and perhaps also for swing around access. Note when packing - This pocket is not gusseted so it will take up space (although as a separate partition) from the main compartment.

"Command Center" Compartment:
This is the smaller compartment which is like the flap of a messenger bag. There are lots of organization pockets in there but I would like to see more organization pockets in the main compartment. there is a "divider" that separates about 1/2 the compartment holding everything else in - this allows for more stashing and not worrying about things falling out when you unzip. This is usually the space I have the most stuff jammed in (I have many small items hence I dont place them in the main compartment). When stuffed this space will press against the main compartment and act as a compression to hold things in the main compartment in place.

Swing Around Access:
Start practicing! When on the go you can swing the pack and get to things you need without taking off the whole pack. One side targets getting to your laptop compartment and front pocket, swing to the the other side for the main, power brick, and command center compartments.

When holding this pack by the side it looks like a messenger bag and you can easily access the command center or main compartment (both equipped with double zippers). As you carry the bag on its side the back straps dangle and cannot be hidden (tripping over the straps might be of concern for shorter people like me).

Oh yes,and a water proof bottom, exterior and zippers (well as water proof as zippers can be) - resisting water is a staple of Timbuk2 products.

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Update Jan. 10th

Fabric update -
Timbuk2 started using the super light weight "Mission6 Nylon Fabric" for the newer color combos including the Black/Pink combo. The "first" gen bags like the Brown/Black combo, black & yellow swirly, and dark/light green are made of Timbuk2's signature ballistic nylon.

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Product Description:
A cleverly designed daypack for students and commuters. Swing Around access makes it easy to dig without taking off your pack and the built-in laptop compartment protects your machine.

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