Smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops and drones are more than electronic toys for adults. These are modern tools that a digital artisan cherishes. You can’t throw your favorite laptop into the first bag you get. The market comes to the rescue and offers many advanced urban backpacks worthy of priceless hi-tech cargo. We analyze the best models.
Considered models of backpacks:
- XD Design Bobby
- XD Design Bobby Pro
- Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450
- Pacsafe Intasafe X Slim
- Thule Accent Backpack
- Thule Crossover Sling TCSP-313
- Xiaomi Travel Business Multifunctional Backpack
XD DESIGN BOBBY
This urban backpack was invented by designer Thomas Droz. An idea came to him in Shanghai. Residents of the metropolis are used to holding backpacks on their stomachs to protect property from pickpockets. In response, Droz and the XD Design team developed a model that is not afraid to be worn on the back anywhere: even in Shanghai, even in Barcelona. The backpack was named Bobby and launched in 2016 on Kickstarter, where it raised £ 872,607.
The main feature of XD Design Bobby is the “anti-theft” design. The zipper of the main compartment passes along the back of the backpack and is covered by a thick fold of fabric. Since the accessories are of high quality, brand YKK, the zipper does not “chew” the fabric. It is impossible to unfasten a backpack unnoticed. Open with a knife, too, because Bobby is sewn from several layers of materials, including anti-cut materials. The top layer is waterproof. Water rolls away and dirt erases.
Outside there are no pockets easily accessible for thieves. A large zipped pocket is located on the back of the backpack, above it is an elastic band for attaching to a suitcase. On both straps at chest level – in a small pocket for travel cards and plastic cards. Two more pockets for the smartphone are hidden from the inside of the side “wings” of the folds covering the zipper. On the right “wing” there is a USB-output for charging a smartphone. The wire goes to the powerbank, which is placed inside the backpack.
In addition to the powerbank, in Bobby there is enough space for other gadgets and things. Its volume is 13 liters, and will not fit there anymore, since the backpack is hard. Things are distributed in their places so as to reduce the burden on the shoulders. As a result, the backpack seems 25% lighter. This is good, because because of protection, it is heavy, weighs 885 grams. On the back are soft pockets for a laptop with a diagonal of 15.6 inches and a 10-inch tablet, both with rubber bands. On the other side of the backpack is an organizer of pockets and holders for pens, large gadgets and small things.
PROS:
- It is protected against showings, it is not cut
- Reliable lightning YKK
- Pockets for 15.6 “laptop and 10” tablet
- USB output for charging
- Weight distribution system
- Water resistant, not afraid of dirt
CONS:
- Tight, not stretched
- Heavy due to protection
- Limited selection of colors
XD DESIGN BOBBY PRO
Bobby Pro is the 2019 updated version of Bobby. This backpack has a slightly different role: in addition to the city, it is suitable for short weekend trips and business trips. For this, its volume has been increased to 18 liters, although the dimensions have not changed much. Fly in the ointment: weight has grown to a kilogram.
The backpack has a proprietary system of protection against thieves. A reliable YKK zipper runs along the edge of the back and closes with a fold of fabric so that the pickpocket cannot reach it. The backpack itself is made of anti-cut materials, including the use of eco-friendly fabric made from recycled plastic. The walls of the backpack do not pierce with a knife and repel water, so that the trip Bobby Pro will not fail.
Outside on the back of the Bobby Pro were pockets for documents and an e-book with a diagonal of 12.9 inches, as well as an elastic band for fixing the backpack on the handle of the suitcase. There is only one pocket for cards, on the right shoulder strap, but he has got a zipper and shielding. Below under the shoulder strap there is a secret pocket with a key retractor. A bottle holder and smartphone appeared on the left shoulder strap, and below it is a USB output for a powerbank with an additional USB Type C port. Through it, you can charge the powerbank located inside the backpack without getting it.
Inside Bobby Pro there is enough space for all the important equipment and things for a couple of days of travel. On the back there are soft compartments for a laptop with a diagonal of 15.6 inches and a tablet with a diagonal of 12.9. The yogabuk is also placed in the tablet compartment. The second half of the backpack is designed for bulk items and is fenced off by a partition with a zipper. So socks and T-shirts will not fall out when the owner pulls a laptop out of a backpack. Three removable Velcro dividers help sort things out. When you need the entire backpack space – the dividers are removed.
PROS:
- It is protected against showings, it is not cut
- Reliable lightning YKK
- Pockets for 15.6 “laptop and 10” tablet
- USB output for charging
- Water resistant, not afraid of dirt
- Made from recycled materials
CONS:
- Heavy, 1 kg without load
- Limited selection of colors
PACSAFE METROSAFE LS450
Pacsafe manufactures backpacks and bags for travelers. All models feature an integrated system of protection against pickpockets. Among the company’s offers there are interesting “urban” backpacks: such as the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450.
The LS450 is a 25-liter backpack with one main compartment and two external zippered pockets, one of which is shielded. Inside the backpack is hidden “organizer” of pockets for small items and gadgets, a pair of carabiners for keys and a wallet. On the back is a pocket for a 15-inch laptop. A thick layer of soft dense lining protects gadgets from shock and shaking. Elastic holders for bottles or umbrellas are sewn on the sides.
The backpack protects its contents from any assassination attempts. The LS450 is stitched from thick polyester fabric and reinforced with a non-cut steel mesh. Do not open such a knife. The straps are also resistant to cutting, metal slings are passed through them. The right shoulder strap is equipped with a special buckle with a lock to fasten the backpack to poles, fences, trees or suitable furnishings – so it will not be stolen entirely. Dogs of the lightning of the main compartment are locked in place by another lock. Zippered pockets from unauthorized opening are guarded by hooks-carbines.
The design of the Pacsafe security hardware has been carefully thought out so the LS450 doesn’t look like a chest with a barn lock. On the contrary, hooks and locks do not attract attention, especially on the dark fabric of the backpack. The pickpocket, who decides to quietly open the backpack, will face an insurmountable barrier. Together with protection, the backpack weighs 853 grams. Soft straps and a good fit to the back lighten the load.
PROS:
- It is protected against showings, it is not cut
- Notebook pocket 15 “
- Organizer from pockets
CONS:
- Heavy
- Limited selection of colors
PACSAFE INTASAFE X SLIM
The Pacsafe Intasafe X Slim is an ergonomic, slim profile backpack. Its dimensions are 43 x 29 x 11 centimeters, so the backpack is suitable as carry-on baggage (recall: check the carrier’s restrictions in advance). Intasafe X Slim is so compact that it fits under the seat on an airplane. The volume is relatively small, only 20 liters, but enough for a complete set of gadgets and the most necessary things.
In front there is one large zipped pocket hidden in the seam. On the sides are two button holders, for bottles of water or umbrellas. Inside, on the back there are soft pockets for a 15-inch laptop and 10-inch tablet, as well as a separate pocket for a powerbank. Above the latter there is a hole for the wire: skip it and charge the gadgets without removing the battery from the backpack. On the second half of the backpack there is an “organizer” for small things, including a pocket with shielding for cards.
Since this is a Pacsafe backpack, it is protected from pickpockets. Dogs of the lightning of the main compartment are fixed in place and closed with a special lock. This does not open unnoticed and quickly. Non-cut metal slings are sewn into both straps, and the right one is equipped with a buckle with a lock. Wrap the strap around a pillar or furniture and fasten the buckle. Now the backpack will not be stolen.
Intasafe X Slim is made of dense, non-marking polyester fabric and will last a long time. It weighs 510 grams – the lightest in the collection. Perhaps the only drawback of the backpack is the lack of pockets on the straps. Instead, there are two mounts for bottles or cases for phones, but it would be more convenient to have a pocket for cards at chest level, like with Bobby backpacks.
PROS:
- Compact and lightweight
- It is protected from opening, the lock on a strap
- Notebook pocket 15 “
- Organizer from pockets
CONS:
- No pockets for cards
- Limited selection of colors
THULE ACCENT BACKPACK
Thule does not produce backpacks, but neat dreams. In their offices, pockets and pockets, you can piecemeal fit an entire elephant if the elephant was a mountain of gadgets. Thule Accent Backpack is just such a backpack.
Accent Backpack volume is 20 liters. It has pockets for a laptop with a diagonal of 14 inches – and if you have a MacBook, it will fit a 15-inch. At the top of the backpack is a special compartment with a solid frame for glasses and smartphones. On both sides – mesh pockets for bottles and umbrellas, in front – a vertical pocket with quick access. An elastic band is sewn to the back of the backpack to fasten it to the handle of the suitcase.
The backpack has a nice color: black with a bright blue lining. Handsomely! But there is only one option.
Accent Backpack has a well thought out weight distribution system. It is comfortable to wear, because the straps are connected by a chest strap, as in tourist models. A heavily loaded backpack will not hang out and will not hurt to run on an outgoing train. The straps mesh cover – do not sweat.
Perhaps, against the background of competitors, Thule has one important drawback – the lack of protection against pickpockets. But this is a matter of preference. Thick polyester fabric protects the backpack from damage and cuts. It weighs 930 grams, is heavy.
PROS:
- Lots of pockets
- Webbing with a chest strap
- Notebook pocket 15 “
- A lot of pockets
CONS:
- No protection
- Heavy
- One color option
BACKPACK THULE CROSSOVER SLING TCSP-313
Thule Crossover Sling TCSP-313 – backpack-sling with one wide, comfortable strap. This strap hides a hidden pocket with a zipper for a smartphone, where it is still convenient to carry cards or keys.
The volume of the backpack is 17 liters. The main compartment has a soft pocket for a 13-inch laptop. The external compartment is an “organizer” of pockets for chargers, wires, pens, small gadgets, cards, magazines and other trifles. A pocket for a bottle of water or an umbrella is sewn to the side.
The backpack is made of waterproof, durable nylon fabric and weighs only 670 grams, so it is quite light. The strap “breathes” thanks to the mesh coating and does not rub the shoulder. However, the strap alone. Sling is an amateur backpack. Since the volume is small, the Crossover Sling TCSP-313 is heavy to load so that the load on the shoulder becomes sensitive. But with constant wear of heavy things, a miracle will not happen and the shoulder will hurt.
PROS:
- Sling
- Pocket on a strap for a smartphone
- Notebook pocket 13 “
- Many other pockets
- Water resistant
MINUSES:
- Sling
- No protection
- One color option
XIAOMI TRAVEL BUSINESS MULTIFUNCTIONAL BACKPACK
This backpack, like all Xiaomi gadgets, is striking in its extremely concise design. Xiaomi Travel Business Multifunctional Backpack was created for business trips and travel, for which a large volume is provided – a generous 26 liters. The backpack justifies itself as a “workhorse”, as it has a pocket for a 15-inch laptop.
Travel Business Multifunctional Backpack bad weather tolerance. Most of the backpack is made of a dense, waterproof leatherette. This means that he is not afraid of ordinary rain, road dust and dirt. It is better not to fall under the rain because lightnings are leaking.
The backpack is suitable for those who need to carry a lot of things. Inside you can put a whole drone with accessories, or clothes with gadgets. There are two branches: one, on the back, for a laptop and gadgets. The second, external – made specifically for drones. The pockets are pretty stupid, not as well thought out as the Thule. Three external: one on the front panel, two from the bottom from the sides – but what to wear there is unclear.
PROS:
- Volumetric, 26 l
- Dense, water-repellent fabric
- Notebook pocket 15 “
MINUSES:
- No protection
- Bad designed pockets
