I was looking for a very basic - but not flimsy - backpack to carry my laptop while riding my scooter.
Dakine is known for their surfer-tough products, and I was in Maui at the time, so it seemed like the way to go. I also looked at
Gravis, InCase and other brand
bags, but everything seemed too complicated - straps, pockets, pouches, and handles I just didn't need, and much higher price points. This backpack is an absolute steal! It's simple, it's tough, and the red color is amazing (just as bright as it looks on screen). I carry my 15" MacBook Pro in the padded sleeve, big studio headphones and power adapter in the main compartment, and wallet, phone and other small things in the front pouch. There is room for more - a book or two and a
sweatshirt, perhaps. Initially, the material was very stiff and I thought wearing it was going to be uncomfortable. It felt especially snug where the straps meet near my neck, but with use it has softened and conformed to my body as is perfectly comfortable. The outer material is thick with a diagonal ribbing and is coated on the inside. I have ridden several times in heavy rain, and while
Dakine doesn't claim it's waterproof, nothing has ever been damp inside the bag despite me being soaked! The nylon material on the inside is a nice cool gray. The YKK zipper pulls are solid metal (a big issue I've had with other
bags is zipper pulls falling off after a few years), a bit larger than you'd expect, and the same red as the bag for a very sleek monochrome look. I had a bit of trouble unzipping and zipping the front compartment initially because of the stiffness of the material and the fabric overlap that hides the zipper when closed, but with use it's become much easier. All in all, highly recommended if you're looking for a simple bookbag or laptop backpack that will last you many years, hit a very sweet price point, and look good doing it.
