The backpack is large and sturdy. Unlike my previous backpacks, this one doesn't fall backwards or forwards when my laptop is still attached, even if it hangs out. The laptop compartment is very well designed and protects the laptop well. It can be secured with an elastic band and is held in place by a piece of fabric and foam.
The compartment can be completely unzipped to the bottom of the backpack, but cannot be folded back completely.
There are flaps that ensure that the compartment can only protrude a little, so that your laptop is easily accessible and cannot fall on the floor when the compartment is fully unzipped.
Unfortunately, it is not very clear what exactly can be placed in the same compartment as the laptop, because it contains no further indications or other compartments. In addition to the special holder for the laptop, there is still room left in the laptop compartment – Perhaps useful for mouse pads or laptop covers. For example, there is a pocket for a mouse or other accessories and a pocket for a laptop adapter, but these pockets are located in the center pocket of the backpack. I would have thought it more logical if these were also in the laptop compartment, because I consider this compartment to be the safest compartment. The 2 zippers of the compartment contain a small opening for a travel lock.
Perhaps this was deliberately chosen to protect the laptop as well as possible, but I personally think this is a shame.
Also, according to the description, there is a hidden box – After a lot of searching, I have concluded that this hidden box is actually the expandable box. Right next to the laptop compartment is a zipper that goes around the entire backpack, including a zipper with a complete compartment. By opening this top zipper it is possible to make the backpack slightly larger. This is a very welcome feature, but in my view it's not as hidden as I expected it to be.
On the front of the backpack there are two small pockets: one is located directly below the front pocket and the other is located on top of the front pocket. These small compartments are probably meant for quickly accessible but small items, such as tissues, keys or glasses cases.
I have little to complain about the front pocket. Contrary to my expectations, this compartment is also quite large for what I was used to from my previous Samsonite backpack. Like the center compartment, it includes a tablet pocket with elastic to keep the device in place (a simple but reassuring feature) and also a special compartment for bank cards and other cards, which is RFID-protected. The fact that I can put cards in it is quite handy, but the RFID protection is more of a fun gimmick for me, as I keep sensitive cards in my wallet. In addition to the card compartment, there is also a pen holder and a small USB stick compartment. People who often keep documents on USB sticks will certainly appreciate this.
The side pockets, meant for carrying cups or music players, are also very handy. I use them to transport my drinking cups or bottles. I do notice that due to the size of the net in these compartments, which holds the cups, my school cups can hang to the side. By zipping the compartments a little, they remain firmly in place. When I'm not using the side pockets, I zip them all the way up, making the backpack just a little more compact.
Carrying the backpack is very easy and I don't feel that it deforms much when transporting heavy items. The backpack has a very firm padding, especially at the back where the laptop is kept, and stands very firmly on the floor. I haven't noticed much of the 'Air Stream' technology on the back, but I can imagine that it does help some people with a sweaty back.
Conclusion: It is a very sturdy, functional and stylish backpack that I rely 100% on when transporting a valuable laptop in public transport and by bike. I now use this backpack every day for school and work and I am very satisfied with it.
Delivery of the backpack: Prompt delivery by Coolblue, in a remarkably large box. Inside was a smaller box containing the backpack. Coolblue probably didn't have smaller boxes in which the backpack's box fit, but in hindsight this turned out not to be a problem for the cat. He is also very happy with the box!
