harper london commuter backpack
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Crafted from leather and sustainable fabrics, Harber London’s commuter backpack is, in a word, sophisticated. In this case, fashion has some tradeoffs.
But a stylish all-purpose bag that can hold a 16-inch MacBook Pro, an iPad, a water bottle, and more doesn’t come cheap. The Harber London Commuter Backpack retails for $235, making him one of the company’s most affordable options.
It’s practical enough to be a useful bag for anyone, but those who are tired of plain, utilitarian aesthetics will appreciate what Harbor London has to offer.
Characteristics of commuter backpacks
The commuter backpack has a capacity of 17L. It’s not bulky, but there’s plenty of room for over-ear headphones, along with a cable-filled tech pouch and perhaps a lightweight sweatshirt.
I had no problem putting items in my bag to bring to the office.
It can hold two water bottles, but we believe the dual pockets offer flexibility as to which side the bottles are placed on. The other can be used for small items and miscellaneous goods.
Look inside the commuter backpack
It’s not immediately obvious, but all the compartments are thick and padded. False bottom prevents your laptop from hitting the ground directly. It was a nice touch that we appreciated.
The outer shoulder straps are covered in leather and have comfortable padding underneath. I found it surprisingly easy to put on for short walks with the backpack.
This isn’t the type of bag you take on a hike, but I think you can wear it on city excursions if you don’t worry about keeping it pristine.
The padding on the strap was surprisingly comfortable
I really like that the backpack can stand on its own. It’s the perfect practical touch to keep your bag accessible and mostly off the ground.
Considerations
The design choices are carefully made, but there are some that can present hurdles, especially for those who focus on the practical side rather than the fashionable.
The magnet that holds the leather lid in place spins around when not connected. There was no problem in using it, but it felt more inconvenient than necessary.
Top zipper keeps items from falling out
Inside the bag, there is a leather strap that extends across the laptop slot to prevent your computer from slipping out. The straps are secured using buttons, but I found it difficult to connect the two pieces quickly.
The exposed metal zipper teeth and general metal scraps throughout the bag all seemed to compete with carrying an expensive (metallic) product.
It’s entirely possible that these parts will eventually come into contact with your MacBook or iPad. I had to be very careful not to scratch the device when I put it in and take it out.
Of course, we understand that materials are part of what makes this bag more fashionable than practical. I didn’t have any issues with the scars, but they constantly crossed my mind.
office commuter backpack
The Harber London Commuter Backpack’s preference for form over function wasn’t anything to write home about, but if you’re going to invest in an attractive backpack to carry your gear, it’s a place others will see. It seems that it should be used in .
That’s what this bag is about. We loved it and it worked well enough, but to really appreciate it you have to look at fashion.
If you don’t fall in love with this backpack at first sight, the fact that it’s handmade from full-grain leather and sustainable fabrics probably doesn’t matter too much.
Those who can see its value will love it.
Strong Points
- comfortable straps
- Ample space for your daily essentials
- Felt sturdy and well made
Cons
