Loopbag Vanguard Laptop Computer Backpack Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Jul 27th 2009 at 2:02PM

I used to wonder why my older laptop backpack was so large. All I had in it was a computer, some cables, and an accessory or two - I looked like a trail hiker walking around with it. I was recently presented with the Loopbag Vanguard laptop backpack and I realized I can finally carry around my computer essentials without looking silly - In fact the backpack looks pretty good. Aside from this backpack in several colors, Loopbag makes a range of bags, packs, and other portable computer essentials in a fun range of colors that will remind you of Timbuk2 and Crumpler.

The namesake of the backpack makes sense when looking at it head on as you see two zippered areas that form two loops. It makes for a hip, modern look, and one that is simple enough to have broad appeal. I get the impression that the backpack was designed based upon a functional concept as opposed to just a look, and the system is pretty clever. It gives you multiple access points so things inside are easier to find, which is good because you don't have to unload everything to get to things buried inside, as you can access the main compartment from the front or rear on both sides. Inside the back is a whole range of little pouches - mostly zippered - for any manner of small or large items. I enjoy frequently finding new areas to store little items on the Loopbag such as a small pouch for cash or keys located on one of the shoulder straps.

Gallery: Loopbag Vanguard Laptop backpack

Materials on the Loopbag Vanguard are good overall with ots of thick water-proof surfaces made of Airguard Nylon, and high quality water-proof zippers. One area I would have liked to see more padding though was on the bottom of the bag where your computer has only a bit of material between itself and the floor. Still, you shouldn't be throwing around your delicate electronics. While the pack itself is very modern the shoulder straps have an almost retro military field pack feel, though the padding feels like neoprene or similar. The backpack is pretty comfortable and seems to be made for urban commuting duty for those who demand something good looking and easy to access. The Loopbag has a few quirks but still stands far apart from the legion of most forgettable laptops backpacks available out there. This pack is a good companion for your laptop that is modern enough to help your computer forget its "gray box" heritage. This model is made for a 15.4 inch screen size computer, while Loopbag makes versions for most different laptop computer sizes as well. Price is a competitive and reasonable $119 at Loopbag International here.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: backpack, bag, laptop, loopbag, modern, review, stylish, test, vanguard