Backpacks for laptops and everyday carry.
The Targus 15-inch Newport Backpack retails for S$199, part of the refreshed Newport Collection announced in May 2021 alongside totes, sleeves, and pouches. The bag is made from water-repellent twill nylon and weighs a manageable amount.
Targus also sent me the Cypress EcoSmart 15.6-inch Slim Backpack, retailing for S$119 in Black and Navy. Made from 20 recycled PET bottles, it has three external pockets, including expandable side pockets.
The Gaston Luga Splash is my second backpack from the Stockholm-based Swedish brand, after the Praper. Known for Scandinavian minimalism with a touch of elegance, the Splash launched in June 2020 and retails for S$149.
The Wandrd DUO Daypack began as a Kickstarter in mid-2019, raising over US$655,000 from 3,574 backers. Having come across Wandrd while researching backpacks, I backed the new pack, pledging at the Super Early Bird tier.
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack came from a Kickstarter that raised over US$6.5 million. It comes in 20L and 30L, the 20L retailing for US$259.95 in four colours: Black, Charcoal, Ash, and Tan. I chose Charcoal.
The Adidas 3D Gym Sack and 3D Roll Top Backpack look like Issey Miyake designs, but it's not a collaboration. Both are sold in Adidas Originals stores in Japan, the Roll Top Backpack retailing around S$129.
During Timbuk2's end-of-season sale of up to 50% off, I bought the Showdown Laptop Backpack for US$44, while Li Xiang grabbed the Tuck Pack and Heist Briefcase. The promo code PLUS15 knocked a further 15% off select items.
Gaston Luga is a Swedish backpack maker from Stockholm, founded by Carl Sundqvist on a vision of Scandinavian minimalism with elegance. It offers two men's lines, Classic at S$319 and Praper at S$349. This review covers the Praper backpack.
I'd long wanted a Herschel Supply backpack but never had the impulse, already owning plenty of bags. The urge finally struck while shopping along Orchard Road with a secondary school friend visiting Singapore, so I picked up the Settlement Backpack.
With Timbuk2 running 25% off all backpacks, including custom ones, I couldn't resist and grabbed a Custom Swig Laptop Backpack, having none. Originally US$124, it dropped to US$93 after the discount, plus US$35 shipping via UPS International Expedited.
Targus unveiled its T-1211 collection of laptop and tablet cases last month, designed for travel, work, study, and everyday commuting. The range emphasises creative details, original shapes, and soft materials, with a water-resistant exterior and a non-scratch interior lining.
I bought the Timbuk2 Phoenix Cycling Backpack alongside the Catapult Messenger Bag at the Timbuk2 Singapore Store, using a one-time 30% discount. The Phoenix retails for S$169, so after the discount I paid S$118.30. It comes in one size, medium.
The Targus Crave II Convertible 3-In-1 Backpack for MacBook Air/Pro 13-inch (TSB772AP) retails for S$109. As the name suggests, it can be carried three ways, as a backpack, a messenger bag, or slipcase, with a dedicated compartment protecting both devices.
I bought the Twelve South BackPack 2 at the Hysan Place Apple Store in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, for HK$268, about S$43. In Singapore it's S$55 at EpiCentre and S$49 on the Apple Online Store. It fits the iMac 27-inch.
I got my Timbuk2 bags in San Francisco last December. A reader wrote in with a few questions about the Timbuk2 Q Backpack 2011, so rather than reply by email, I'm sharing. I bought the gunmetal/blue/black Q Backpack for US$99.
Got the Deuter AirContact Pro 50 + 15 backpack for S$295 at Carrefour. My brother will use it first for his Japan trip, and I should get to use it at the end of the year if I travel anywhere.