These days, everyone needs a good backpack. The nice thing about the Custom Alcatraz Laptop Backpack by Timbuk2 is they let you design it. Well, sort of. Customize is a better word. Think of it as getting to make the decisions about the finishing touches, color, fabric (nylon, canvas, wool or other options i.e. more weather resistant), and whether or not you want outside water bottle pockets.
They have a user friendly website set up to guide you through all of the options and you can even save a few models, once you’ve customized them, because as we all know… making decisions is hard. Once you choose, it will take a couple of weeks to arrive. But trust me, it will be worth it. You did customize it after all.
Now lets get down to particulars. I mean, I obviously like the color of my backpack. What about the layout? It has two large outer pockets that I find very easy to access. The main compartment is large, without feeling cavernous and the laptop slot (which fits up to a 17” macbook) holds my computer quite well. The only drag on the interior is the velcro on the strap you use to secure your laptop also sticks to the velveteen bunny smooth fabric that protects your computer when it is safely nestled in its compartment, a minor annoyance, but still.
In addition to the laptop compartment there is another large pocket with a magnet closure (a nice touch), two mesh pockets, pen organizer slots and a small lined pocket for your phone, sunglasses, or other small bits. The bag is laid out quite well with plenty of storage space and organizing details to get you through the day or through a very long flight. The cinch straps on the exterior are easy to use, the shoulder pads are comfortable, and the sternum strap is fully adjustable. It snaps around part of the shoulder strap so you can easily move it up or down (over a range of 8″). This really makes it easy to get a more custom fit. One thing I love about the pack is that it comes with a bottle opener attached to one of the straps. This small addition really does it for me. It’s so simple, but incredibly practical. I have often purchased a fancy bottle of juice/soda only to leave the store and realize I couldn’t open it. Problem solved. Thanks Timbuk2.
One minor complaint about the bag is that the zippers are a little loud, they kind of clang together in a jingle bells kind of way. If you’re prone to sneaking into morning meetings a little late, you might not be so stealthy anymore. Also, when you go to their website to customize your bag, be sure to give yourself enough time. It can be surprisingly difficult to choose (do I want the side covers to be blue, or red or grey?) But again, it’s worth it. In the end you’ll get a bag that fits your style.
The good
- customizable
- comfortable
- well made
- lots of room
- good organization layout
- bottle opener
The bad
- loud zippers ( no more sneaking into work late)
Available from Timbuk2 for $149
boring stuff: I was given a free review sample of this backpack. This did not affect the opinions expressed in this review. All Images via Timbuk2