Mobile Edge SmartPack: The No-Nonsense Backpack that Puts Protection First

For some time now, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect backpack. When I began my search, I wasn’t expecting it to take very long.  I mean, there are tons of backpacks out there, right?  Turns out that while there certainly are countless backpacks to choose from, very few represent my idea of perfection.  I promise I’m not being super picky; I just don’t see the point of getting a backpack that can’t be used the way I need to use it.

During the month of September, I spent a lot of time getting to know the Mobile Edge SmartPack, and I have to say that these guys have pretty much hit the nail on the head.

First, the main compartment has two padded pockets so you can carry both a laptop (up to 16 in.) and a tablet.  Not only are the sleeves padded, but each has a velcro strap for added protection for your tech.  There’s still space in there for students to put their books and folders, or if you’re me, your favorite headphones.

The second compartment is perfect for your accessories.  Pens, pencils, and various cards have a happy home here, and there’s a large pouch that you can use for notebooks, folders, magazines, etc.  There’s also a small pouch that’s probably for phones, but my enormous Note 8 doesn’t fit.  It is, however, the perfect size for my portable charger.  How convenient.

There’s also a zippered pocket on the front of the backpack that you can use for anything you want to be able to access easily.  I traditionally use such compartments for tissues–because it’s always handy to have tissues and be able to get to them quickly.  You can use it for snacks though.  That would be more fun.

The size is just right—at least for me.  The SmartPack is roomy enough to hold all of my essentials without being too bulky or heavy.  While roominess is crucial, it’s equally important that the bag not be too big either.  If you’re a mom, you know that having more space only means that other people expect you to carry their stuff, and my back just isn’t up to that.

The bag itself seems very sturdy and durable.  I’m not exactly delicate with my handling of it, but it still looks new after a month of frequent use.  Light padding on the back panel, shoulder straps, and carry handle make it comfy to wear and carry, but it also make the straps a little noisy when they’re moved around.

This next feature might not seem like a huge deal, but I’ve been surprised by how many backpacks do not offer it:  two mesh side pockets for bottles.  Proper hydration is essential, so I don’t go anywhere without a bottle of water, and I like to have easy access to it.  Sometimes, I’ll put a reusable water bottle in each pocket, and other times I’ll put water in one and a snack in the other.  It happens to fit my 16 oz. Contigo perfectly, and I can honestly say that I probably use this feature more than any other.  So, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mobile Edge for not overlooking a small but important detail.

There is one tiny thing I dislike about this backpack, and that is the fact that it says “Bring It On” beneath the logo.  Of course, I wouldn’t let something like that stand between me and an otherwise perfect pack, but if I could magically erase that line, I would.  I don’t know why it bothers me, but it does.  Maybe I am too picky.

Aside from my aversion to cheesy catchphrases, this backpack gives me everything I’ve been looking for.  It’s not overloaded with a bunch of unneeded bells and whistles just so they can pretend they’re fancy, but it does have the kinds of features I actually use every day.  Combine that with comfort and affordability, and I’ve got myself a backpack I’m entirely happy with.

I’m partial to the teal color that I received, but the Mobile Edge SmartPack is available in 6 others as well:  black, wheat, silver, royal blue, charcoal, and crimson red.  You can find this and other Mobile Edge bags at MobileEdge.com.  They offer a huge selection of bags and cases in all sorts of styles, sizes, and materials, so whether you’re shopping for a student, a traveler, a professional, a gamer, or a mom, I highly recommend you check them out.