Product Review: Solo Backpack

What Is it: The Active Backpack (ACV700).

Price and Where to Buy: Currently on sale for $44.43 at Amazon, or is normally $79.99 on Solo’s website.

Pros:

• Padded compartment holds laptops up to 17.3 inches big
• Plenty of pockets, including a separate pocket for an iPad, tablet, or eReader
• Bottom of backpack is water-resistant
• Comfortable, padded shoulder straps
• Reflective strip on the front of the bag is great for bikers or pedestrians using the bag at night
• Side clasp can help compress the backpack

Cons:

• The backpack is a little heavy—it weighs 2.1 lbs.

How it Rates:

• Usefulness: 10/10. An easy way to carry your laptop with you while you travel.
• Portability: 9/10. The backpack could easily fit under your airplane seat, but it is a little heavy at just over 2 lbs when empty.
• Value: 7/10. If you snap up this backpack on Amazon for $44.43, it’s a great bargain, but it’s less of a deal at the regular price of $79.99.
• Durability: 8/10. The water resistant bottom and quality polyester materials used in this backpack means it should stand up to a good amount of wear and tear.
• Cool Factor: 6/10. Backpacks will probably never be cool, and the big side pockets on this don’t help, but it is a basic, inoffensive black color.

Final Verdict: Looking for a backpack with a laptop compartment? If you can grab this backpack at the Amazon sale price, it’s a great deal.

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.

(Photo: Solo)