Product: Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack

Design: 4.5 / 5
Build Quality: 4.5 / 5
Functionality: 3.5 / 5
Ergonomics: 5 / 5
Durability: 5 / 5

MSRP: $120.00 (CAD)
Overall: 4 / 5

After many years of searching for backpacks, I've found that the criteria for the perfect commuter backpack is different than the criteria for a travel backpack. While a good large backpack could absolutely play the part of a commuter backpack, it's kind of like saying that you can wear your hospital scrubs to the symphony. You can absolutely do it. Your important bits are covered, and if it's not TOO cold out, you'd be relatively warm. 

That being said, when I look for a commuter backpack, I have a separate "want list", as follows:
- Durable
- Anti-Theft features
- Water proof/resistant
- Fits all my electronics required for most day-to-day activities
- Multiple pockets for easy organisation
- Full Day carry comfort
- Security Pocket
- With enough space still to fit an extra layer (ie., jacket, sweater)
- Easy access water bottle / umbrella pocket
- Slim for packed public transit

The Bobby checks off most of the important criteria, but not all. Because they tried to make the backpack as anti-theft as possible, there are no outside pockets whatsoever, so if I wanted to carry a bottle of water around, there really isn't an accessible place to put it. They do make up for it slightly with the bonus feature of having  charge port if you've got an external battery to place inside the backpack.

The video does give you all the features of the backpack, so I'm not going to sing its virtues by telling you the wonderful features of the backpack, instead, just a couple of things that I think needs a bit of improvement.
There are a couple of sleeves in the shoulder straps. These are great for putting in your Presto Card / Metropass. That being said, unless you remember to tuck it in snugly into the sleeve (there is a little divot so that it stays a bit more securely), it can very easily fall out. If they included a small magnet, or a slim velcro strip, that would make that sleeve SO much better.

There is only one compartment inside the backpack. And while there are pockets to put stuff, it's not ideal for organisation. If you're bringing along some files, folders along with your laptop, there isn't much for organised space so that your paperwork doesn't get dog-eared or crumpled.

While I love that the backpack itself is cut resistant (i wouldn't go as far as saying it's cut PROOF, I'm sure if someone put some elbow grease in, they could cut through), the straps are not. That is something I do love about Pacsafe. 

Bottom line, this backpack is sleek, it's sexy, and it's great peace of mind for your daily commute, and it's got some great nifty features to boot. It's not perfect, but that COULD just be me being overly critical.

Cheers.

Product: NOMATIC Travel Pack

Design: 4 / 5
Build Quality: 4.5 / 5
Functionality: 4.5 / 5
Ergonomics: 4 / 5
Durability: ?? / 5

MSRP: $219.00 (USD)
Overall: 4.5 / 5



I have long been looking for the "perfect" travel backpack. I've got to say, This NOMATIC Travel Pack is the closest I've come to finding it. Over the years, I've traveled quite a bit for work and some of my trips require shorter trips within the overall trip, and I really don't want to be lugging my suitcase around for a short jaunt of a few days. so in my extensive search for that perfect backpack, I developed a "want list", as follows:

- Durable
- Fits under airplane seat
- Security Pocket (against back)
- Fits all my electronics
- Fits 2-3 days of clothing
- Roller bag sleeve
- Multiple pockets for easy organisation
- Full Day carry comfort

So imagine my excitement when I saw this backpack listed on Kickstarter. It seemed like this NOMATIC Travel Pack checked all the right boxes. BUT, while it's by far the best one I've seen on the market so far, there are still just a couple of small things that prevents this from being PERFECT.

1. A MUST HAVE for me when traveling, is a security pocket that rests against my back. It's the perfect place to keep all your travel documents (passport, tickets, etc), currency, or any other sensitive items that you'd like to make sure is kept away from sticky fingers. While this NOMATIC Travel Pack does have one, it's a bit on the small side, and difficult to get to. The purpose of the security pocket is to prevent OTHERs from getting a hold of my travel documents, not prevent ME from getting a hold of them.

2. You don't always get a choice of where you're going when you travel for work. Sometimes, it can land you in some dodgy places, so security is essential. While it's GREAT that this backpack does give you a TSA approved combination lock for the zipper, there are quite a few backpacks now that use slashproof/resistant materials. In my humble opinion, that would put this pack over the top.

3. The backpack does wear a little bit square on your back. I just received mine, so I haven't used it for a full day commute, or for traveling yet. I'm sure it will work just fine, but for it to be PERFECT, a bit more of an angle for better weight distribution probably would have been nice.

4. Lastly, and I realise I'm being picky here; the side magnetic bottle pockets. They look fantastic, but there are limitations to their functionality. They don't expand QUITE enough if your water bottle is a little bit thicker. And it would have been nice if there was an option to close one of them, as having side pockets as an option is always nice.

Again, I realise that I'm being very picky here (this site IS called CriticallyCriticalCritic afterall). I love the various different ways that you can organise all of your gear. The addition of the compression pack is brilliant, and overall, while stylistically, it could look sexier, it's still professional looking, and it really doesn't seem like they've cheaped out on bits, which is nice.

Cheers.