Incase Compact Backpack - Gunmetal Grey

I purchased the Incase City Collection Compact Backpack after my previous backpack's strap tore. I was looking for a bag that would be durable, not bulky, and look great. This Incase backpack is just that!I am a university student and I do work both on the computer, and on paper. I needed a backpack that could fit a 15" laptop along with thin binders, folders, and notebooks. I was hesitant to purchase this version of the City Backpack due to its compact size, but I'm glad I went with it over the bigger version. I can fit two thin binders, a few folders, two notebooks, and a small paperback book in the main compartment, along with a small utensil pouch (it sits on top of everything else) and an umbrella. There is a mesh section within the main compartment where I keep small items and loose cords. Some reviewers mentioned the mesh section tearing due to folders and notebooks getting caught on it. I doubt I will have this issue since I keep my notebooks in the front, closest to the mesh. I use the Rhodia side staple-bound notebooks which don’t have the typical spiral binding. Everything slides in the main compartment with no issue.The small top compartment holds my iPad Mini perfectly. This compartment and the laptop section have a soft/furry material to protect scratch-sensitive items. I feel comfortable putting my iPad in the top section with no case or screen protector. I can also fit my phone and keys in it.Both the 2015 15” MacBook Pro and the 2016 15” HP Envy x360 fit in the laptop compartment with no issues, although, the MacBook Pro fits better. A 13” laptop would fit perfectly and be protected.The front zipped compartment has two sections (I didn’t realize it did until I read the attached product card). I keep items I need to access quickly in this compartment (tissues, hand sanitizer, personal items, fountain pen, etc.). This is the only section that does not open very wide. I can’t see what’s in it.The backpack overall has plenty of space and seems to be built to last. The bag does expand slightly if there is a lot in it. The straps feel sturdy and well-padded, and the top handle reminds me of a car’s seatbelt. Even with all of the items I keep in the bag, it does not feel heavy, most likely because of the support from the straps. The only con I can think of is that there is no side pocket for a water bottle or umbrella, but this is not a huge deal.This backpack is stylish and functional for its size and price! I am pleased with my decision to purchase the City Collection Compact Backpack by Incase.

The bag looks good, but it does not cost £100 bag. Not what was expected from the brand. Material, format, features of the bag are £30 range and equal to what you can get on non branded cheaper option.

UPDATE: Changed from 5 to 4 stars.I've only used this backpack about a few dozen times since purchase (I don't use it everyday). So it's still very new. Other day I went to zip the top pocket and the pull string broke off (see photo). I can't repair it since the string is fused to the inside of the plastic pull tab. How are these made so cheaply? This is an $80 backpack folks!Tips/First Impressions:- IMPORTANT: This is really a thin profile laptop backpack. And IS NOT a normal sized backpack that can "also hold a laptop". Make sense?- A laptop, Gym shoes/clothes will fit and then this bag is FULL. If you want more room.. a different bag is prob better for your needs.Now, knowing and understanding that... it's the most AMAZING kick ass backpack I think I've ever come upon... period!- Top notch solid construction. This bag will be around for a while!- Bag is firm and has structure. It's not loose and slouchy like an empty balloon.- Feels GREAT wearing it, the straps hug just right! I don't want to take it off.- The back of the bag looks better than the front of most competitors bags.- Lots and lots of pockets, compartments, for pens, wallets/small notepads, etc. You're not going to lose much in this bag.- The top pouch on the outside is completely lined with a deep pile luxurious faux fur. I was confused by this but quickly figured out it's the pouch you would be putting your ipod, iphone and other devices you don't want scratched. GENIUS attention to detail!- I can already tell I'm going to be getting asked often about the bag!- Access to the main compartment is about 30% of the access of what you'd expect from a normal backpack (it doesn't zip all the way down the sides). I LIKE this mainly because it keeps everything from spilling out. But because the bag is black inside it may be hard to find small items at the bottom if you're not in a well lit room.- Great travel carry on/companion bag for the airport!- Design is hip, urban, professional all in one.Highly recommended if you're looking for a compact profile bag that looks great and is very versatile.BUT, if you're looking for a backpack that has lots of room for stuff along with a laptop this is not the bag for you.They really have reinvented the backpack!!!

First off, I'm a big fan of incase backpacks (as I own 3 of them), but this one did not hit all the marks. My current daily driver for work is the INCASE EO travel backpack, and I was hoping this could be a great personal tech backpack.First the positives:1) Very comfortable2) Plethora of pockets3) Woolenex has a great look and feel to the backpack4) Well constructed and designed/maintains its shape. It also will remain standing upright!5) Laptop and tablet pockets are awesome and well thought out.Now the negatives:1) When the backpack is semi-full, pockets are difficult to access without pulling everything out. I do carry around a Macbook Air, ipad, bose noise cancelling headphones, cables, paper notebook, pens, battery pack by default. When I add a jacket and OSMO mobile its is jam packed.2) Charging pocket on the side is good, but you need to get a certain size battery. Not all will fit. I currently have a RAVpower battery and it does not fit with the cable attached.3) No water bottle holder!I wish it could hold more for long daytrips, but otherwise a solid backpack.

I had a brutal commute for a few years. I realized quickly that a cute tote handbag was not going to cut it, and I'd have to get a backpack to preserve my health if I was going to trek bus / train / walking this far, every day. Over all that time, this backpack shows almost no wear. I can barely believe it. I can see a little bit of evidence of hauling heavy stuff on the nylon strap at the adjuster, but I only noticed because I was looking for anything wrong with it. I am a petite woman and had first bought the regular size, but it overwhelmed me; the compact was perfect for me and holds so much stuff. It's water-resistant, but not water-proof; a few really heavy downpours walking a mile, it got a little damp inside. But even then, my laptop stayed dry, in a pocket against my back. I would have to work pretty hard for any stains to stick to this; it looks clean and tidy all the time, even with all the gunk it went through. I highly recommend this backpack to super-commuters in particular. (Also, my heart goes out to you. Stay strong, and I hope you get an escape.) <3