Sterkmann Expandable Flight Approved Carry on Backpack/Rucksack for Men/Overnight Weekender for Travel & Business/Waterproof/Fits 15" Laptop/with Packing Cube, Shoe Pouch & Laundry Bag (30L)

I like bags. A lot. To the extent that my other half thinks I might have a problem. I have owned many different backpacks and funded kickstarter campaigns in search for the perfect backpack.I looked for something that was a cross between the Nomatic backpack and the Standard Daily backpack and when I saw the 30L Sterkmann bag, I was shocked it was not well advertised at all. If you look at the features and the shape, the functionality - it almost looks like all the design cues were taken from the Nomatic Travel backpack. This is not a bad thing as the Nomatic was designed with functionality and form in mind.The Sterkmann has been my daily bag ever since. I have used it for holidaying and work alike. It has a great laptop pouch which is padded (and you can pretty much keep another laptop in the iPad sleeve which i have done). It has great hidden storage behind the back pouch which is awesome for keeping valuables. The back straps can be hidden for a low profile business briefcase look and I have found this to be very useful when commuting so that the straps don't get in the way. The side handles are also extremely sturdy - I must have had two laptops and several days worth of clothes + a lunchbox in my backpack and it has survived the weight. The expandable nature of the backpack is also a fantastic feature. by expanding it, you can open it in the middle of the backpack and open it like a briefcase - another great feature of packing for a holiday. I have used the bag in the rain - and yes it is definitely waterproof. Although it doesn't seem to list YKK zippers (as many know as the best in class), they appear to use something that is quite similar.Some reviews notice that the zips are a bit sticky at first - but this is to be expected given its waterproof nature and the fact that they have more rubber than normal zips. It seemed to get better as I used it more. There are also two water bottle holders on either side of the backpack and it will happily carry a metal water bottle which is around 500ml. Some people have commented they struggle to get a good sized water bottle in - well if you're not carrying a massive 1ltr or 750ml bottle, it will fit.The top opening spot is massively similar to Nomatic backpacks. A lot of new Kickstarter campaigns you will find this sort of feature being increasingly popular. I can put my toiletries at the top whilst travelling and you can access it with ease at the security scan. The extra box packing cubes are also a great addition - a shoe bag along, laundry bag and compressable packing cube. I have found the compression cube to be slightly heavier than I would expect (compared to the great Muji ones), but it functions well. What I have found is that the leather zip pulls have added an extra sense of premium to the backpack. Fantastic workmanship.Overall the backpack is comfortable to wear. It is slightly heavier than some backpacks I have been used to, presumably due to its premium material and overall structure. It is probably the only thing I would consider changing about the backpack - the weight. However despite this, I will enjoy using this backpack for years to come.

As a frequent traveller in the IT world this backpack has proven itself time after time. Throughout my years of travelling I have gone through my fair share of uncomfortable and comfortable backpacks. My previous backpacks zippers busted in multiple locations therefore was back searching for another replacement. After reading endless reviews on multiple items I decided to go with Sterkman. My choice turned out right and now im going to explain why…The GoodThe zippers are extremely resilient when you need to leave the office or train in an rush. Previous backpacks zippers would jam causing another unnecessary issue. The Sterkman has proven itself resilient against commuters last second rush as it has never failed on me and glides up and down with ease. Additionally, the zippers are waterproof for those days you forget your umbrella or backpack cover. Living in UK we tend to have a fair few showers and the water proof coating on the backpack proves to generate one less concern, for those of you who worry their electronics, documentation and clothing will get wet this bag ensure everything is well protected. I may also add the zipper camouflages itself from the common eye so thief's will have to look extra close to which zipper opens which pocket.Overall the compartments include:Laptop side (back of bag)- 13inch laptop slot- 15inch laptop slot- 1 zipper compartment below- 3 pockets oppositeFront compartment (front of bag)- 2 fairly large zipper pockets- Mass amounts of space for clothing/electronics/documention2 side pockets- 2 symmetrical side pockets (Great place to store portable chargers)2 internal hidden side pockets- 2 internal symmetrical hidden slide pockets1 pocket on top of backpack- A hidden pocket to store items of your choice.3 laptop handles- 2 identical handles at the side of the bag for those last minute grabs- A well padded handle at the top of backpackI will upload some pictures which a measuring tape to the pockets, I know I was concerned if my portable charger would fit in the side pocket along with my flask (maximum measurements included). Check out my pictures, hope it helps.The badNow….. if I was really picky, the straps may prove to be a little small. One of my previous backpacks straps were large meaning it would dig a line in my shoulders when I cram the backpack. You can also purchase some shoulder straps that are well padded to mitigate this minor issue.The uglyNothingQuestion timeIs the backpack free standing?If packed correctly the backpack does stand freelyMaterial quality?A waterproof protection gives it a sturdy tough feel. The handle at the top is well padded too.Dimensions?24.1 x 30.5 x 47 cm – please see images cm measurementsWeight2 Kg30L expansion capacity for 2-4 days travel.Is there a detachable shoulder strap to carry it side ways?No, this does not have a sideways strap.Size of the bottle it can holdThe bottle compartment cant be stretch to roughly 11cm (see images)I hope my experience will make your backpack searching a little less stress free. :)