Most of us own a backpack and may even use it regularly, I use mine nearly every day. But sometimes I need an extra one (especially if I am visiting my mum as she always loads me with more than I went with). Trying to fit another backpack into my regular backpack takes up most of the space so is pretty pointless, but I also hate carrying around an empty backpack. STM, who just happen to be Smarter Than Most, have the perfect solution – the BagPack!
STM Goods make some excellent products, and they are probably best known for their laptop bags and backpacks. But they don’t seem to just go with the run of the mill similar products that everyone else makes, they do like theirs to be unique and different. And the BagPack definitely fits in to that category.
The BagPack is a collapsible backpack that folds back into its own pocket when not needed. Making it easier to carry when empty or to fit in another bag. It is made from ultra tough lightweight 201D nylon (a lightweight, flexible, yet strong fabric) but what makes it different is that it has an inflatable interior bladder to protect fragile objects such as laptops and tablets. When folded into its own pocket it looks like a small wash bag, but when taken out it is a full size 15 litre backpack that can carry a 16” laptop and more.
Features:
- Packs into front zipper pocket for compact stowage
- Inflatable TPU bladder sleeve provides laptop protection, bag structure, and back cushioning
- Highly rugged 210D 100% nylon material resists wear for long product lifespan
- Lightweight fabric for comfortable carry and quick compression
- Comfortable contoured shoulder straps
- Easy grab zipper pulls for quick access to pockets and compartments
- Durable zippers stand up to repeated opening and closing
- Fits up to 16” laptops
- Outer Dimensions: 18.9 x 12.4 x 6.3 in / 48 x 31.5 x 16 cm
- Outer Dimensions Packed: 9.5 x 6.0 x 4.0 in / 24.1 x 15.2 x 10.2 cm
- Weight: 1.1 lbs / 0.5 kg
The BagPack comes folded up into itself to reduce the size to a large wash bag size. It is a uniquely ingenious and innovative backpack and stowed within itself is a full size backpack with a laptop protection sleeve that is easily inflatable with one or two breaths. It is perfect for the traveller or commuter looking to carry their gear securely without the bulk of a traditional backpack.
Overall, this is a fantastic backpack. Not only is it very lightweight, strong and durable, it folds up into its own pocket for smaller storage when not in use. And the laptop protection internal bladder is excellent, easy to inflate and deflate.
I love the BagPack. With a 15 litre capacity it is a perfect size for day to day use, for school, travel, commuting and leisure activities. It even features external side pockets for water bottles.
The shoulder straps are not padded but fit the shoulders well are very comfortable and lightweight. They are also strong enough to take the weight of the contents of the bag, including a laptop.
I love the laptop protection bladder. One or two quick puffs easily inflates it to give a laptop (up to 16”) padded protection. Pull out the stopper and it quickly deflates. This not only helps to protect a laptop or tablet but as it is optional whether to inflate it or not means that if you are not carrying a device that needs a protective air pocket you can leave it deflated and have more space for other items.
And then there is the collapsibility of the backpack for easy space saving storage. The BagPack folds up into its own zip up pocket, reducing the size drastically making it easy to stow away in a cupboard or draw when not in use – or in my case, when visiting my mum, to have an extra backpack with me as she always seems to load me up when I’m going back home.
STM’s BagPack is perfect for travel lovers, commuters that use it every day. The inflatable bladder and foldable design make it much more versatile that a standard backpack or laptop carry bag. It is also perfect for someone that just uses a backpack occasionally as it folds up small and neat for easy storage without taking up too much space.
Folding up takes a bit of getting used to. For whatever reason, following the instructions on the cardboard sleeve on the minimal packaging that the BagPack comes in I just couldn’t seem to get the pocket aligned properly to zip it up for storage. After a few aborted attempts I followed the instructions to the point of where I started to have problems and did it my own way and it worked, now each time it is very easy to fold and put away. I don’t know if it is the instructions that are slightly off, or I keep misunderstanding the same bit, but I think a video on the STM Goods website of folding it properly might be a good way to go. Other than that, once you find the way to fold it, it is very easy to do – just takes a bit of practice (at least for me anyway).
I am very happy with the BagPack. It is very light but feels extremely strong – it doesn’t feel like it is going to tear when loaded up with my laptop (with a 15” screen) and other bits and pieces. The fabric seems very durable. It is comfortable to wear, regardless of the contents and the air protection sleeve is great.
My only concern with the inflatable bladder was would it hold up to being inflated, deflated and folded constantly but it seems to be holding up perfectly and works every time.
Folding it back into its own pocket will take a small amount of practice but now I know what I’m doing it is quick and simple to do – almost without thinking about it.
The BagPack is perfect for anyone that carries a backpack or laptop carry bag and it is so easy to store when not being used. Great for going on holiday as well, as it can be folded to fit in your suitcase.
An excellent quality strong, durable and versatile backpack, which is indeed Smarter Than Most!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £69.99
For more information, visit www.stmgoods.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
