Product Review: EO Travel Backpack

What Is it: The EO Travel Backpack by Incase.

Price and Where to Buy: $179.95 on Amazon and on Incase’s website.

Pros:

• Main compartment expands 35 percent and can hold enough for a weekend trip
• Padded sleeve fits up to a 17 inch laptop
• Protected interior pocket for tablets
• Butterfly design allows you to leave your laptop in the (unzipped and open) bag while going through airport security
• The front of the backpack is triple coated with a weather-resistant material to keep your stuff dry
• Padded straps stay comfortable even when you’re carrying a heavy load

Cons:

• The EO Travel backpack is 3.3 lbs when empty, which is pretty heavy for a backpack

How it Rates:

• Usefulness: 8/10. No need for a separate suitcase and laptop bag on shorter trips—the EO Travel backpack serves as both
• Portability: 7/10. It’s carry-on sized, but loses points for the weight. (The bag is 18.5″ x 12″ x 6.3″ empty, and expands to 18.5″ x 12″ x 9″)
• Value: 7/10. $179.95 is expensive for a laptop bag, but the extra space and design of this bag make it more like a suitcase.
• Cool Factor: 9/10. This is actually a really nicely designed backpack, with a professional and sleek look

Final Verdict: Often flying away on short business trips? The EO Travel backpack might be a worthwhile investment if you want the mobility of a backpack over a wheeled suitcase, plus the TSA-approved laptop design is pretty invaluable.

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: Incase)