Review: Roundup: High Tech, Eco Friendly Backpacks

Bike messenger bags are ideal for, well, people who actually ride bikes. But if you're schlepping anything remotely heavy (advanced organic chemistry textbooks anyone?) nothing beats a strong, double-strapped backpack. We took a look at three of our favorite bag makers to see which model was best for porting precious payloads across campus.

Roundup: High Tech, Eco Friendly Backpacks

Learn How We Rate ##### Wired

Fully waterproof means no headaches about your pricey gadgets getting fried by H2O. Extremely comfortable. Adjusting straps is a cinch thanks to metal buckles.

Roundup:

• 1/10A complete failure in every way
• 2/10Sad, really
• 3/10Serious flaws; proceed with caution
• 4/10Downsides outweigh upsides
• 5/10Recommended with reservations
• 6/10Solid with some issues
• 7/10Very good, but not quite great
• 8/10Excellent, with room to kvetch
• 9/10Nearly flawless
• 10/10Metaphysical perfection

Timbuk2 Swig

Not too wide and never too bulky, the Swig is a glutton when it comes to gear.

Seriously there was no end to the stuff we crammed into this bag, be it a 17-inch laptop or a six-pack of brewskies. And when toting fragile cargo we did it sans anxiety. A roll of padding at the Swig's bottom kept breakables safe from bumps, thumps and drops.

But the real reason to love this bag is the front pocket. Seriously, hear us out: The simple, deep compartment doesn't require fumbling with zippers or Velcro. It's perfect for stowing planners, smart phones, even the occasional Kindle. Ah, the epitome of pocket perfection.

A few months ago we strapped on the Warsaw backpack (one of the biggest satchels we've ever seen) and totally loved it. Now Chrome has come out with a smaller, skinnier more professional looking version of the Warsaw and dubbed it Kirov.

Like its big broski, the Kirov is waterproof so any of your hydrophobic electronics are completely safe in the event of an unexpected downpour, spilled soda, or water landing. It's also got a great assortment of pockets; bicycle enthusiasts will love the zippered front pouch that can hold a tire pump and a side slot that is built to hold a U-lock. Inexplicably, Chrome omitted a laptop sleeve. But that almost doesn't matter — the Kirov's slim shoulder straps and ergonomic back pad made this the most comfortable pack we tested.

There's a price to pay for that comfort though — the pack's ample mass makes it awkward on crowded city busses and trains.

Bay Area based Rickshaw has gained a solid rep by churning out cyclist-friendly messenger bags constructed from green materials. But its first attempt at a backpack is a tad shaky.

Make no mistake, this bag is definitely attractive — we opted for an incredibly cool looking version constructed from repurposed soda bottles — and there are literally hundreds of color and material options available. But the pack is also cumbersome and becomes a irritating after prolonged wear. That bulk does serve a purpose though. You can easily port everything from a 17-inch MacBook to a red Swingline in the bag's cavernous maw. And although it's not nearly as protective as the Kirov, there's a water resistant front flap that'll protect your gizmos from an unexpected sprinkling.

Word on the street is that a smaller version of this backpack is in the works — hopefully that model will be more manageable to carry.

WIRED Well-padded with great protection from water. "Silencer" add-ons allow closure through magnets to quiet the Velcro. Custom options are enough to blow your mind.

TIRED Wear this bag for a while and have a pain in the lower back. Plastic strap clips feel flimsy. Two hundred bucks? Oof!

$200, rickshawbags.com