Looking for a durable, no frills bag to carry your laptop? Then BBP bags are for you. BBP bags are lightweight, comfortable and good for men and women alike.
Hybrid Hauler
The Hybrid Hauler is a convenient backpack turned messenger that holds even the thickest 15.4″ computer and all of your personal belongings in its vast amount of pockets. Utilizing the Bak2Pak carrying system, it’s got a convenient design that lets the bag operate as a backpack one moment and then a single strap messenger bag the next. There are 5 ways to carry this bag: on both shoulders as a backpack, on one shoulder as a backpack, single strap on outside shoulder, standard messenger bag style, and then just a handle to grab it quickly with. I liked the added touch of the sternum and waist straps for extra support. Especially since the bag is a bit lower on your back than your typical backpack, it came in handy to hold it in place and for extra support. Talking about the lower back, there are also “bum” pads to help ease up any stress on it too. However since the bag does hang lowish it could start to wear on your shoulders. Although it has the convenience of being both a backpack and messenger, it takes a long time to get it adjusted comfortably when going from one to the other, if not shut properly, everything comes flying out. So its takes a bit of finagaling to get it all packed up nicely.
The design is stylish but also hipster cool and comes in navy or olive color. The exterior and interior fabric is made of durable high quality nylon that is also water resistant. It’s very suitable for any messy student or business traveler. Make a spill or get stuck in the rain and your items will still be protected. The straps are padded with mesh to also add comfort to your shoulders. To the average passerby it may seem like a strange looking bag but if they new what it could do, they certainly would be jealous. Some of the other features include the typical laptop divider and there are also loads of pockets to stuff items into. Pockets inside the bag, on the outside of the bag. Pockets galore really.
Hybrid Hauler is not your typical messenger or backpack and that is what makes it so special. It’s like getting two bags for the price of one. This unique and durable bag will be able to handle the elements inside and outside of your bag. It could be a be a bit tricky to get used to at first but in the end it’s well worth and with its lifetime warranty, could very well be a bag for life. The Hybrid Hauler retails for $74.95
Expand-it Messenger
The Expand-it Messenger is also a great travel bag and another two for one type bag. Not only does it serve to be an oversized messenger bag it also has a removable laptop sleeve. It has a ton of pockets and a back zipper section that expands from 3″ to 7″ of extra room when opened.
If you’re a business traveler, this may be the better choice as it has a piece to hold in place on a luggage handle. The shoulder pad is very comfortable and the material again is a durable Nylon for easy dirt removal. The bag is not particularly feminine but it is professional looking with a bit of style since it comes in both red plaid or black pinstripe. It’s light weight so you won’t feel weighed down either once you load it with items. Depending on what size bag you get either small or medium will basically determine what laptop will fit in the sleeve. Larger bags will support up to a 15″ laptop and the smaller bag will only handle a 13″ one. Some of it’s other features include a oversized shoulder pad, luggage-handle pass-through, and a lifetime warranty. This bag costs about $84.95 which is bit pricey even with the expandable feature but if you include the cost of buying a separate sleeve then its a good deal.
Breathe Sleeve
Another great item from BBP is the Breathe Sleeve. This is a sleeve that helps cool your computer after use up to 33% faster than other sleeves. The ventilated design features BBP Breathe Technology that releases heat so your laptop stays cool. It also includes pockets for papers, wires and a special USB mini pocket. It also has high quality shock absorbing and custom fitting stretch neoprene. This is a great storage sleeve for people who use their laptops for hours and store it away when done. The sleeve costs about $34.95 regardless of size and is available in both black and pink. This sleeve could very well save you hundreds down the road with overheating issues.
Conclusion:
BBP Bags offer a sound solution for those on the go and in need to not only store all their goods, but keep them safe at the same time. The Bak2Pak system and Breathe Technology are not only unique features but also practical solutions for common problems. All the bags are relatively reasonable in price and certainly stylish for both men or women.
The Good: Unique features like the Breathe Technology and Bak2Pak system make these bags stand out from the crowd.
The Bad: The Hybrid Hauler takes a bit getting used to and may start to wear on your shoulders even with all the lower back support.
Peter Yamasaki
It’s great to see these bags being reviewed! I bought my first BBP bag 2 years ago (Hybrid Hamptons) and just recently bought a new Hybrid Hauler. The bag has been great for business and personal use. I’m in sales and constantly on the move (planes, trains, and automobiles). The bag essentially serves as my mobile office. The laptop compartment is well designed and it is a cinch to pull out and stow my computer. The other compartments and pockets are also very well thought out, providing sufficient space for my note books, travel items, pens, etc.
By far, the best part of the bag is the strap system. I don’t think I’ll buy another bag without a similar option. I almost always keep the bag configured in back pack mode, but when I want a messenger style it is not too hard to switch to that mode. In back pack mode I usually just carry the bag on one shoulder, but when I have a long walk or need to carry some other items, I just flip the other strap on and carry it like a back pack. I especially like the fact that it hangs low because it distributes the weight better on my back and looks a lot more hip than a regular back pack. Another great features is the top handle which makes it easy when jumping into cars or getting situated on a plane.
A lot of people ask me about the back, especially from other business travelers. I definitely have to give props to the team that designed these bags.