Categories
Archive

Luggage Week: WaterField Designs Cargo Bag

I am a professed bag hound. I hear that admission is the first step to recovery. I have over the years bought and sold maybe two dozen different messenger bags, backpacks, and computer cases ranging from Kipling, OGIO, Trager, Brenthaven, Swiss Army, Briggs and Reilly, etc. After all this, I believe I have finally found a two computer bags that fit pretty much all my needs: the WaterField Designs Large Cargo Bag/SleeveCase and the K2 Jiver backpack.


I am a professed bag hound. I hear that admission is the first step to recovery. I have over the years bought and sold maybe two dozen different messenger bags, backpacks, and computer cases ranging from Kipling, OGIO, Trager, Brenthaven, Swiss Army, Briggs and Reilly, etc. After all this, I believe I have finally found a two computer bags that fit pretty much all my needs: the WaterField Designs Large Cargo Bag/SleeveCase and the K2 Jiver backpack.

First, a little about my hardware: I have a PowerBook G4/500. I also carry a Visor Edge, a USB powered ZIP 250, several system disks for emergencies, an HP digital camera and connection cable, and sometimes an Apple Pro Mouse and AC power supply.

WaterField Designs Large Cargo Bag

The WaterField Designs Cargo Bag is, hands down, the best made bag I have ever had. The materials and well designed features only add to a remarkable computer bag that has become a friend not only to me but to my Ti:G4.

The Large Cargo bag is made of heavy black Ballistic Nylon and comes in several trim colors. Mine happens to be Lead. The bag is styled like a messenger bag which, for me, serves two purposes 1) It fits comfortably on my back and 2) It does not look like a computer bag, hence discouraging thievery. There is a heavy-duty zipper that holds the main compartment closed and two handles for carrying by hand.

There is one large compartment that has room for all of my hardware and then some. On the back of the bag there is a slip pocket to hold papers, files, etc and has a Velcro closure. Built into the walls of the back and bottom is a hard insert to further protect the contents. The main compartment has a side pocket to actually hold the computer in place and a suspended leather pocket system to hold my Visor Edge, Pro Mouse, business cards, etc.

The side pocket is made for a WaterField Designs SleeveCase. The entire inside is covered with yellow ripstop nylon which is not only is great looking but dark items don?t disappear into a black void. The flap pocket on the front of the bag is held closed by an aluminum airline seat buckle. Very cool.

In addition to the cargo bag I also have the SleeveCase that fits in the side pocket of the Cargo Bag. The SleeveCase is made of neoprene and wrapped in Ballistic Nylon so that the Ti:G4 slides right in. The bottom of the SleeveCase has what WaterField Designs call “Lead Indium trim.” This trim also matches the trim on my Cargo bag. The sleeve can be used on its own if you don’t need all the accessories and only need the computer. The sleeve is large enough to keep any PCMCIA cards that I may have installed and not get caught on the sleeve sides.

The strap is comfortable and wide and comes with a well-padded shoulder pad that is removable. The shoulder strap is attached permanently and cannot be removed. My only problem is that the cell phone pocket should be at the other end. I think most people carry the bag on their left side, which puts the cell phone pocket at the back. Not very easy to access.

By Jason O'Grady

Founded the PowerPage in 1995.