Incase City Compact Backpack for 15 Macbook Pro
Icon and Icon Lite have similar designs as part of the same collection. Icon Lite is half the price and about half as deep. Icon Lite is ideal if you want a well designed backpack to carry around a MacBook, a handful of accessories, and maybe an iPad or book or two without spending too much. Personally, I tend to pack way more than I typically need so Icon is better suited for my needs (and my new go-to bag).
There’s not much to it besides an attractively designed, minimalist main compartment and a well-padded laptop sleeve, but that’s all you need.
The Campus is proof you don’t need organizers upon organizers and a million different straps to make a good laptop bag.
Because of variations in style and taste, we’re including about a dozen different bags in each category rather than selecting a top pick. After sorting through hundreds of bags, we’re including only those we’ve tested and which provide good value for their standard of quality and materials.
In the main compartment you’ll find a few other perks, like slip pockets for an iPad, computer charger, mouse and pens. This pen pocket is placed conveniently at the top of the bag, making it easy to reach. There is also a couple of exterior pockets on the top and bottom halves. These are good for smaller things like keys or glasses that you don’t want to lose in the middle of the main compartment. The lack of extra pockets might be a turn-off for power users but for most people, the 12.5 liter main pocket should have more than enough space for daily essentials.
The back panel and shoulder straps are padded with mesh that help with air circulation and weight distribution. Ultimately though, it isn’t meant to be a technical daypack so your back will get sweaty when you’re working hard. Still, you should be comfortable under most circumstances.
The simple design of the Campus draws on and complements that of Apple products, which will appeal to many but turn off some. Similarly, some might say that is too much to pay for such a small and simple pack, but in my opinion it’s quite a bargain. Friends who have used these for years say they’ve held up beautifully. It comes in 10 color combinations, which is nice, but customizable themes would have been better. There are also a number of limited edition collaborations that use special colors or graphics. These cost a bit extra.
GeeksUnion was impressed by the Campus, saying, “Our favorite part of the Incase Campus Pack for the 15-inch Macbook Pro may very well have been the additional interior pockets for your mouse and power cord. You are no longer hindered by simply throwing your accessories into a bag and hoping they don’t get busted when you put your bag down. With something for every part of your Macbook, this is one accessory you won’t want to miss out on.” The editors at ChipChick liked it as well, praising the Campus’ ergonomic design, clean lines and the generous number of pockets.
As long as you get the Campus knowing that it’s not a large bag, there’s really not much to complain about. It’ll protect your computer, hold your other daily essentials, and it’ll look good while doing so.
