BBP Bags - Industries Backpack

You can look up my review of the STM Revolution bag here on Amazon, I got it as a replacement for my Evolution bag which finally split wide open after about four years of VERY heavy use. RIP Evolution, you will be sorely missed. The Revolution (newer design of the Evolution) is a fine bag in many regards but not even close to being a replacement for the Evolution. For my intended purpose, it's a horrible bag and I was left hunting for a replacement.I went through several bags (thanks to Amazon Prime, I got to try them out risk free with two day shipping and hassle free returns) including the Timbuk2 Zeitgeist, Timbuk2 Q, Incase Campus and a few others I can't remember. Again, these bags had their pros and cons but none of them fit the void left by the venerable STM Evolution. After much Googling on the subject, I found a site that mentioned BBP Bags, a company I had previously never heard of but got some pretty serious praise from those who had bought their bags.BBP makes mostly messenger and convertible bags, I think the Industries Backpack might be their only backpack. Out of the box, the first thing I noticed is that it's built like a tank. Not in the sense that it's heavy, bulky or overbuilt but just that it's made from materials that mean business, has chunky zipper pulls, fully taped and sewn seams, all the hallmarks of a bag designed to be carried every single day. It's got a great selection of compartments, TWO water bottle pouches (you hear that Timbuk2, Incase, STM and others?!?!?), high contrast white lining so you can find your stuff in poor lighting, well padded interior (more on that in a moment) and comfortable straps. Lastly, it's a seriously understated bag with a clean, industrial design. You won't grab unnecessary attention carrying this bag, no one is going to identify you as someone who might be carrying $5,000 worth of electronics on your back.I do have a couple complaints:- The padding in the bottom of the laptop compartment is far from sufficient. I supplemented with a high-density foam pad I had been using in my STM bag so it's all good in my hood, but less MacGuyver-y folks may not be happy with the drop protection.- The shoulder straps aren't the most comfortable one's I've had. This is one area where Timbuk2 bags really stand out, and other bag makers need to rip off their strap design. BBP's sternum strap is great, but would be nice if it had some elastic to it like the STM does. I might actually swap them, now that I think of it.- Because of the way the zipper seams are sewn and taped, it can make it hard to open and close the zippers. This is seriously critical gripe, and some folks are rolling their eyes right now, but I'm in and out of my bag so many times a day that it does amount to a meaningful annoyance. This is one of the ways in which the STM stood out but I have to give BBP props for using a MUCH more durable design. I had to refuse the zippers on my STM twice in four years because they pulled away from the bag material.So would I recommend the BBP? Would I buy it again? Absolutely on both counts, assuming I couldn't find an STM Evolution on eBay or Craigslist :-)[UPDATE 3/25/13]I managed to find a used STM Evolution bag, and not a moment too soon because the top handle on my BBP bag has started to disintegrate. More specifically, the synthetic leather material that's wrapped around the top handle has started falling apart, which makes the bag look kind of cheap.I also had a zipper pull break, but BBP replaced it immediately. Their customer service was excellent.The rest of the bag has held up fine. Ultimately I've got no regrets, but it's not my absolute ultimate bag (sorry, STM still takes that cake).

I wanted to love this bag. I think it's a great design, and therefore ordered several for my business. Specifically to carry laptops that we lease. The bag unfortunately did not survive even a full year of moderate daily use. I see other people have had problems with the zippers breaking, but in addition to that, I've had the bag wear out in the precise spot where the corner of the laptop would sit in its protective area. It caused external damage to the laptop. I didn't even realize why my laptop had a scuff on its corner, until I found the hole on the bottom of the bag.I even gave the company the professional courtesy of contacting them prior to writing this review. Needless to say, I was less than satisfied with their response otherwise I would have saved myself the trouble of posting this. I will include the photos I sent them (includes laptop damage and three broken zippers I've replaced with keyrings/paracord)

This is a replacement for a number of "laptop" backpacks that I've been through. I appreciate the clean design. It slips over the handle of my roll-aboard easily and securely. At the bottom of the rear portion of the bag (where the small of your back would be) is a zippered pouch that is convienient for keys, passport, ID, etc. Tactical flashlight in one side pocket with spare flashlight battery in zippered pocket. On the other side, the zippered pocket carries a supply of Starbucks instant coffee packs for emergency use aboard airlines that serve vile brown water in lieu of real coffee.Sunglasses, and readers have their own pocket at the top of the rear main section. There is additional room for small odds and ends like an iPhone charger and cable as well.Inside the front portion of the bag are two zippered pouches large enough for cables and a spare hard drive and thumb drives. It is deep enough to carry snacks, a Bose headset, book, spare battery, etc.This is the perfect "kit bag" for commercial pilots converting from a large case filled with approach plates, to an iPad and one book. A Macbook Air and an iPad fit nicely in the large rear section of the case, yet it isn't oversized. It doesn't have a bunch of useless straps that serve no purpose other than to catch on things. Professional looking - not a walking advertisement for Swiss Army or Oakley (love their sunglasses though), etc.Beautiful, elegant, minimal design.

The bag arrived on time and the product was more than my expectation, considering the reasonable price.The only disappointment was the very cheap looking "grab handle" made of some vinyl. I think there are better artificial materials at the same cost. That was the reason I did not give a 5 star.

This is the best backpack I have ever owned. The two best qualities are the myriad number of pockets and how comfortable it is to carry. I walk a lot throughout the week while carrying my backpack, and I rarely feel any soreness in my back or neck. I usually don't even notice that I am carrying it. In addition, if you want to ensure that your backpack stays dry in the rain I also suggest buying the Camelbak Raincover. Camelbak Raincovers for Hydration System , Size: Sm/Md 60113

excellent

I liked the bag's suitcase handle sleeve, that's why I bought it. But the zipper broke after 2 months of medium use and now it is not returnable. Also, cargo capacity lacks a bit.5/10/14 update - handle on the top of the bag is now falling apart. It is becoming cracked and will soon be useless. I highly recommend you do not purchase this bag.

Enough for a 13 inch notebook, foldable umbrella, my work clothes, daily necessities and water bottle.Padded Straps and back maintain comfort and temperature - the back does not feel too warm.