Bluelounge strive to create problem solving products by introducing innovative ideas to simplify and improve everyday life, one of their more recent designs is the Bluelounge Backpack. I was immediately impressed that the backpack was made from 100% PET recycled materials and solid aluminium, your basically walking around with a load of old plastic bottles on your back. This backpack wants to make our life easier by being a transitional bag ideal for both work and leisure, there are two sizes available, small 11 x 17.75 x 5.5 inches comes in green and black or large, 11.82 x 18.5 x 7.9 inches that only comes in grey. There are dedicated neoprene cushioned compartments suitable for both a 17inch laptop and a tablet, a small zip pocket on the inside and on the outside there is a large pocket on the front with two poppers for closure and a discrete pocket that rests on your back with a zipper. The top closes in a few different ways depending how much stuff is in the bag, it can be secured with poppers or rolled down and fastened with the strap and aluminium hook, the sides can also draw in or loosen up depending how full the bag is.

I like the look of the backpack but the outside pockets are all wrong in my opinion, I want more security than two poppers on the outside pocket if I am to use this on the commute, the pocket that rests on your back is very thin meaning that anything in there can be felt on your back. I found the roll down top method of closing rather uncooperative and the poppers where unnecessarily fiddly and would much rather a normal way of closing it. The straps are nicely padded and meet in the middle to form a handle, I found when wearing the bag that this bit would rub on my neck no matter how I had the straps set, if I was to carry this for a long time I can see it becoming quite sore. Although the backpack is hardwearing, water-resistant and good looking I didn’t find it user friendly, I certainly wouldn’t use it for travelling or hiking but with the padding inside it will look after your laptop and electricals but for the price there are better bags out there.  RRP $149

2 out of 5

Buy now

Pros

Made from recyclable material

Water resistant

Visually pleasing

Generous padding inside

Cons

Strap rubbed on my neck

Pockets badly positioned and lack security

Main compartment awkward to close