I have never liked using rolling bags or maletas when I travel. I always prefer using backpacks, since they are easier to carry around, easier to sift through when you need to get something and they render you more mobile on the road. I hardly ever check-in my bag at the airport to save on waiting time since I’m paranoid about losing things. I usually carry a small laptop and camera when I travel so it also makes sense not to check-in my bag. Since I don’t have a Givi box yet for my scooter, it also helps to bring a backpack for short day trips and rides out of town.

This year, I’ve been using the Targus Sport 26L Backpack, which I’ve found to be versatile enough for overnight to week-long trips. The laptop and accessory case company is known for crafting products that are functional and ideal for both work and travel. Here’s a quick review of the backpack’s main features.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

1) Gadget-friendly

I travel with a gadgets and it helps to have a bag that has built-in compartments that protect the items when I’m on the road. The bag has a dedicated foam-lined compartment for a 16″ laptop or tablet. It also has a custom fit built-in case for an MP3 player and small phones with a port for earphones that comes out in the right shoulder strap of the backpack.

2) Durability & comfort

The bag is made of durable and water-resistant rip stop material. It also has a padded back which kind of serves as a cushion, as well as padded shoulder straps, which make the bag more comfortable to carry around. This is especially useful when your trip involves frequent transfers from one mode of transport to another. Take note, that while the bag is water-resistant, it’s not waterproof. If your trip involves a six-hour long boat ride through open seas on a motorized outrigger, I highly recommend that you to double-wrap everything in garbage bags. It also helps if you bring a Baywatch-lifesaver device for your own peace of mind.

In transit from Calayan, Babuyan group of islands

3) It can fit a LOT of stuff

My first impression was that the bag was small and wouldn’t be able to fit a lot of stuff. However, I soon found that it’s expandable and very roomy with multiple built-in storage compartments. Having lots of pockets is always a bonus.

Aside from all the gadgets & usual clothes for trips, I’ve been able to stuff a sleeping bag here (for a beach camping trip) and a Magic Sing set (for a family trip) with room to spare. The backpack also has several main compartments, two bottle mesh compartments on both sides and a top pocket for last minute additions. On the downside, it can be a bit too roomy. I end up overpacking because there always seems to be more space. It also looks slightly bulky for short trips. However, this always comes in handy on the trip home because I can always just stuff whatever pasalubong I bought during the trip in the outer compartment.

Chilling during a yoga, surf weekend at The Circle Hostel in La Union

DESIGN:

I like using items that are black or grey because they still look decent and clean no matter where they’ve been. Meaning, hindi dumihin tingnan. The bag looks very simple and minimalist, if a bit utilitarian. At least it’s not a girly-pink backpack with flowers and hearts. It can look a bit bare, but that’s easily remedied by adding a couple of bagtags and a luggage lock.

Mayon Volcano from the poolside of The Oriental Hotel Legazpi, Bicol

The bag also has a couple of bonus features, like a compartment strap lock, key holder on the outer compartment, foam top hand grip and reflective trim that glows in the dark.

VERDICT:

All in all, I’d say that it’s a pretty useful overall outdoor bag for sports and travel, especially for those who like to stay connected while on the road.

Paragliding in Antenna Hill, Rizal

PRICE: The Targus 26L Backpack (TSB75802AP) SRP is P 2,999.00.

WHERE TO BUY IT: The bag is available at SM Department Stores: Megamall, North EDSA, Makati, Mall of Asia and Clark; Rustan’s Department Store: Makati, Gateway, EDSA Shangri-la and Alabang Town Center; Cash & Carry Department Store Makati; Metro Gaisano Alabang and Cebu and Island City Mall Bohol.