Rock
'n' Roll(top).
As
the summer ends and autumn kicks in, we find that we tend to carry
more stuff about with us. Jumpers, waterproof jackets, external
batteries (because gadgets drain quicker in cold weather, right?),
and coffee flasks – all of which require a decent bag in which to
lug them about. To that end we've dipped our toes back into Case
Logic lake to check out another from their latest range. We review
the Case Logic Larimer Rolltop Backpack.
A good day bag with a decent amount of storage space, the first thing that struck us about the Case Logic Larimer Rolltop was the colour choices. It comes in two 'flavours', with both having a distinctly late 80s-early 90s taste. In fact, the one we were sent (which is admittedly the darker, more subtle of the two) reminded us of backpacks we had in school as kids.
Still,
that is where the comparisons with our awkward childhoods end, as the
Larimer is kitted out to aid the modern urban person stow their
gadgets and devices safely, while also having room for the essential
jumpers, waterproof jackets, external batteries, and coffee flasks.
First
up, on the front there is a zipped pocket, just below where the roll
top closure begins. It is the only external pocket on the bag, so
perfect for your wallet, keys and quick-grab bits and bobs. However,
to get full access to it, you first need to unclip the rolltop's
strap, which we found to be a bit fiddly.
Although
the softer, thinner rolltop fabric (the whole bag is polyester, but
the rolling bit isn't padded like the rest) seals with a Velcro strip
before you roll it up, you need the strap to pin it all down and keep
it secure. The strap is adjustable, which means that you could fill
the main compartment far fuller than you might imagine, because you
simple don't roll the top down as much to make more space. Adjust the
strap to make it longer, throw it over the top, then clip it through
the plastic buckle. We would have preferred some side clips (as with
the Over-board Pro-Vis Backpack), but this way definitely looks more
stylish.
On
the inside the main compartment features a good and chunky padded
laptop compartment, good for computers of up to 15 inches, and also a
tablet sleeve for slates up to ten inches. There is also a mesh
pocket on the inside front which closes with a zip, good for spare
change, flash drives, wires and cables. And then that's it – the
rest is just space. Space that is surrounded by some 80s game show
backdrop patterns!
And
that's it, really. In use we found it was great to be able to stow a
lot more in the main hold than we thought we could, thanks to that
adjustable rolltop. The total size makes the Case Logic Larimer
Rolltop Backpack an ideal everyday carry, especially if you're not
taking all that much and love the look of the unique closure. For
photographers, with bulky cameras and small lenses, flashes, and
memory cards... maybe not. For someone who just needs their laptop
close by and bit of extra room... definitely.
Around
£35
Visit
www.caselogic.com