Banjo Brothers Medium Commuter Backpack

Ultra waterproof! Too bad no laptop sleeve

I traded in my Banjo Brothers Metro (see my review) for this backpack after disappointment with the Metro's water resistance, which got my laptop wet in just a brief rain shower. For me, the Commuter backpack is the solution. It has a removable, completely waterproof and cheaply replaceable liner to hold your stuff.

Downsides vs. the Metro are fewer organizational pockets (I don't need as many as the Metro has, but somewhere in between would be nice). Although the side pockets are not elasticized and won't always hold onto stuff, they are WAYYYY better than those on the Metro, which are too snug and don't want to hold onto your things at all.

Although this backpack is larger than I need (the Metro was ideal in terms of size), it is still a compact form factor on your back and is quite comfortable. FWIW, I've been able to haul two six-packs of tallboys, plus a laptop and change of clothes with a little room to spare. It sits high enough that I feel no need to use the waist strap, just the sternum strap. Contents are easy to access, thanks to the quick Fastex buckle on the outside and a roll-top that isn't too tall.

I went with the red color, which is a lot more visible than the black. Combined with the generous reflective material it's pretty good in terms of conspicuity. The white model is better yet, but I didn't go with it because the white one is made from a different material that is much stiffer and heavier.

One caution: after a hard rain, it looked like the liner itself picked up some of the red dye from the outer bag. Not a big deal in itself, but be careful because I think it might be possible for this pack to stain light-colored rugs or furniture after a serious soaking, so be careful where you set it down when it is wet.

Biggest downside for me is the need to carry a separate laptop sleeve, which slides and flops around inside the slick plastic liner with an empty load. Good end-loading laptop sleeves are now getting hard to find because so many backpacks have them built in. I'd trade absolute waterproofness for true functional waterproofness (again, see my Metro review) if I could get a laptop sleeve in the bargain.

Despite the lack of a laptop sleeve I'm giving it 5 stars because it's otherwise such a great pack and an even better value. Not having to stop and pull out a raincover if it starts raining in the middle of your ride is priceless!

Pros: Absolutely waterproof. Liner is replaceable for minimal $. At least has a couple of under-flap pockets plus side pockets. Much better side pocket design than the Metro. Very reflective. Red color looks good. Nice compact size on the back, but still holds a ton. Easy access to contents, as backpacks go. Good workmanship, should last many years.

Cons: Could use a couple more pockets. Non-elastic side pockets don't always hold stuff in. Only serious con is lack of a laptop sleeve.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 20, 2014
Reviewed by: GlowBoy

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