Comments on: Booq Mamba Shift L Review — Backpack Extraordinary

By: S

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:50:38 +0000

Let's try this again.

I'm a student looking to replace my current falling apart backpack. I’m wondering if this backpack will be able to hold my current load. I carry

a large binder

a somewhat smaller three ring binder

Several folders and booklets

A paper notebook

A Dell Vostro 1320 (13″)

Powercord

Assorted cables and dongles

Zune

Headphones

Two paperback books

Random stuff that varies from day to day

Do you think that this bag would fit all that? Also, is it portable enough for a crowded airplane? Thanks.

By: S

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:47:41 +0000

Sorry about the screwed up format, I didn't enter the comment correctly in the comment box.

By: S

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:46:50 +0000

I’m a student looking to replace my current falling apart backpack. I’m wondering if this backpack will be able to hold my current load. I carry

a large binder
a somewhat smaller three ring binder
Several folders and booklets
A paper notebook
A Dell Vostro 1320 (13″)
Powercord
Assorted cables and dongles
Zune
Headphones
Two paperback books
Random stuff that varies from day to day

Do you think that this bag would fit all that? Also, is it portable enough for a crowded airplane? Thanks.
Zune
Headphones
Two paperback books

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:05:54 +0000

James,

Can you please let me know if the side-pockets exist on both the sides and do you see if it can fit circular objects (water bottles) that is 3.5 in width? I want to know if this will fit : http://www.kleankanteen.com/products/classic/klean-kanteen-40oz-classic.html

Gracias :)

By: Luca Filigheddu

Luca Filigheddu — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:47:35 +0000

James,
this review is really helpful since I was watching this bag for a while and it’s #1 candidate for my new 17″ Macbook Pro. A question: when I spend a night in a hotel I use to bring my backpack only, but I need some space to put a small box containing a shirt, socks and son on. Do you think the size is enough? The box is like the one you sometimes get when you buy a new shirt. Any help?

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Luca

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:45:01 +0000

I considered the Squeeze but was concerned it was not quite big enough. The Mamba Shift easily fits everything so I went the safe route.

By: Phil Lee

Phil Lee — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:06:29 +0000

I’ve been looking at Booq bags for a while now, thinking about getting one. On the strength of your review James, I placed an order this morning. Hopefully I should get it on Monday.

By: Bratatat

Bratatat — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:41:22 +0000

I use the messenger bag from ChromeBags. Been using it for 6 years now. Love that bag. Looks really cool. I get a lot of remarks about the bag because you don’t see messenger bags like this in The Netherlands. Never seen one in here.
http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/messenger-bags/citizen-buckle-bag—medium.html?c=174

By: KenInSeattle

KenInSeattle — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:46:14 +0000

James, I’m a bit curious why you didn’t go with the Booq Boa Squeeze, as that seems to be just a hair larger than Booq Boa XS? I am thinking about that for my next backpack as my XS is showing a bit of wear from the utter abuse I put my stuff through.

I have to second the thumbs up to Tom Bihn products too… I’m carrying my netbook in a ristretto bag these days and I think the Buzz is the best darn sling bag out there. Both Tom Bihn and Booq make great products! Thank goodness for all of them that gadget lovers tend to collect bags the same way that Imelda Marcos collected shoes.

By: tabletenvy

tabletenvy — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:29:16 +0000

I’ve owned several Tom Bihn bags, and I really like their quality and design. However, I purchased a Booq Mamba saddle bag earlier this year, and I couldn’t be happier. I believe it’s well worth the cost. It’s sturdy, gorgeous, and opens up like the mouth of a whale to reveal a vast assortment of compartments.

I highly recommend Booq.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:12:47 +0000

I prefer my GoLite (http://www.rei.com/product/793634) Pack. It’s 20% bigger and almost a pound and a half lighter!

But then I don’t wear a watch because it weighs too much… :D

By: Rodney

Rodney — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:09:25 +0000

I have the Synergy bag from Wenger too. I love it. This Booq bag looks great, I’d love to try it, but it more than double what I paid for the Synergy bag. That’s just a little too much for me.

By: Chad Essley

Chad Essley — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:48:12 +0000

As a gadget bag / laptop connoisseur, I have to agree that Booq makes the best. There just isn’t any comparison to say, the NorthFace type bags when it comes to the quality of materials, and overall sturdiness of the bag, let alone the aesthetics and overall design Booq has to offer. If you’re the type of person to carry a backpack that you just throw all your stuff into haphazardly, the Northface bag might fit the bill just fine. Booq’s just have all the specialty compartments, and areas that the others don’t. Especially like the red / orange fabric (a feature many high end camera bags have) -that lets you find all your dark colored gadgets a bit more easily. Also, the Booq’s rate high in the ergonomic department. They engineer the backs, and straps to flow well around the body. My two cents!
C

By: Charles Miles

Charles Miles — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:34:57 +0000

Have to second Ken’s comment above – if you do decide to search again take a look at Tom Bihn. Because of my job and bike commuting I have tried a fairly large number of different bags in the past 5 years and the Tom Bihn is the best I have found.

By: B

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:27:44 +0000

I’m sure the Booq pack is very good, but how about a compare / contrast with something like the NorthFace Surge?
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/surge_2.html

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:16:04 +0000

All valid points but my good experience with Booq bags makes me comfortable sticking with them. I know this bag will last forever, and I love the way the pockets keep things organized. I have been packing the bag full tonight, just testing it out, and it will fit so much in a very organized manner. I’m happy with it.