We each have our own idea of the perfect laptop bag. For some, it’s a messenger style, for others, a case or backpack with built-in sleeve. Personally, I like to carry a laptop or tablet, wallet, water bottle, keys, iPhone, compact camera, and notebook and pen all in one place, whether it’s a large purse, laptop bag, satchel or messenger.
Bluelounge recently sent me a 13” laptop tote to test drive. I’d already admired the detailing on this tall, slender bag at last month’s CES in Vegas, so I was prepared to pack it right out of the box with my go-to tech gear.
This award-winning brand strategy/graphic design studio was started in 1999 by designers Melissa Sunjaya and Dominic Symons. In 2005, Bluelounge began designing products and has grown to an international manufacturing enterprise.
Headquartered in Singapore, Bluelounge also has two R&D divisions in Jakarta, Indonesia and in Pasadena, California. Their products are available in 46 countries worldwide.
Bluelounge uses 100% PET post-consumer plastic bottles in creating this design-worthy bag. The process involves cleaning and sorting PET bottles, crushing and shredding them into small flakes, melting the flakes into a hot liquid, filtering and extruding the liquid into long strands, and cooling, spinning, and finally spooling the strands to produce an environmentally-friendly fabric.
The practical tote has two side pockets, a hidden zippered pocket in front, and a top main zipper to keep your stuff safe from prying eyes and dry from rainy jaunts around town.
The main compartment can stow a number of magazines, books, water bottle, a wallet, small personal items, and just about anything else that you can imagine fitting inside a space of 12.25” x 15.25” x 3.25” (31 x 38.7 x 8.25 cm).
A larger version (13.5” x 17.5” x 3.75”; 34.3 x 44.5 x 9.5 cm) will accommodate a 15” MacBook Pro.
Other features include a custom aluminum carabiner, adjustable shoulder strap, and large zippered main compartment adjacent to the laptop sleeve with a velcro strap to keep it in place. If you’re not using the shoulder strap, the two clips that attach it tuck away nicely inside the tote’s side pockets.
I particularly like the carry handles on the tote and the overall sturdy construction. Looks like I’ll have this bag for a long time to come due to its quality hooks, rivets, and zippers.
I did find the neoprene laptop sleeve fit pretty snug; count on fitting a 13” MacBook Pro in there without a case or sleeve. This bag would also be great for toting a tablet or small notebook-style laptop.
Dimensions
12.25” x 15.25” x 3.25” (31 x 38.7 x 8.25 cm)
If I could add one thing
When filled with all my stuff, the tote weighs in at about four kg (close to nine pounds). It would be great to include a shoulder pad on the strap for added comfort when hauling the bag around town or when travelling.
Bluelounge’s Laptop Tote retails for US $129 (US $149 for the 15” version) and is available online.
I was sent the laptop tote in Small for the purpose of test-driving it for this feature.