I am a first year law student, and after purchasing countless, thick law books and a new laptop, I decided I needed a new backpack. I purchased the bag to tote my Dell 700m laptop to and from class along with those books and other assorted goodies.

Ogio offers many bags, why did you decide on the Metro?

Good question, my friend. I needed a bag with a large capacity in the main compartment. I also wanted comfort features, such as a chest strap, padded shoulder straps, and a padded back. Additionally, I was hoping to find a bag that offered extra protection for my laptop. Oh yeah, and one that looked cool.

So first, is it big enough for you?

Surprisingly, it is! The main compartment is enormous. So far, I have had no problem fitting several large books, three-ring binders, and a few small books in there. The only drawback is that the opening to that main compartment is rather small. This hasn't been a problem for me yet. If this means anything to you, the capacity is 2400 cubic inches (most other bags were 1400-1700).

Great, so you pack it full and then it weighs a ton... doesn't that kill your back?

The Metro is one comfortable bag. I packed this thing full of books, my laptop, and other knick-knacks, and it did not strain my back at all. The chest strap really helps because it distributes the weight evenly around your torso, not letting it all fall on your shoulders or lower back (the chest strap is "stretchy"). However, I would not recommend using the chest strap if you are a voluptuous woman or a very buff man with huge pectorals (obviously, I am neither). Also, the shoulder straps are not only padded, but they come off the top of the bag (rather than the back) so the weight is really elevated... this makes it much more comfortable. Finally, the back of the bag has eight horizontal pads integrated to help soften the burden.

I'm really concerned about my new laptop that cost me a fortune!

As I mentioned, I have a Dell 700m laptop. It is a 12.1" widescreen laptop with an extended battery adding 1" in the back, for which this bag has more than enough room. I believe the laptop capacity is 10.5"h x 14.5"w x 2.5"d. Since my laptop is so tiny in that huge compartment, I also use a snug-fitting neoprene sleeve to boost protection, and then place the sleeved laptop in my Metro. The laptop compartment is located in the back of the bag, so it rests between the back padding and the main compartment. The first thing I noticed, that I really liked, was that unlike the other compartments in the bag the laptop compartment has its zipper on the side. This makes for easy access when taking the laptop out and putting it back in. Additionally, this feature aids in the security of the laptop, because the compartment is hidden from plain sight. Nobody will know this is a "laptop backpack." The second protective feature I like, is that the laptop compartment is suspended. What this means is that the bottom of the laptop compartment is about 3" from the bottom of the entire bag. This allows you to put the bag down on the ground without your laptop hitting the ground. It is also good in case you drop your bag. It allows you to not have to be extra delicate with your bag. It is a simple but invaluable feature.

Oy vey, enough about the laptop compartment! What are the other compartments like?

Sorry... On one side of the bag you have two zippered compartments. I use one for my mobile USB mouse, and the other for my laptop's charger. On the opposite side of the bag you have one longer compartment. This may be too narrow for some water bottles (Nalgene), but it is a deep pocket which can be quite useful. In the front, from bottom to top, you first have a padded, waterproof pocket. The waterproof pockets are so because they have a waterproof material covering the zipper. So, they are waterproof in that they do not let water in, not in that the inside is waterproof. Above that pocket, you have your organization compartment. In here, you will find pockets for pens/pencils, two small zippered pockets, a Velcro pocket, a front, middle, and back compartment, and a suspended hook for car keys. Above that compartment is your main compartment. There is one divider inside, and the front part is cavernous. Annoyance: the pocket from the next compartment hangs down into the main compartment. Next is your waterproof, fleece-lined pocket for CDs or DVDs or easily-scratchable items. Finally, at the very top you have your mp3 player compartment, also waterproof. This will fit most popular mp3 players, and fits my iPod mini perfectly. It also has a cool headphone exit port, so that you can run your earphone cord out of your bag while listening. The bag really has thought of everything.

Are there any other features that you like?

Yes, there is a neoprene handle at the top of the bag, which makes carrying easy. It also will lengthen the life of your shoulder straps because you do not have to lift the bag using those. I also am really pleased with the style of it. I was concerned based on the photo, but I do think the bag looks cool. I have the Allotrope color, which is almost a bronze or dark golden color. Another "cute" feature is that some of the pockets have embroidered icons by them, signifying what goes inside: laptop, mp3 player, cell phone, keys, audio media, etc.

The material is very durable and feels strong. I know this bag will last me a very long time, or at least for the next 3 years until I graduate.

I think with all that this bag has to offer, its versatility is its selling point. I can use this bag for school, work, and travel, all while staying in style. Last night at class, one of my fellow first-year law students stopped me in the hallway and said, "Hey, nice backpack." When I turned around, I saw that he had the exact same one! He liked it just as much as I do.

Oh, one more question... Where'd you buy it?

I purchased it from eBags.com. I cannot recommend them enough. The bag arrived quickly and in perfect condition. They also have an incredible return policy, so I was not afraid of disliking the bag I chose.

Thanks, this really was a very helpful review!

Thanks, I'm glad you thought so!!
:)


Recommended: Yes