Before I started searching, I've listed down some of the requirements I would like to look out for:
- Backpack instead of messenger bag - I've been living in Saigon for the past 3 years and I travel extensively between Vietnam and Singapore for work. Most of my traveling time are spend on motorbikes (Vietnam), trains (Singapore), plane (of course!), and walking around. A messenger bag feels heavier and it wouldn't be as comfortable as a backpack.
- Anti-theft - Living in Saigon has taught me well. In my 3 years here, I've been a victim of pickpockets (lost my wallet and iPhone), and have witnessed multiple cases of snatch thieves. I would like to have a bag that would make me feel at ease, instead of having to be consciously worrying about everything.
- Water resistant - I've seen a friend using a Targus laptop backpack that comes with a rain cover. My ideal bag would be water resistant by itself, and in the event of rain (ooohhh don't get me started on the number of days I spend riding a motorbike under a heavy downpour), there should be a similar rain cover to protect my precious belongings.
- Cool design - Finally, I'm a sucker for cool design. The bag has to look different and suit my personality.
Montmartre Anti-Theft Backpack
I first came across this backpack at one of the crowdfunding sites in China. And then I realize they were in Kickstarter as well, so I guess they went around everywhere getting pre-orders.
The bag has zippers that are fully hidden in the back of the bag, with hidden pockets at the sides and back (I love these hidden pockets, it's hard to be picked and yet I can conveniently access the important belongings like my train card, wallet and phone). It's cut-proof (I seriously doubt this, I believe if someone were to try hard enough they'll still be able to cut through your bag. It's probably just cut-resistant, but I may be wrong) and water resistant. And more, there's also a USB external charging port. It's not something I really need but I kind of like the little bonuses I'll be getting. Design-wise, the bag looks good and I wouldn't mind walking around town being seen with one of these.
What I didn't like about the Montmartre Anti-theft bag is the lack of a rain cover. While the description says it's water resistant, it's a totally different ball game when we're talking about riding the bike under a heavy downpour. My gut feel tells me water will be able to seep through after prolonged period under the rain, and my laptop may just get wet.
So.Chi-O Urbanite S10 Backpack
The other backpack I found on Amazon is the So.Chi-O Urbanite S10 Anti-Theft Backpack. This bag has features almost identical to the Montmartre bag: the hidden zipper, water-resistant, hidden pockets etc (there is no external USB charging port though). It comes with a free number lock (BONUS!) and a rain cover (ting ting ting!). The bag has a nice design as well and I really like the silver grey color (my Unit Portable is the exact same color). The bag is readily available on Amazon store so getting my hands on it is a breeze.
Both bags are the exact backpack I'm looking for and I'd love to get my hands on both of them if I could. To be fair, it's really hard to make a choice. The Montmartre backpack seems better designed (but it's in crowdfunding phase), and the So.Chi-O bag seems to pack in with the additional accessories (rain cover and lock) that I'll be needing. In the end, I choose the So.Chi-O Urbanite S10 instead of the Montmartre bag. Their price point is a little lower (I'm a cheapskate I know), and I like that it's from a small family business. I have a soft-spot for supporting small businesses.
