Keen Steel Bridge Back Pack : A True Weatherproof Commuter/Urban Pack

(We had two reviewers test this pack. Here's C's review. Check out L's here.)

The Steel Bridge Bag is different from other traditional sports backpacks or laptop messenger bags. It's designed for bike commuters and professionals on the go who need to tote their laptops, books, files and office supplies to work ... even through foul weather.

I usually carry a briefcase for my work files and my laptop in a separate case. This habit makes for a lot of fumbling and juggling with the multiple straps and cases. The Steel Bridge Bag remedied this problem because now I can easily fit everything in one comfortable back pack, and I'm on my way.

The outside shell and hood is made of tough ripstop polyester material. Internally, a waterproof liner keeps the contents dry under most adverse weather conditions. There are multiple pockets on the front including one zippered pocket with organizer sleeves for carrying pens, a calculator, cell phone, iPod, and other must-haves.

Two side pockets with reflective patches for safety hold my water bottles. There's a gusseted gear attachment tab on the front for tying on a raincoat and a zippered pocket on the lid. It has a molded bottom panel with abrasion resistant padding made of recycled rubber inner tubes. The lid is held down with both a quick snap lid closure and a couple of recycled aluminum hooks. When the flap is down and secured, no sneaky pickpocket hands can access my stuff.

Inside the bag, there's a protective padded sleeve suitable for laptops of most sizes, a couple of deep pouches for cords and accessories and a zippered mesh pocket that I use for USB memory sticks and other small items that I need to keep separate.

I sure wish I'd had this bag for a past trip to Colorado where seasonal thundershowers are the norm. I was on a hike and I'd put my cell phone in my old day pack. It ended up wet and ruined. If I'd only had the Steel Bridge Bag, this never would have happened and I would have enjoyed my trip a whole lot more!  

Aside from having a nice clean look, the bag is also comfortable to wear and doesn't slip and slide around when riding my bike through traffic and dodging potholes. The contoured shoulder straps, cushy mesh-covered foam back, the sternum strap and movable web waist belt keep the bag fitting correctly. I forget I have it on.

Colors: Black Olive/Shitake, Dark Shadow / Warm Olive or Black.

Bottom Line: I'd definitely recommend this commuter backpack for people on the go who like to keep all of their goods, including their laptop, in one easy-pack, waterproof place. You'll be hands-free for bike riding or even walking and sipping that refreshing cup of morning Joe! --C.W. (Mar 10)

BUY ONLINE: $130, click for onlineshoes.com , BackPacks on eBags.

Manufacturer's Site : www.keenfootwear.com

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