CRUMPLER BAGS

WACK-O-PHONE
The Wack-O-Phone is a large over-the-shoulder bag that has been designed with the regular traveller in mind. Alongside the standard clip fastenings, there are also Velcro fasteners for extra security. Inside there are three com-partments, the first of which is zippered with extra pockets on the inside.

The main body of the Wack-O-Phone has a compartment large enough for papers, while the specific computer wallet has its own cover and Velcro fastening, so that you do not need to expose your laptop when out and about. This wallet has an internal size of 350 x 280 x 60mm, so it will take up to a 15-inch laptop, on average.

The build quality, as with all the Crumpler bags, is excellent. The body of the bag is rigid without being heavy and the over-the-shoulder strap is large, comfortable and built into the bag, so that it is capable of taking the strain of a full load with ease.

It's hard not to be impressed with the Wack-O-Phone, as we found it carried our test laptop and usual kit with ease. The size isn't ideal for commuters but for those who travel constantly it offers the right balance of form and function.

RATING: 9

PRICE: £76/£90 (EX/INC. VAT)

MCBAIN’S BABY
If the Wack-O-Phone is overkill for everyday use, then we feel that the smaller McBain's Baby is up to the task. Built from the same Chickentex Fabric as the Wack-O-Phone, these bags are ideal for using on a daily basis. The shoulder strap is held firmly in place but lacks the shoulder pad of the Wack-O-Phone.

There are three sizes available - Medium, Large and Extra Large - which are designed to suit laptops up to 12, 14 and 16-inches, respectively. We looked at the largest of the three and while on first appearances it doesn't look especially big, it can easily accommodate the largest of machines. Consisting of a main body cavity for our laptop and a slightly smaller pouch on the front of the bag, which is zippered, the McBain's Baby is functional rather than being overstuffed with pockets. The finish of McBain's Baby isn't quite up to the standard of the other bags on review here but, at half the price of the Wack-O-Phone, this is a compromise that users can accommodate.

RATING: 7

PRICE: £38/£45 (EX/INC. VAT)

BASE TOUCHER
Backpacks are becoming increasingly popular for the mobile user, as it means you can spread the weight of the laptop more easily and still carry the usual array of belongings. The Base Toucher is an attractive backpack that has a capacity of 29 litres and internal measurements of 304 x 490 x 200mm. On the back of the pack there are thick foam supports for your back with air pockets to provide cooling. The shoulder straps are thick and well-built and certainly help spread the weight of a full load. On the front of the backpack are two pockets, with the larger one being bell shaped - the neck being narrower than the bulk of the pocket, so limiting what can be stored in it.

We appreciated that the zips were located on the underside of the shoulder straps. While this can make accessing the bag trickier, it also means that casual thieves cannot open your backpack while you're wearing it. Once inside, users will find a laptop compartment that can hold up to a 17-inch laptop, with the machine sliding lengthways into the compartment. You can opt to use the Base Toucher as a standard backpack for weekend trips by taking out the laptop compartment which is fastened into the pack by Velcro at the top and bottom. The Base Toucher is a stylish and highly usable backpack that is great for trips with or without a laptop.

RATING: 9

PRICE: £76/£90 (EX/INC. VAT)

CONTACT: 01622 852 820 WWW.CRUMPLER.CO.UK