For any gamer on the go having a good backpack is a must! MAINGEAR, who have a history of building some fine custom PC’s, have taken on the challenge of building a backpack that can carry your gaming setup with you in addition to being practical for other uses such as school. Say hello to the MAINGEAR Classic Backpack combining function and aesthetic to deliver one solid pack.
Aesthetics And Build Quality
The MAINGEAR Classic Backpack comes in three distinct color combinations with black and red, grey and red, and the version featured in today’s review, white and black. The first thing you will notice on the Classic Backpack is the clean no zipper look approach MAINGEAR has gone with. Each pocket and pouch features an overhang to hide zipper seams and the result is fantastic to my eyes. This design choice also gives an added layer of protection against any liquid that might hit the backpack. Only one zipper is visible on the bag and it is shrouded with its own water-resistant coating making it accent nicely against the white exterior.
Seams on the Classic Backpack are also very thick making the pack feel very sturdy when you begin loading it up with heavier items. The handle, straps, and back are all nicely padded to make even heavier loads feel more comfortable. The straps are also connected in such a way that even if one side of the bag is heavier than the other, the weight will be distributed more evenly across your shoulders. The straps can be adjusted to fit a variety of different body types from big guys like myself to even my 6-year-old daughter. There is an additional strap on the back to hang your Classic Backpack from luggage while traveling to make transport even easier when needed.
Specs And Special Features
In total, the MAINGEAR Classic Backpack has 8 areas of storage. There is the main pouch designed to hold a laptop 15.6” or smaller, a tablet 13” or smaller and a Nintendo Switch or other handheld console. Each of these specialized holding areas features a fleece-like finish to keep your items protected and scratch-free during transit. There is an additional zipper pocket located here that also features the same finish. You can, of course, use this area for other larger items like a binder, Xbox One, or PS4 but they won’t fit inside the softer dividers. There is also enough room to load up with some additional controllers in there as well to ensure your game night can have more players! Moving to the next pocket we have a few dividers for storing pencils and other items. The outside most pocket is completely open and ready to store smaller items or cords.
Along each side of the Classic Backpack are pockets ready to store more items. On the left side is an open pouch that can be used to store a water bottle or energy drink. On the right is another zippered pouch that is intended to hold a portable battery pack and features a small slit to allow a USB cord to pass through. This pocket can be a bit of a tight squeeze if you have a larger battery pack but I was still able to get it completely closed up just fine. This pocket once again has the nice soft finish that was seen earlier on the main inside pocket! There is another miscellaneous pocket along the outside of the Classic Backpack at the very top that can be used for storing things you might want to have quick access to like a phone or sunglasses. The soft finish once again lines this pocket so any item you store inside runs little risk of being scratched and damaged!
On the back of the Classic Backpack are a couple of security pockets to store valuable items. Both of these zippered pockets are hidden under the bottom back pads to help keep them hidden and the do a great job of blending it! The left side pocket also has an extra tab that stores a Tile tracking device. I think this is a really cool bonus that comes with the Classic Backpack and one anyone that goes to a lot of events will probably appreciate it. Getting setup for a Tile account is very simple and syncing the included Tile tracker was just as easy.
Usage
After 2 weeks of usage, I have been happy with how well the MAINGEARClassic Backpack has been holding up so far. I have used it to transport consoles to different locations to do game nights, used it as an overnight bag with some clothing, and have used it to run various errands around town. Seams have shown no sign of any real strain and despite filling the bag to capacity zippers still close well. The padded straps have also felt good on my shoulders. Thanks to the way they are designed, they have helped ease weight on my right shoulder which is a personal plus for me. The white finish has also stayed looking clean though to be fair I have been slightly conscious of where I have stored it.
What It Could Have Done Better
About my only complaint with the MAINGEARClassic Backpack is that it is too small for certain specific transport needs. If you have a larger laptop, as I do, you cant take advantage of the included pockets either. But outside of those edge cases, the MAINGEAR Classic Backpack is a solid travel pack and holds up well under “Heavy” use!
Verdict
So whether you are heading to a friend’s house to game or hitting campus you know you will be doing so in style! The MAINGEAR Classic Backpack looks sleek is built tough and is comfortable to wear even during long days. It might be a touch too small for some things but for the vast majority of people who will buy one, it will be absolutely perfect. Event-goers will also love the inclusion of a Tile tracker giving them added security to be able to find their bag in the horrific event that it gets lost. Of course, this sort of quality comes at a price and the Classic Backpack is no exception at $99. Considering I have had $30 dollar backpacks tear in the same timeframe and usage I have put on MAINGEAR’s product I’d say it is worth it. If you are in the market for a new backpack and want something that is showing it will last check out MAINGEAR’s Classic Backpack today!
