I recently looked into switching from this bag to a larger one. It lasted one day before I switched back. This backpack is just right. It's great if I'm driving in, taking transit, or biking.
The large laptop slot holds a 16" MacBook Pro. The tablet slot can hold a 14" MacBook Pro. The rest of it holds everything else I need. The top outside pouch holds small batteries and portable SSDs. One side compartment holds my umbrella.
Over 20 years ago, I sent email to Waterfield asking if they were going to carry backpacks. Now, they do, and one of them is my everyday work bag.
This is quite possibly the best everyday work bag I have ever used. 14” laptop in the main sleeve, iPad Pro with keyboard in the tablet sleeve, with room for my Nintendo Switch in the main compartment along with a book or two.
One side compartment carries my charger and phone, the other my coffee thermos. My kindle sits in the front zippered compartment with pens and my small tech bag for cards and dongles. Finally, the top zippered compartment contains my pill case, screen wipes, inhaler, and anything else I just need to drop in.
Add to that some thoughtful touches like carry on sleeves to slide over my luggage handles, comfortable straps, and a durable grab handle… I honestly can’t even fathom what they could add to make it more complete.
Great build quality and perfect size. It does lean forward though
It's been nothing short of outstanding. Carrying everything I need within a compact factor that's not only stylish but eye-catching. I've been carrying my M4 Max 16" in it along with the rest of my EDC and it's held up like no other. The small scuffs on the blue leather create such a unique design.
This backpack is absolutely worth every penny.
Its the perfect size and well thought out (as most of my items from Waterfield are). Unfortunately it came with one of the zippers (on the inside) separated. I was able to fix it but makes me a little nervous about long term. Also had an insert about using WD40 on the zippers to keep them smooth (first I recall seeing that type of suggestion in one of the products as well). Also the stitching across the top seems a little pulled just left of the middle (a little hard to see in the pic but its not even). Overall I am happy but this one just doesn't seem quite up to the level I am used to here. We will see how it holds up over time. I think I literally purchased the last one they had so maybe that is why as well.
Waterfield Designs Compact Executive Backpack review
The Gadgeteer - July 21, 2023
“...the little details are what sets this bag apart from this crowded space of executive backpacks.”
Design details
USEFUL SIDE POCKETS
Two zippered side pockets provide quick-access to two frequently used items — water bottles and tech gear — without bulging.
The water bottle pocket utilizes interior space so the exterior of the bag remains sleek and professional looking. The zipper closure lets you secure different-sized water bottles — even a 16-oz. Clean Kanteen coffee tumbler.
The opposite side pocket includes interior organization for storing a power pack so you can quickly retrieve it for recharging at an airport, restaurant, or anywhere you need to plug in.
ORGANIZATION AT 35,000 FEET
Keep essentials within easy reach whenever you fly. The Compact Executive Backpack fits sideways under select airline seats, leaving ample room to stretch your legs.
KEEPS ITS SHAPE
This meeting-friendly backpack keeps its shape so it always has a neat, professional profile. Conveniently pack or un-pack items with ease.
DESIGNED BY THE COMMUNITY
We designed this backpack with input from over 1000 customers who shared insights about what they'd like to see in a compact professional backpack. We analyzed every piece of feedback to a create a backpack tailored to their specific needs.
Innovative details like a padded top pocket lined with scratch-free Ultrasuede® to protect glasses, a low profile water-bottle pocket, and a discreet spot for an Air Tag tracker make this backpack stand out from the rest.
See the process from idea to production here.
made in usa
We're proud to offer American-made gear built for the long haul. All our products are designed and made in our San Francisco workshop, where rent is high, labor expensive, and competition intense. We wouldn't go anywhere else.
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I recently looked into switching from this bag to a larger one. It lasted one day before I switched back. This backpack is just right. It's great if I'm driving in, taking transit, or biking.
The large laptop slot holds a 16" MacBook Pro. The tablet slot can hold a 14" MacBook Pro. The rest of it holds everything else I need. The top outside pouch holds small batteries and portable SSDs. One side compartment holds my umbrella.
Over 20 years ago, I sent email to Waterfield asking if they were going to carry backpacks. Now, they do, and one of them is my everyday work bag.
This is quite possibly the best everyday work bag I have ever used. 14” laptop in the main sleeve, iPad Pro with keyboard in the tablet sleeve, with room for my Nintendo Switch in the main compartment along with a book or two.
One side compartment carries my charger and phone, the other my coffee thermos. My kindle sits in the front zippered compartment with pens and my small tech bag for cards and dongles. Finally, the top zippered compartment contains my pill case, screen wipes, inhaler, and anything else I just need to drop in.
Add to that some thoughtful touches like carry on sleeves to slide over my luggage handles, comfortable straps, and a durable grab handle… I honestly can’t even fathom what they could add to make it more complete.
Great build quality and perfect size. It does lean forward though
It's been nothing short of outstanding. Carrying everything I need within a compact factor that's not only stylish but eye-catching. I've been carrying my M4 Max 16" in it along with the rest of my EDC and it's held up like no other. The small scuffs on the blue leather create such a unique design.
This backpack is absolutely worth every penny.
Its the perfect size and well thought out (as most of my items from Waterfield are). Unfortunately it came with one of the zippers (on the inside) separated. I was able to fix it but makes me a little nervous about long term. Also had an insert about using WD40 on the zippers to keep them smooth (first I recall seeing that type of suggestion in one of the products as well). Also the stitching across the top seems a little pulled just left of the middle (a little hard to see in the pic but its not even). Overall I am happy but this one just doesn't seem quite up to the level I am used to here. We will see how it holds up over time. I think I literally purchased the last one they had so maybe that is why as well.

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