Air Porter Backpack

Gonna say things shorter. Overall good. Definitely gonna not fit in some airlines and this happened on the second of two flights I've used this on and weight sensitive airlines are going to be a struggle with this bag. Not as big as I thought it would be but that's a good thing. Doesn't seem 4 liters larger than my other backpack even putting them side by side but again that's good in my view. I have some minor grips but they don't make me hate the bag and I do like the layout it offers over other bags.

First: not as rigid as I thought. It will definitely slump over if not sufficiently filled. The level of full it takes to not get the caved in dimple on the front is more than my daily commuter carry. I know it's not a commuter bag just a statement about the rigidness.

Second: the sternum strap is too high even at the lowest I can take it.

Third and largest complaint: the luggage strap is too low in the bag causing it to hang. Doesn't sound annoying but you feel a constant drag towards the leaning direction and are constantly applying pressure to keep it straight. Also looks like a less overall clean setup which to some may not matter but for the price it does matter. Applying the sternum strap kinda worked but means I'm adjusting it every time I wear the bag or put it on my luggage which is annoying and frankly should be handled well enough by the luggages strap.

My other complaints are minor. That third one I really think you guys should do a refresh of this bag or a light tweak to the design that you ship because that was annoying having the balance of my luggage off.

I've collected quite a few bags from Waterfield over the years, including two backpacks. My current favorite is the Air Porter. Initially, I had my eye on a different color, and after placing the order, Waterfield reached out to let me know they were gathering materials to make the bag. It was a nice touch—knowing I’d be receiving a freshly made, almost custom piece.
However, I needed the bag quickly for an upcoming trip, so I went with the Waxed Canvas with Chocolate Leather. I'm glad I did—it's a refreshing change from my usual all-black choices.
The top section is thoughtfully designed with two zippered compartments for easy access while traveling. One is perfect for quick access to my ID and phone during TSA checks, and the other holds my in-flight essentials like headphones, Kindle, portable power supply, and earbuds. A third zipper opens to a spacious interior with padded compartments that easily fit two laptops and more, not to mention the spacious side pockets for water bottles and other things you may need for a trip or just everyday office use (if you still make the commute like I do).
Waterfield continues to impress me with their craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their bags keep me coming back.

Quality- great. Functionality- well thought out and heads above other bags. Style- it brings the drip. My second Waterfield and I’m still sold on paying a little extra to get the quality, functionality, and style they offer. PS. I still have my other bag going on 10 years.

Fantastic bit of kit. I have the waxed canvas and it’s stunning. Perfect size for me, I feel like I’d use it more but I treat it carefully and don’t want it thrown around in the dirt and weather.

Import to the UK is expensive, definitely something I had to clench my teeth for when I paid.

Downsides? None I’ve found really. It is a bit jingly but I suspect I can do something about that with some fabric or rubber ring pulls.

For the specific use case of planes though? I don’t see how you can do better.

This bag has a surprising amount of space to be so small on the outside. The rigid stance is nice, but it is still flexible enough to be comfy. The water bottle pocket is deceivingly large! Pockets on the other side are floppy. Could benefit from being made of stretchy mesh, but over all this thing is a rock star. Perfect airplane organization without so many pockets that you lose things! This is now my only personal item for travel. Everything else I have is just sub-standard!!!