Compact Executive Backpack

Purchased the Executive Compact during the last Compact Bag Month. Here are some notes I’d like to share:

1. The bag sold out insanely fast. My Black-on-Black sold out within 5 minutes of my purchase. 😳
2. Shipping was also blazing fast. It arrived at my destination in Tokyo in about 4 days. Absolutely insane!
3. The bag looks amazing. It’s compact, sleek, and professional enough to use for both work and personal purposes.
4. I normally hate AquaGuard zippers, but WaterField’s version is surprisingly smooth. Probably the best AquaGuard zipper experience I’ve had. That said, the zippers can still be difficult to operate, especially around the curves of the side pockets.
5. Great choice on the internal mesh pocket. I’m glad it doesn’t use the same mesh found on the Tech Folio Backpack. I was VERY disappointed with that bag’s mesh because it tore way too easily when putting things like USB cables inside. That was a horrible experience.
6. The laptop pocket does NOT have the Velcro flap! This is fantastic. I hate that flap — it feels completely unnecessary.
7. The side pockets are smaller than I expected. I feel like there’s a big missed opportunity here. For the right-side pocket, I’d love to see it extend all the way to the top, use a waterproof material for the lining, and have a drainage hole at the bottom for an umbrella. For the left pocket, adding another smaller pockets in the upper half would make much better use of the available space.
8. There are way too many pen pockets on the front. I’d much rather have just one pen slot in the middle and use the remaining space for another larger pocket.
9. The key leash is annoying because it’s not removable. It constantly gets in the way when I’m trying to pull things out of the pocket, and it can also interfere with closing the zipper. I think manufacturers should simply provide a ring where users can attach their own preferred key leash.
10. The top handle isn’t ideal for hangers like the Clippa2 or carabiner-style clips. Because of the handle’s position and flexibility, the hanger tends to dangle toward your shoulder. I wish the handle were more centered and rigid so the hanger would stay in place.
11. The bag barely stands on its own and tends to lean forward. Perhaps a little more padding or structure at the bottom could help?

There are a lot of nitpicks here, but overall, this is truly a one-of-a-kind compact bag that packs an impressive amount of functionality into such a small package.

My score: 85/100.

I’ll definitely be using it for a while, although I don’t think it’s going to be my forever bag.

This is exactly the kind of backpack I’ve always wanted — solid build quality and great durability.

Absolutely love this bag. Incredibly built and beautiful like any bag from sfbags

Overall the usual and then some quality that I have grown expect is present. My only draw down that kept me from 5 stars is the zipper on the main compartment. I would have liked it a tad bit longer for better access.

I’ve been waiting for this backpack to come back and missed out… AGAIN. Ballistic nylon sold out in less than 15 minutes! Please make this a regular item.