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.”
Device-specific
Limited Run availability starts 8:00 a.m., Tuesday August 18th
Throwback Limited Run!
Starts 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 18th
*** Available only in Ballistic Nylon with Black Leather, Ballistic Nylon with Chocolate Leather, or Waxed Canvas with Chocolate Leather ***
The slim Compact Executive Backpack is sized to hold your top ten essential work items, including a laptop and tablet. This minimalist backpack has a narrow profile with full-grain leather accents.
See also the large capacity Pro Executive Laptop Backpack.
Material:
Dimensions & Weight:
Volume: 13.5 liters
FEATURES
The Compact Executive Backpack is available in one size and carries a laptop and tablet, plus daily essentials.
The front pocket stores accessories like a power supply, cords, and other small items.
The main compartment holds a laptop, tablet, notebook, documents, files, and other office essentials.
The water bottle pocket fits a 16 oz Hydro Flask Tumbler, or 17 oz h2go Bottle, or similar sizes. Note that the 16 oz Hydro Flask is the absolute largest receptacle that will fit inside the water bottle pocket
*** NOTE: Need to carry more? Try the larger capacity Pro Executive Backpack.
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.
The quality is exemplar as usual, it’s also nice and compact, easy to travel with. My 16’’ MacBook fits snugly but it fits together with my iPad. It was hard to get Michael C. Jackson’s Critical Systems Thinking in there as well but I succeeded. This is a really good travel backback, easy to handle on a plane and nice to carry. Good alternative to my Tech Folio. Only thing I wish for is an outlet/representative here in Europe, that should lower the cost a fair bit, but I buy your stuff anyway as it is hard to find alternatives with the same quality and usefulness.
Great product and custommer service. I love these guys. I wish they grow the business enough to consider having stock in europe.
The Gadgeteer - July 21, 2023
“...the little details are what sets this bag apart from this crowded space of executive backpacks.”
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.
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.
This meeting-friendly backpack keeps its shape so it always has a neat, professional profile. Conveniently pack or un-pack items with ease.
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.
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.
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.
The quality is exemplar as usual, it’s also nice and compact, easy to travel with. My 16’’ MacBook fits snugly but it fits together with my iPad. It was hard to get Michael C. Jackson’s Critical Systems Thinking in there as well but I succeeded. This is a really good travel backback, easy to handle on a plane and nice to carry. Good alternative to my Tech Folio. Only thing I wish for is an outlet/representative here in Europe, that should lower the cost a fair bit, but I buy your stuff anyway as it is hard to find alternatives with the same quality and usefulness.
Great product and custommer service. I love these guys. I wish they grow the business enough to consider having stock in europe.
July is Travel Month
Whether you're travelling by plane, train, or car, our travel gear helps you stay organized. This month, we're refreshing our Packable Bags and a new community-designed travel bag debuts. Check out the schedule on What's Next.
Get out and ride
Put your cycling gear in the Cycling Tote and head for your ride. Designed specifically to hold the items you can't do without — cleats, water bottles, helmet, arm sleeves, sun block, etc.— and disastrous if you forgot to take them along.
Design with us
Unleash your inner bag designer and participate in our latest project — developing the ultimate 48-hour travel bag. Check out the process from idea to production. This new bag debuts July 28.
![{ diy['media1_title'] }}](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0281/2796/files/gadgeteer-logo.png?v=1613659619)