NEW Compact Executive Backpack
NEW Compact Executive Backpack
Fits 16" MacBook Pro & 12.9" iPad Pro
Fits 16" MacBook Pro & 12.9" iPad Pro
Top ten items for the Compact Executive Backpack
Top ten items for the Compact Executive Backpack
Efficient organization when fully loaded
Efficient organization when fully loaded
Zipped mesh pocket secures small items
Zipped mesh pocket secures small items
Hidden pocket for Air Tag tracker
Hidden pocket for Air Tag tracker
Front panel has two full-grain leather pockets for easy access
Front panel has two full-grain leather pockets for easy access
Top pocket is lined with Ultrasuede for protecting glasses
Top pocket is lined with Ultrasuede for protecting glasses
Lower front pocket holds tech gear
Lower front pocket holds tech gear
Integrated Water Bottle Pocket
Integrated Water Bottle Pocket
Side water-bottle pocket
Side water-bottle pocket
Convenient side pocket for tech gear
Convenient side pocket for tech gear
Swing-around access to side pockets
Swing-around access to side pockets
Waterproof zippers
Waterproof zippers
Comfortable full grain leather handle
Comfortable full grain leather handle
Extra foam for structure and protection
Extra foam for structure and protection
Stands upright when packed sufficiently.
Stands upright when packed sufficiently.
Tuck straps out of the way when not in use
Tuck straps out of the way when not in use
Compact Executive Backpack
Compact Executive Backpack
Available colorways
Available colorways
Slot for carry-on handles
Slot for carry-on handles
Compact Executive (Left) and larger-capacity Pro Executive (Right)
Compact Executive (Left) and larger-capacity Pro Executive (Right)
Waxed Canvas w/ Chocolate Leather
Waxed Canvas w/ Chocolate Leather
Chocolate Leather
Chocolate Leather
Black Leather
Black Leather
Blue Leather
Blue Leather

Compact Executive Backpack


Designed with insights from 1000+ customers, the Compact Executive Backpack is packed with features tailor-made for busy professionals on the go. Sized to hold the top ten essential work items, including a laptop and tablet, it has a slim profile, clean lines, and looks impressive in any setting. 

See the Community Design process from idea to production here

All our products are crafted locally in our workshop by the most skilled sewing team in San Francisco.


Material:

  • 1050 Denier black Ballistic nylon or brown waxed canvas
  • Full-grain leather accents
  • More details here

Dimensions & Weight:

  • One size:
  • 11” (l) x 5” (w) x 15” (h); 2.2 lbs.
    27.94 (l) x 12.7 (w) x 38.1 (h) cm; 1.3 kg
    Volume: 13.5 liters

FEATURES

  • Full-grain leather and black ballistic nylon or waxed canvas.
  • Firm foam padding protects contents and helps the bag stand upright.
  • Padded laptop and tablet compartments fit up to a 16-inch MacBook.
  • Pro or similarly sized laptop and a 12-inch iPad or tablet.
  • Main compartment has gold, water-resistant liner for better visibility of contents.
  • An interior, semi-opaque, zippered pocket includes an AirTag pocket
  • One padded laptop pocket and and one padded tablet pocket.
  • Wheelie suitcase pass-through slot for inserting into carry-on handles.
  • Sweat-wicking mesh in the back and on the backpack straps.
  • A comfortable leather-lined top handle facilitates a quick grab or briefcase-style carry.
  • An upper, exterior pocket with scratch-free Ultrasuede® and padded with soft foam.
  • A pleated, lower, exterior pocket accommodates chargers or other bulky items without bulging. 
  • The pleated, exterior pocket includes four pen slots, an open pocket, and a key fob.
  • Two side pockets – water bottle pocket and quick-access items pocket.
  • YKK waterproof zippers and custom metal zipper pulls add a professional touch.

A COMMUNITY-DESIGNED PRODUCT 

This product was designed with customers who gave input from idea to production. See the process here.

SHIPPING:

  • Domestic: Flat rate 2-day shipping. Details.
  • International: 2-3 business day delivery. Country duty/tax calculated at Checkout. Details.
     

Customer Reviews

Based on 31 reviews
90%
(28)
10%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
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0%
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I
Ian T. (Singapore)
Compact executive backpack

Perfect size, high quality materials, superb workmanship & fits easily in a professional setting. Really great little backpack!

D
Douglas F. (New Jersey, United States)
Like a well organized vertical portfolio that you could put on your back

I’m a long time customer of Waterfield, some of the best made in USA bags that keep me coming back!

This compact backpack is well organized with lots of pockets, and a surprising amount of room in a small package. I have a Filson Journeyman that is a nice bag, but few compartments, and no structure. I was looking for something a little smaller that could hold my iPad Pro, my water bottle, paperwork, and my everyday carry items, Dude Wipes, pen, mints, aspirin, pocket knife, sunglasses, keys, etc.
this holds it all, and I typically keep one strap tucked away and carry it with the other unless I’m doing a lot of walking. It’s got a great structure so I stands next to my desk or lays on the car seat.
Only change is make is if the pockets were gusseted to you could put a little more in if you wanted to. Overall, another 5 star product.

F
Fernando A. (Santiago Metropolitan, Chile)

Great product, very comfortable

C
Chris H. (South Carolina, United States)
Compact Executive Backpack

At first glance I love the compactness of this backpack. Plenty of storage and fits my tech bags (Waterfield as well), MBP 16, and iPad without issue.
The only thing that concerns me and the one thing I noticed immediately was how thin the shoulder straps are. The padding seems good now, but I wonder how they will do long term. I am reminded of another backpack I had with straps similar and they didn’t hold up well.
I do like how wide they are though. Definitely good to space out the load.
Everything else is excellent.

J
John

Great quality backpack.

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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.”


SIZE GUIDE

The Compact Executive Backpack is available in one size and carries a laptop and tablet, plus daily essentials.  

 

  1. The built-in Laptop Padded Sleeve fits devices up to 14.25” x 10", including:
    • 13" MacBook Pro
    • 14" MacBook Pro
    • 16" MacBook Pro
    • 13" MacBook Air
    • NEW 15" MacBook Air
    • Surface Book 3 (13.5" & 15")
    • Surface Laptop 4 & 3 (13.5" & 15")
    • Other similarly-sized devices
       
  2. The built-in Tablet Padded Sleeve fits devices up to 12" x 8.75", including:
    • 12.9" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard
    • 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard
    • 11" iPad Air with Magic Keyboard
    • Surface Pro X, Pro 8, Go with Type Cover
    • Other similarly-sized devices

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.

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

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. 


***
“Would like quick access to a few key items while on the go. On a plane, I'd like to access wallet, phone, AirPods, energy bar, etc. just by feeling for it.” - Customer #37


“Fitting under the airline seat would be a great bonus.” - Customer #208

 

“Consider a smaller 16.5” x 9.8" x 7.8" size to fit personal item sized bags for European airlines." - Customer # 565

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.  When packed appropriately, it can even stand on its own. 

 

 

 

 

 

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.  


***
“Please make the larger water bottle pockets. I'd like to carry one or two of my 1-liter bottles.” - Customer #208

 

“Water bottle storage is a MUST HAVE, please!” - Customer #643

“Make sure the water bottle pockets fit more than the basic 16 oz.” - Customer #31
 


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