The shinjuku backpack has been on my want list for a long time. Finally getting it has only confirmed my sentiments. Workmanship and quality materials in a great design makes shouldering the backpack a pleasure. I love the classic navy and leather combo, I feel it will age great as the years go by. Storage is ample and perfect for my work day necessities. Happy to support a great company with even better customer support.
The backpack not only looks amazing, as it fits way more than it looks. It does not feel as a 16L backpack, more like 20L. Besides that, it is really well made.
Pros:
It is a great looking bag and obviously sewn with care.
Cons:
It was expensive and my gift recipient does not love it.
The design focus seems to be on the “look” of the backpack and not about comfort or ease of use.
Carrying a MacBook Air, cell phone, keys, and paper notebook, the straps slip out of adjustment every day after wearing the backpack on a 12 minute walk. The strap ends are made of a slippery material and they slide out of adjustment easily. I emailed with customer service about this and after trying a couple of ways to adjust the straps, they kind of said sorry, that’s how backpacks work. Not true of any other backpacks we have used.
The zippers look cool, but they are so minimalist that you can’t just casually grab and unzip them because you can’t see them at a glance.
The zipper pull tags hang inside a recessed channel, making them even harder to grab.
The straps feel tight across the shoulders on a slim 5’11” man and the lower edge of the backpack rubs uncomfortably against his lower back.
A MacBook Air frequently gets caught up when trying to slide it into the laptop insert.
Shinjuku Laptop Backpack
I recently picked up my Shinjuku Laptop Backpack from WaterField in black ballistic nylon and couldn’t be more impressed. The design is clean and professional without being overdone, and the materials immediately set it apart from lesser brands. I’m especially loving the black-on-black nylon and leather combination, paired with the bright golden interior that makes everything easy to find. The waterproof zippers are a great touch and round out the premium feel. It’s compact but highly functional, with just the right amount of organization for daily use and business travel. What really stood out, though, was their exceptional customer service. I had the chance to stop by their operations headquarters during a business trip to San Francisco and had a great conversation with Mason about several product lines that have caught my eye over the years. The attention to detail in both their craftsmanship and customer experience makes it clear why WaterField continues to build such a loyal following.
Design details

WELL-ORGANIZED AND EFFICIENT
You can comfortably fit your mobile office in the Shinjuku Backpack. Dual padded pockets protect your laptop and tablet. An internal water-bottle holder helps maintain the backpack's sleek profile. The compact interior comfortably fits additional gear.
Frequently-accessed items are secured in two stacked external pockets so it's easy to retrieve what you need. Tall side pockets store additional items.

SMALL DETAILS. BIG IMPACT.
Like all WaterField backpacks, the Shinjuku Backpack includes features designed with your daily comfort in mind. Two zippered front pockets helps you organize small essentials for easy access. Two side pockets are tall enough to keep items from accidentally falling out. The pleated front panel expands to hold bulky items, keeping the look clean and professional.
The extended top zipper lets you open the sides wide so you can easily access items at the bottom of the bag. The gold-colored interior liner lets you quickly see what's inside. You may not notice these details, but they make a real difference in your day.

GO BALLISTIC
Ballistic Nylon is a resilient textile that blends durability, lightness, and weather-resistance. Its sleek, understated aesthetic makes it an ideal choice for the Shinjuku Backpack, a bag designed to be comfortable, lightweight, and stylish.

TRADITIONAL 15 OZ. WAXED CANVAS
Not all waxed canvas bags are created equal. Lower quality bags use 6 oz. canvas. The majority designated as “durable” use 12 oz. canvas. At 15 oz., our waxed canvas exceeds what is commonly sold in the market, yet it's still lightweight. Its naturally rugged, distressed look and can be re-waxed to freshen it up.
We source our canvas from a reputable U.S. mill that has produced these fabrics since 1930. This specialized textile is coated with Martexin Original Wax™ and shouldn't require much cleaning. Stains can be wiped off with a damp cloth.

SHINJUKU COLLECTION
Inspired by the vibrant, fast-paced Tokyo neighborhood, the Shinjuku Collection is designed to help you nimbly navigate your way through crowds. These stylish bags are compact, lightweight, and comfortable to carry.
Crafted from traditional Waxed Canvas or modern Ballistic Nylon with full-grain leather accents and premium hardware, these bags are made to last.
HOW TO FRESHEN UP CANVAS
If you have the Shinjuku Backpack in traditional waxed canvas, you can keep it looking like new by applying wax when you think it needs a little refresh. Although you can use any wax, you may want to try Martexin Original Wax™ which was initially used to coat your canvas bag.

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.