For many years, I have been using Waterfield Products, namely the Sutter Tech Sling. I have been seeking a larger backpack that can accommodate my 16-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro 13”, Nintendo Switch 2, and other essential items.
I’ve been eyeing the Tech Folio Tank Backpack for a while now and finally pulled the tigger. The quality is truly exceptional, and that classic Waterfield aesthetic is always superb!
This is classic WaterField — purposeful, overbuilt in the right ways, and clearly designed by people who actually carry tech every day.
The Tech Folio Tank Backpack feels exceptionally well made from the moment you pick it up. The materials, structure, and finish are exactly what you’d expect from something made in San Francisco rather than mass-produced overseas.
What really impressed me is how well it handles a serious tech load. My Razer Blade 18 (2023) fits comfortably with no edge pressure from the zips — something that’s surprisingly rare with large laptops. Even with that inside, there’s still room for a second laptop, a full-size keyboard, mouse, the 330-watt power brick, and full-size over-ear headphones without the bag feeling strained.
The organization is smart and practical rather than gimmicky, and the bag stays balanced and comfortable even when fully loaded. It feels protective without being bulky — a hard balance to strike, and WaterField nailed it.
If you value build quality, thoughtful design, and supporting products made in the USA, this is an easy recommendation.
As a super commuter flying between California and Arizona every 3 days on average (that's over 125 flights a year!), I needed a backpack that could handle serious travel demands without missing a beat. The Tech Folio Tank Backpack from WaterField Designs is hands-down the perfect solution—it's become my go-to bag for every trip.
The size is spot-on: spacious enough for everything I need but still carry-on compliant and easy to maneuver through airports. It fits perfectly in the overhead bins on United's CRJ-200 regional jets (one of the toughest planes for carry-ons—most larger bags end up getting checked), leaving plenty of room for my feet under the seat in front of me with no personal item needed. I pack office documents, my laptop and tablet in the padded sleeves, noise cancelling headphones, earbuds, a small office supply kit, multiple battery banks, chargers, cables, sunglasses, coffee mug, first aid kit, flashlight, headlight, and even a full change of clothes+toiletries kit for those unexpected delays or Plan B connecting/overnight flights. The incredible organization—with all those thoughtfully designed pockets, zippered mesh pouches, and dedicated tech sections—keeps everything accessible and tangle-free. No more digging around!
Comfort is outstanding too. The ergonomic shoulder straps, breathable back panel, and sternum strap make it feel light even when fully loaded, which is a lifesaver during long walks through terminals or rushed connections.
The craftsmanship is absolutely top-notch—premium materials, flawless stitching, and built to last. After all the abuse from constant travel, it looks and performs like new. WaterField's American-made quality shines through; this bag is clearly engineered for durability and real-world use.
This is my 7th WaterField product, and I'm a loyal customer for life. Their bags have never let me down, and the Tech Folio Tank is another home run. If you're a frequent flyer, power user, or anyone needing a reliable, high-end backpack, you can't go wrong with WaterField Designs. Highly recommended—worth every penny!
The Tech Folio Tank is PERFECT for carrying all kinds of tech gear. The backpack fits my large laptop, 13-inch iPad, a change of clothes, and has plenty of nooks and crannies for smaller gadgets, cables, and accessories. I spent a week deciding on color options and ended up absolutely loving the chocolate leather / ballistic nylon combo. The design is sophisticated and timeless (it doesn’t scream gamer or tech nerd), and the build quality feels solid and durable. I’m looking forward to many trips with it!
Quite beautiful big bag. This one will take care of everything :-)
Waterfield Designs Tech Folio Tank Backpack Unboxing
Game Rant - May 3, 2025
“This spacious and stylish pack provides more than enough room for everything the traveling gamer needs!”
Design details
THE LARGEST LAPTOP BACKPACK WE MAKE
The Tech Folio Tank Backpack is a large laptop backpack designed for gamers and power users. Over the years we've had requests for a large laptop backpack or a big laptop bag for 17 inch or 18 inch laptops, so we designed one just for you.
For gamers, there's room to include all the accessories you need for your entire set up — headset, cooling pad, and and all your other gaming peripherals.
ULTIMATE TECH GEAR ORGANIZER
A separate, full-length tech folio compartment has abundant pockets to keep your tech accessories organized. Large, open pockets hold bulky items, padded pockets protect fragile items, and transparent Monolite® mesh zippered pockets keep small accessories easy to spot quickly.
Keep everything you need together in one place so you're prepared at a moments notice to go into action.
SMALL DETAILS. BIG IMPACT.
You'll appreciate the Tank Tech Folio Backpack's thoughtful ergonomic details specially designed to keep you comfortable when carrying big, powerful, 17 inch or 18 inch laptops and their accessories.
A full-grain leather wrap softens over time to conform to the shape of your hand. A sternum strap balances weight distribution and stabilizes your fully-packed bag. Shoulder straps can be tucked away to keep a clean profile.
For convenience, the front pocket has a magnetic opening so your hand just slips in. Dual-sided waterproof YKK zippers make it easy to open the backpack from the right, left, or center. The main compartment has a wide opening for easy access. As a precaution, the double pulls can be secured with a small lock (not included).
ALL-AROUND PROTECTION
The Tech Folio Tank Backpack has light foam on the back and bottom to add structure and protection. When packed, the foam, also helps the backpack stand upright.
TECH FOLIO COLLECTION
WaterField Tech Folios prioritize organizing cables, dongles, and accessories as well as your laptop and work gear by having a separate section dedicated to these items.
See also the Tech Folio Backpack, Tech Folio Brief and the rest of the Tech Folio Collection.
HOW TO FRESHEN UP YOUR CANVAS
Keep your backpack looking new by applying wax when you think it needs a little refresh. Although any wax is applicable, you can use Martexin Original Wax which was initially used to coat your canvas bag.
CARING FOR YOUR LEATHER AND WAXED CANVAS
If you have the waxed canvas and chocolate leather version of the Tech Folio Backpack, let Gary show you how to maintain these materials so they’ll look great over time. We use full grain Roughman Leather for your bag which has oils that respond well to heat.
Although this video is for the AirPods Max Shield Case, the same maintenance techniques also apply to your 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.

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