Review ? Boblebee Megalopolis Executive Backpack

There may in fact be a notebook for everyone, but until recently I didn’t know there was a notebook backpack for everyone as well. Throw aside your standard conceptions of what a notebook backpack is and get ready for a hard shell unit that is completely different from everything else in the market. Enter the Boblebee Megalopolis Executive backpack.

The BME took me by surprise right out of the box. The hard shell making up the main body is made from ABS plastic which is sure to stop everything short of a bullet from hurting your valuable equipment inside. The shell is a single piece, so there is no fear of splitting along seams. While you might expect the plastic to add a ton of weight when compared to nylon alternatives, it’s not a huge impact with the backpack weighing in at a few ounces over four pounds. The shell also features a number of hooks and even has the ability to hold a bedroll in the bottom if you’re a little more hardcore than the standard office-bound warrior. The straps will also support things like a soccer ball, rollerblades or other less camping inspired accessories if you’re so inclined.

The back side of the pack sports an ergonomic support that one would expect from an outdoor camping rig; so hauling extra weight from the pack or what’s inside is not such a big deal. I found the support throughout my back to be excellent, the best of any notebook backpack I’ve ever tested. Further, the pack comes with waist and sternum straps for additional support if needed. The shoulder straps are heavily padded, also at the high end of the scale in regards to comfort and support. Boblebee has thought enough about the details too, including a zippered mobile phone case on one of the shoulder straps. They’ve also included a “sweat bag” to stow dirty workout clothes or the like and can be easily tethered to the pack.

The top of the pack features a snug fitting, water resistant lid that will keep rain and foreign materials out of the pack. Within the lid is a zippered pocket that’s perfect for storing small things that are often accessed. I found it perfect for change, gum, building access card and other goodies.

Inside the pack is pretty sparse. There’s a main notebook compartment, which is padded and offers two velcro straps to keep hardware in place. The compartment is very tight though, I was a little concerned about the pressure exerted on my computer. Not so much because the pressure would hurt the shell, but because the pressure might cause the screen to rub against the keys, leaving marks on the display. I tested the unit for a few weeks and didn’t see any damage, but this is a valid concern for those with desktop replacement or otherwise thick notebooks.

The core compartment also features a large zippered pocket and six smaller open pockets. The problem with all of these pockets is that none of them are very deep, making it hard to fit anything that’s very thick. There’s also not a very good way to stow cables and other larger loose ends.

Let’s face it though. This pack is designed to be used in perhaps a little more harsh environment than most of us find ourselves in day-to-day. In that regard, this bag is excellent. For those who want more comfort when walking, blading or whatever to work, the BME will go a long way to ensure comfort and ultimate protection for your notebook. Additionally, for those who travel a good deal, I haven’t seen anything that can hold a candle to this pack in the way of sheer protection from the bangs, knocks and jolts most backpacks take during travel.

My only legitimate complaints surround the deployment of the internal pockets and the lack of mesh exterior pockets that have become the standard for holding a water bottle or the like. Both of which seem like easy to resolve problems that would make the next iteration of this pack substantially better. There is one more thing though. Be prepared for lots of looks and questions like, “Why are you carrying a sled on your back?” I can’t tell you how many conversations this pack struck up and how much ribbing I took from my uneducated co-workers. You’ll definitely stand out form the crowd with the BME.

Pros:
•Very comfortable
•Excellent notebook protection
•Available in a number of professional looking colors
•Flexible design to tote items outside of the pack

Cons:
•Interior could be better designed
•Lack of outer mesh pockets
•Expensive

Bottom Line:
If you travel a good deal, live an active lifestyle or just want a notebook backpack that’s more comfortable over a long period of time, the Megalopolis Executive backpack should be on your shortlist. For everyone else it’s probably not as smooth of a fit.

Purchase Information:
Boblbee ships product to a number of countries. The Megalopolis Executive retails for $189.00 in the US and comes in six colors. For more information, visit the product page on the Boblbee site - http://www.boblbee.com/jsp/public/productus/p_hard_ml_exec.jsp

 

nice review Brian, that's a rather man-sized looking laptop bag. I don't think too many females would go for this thing! Seems like it would be great for the road warrior type that is going to be outside in the elements quite a bit though. Nice name for a company too!

 

These backpacks are the best. They protect all your gear - from blows, from bumps, even from the rain - especially for those taking gear off-road.

The best part is that is also good for you and your back being ergonomically designed to protect you from the burden of the load. The hard shell places the weight higher on the back - while keeping delicate items inside in place - so you can go all day and not even notice you are carrying all that weight!
(Especially good for anyone who has to haul books around).

BRIAN - Boblbee makes a special round case that fits into the curve of the exterior cover of the backpack that is designed just for the bulky cords and such to leave lots of room inside. Here is a link: http://www.boblbee.com/us/artiklar/...d.asp?HeadID=733&GroupID=195&ArtID=798&ID=208

In fact, there are a lot of accessories available to customize these backpacks to your needs

I do agree with the cons of no outside mesh pockets and limiting interior design - for the price it would be nice if it could be perfect... but by attaching some accessory pockets to the harness, I have been able to get everything I need handy where I need it. And some pockets or other small bags organize the inside a little better. However, to me these are very small cons for the overall benefits of the backpack.

ANDREW - I totally see your point but I thought I would add a note since I am a female who loves these backpacks. I have had one for almost ten years and taken it all over the world with me. I just got a second one recently. I also own two of the smaller packs for commuting and short trips.

I ride a bike everyday and the Boblbee cannot be beat!

* I am a little surprised that I have not seen more of these backpacks as they are so comfortable... Although a little pricey for a backpack on first thought, they compete in the mid-range prices against computer bags and also against sports backpacks - winding up to be a good price for the quality.

I recently heard of this - a service where you can rent the Boblbee to see how you like it before dishing out:

http://www.gogavingear.com/servlet/Categories?sfs=cbb17953

 

Nice review. I'm quite fond of the Boblbees design and their superlative protective abilities.
I've owned one Megalopolis Aero for 1½ year and used it on a daily basis and they'll definitely protect anything you can fit inside them. They do have some issues though:
1. weight... it is somewhat heavy and once filled up with a laptop, photo gear, clothes and a sleeping bag it becomes so heavy that some kind of lumbar support would be preferred.
2. Some of the materials use are not up to par. The locking mechanism has cracked and although it still is functional I'm not sure it will hold for years and years of abuse. Some of the stitching is also beginning to crack up.
3. Price: I've paid 250€ for it including a cargo net. Somewhat steep but considering how many knocks it has gotten over time the value of still having a functional laptop and photo gear has paid the premium several times.
4. Access to the main compartment is somewhat cumbersome

All in all I wouldn't recommend this bag for the casual commuter but If you're regularly backpacking, (motor)biking, skiing and such this bag is second to none. One final note: not having to nurse your backpack is addictive and I'm afraid I'd have a hard time going back to any other kind backpack...