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Tanzania, Dodoma
1 Level
494 Review
0 Karma

Review on Advanced Smart Backpack with Enhanced Anti-Theft Features by Melissa Moore

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Bought Bopai as an alternative to Tumi

I have just purchased the Bopai Intelligent Enlargement Backpack and am very impressed with how well thought out the design, style and perceived quality is for the price. In this context, I'm a professional consultant who travels frequently but I'm no longer an extreme street fighter and I was looking for a solution that was highly functional, user-friendly and professional-looking. Firstly, the design is very well thought out and if you've seen Bopai's video of it you should take a look as it really covers the basics. As for my standard professional configuration, I'm carrying a Lenovo Carbon X1 laptop, an iPad for taking notes, a somewhat flat-folding on-ear headset (1.5"), a backup power adapter (that plugs into the inside of a backpack and used). accessible via a USB port on the outside of the backpack), power supplies, business cards, medication, money, pens, travel towels, light toiletries, etc. in the main internal compartment. I can also carry 1.5-2 inch documents and paper in the secondary outer compartment. I use the secret pocket of my backpack for my passport and sometimes other small essentials. I use the hidden outside pocket for my umbrella. I can pack everything in a backpack without using the expandable part of the backpack. Although I haven't done so yet, I could easily expand the pack to carry a hydro flask and a simple change of clothes. One strap of the backpack has a small card slot that's convenient for slipping your subway card, whether it's an Oyster card for London or an Easy Card for Taipei. There are handles that allow you to carry the backpack both on the top and on the side. Side is practical in the sense that the usual backpack straps can be completely hidden and the backpack can be carried sideways like a suitcase. I haven't tested the backpack's waterproof or rugged specs, but the ballistic nylon feels tough enough to repel and withstand moderate rain. It's hard to say whether the zippers will withstand prolonged heavy downpours over the bag. Secondly, I think the backpack is quite stylish and holds its shape through packing and unpacking (so not quite a structureless backpack). For context, I have the Tumi Narita Attaché ($695 new), a slim case made out of a mix of leather and ballistic nylon, and I use this Attaché when going to more formal meetings. The Bopai style is really very similar to my Tumi Narita and I would feel very comfortable wearing this backpack in almost any professional setting. In the two photos I've provided, the Bopai backpack is on the left and the Tumi attaché is on the right. Third, the compromise between price and quality seems good, provided the backpack lasts at least 2 years, let's say more. 5-8 My Tumi gear typically lasts 10+/- years. I could see that Bopay's gear would last quite a while too, but that's unknown at the moment. Many people have reported problems with the zipper in the past. I don't immediately see where a zipper could be a problem, but it's those little points (e.g. zipper points, stitch breaks, strap breaks) that can become unusable. At this point, I recommend the Bopai backpack if you are looking for a professional backpack and carry a moderate amount of stuff on a daily basis. I'm not sure I'll be carrying thick and heavy textbooks in this backpack, mostly because this backpack looks professional rather than sturdy.

Pros
  • Great for a small home
Cons
  • Questionable purchase for seniors