A bag for life? PELI Elite Laptop Backpack reviewed

Simon Tillyer

Author: Simon Tillyer

Published 1st September 2013

by Simon Tillyer
Issue 80 - August 2013
Were a big user of PELI cases here at tv-bay. We use them for what they were designed for... and then some with attempted drownings, drops, drags and dynamite tests!

So when I was offered the chance to try out the new PELI Elite Laptop Backpack I jumped at the chance. My Workstation Specialists PC is loaded with pretty much everything Adobe can offer as well as being my main office machine, so an essential bit of kit that I need at home, in the office, at trade shows and everywhere in between. You could say I am somewhat attached to it!
I add the extra bit of risk to my tech gear by cycling to the office most days which during the year encounters severe weather, the occasional scrape, daily knocks and bashes! Envy is not a nice trait to experience from colleagues but when this backpack arrived the air was green! It certainly looks the business on first glance, however this envy turned to scepticism from some when people do what they do and picked it up. The first thing youll notice, apart from stunning looks, is this is not a lightweight rucksack and weighs in at a reassuringly sturdy 3.65KG. Starting at the front is a zipped flap toughened with a rigid plastic outer shell. Inside here you find all sorts of compartments suitable for pens, USB drives, passports, travel docs ¦ you get the idea. The biggest pocket in here is a perfect fit for an iPad and the rigid plastic front gives me confidence that it should be well protected just as well even on the outer of the backpack.

Next, behind that is another zip giving access to a pocket ideal for stuffing bulkier items in. Right now mine contains a box of business cards, batteries and a brick size PC power supply plus all the cables Ill ever need. There are pockets in here as well to compartmentalise your stuff. Working back we have a full length zipped area. This is a big space of 16 litres. Ive had several overnight trips where this has been my only luggage, with space in this part to put clothes needed, it just seems to grow as you put more things in! Next we have the pice de rsistance. With a single catch you open the Peli case part of the backpack. This is intended for your laptop with a supply of foam pads to insert to ensure a good fit for smaller machines and thinner macs. This part of the case doesnt open far and the laptop just slots in nicely. The interior spec is 39.4 x 26.7 x 3.8 cm so make sure you dont exceed this, especially the depth, as otherwise the waterproof seals wont fully close. Note there are two holes either side of this section to insert a padlock if you so desire.

The easiest test and one that Im most likely to encounter on the daily commute is water. With laptop in place I sprayed a jet of water at it for 5 minutes and completely drenched the case. The reputed water tightness of the laptop section is for 30 minutes at 1 metre but even with a few £1000 of machine inside it doesnt feel right getting it this wet! With a quick shake to remove excess water that had gathered in the seams I found no water ingress at all in the sealed laptop compartment and the zips had held up well with a tiny bit of dampness but nothing significant.
So just when you think youve found all the storage you uncover a full length compartment at the rear ideal for files, shirts and anything that didnt fit in the aforementioned spaces! Over the last few months the bag has been under train seats, in aircraft overhead lockers, chucked in the boot of the car and accidently dropped from various heights all to no ill effect on it or the contents bar a few scratches on the front plastic panel. Once you get over the fact its not lightweight then you find this is a comfortable backpack with excellent padding and ventilation with numerous compartment straps to ensure everything is in place. So whether you are walking, biking (pedal or power) or just simply travelling then this is one backpack to take a serious look at.

What Id like to see...

- A waist strap as well as the chest strap as it can sometimes move about a bit with a full load.
- Reflective safety strips on the backpack including them as stick on accessories might be nice.
- A fluorescent backback elasticated cover to offer the commuter/walker complete water protection in the zipped parts.

What I love¦

- It just looks the business!
- This is the only storage I need for an overnight business or holiday trip where my laptop needs to come along.
- The tough handle on the top if you prefer to carry rather than sling on your back.
- With some budget airlines squeezing hand luggage dimensions, but not worrying about weight, this is perfect for carry on occasions.
- The storage you have seems endless...

Bare in mind¦

- Very heavy for a backpack especially once filled with all my heavy stuff. But maybe protection comes at a cost?
- As you can\'t see the waterproof seals then a thicker laptop may fit but could prevent a watertight seal - make sure you keep within the spec.

Cost: around £200
Buying information: peliproducts.co.uk

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