My personal item backpack with space for MBP 16
I spent a long time looking for a suitable (business-style) backpack that both comply with the strict European personal item size limits (40 × 30 × 15 cm) and has a dedicated sleeve for a current 16” MacBook Pro.
The challenge is that the MBP 16 is already about 35 cm wide, which doesn’t leave much room within the 40 cm limit.
For the past year and a half, I’ve been using the Tech Folio Backpack by Waterfield San Francisco as my EDC and personal item. I really like its slim and clean look. In addition to the MBP 16, I carry a 13” iPad Pro (M4), a power adapter, cables, a 5G router, and other accessories (see list below).
All the items are stored in dedicated and pockets in the main compartment which makes a tech pouch unnecessary. Due to this fact, the backpack can store more gear, keeping its slim silhouette as the pockets are distributed over the full hight of the pack on both sides of the main compartment which fully opens clamshell style.
The luggage passthrough is excellent, wide and secure. The overall build quality is beyond reproach. The buckles are metal, and the zippers still show no visible signs of wear, despite EDC.
The only downside imho is the lack of a water bottle pocket.
What’s in my backpack?
- MBP 16 (2021, M1)
- iPad Pro 13 (M4)
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13
- Apple Smart Folio cover vor iPad Pro 13
- Privacy Screenprotector for iPad Pro 13
- Paper Notebook
- Laptop stand Roost V3
- Knirps Travel umbrella
- Netgear Nighthawk 5G Router
- Chargeasap Zeus 280 charger
- Baseus Blade Powerbank (20’000 mAh, 100 W)
- Logitech Keyboard MX Keys Mini
- Logitech MX Anywhere 3S for Mac mouse
- Logitech Pointer
- Oyen Digital U32 Shadow 8 TB SSD
- Allity Magsafe powerbank 5’000 mAh
- Swiss Pocket Knife
- Pens
- Cables
- Apple Thunderbolt 5 cable x2
- Apple Magsafe cable MBP
- Apple Magsafe cable AW (USB A und C)
- Apple Magsafe cable iPhone
- Satechi Vegan-Leather FindAll Glasses Case
Good
- sleek silhouette
- inner liner in bright colour
- practical luggage passthrough
- excellent inner organization uses the space perfectly (no tech pouches needed)
- Complies with the size requirements for personal items on European airlines (40 x 30 x 20)
Neutral
- shoulder straps not thick padded but wide enough to distribute the weight
Room for improvement
- No waterbottle holder
