Not sure where to post this, but I wanted to share my first impressions and an initial review of the Akbay Tech Pro multi-way bag. There's not much reviews or info out there of this specific bag, so I may as well do it. Standard disclaimer that I bought this with my own money, Akbay didn't pay me to write a review, I'm doing this out of my own volition blah blah blah. I've owned a number of bags but the main point of comparison here would be the Uniqlo multi-pocket shoulder bag (see MULTI POCKET SHOULDER BAG | UNIQLO PH).

Why I bought this

For context, I currently use the Uniqlo multi-pocket shoulder bag as my daily work bag. I carry my 14" work laptop, charger, laptop stand, mouse, notebook/pen, foldable bags, 16 oz. tumbler, and an umbrella. The bag has enough space to fit all of these, but at the cost of being bulky. Internally, there are only three pockets, one for the laptop and two smaller ones, so organization isn't enough. There are two front pockets and two side pockets outside though, which is where I put my tumbler and umbrella. Since it's a shoulder bag, there's no flexibility with the way you can carry it.

It's not a bad bag at all for general / daily use, but I find myself wanting more so I decided to try out the Akbay Tech Pro. This isn't my first Akbay bag; I have a Nabi 3-way bag and I'm generally satisfied with it.

The basics

I bought this from their Shopee store during the 5.5 sale for Php 2000. On their official website, they sell it for Php 2750. Packaging was a standard black plastic bag with no bubble wrap. Also included are a dustbag and a free tote bag (seen in the first photo).

I won't list down the specifications since it's already on their website: Tech Pro Multi-way Bag – Akbay. I recommend giving it a quick browse.

But my second photo shows the size difference. The Tech Pro is taller than the Uniqlo bag. Based on the dimensions of both, the Tech Pro also has a higher capacity (roughly 16.9 L) versus the 13 L of the Uniqlo. More capacity is always welcome, and the size / capacity difference is pretty alright.

The good

• The outside and inside material
  • The outside's made up of thick 600D water-resistant material, while the inside's made up of polyester.
  • The suede leather bottom is also good for setting it down the ground; if packed, it can also stand on its own easily without falling over.
• Many options for internal organization
  • Lots of pockets for notebooks, power banks, pens, USBs, etc.
  • The 16" laptop and tablet pockets are also spacious with the right amount of padding
  • 16 oz. tumbler can fit but just enough
• 3-way carry gives a lot of options for flexibility
  • You can carry it as a tote, crossbody/sling bag, or as a backpack.
  • For example, you can carry it as a tote bag, but if you need free use of your hands, just convert it to a backpack and you're good to go.
• Rear opening is good for security
  • To get to the internals, one has to open the rear main compartment.
  • Obviously, this isn't 100% foolproof since it depends on how you carry it, but I think it lessens the chance of bag slashers getting your stuff.

The bad

• Few external pockets (you only have the very small side pocket and the rear passport pocket)
  • Compared to the Uniqlo where you can put your tumbler and umbrella on the external side pockets, with the Akbay Tech Pro, you have to open the bag to get these items.
  • I understand that security's one of the main selling points of this bag, but I think it would have been nice to have places to put water bottles or wet umbrellas outside.
• The adjustable shoulder / crossbody strap has no padding
  • The material is fine, but I can see how this can dig through shoulders.
• The internal side pocket is just enough for a 16oz tumbler
  • If you put anything bulky here, it also somewhat blocks the pockets next to it.
• Price-wise, there are probably a number of good options from other brands
  • But I decided to go through with this because I personally like the design and I had a good experience with one of their bags.

Despite the bad points, I'm excited to try this out in my commute. The internal organization is a boon and I'm just happy I wouldn't have to dig around my bag anymore. Since I just got this, I don't think I can give a full verdict yet. I'll update this post or make a new one after a couple of weeks of usage.