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When I first took this bag for a spin in New York City, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Suffice it to say, I was quickly hooked on the comfortable wear, understated and unique design, and unbelievable protection it afforded my computer. This bag has personality: Part messenger, part biker friendly, and part professional briefcase. It's quite simply one of the best laptop bags I've seen in awhile.
The interior of the HardCase
WaterField Design, known for designing and producing their gear in San Francisco, is the brain behind the HardCase laptop messenger. The HardCase has a main laptop pocket (protected is an understatement, but more on that in a moment), two organizational pockets, a pack zippered compartment, and a bit of space for other items.
The bag is made of ballistic nylon (better known as the super durable material used in bullet proof vests). Its leather flap and paragliding buckle hardware top it off with a nice, unique finish. The color under the flap and hue of the hardware can be customized when you order online. The bags come in 13- and 15-inch models (both weigh in at less than three pounds—shockingly light for how much padding is packed in there).
An example of what can fit inside the HardCase
The bag itself feels tightly packed (probably a symptom of all the protective lining), and I worried that it wouldn't wear well or distribute weight properly. Fear not, the suspension pads on the strap were top notch (read: no rough edges cutting into my shoulder) and the bag moved well with me, it really felt smaller and lighter than other bags of its size once it was on.
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