Outside pockets abound. Each compartment cover features a pocket for objects such as sunglasses and tissues. Each strap has a pocket for portable electronics, including a phone and an MP3 player. A small, zippered pocket at the top also can fit either and has an opening for a headphone cord. A small pocket at the bottom can carry an even smaller bottle of water. I find the pockets on the shoulder straps a bit too snug for my phone, which is a largish candy-bar style device.
No matter how much I cram into the backpack, the tough elastic material acts like a girdle, keeping the bag from expanding. It always fits comfortably under an airline seat, and rarely whacks bystanders on the bus or subway. Plus it slides easily off one shoulder to hop into a cab or plop onto a seat. The girdle effect makes it possible to fill the bag until it's quite heavy, but as heavy as I've made it, it's remained comfortable to carry, distributing the weight evenly across my shoulders and upper back. Even after a day of schlepping a full pack around the show floor for CES, my back didn't complain. The stiff straps do take a while to get used to; I initially thought they'd chafe my inner arms, but that never happened. On the other hand, if you routinely carry your backpack slung over one shoulder, this might not be the bag for you; it's hard to keep the bag from sliding down your arm with a single strap.
If I have one major complaint about the Kata Ergo-Tech Sensitivity V Backpack, it's the unbreathable material that rests against your body, retaining heat and moisture. Ick. But a little heat's a small price to pay for having the coolest backpack on the block.
What You'll Pay
- Set Price Alert
