Harber London Commuter Backpack: Luxury backpack for your MacBook

If you travel a lot with your MacBook, you naturally want it to be well protected against external influences. Harber London manufacturer of premium accessories recently introduced the new Commuter backpack. With this backpack you can transport a MacBook (or other laptop) both safely and extremely stylishly. Over the past few weeks we have used and tested this new backpack in practice.

Of course, there are many backpacks in which you can transport a MacBook. If you don’t want a boring, but a more stylish version, the Commuter backpack from Harber London can be an option. In addition to a special compartment for your MacBook, the backpack has some other useful features.

Harber London Commuter backpack

The Commuter backpack is a handmade backpack with a capacity of almost 17 liters. Despite this large storage space, the bag still has a sleek and modern look. The bag can easily accommodate a MacBook (up to 16-inch) and an iPad (up to 13-inch).

The main compartment, in which you place your items, is made of recycled plastic bottles, both on the outside and inside. This material feels surprisingly soft and is available in three different colors (Olive, Black and Mocca). The inside is finished with the same material in beige. For strength and protection, the back and bottom are provided with an extra lining.

The lockable flap of the backpack and some details such as the handles, vertical piping and hanging loop are finished with a so-called full-grain leather. This is the strongest type of leather that will age over time and gives the backpack an authentic and natural look. The valve can be closed using a special magnetic closure. This keeps it in place and bystanders cannot simply open it when carrying it.

What is immediately noticeable about the Commuter backpack is the high quality of the backpack. You can immediately see that the product has been assembled manually with the greatest care. There is nothing negative to say about the finish of the backpack. For example, no plastic elements are used. The buckles for adjusting the rods are made of an aluminum type that is also used in aviation.

Additional functionality

In addition to the two thickly padded compartments for a MacBook and iPad, the backpack is also equipped with a number of extras. There is an attachment point for your keys (or AirTag key fob) and the MacBook compartment has an extra strap with a push button. This keeps the MacBook in place in the compartment.

To the right of the iPad compartment is a special compartment where you can store your Apple Pencil or other stylus.

For extra security, you can close the backpack at the top under the flap using a zipper. This prevents someone from simply taking something out of the bag on a busy train or bus.

The back of the backpack has a special leather loop with which you can attach the backpack to the extendable handle of a rolling suitcase. Very useful when using the plane.

Use in practice

The flexible materials make the backpack pleasant to wear. Access to the various compartments is excellent. Safety has been taken into account in various areas, making it very difficult for bystanders to simply take something out of the backpack.

We think the compartment for the iPad could have been a bit higher, especially for a 13-inch version of the iPad. If you use a case or sleeve for your 13-inch iPad, this does not matter.

With only a MacBook in the backpack, the backpack will not remain upright on a surface. In that case, the lining at the bottom is not stiff enough. If you add a bottle of water, your lunch and other items, the bag is sufficiently balanced and remains upright.

Conclusion: Harber London Commuter Backpack