SOLO Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack REVIEW

A superior carrying bag for all your possible needs.

There was a point in time where I wanted a rolling laptop bag. I thought it would alleviate some strain on my back and for a time, it did. But, now that computers have gotten smaller an so have their accessories, I feel like I can move back to a messenger-style laptop bag, which is actually my preference for carrying items around. When I started the search for a new laptop bag, I sought out SOLO New York because they make affordable, high-quality bags and I thought they might have a messenger-style bag to suit my needs. 

DETAILS

SOLO New York has been designing bags for daily use since 2008. For more than a decade, they have been producing efficient cases that can go anywhere with you. The Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack is a piece that was inspired by the ‘buzz’ of lower Manhattan. It was meant to channel the “downtown spirit” of New York City into a stylish, laid-back bag. 

The Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack comes in two colors — black and  grey. It is a ‘hybrid’ bag because it has backpack straps that can be hidden away in order to provide you a more professional-looking carrying case for your laptop and other belongings. The case is made primarily with polyester and features two front pockets in addition to the main compartment. The main compartment can house up to a 15.6” laptop in its fully padded laptop sleeve and a tablet (up to 10 inches) within its tablet pocket. The bag has a large capacity for personal items, but is still lightweight only weighing 2.1 pounds while its empty. The dimensions are 12.5” x 17” x 5”. 

FEATURES

• Briefcase transforms into backpack 
• Fully padded 15.6” laptop compartment 
• Internal iPad/ tablet pocket
• Large front pocket with organizer section 
• Two front quick access pockets
• Padded carry handles with magnetic snaps
• Removable/adjustable shoulder strap 
• Hideaway padded backpack straps for added comfort

USER EXPERIENCE

When I first started using the briefcase, I really wasn’t sure how I would like the ‘hybrid’ bag. I’ve used backpack/messenger bags before and I’ve always had problems with them. The backpack straps won’t tuck away easily, the pockets aren’t large enough, the handles aren’t designed to work with both carrying options…you name it, I’ve experienced it. But, the Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack is perfectly designed for a dual-purpose bag. The backpack straps can be stuffed into a secret back compartment that closes with a zipper. And, when you want to use them, you simply pull them out and clip them to the bottom of the bag. Then, you adjust them normally as you would with other backpack straps. When I was using the bag as a backpack, I thought it was easy to carry and the weight was well distributed. The straps are decent but not hefty like what you would find on a camera backpack. There are two handles on the bag — one two-strap handle that can be used when it’s a messenger bag and one single handle that is on the top of the bag to be used when it’s in backpack mode. I thought both sets of handles are reinforced to be used for a long period of time. 

As it turns out, I was able to use the Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack for two different but related purposes — school and work. I’m working on an advanced degree and still working full time so I keep it all packed up and ready to go. These days, I’m keeping my 13-inch MacBook Pro inside a protective sleeve that also stores several accessories. The briefcase’s main compartment is large enough to accommodate it along with a large spiral-bound notebook, and my iPad Pro. I’ve been very happy with how easy it is to keep things organized within the Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack thanks to its two exterior pockets. I keep various cables and personal items in those easy-access pouches and it doesn’t matter if I’m using it as a backpack or briefcase; I can still access items inside. 

CONCLUSION

This is probably the best messenger-style laptop bag I’ve ever used. It’s functional, stylish, and affordable. I love how durable it is and the design of it is so sleek and simple that you don’t get caught up in a lot of features. It’s professional enough to take into business meetings, but casual enough to use with family and friends, too. The Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack is a no nonsense carry-all that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fantastic laptop bag. 

For more information, visit solo-ny.com.
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