On first sight the ‘Tamiko’ is unassuming and the Jersey Grey colour makes it versatile enough for most outfits. The medium backpack doesn’t completely give away it’s well thought-out design and functionality straight away. This well-design item makes it a perfect everyday work companion for college or work, with its two buckle cinch straps fastening, laptop protection and a neat pocket for your mobile or e-Reader. 

Carrying a lot of equipment on most occasions this bag perfectly accommodates for laptop, phone cables and even a change of clothes, bottled water and a spare pair of shoes. Multiple compartments and pockets allow me to keep things fairly organised. Padded back, and backpack straps make for a comfortable experience for back and shoulders when wearing the bag pack.

The beauty of the bag is while it is expandable and has quite a bit of depth to it, when you are carrying less tightening the straps ensures the bag remains aesthetically pleasing and doesn’t take up much room when standing or sitting on the busy tube during rush hour.

The waterproof interior ensures the back isn’t ruined in case of any spillages and also protects your clothing from any spillages in the bag. Ink, Drink, body oils, creams are all kept at bay and as someone who has experienced each of them it is a nice touch for those of us more inclined to experience those mishaps.

Photograph - Kipling

Photograph - Melanie Jones

Photograph - Melanie Jones

Photograph by Melanie Jones

Photograph - Kipling

The Tamiko bag comes in colours, Jersey Grey, Brave Black, Brave Black C, Cool Moss C. 

Features:
• Water resistant
• Lightweight at only 660g
• Top grab handle
• Zipped front compartment with
• Zipped pocket
• Two open top drop pockets
• Pen pocket
• Zipped rear compartment with:
• Padded laptop section for up to a 15” laptop
• Side zipped pocket on the back for phone or eReader
• Two cinch straps to secure the contents of the backpack
• Ergonomically padded back for comfort
• Adjustable, padded backpack straps

Specifications:
Height:  45cm
Width:  30cm
Depth:  15.5cm
Material:  100% Polyamide
Volume:  21 litre
Weight:  660g
PC size: 15”
MAC size: 15”

Priced between £96,- to £116,- is on the dearer side for the cash-strapped student but on the more affordable spectrum with good value for money. There are other brands offering the same and more in terms of organisation at much lower price points whilst embracing tech and security a little more such as USB charging port and antitheft facilities.

As with most purchases the buyers preferences regarding aesthetics, level of organisation, quality, functionality, and space required or desired, perceived value and their emotional connection to the brand may be a bigger deciding factor than budget alone. 

It’s a good bag pack practical enough for working and outside of working hours. Personally, if I considered using it for work alone my preferences would include better facilitation of tech that we all use on the move and higher level of organisation and security.  But an overall it’s a great bag that I will use frequently.