The Secret Hydration Compartment
So, let’s see here. The Mobile Edge ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Backpack has places to house your various gadgets and gizmos. It’s also got a spot that’ll easily swallow your file folders and other documents. And then there’s the headphone pass-through for your MP3 player and the security-friendly laptop compartment. What’s missing?
Well, there is a nondescript zipper along one side that appears to provide access to another pocket. You would assume that this is just another place to stash your gear, but unzipping it reveals a pleasant surprise.
You can actually pull out the hidden bottle holder from this small zippered section. While a lot of backpacks come with a place to store your water bottle, very few allow you to hide this pouch away when it is not needed. This is a fairly minor detail, to be sure, but one that is great appreciated by those who lead an active lifestyle.
Final Thoughts and Conclusions
If you’re a frequent traveler, there’s a good chance that the airport security process has frustrated you on more than one occasion. It can be such a pain and a hassle to take out your precious laptop every time you pass through that X-ray scanner and that’s why TSA-approved bags like this one from Mobile Edge are so valuable. What’s your time (and sanity) worth to you?
The ScanFast Checkpoint Friendly Backpack comes loaded with lots of space to hold all of your gadgets, gizmos, chargers, documents, computer accessories, and so on. I like the inclusion of little features, like the headphone pass-through and hidden water bottle compartment. There’s also a cell phone pouch on one of the shoulder straps. The build quality and choice of materials is also quite good.
I would have preferred a completely contained compartment for the notebook though. The current “open pouch and strap” design makes the bag look cheap and it takes away from some of the protection for your laptop. The current design works, but it also needs some work.
If the backpack style isn’t your cup of tea, Mobile Edge also offers other checkpoint friendly laptop cases, including a messenger bag and fashion-conscious briefcases. Since I don’t have a 17-inch laptop, something smaller may be more appropriate.
Pros
- More than ample room for your computer gear
- Nice bonuses like headphone pass-through
- Rugged material that seems to be water resistant
- Adheres to TSA regulations
Cons
- Laptop compartment is an open pouch
- Larger bag may not appeal to everyone
- No metal hooks for carabiners (West Coast lifestyle!)
Overall Rating: 8.5 / 10.0
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