The Ogio Renegade RSS backpack arrived in the mail last week — perfect timing for a business day trip I needed to make and a great test of this backpack’s capability. The bag soft launched in 2012, but they are just now getting review units out because, apparently, consumer demand has been quite high for this backpack.
How did it work for me? Great. I love it. But why?
THE GOOD
Compartments
The backpack has so many compartments, that you can realistically put every device you carry into a different place. This means that you can easily separate devices from each other (as well as device cords) so that when you want one specific device, you can access it without all the rest tumbling onto the floor — great for air travel.
Size
Speaking of air travel, I put it to the test last week and the bag mostly fits under an airline seat (within regulation anyway). The very top could get stepped on by the person sitting next to you, but it didn’t happen to me.
The pack easily fit through security scanners.
Profile
The bag can have a slim profile on your back if it is not completely packed, but still has the ability to stretch out a bit too when you need maximum space. You could easily fit all your gadgets plus a change of clothes or two for short trips, which is nice.
Protection
It also has two crush-proof compartments (one large and one small) for laptop and sunglasses, respectively. The laptop sleeve is easily accessible and fits up to a 17” laptop and is actually suspended from the bottom of the bag so it never touches the ground when you set your bag down — hence the name RSS (Reactive Suspension System).
Labels
Ogio thoughtfully labeled each compartment with an icon representing what they recommend goes into it. You can, of course, put anything you want in any compartment, but it’s a nice touch to do some of the thinking for you.
Comfort
I thought the backpack was pretty comfortable. It’s an electronics backpack so I wasn’t about to thru-hike with it.
THE BAD
Profile
It can have a slim profile, however for a smaller guy like me, it is still a full size backpack and can look a tad large — almost parachute-like. It’s a good thing I don’t rock out skin tight jeggings and a white belt that often or else this backpack could make my butt look HUGE.
But seriously, it’s just a trade off. If you really need to carry a bunch of stuff, this pack is perfect for it. If you are trying to have a minimalist setup, you might not need this much space.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT
The bag is $150. That’s a lot of money. What is different about it to justify the expense?
Besides the previously mentioned crush-proof, suspended containers (which seem to be the main differentiator) you are getting some pretty good customer service from Ogio. Their website and chat window were helpful. The representative I chatted with was quite knowledgeable about the products and was eager to help me understand the features and differences. It was a good experience, casual and helpful for decision making.
I also learned that, apparently, the review unit sent is not the 2013 model as that version will be out in a month or so and is not black but rather is more of a grey color.
THE SPECS
- $150
- 19.5” x 14” x 8”
- 3.6 lbs
THE VIDEO
Straight from the product page at Ogio’s website.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As you can see from above, there are more good things about this pack than bad. Translation: this is an excellent full-sized backpack. Comfortable and appropriate for the person who has to tote a multitude of gadgets with them, for daily travel. Thumbs up!
More info at Ogio.com