If this is the first time you're coming across one of my reviews, it's important to know two things about me. The first is that I'm constantly on the go, whether that's heading into the office, darting off to meetings or even packing up my bag to visit friends and family at the weekend. The second is that I'm a huge fan of any product that makes my life easier. It could be a coffee machine that remembers to make my favourite brew every morning, or a facial cleanser that reminds me to follow my skincare routine. Either way, I'm a fan.
Whilst a backpack might not be the first thing that springs to mind when considering lightening the load, you'd be surprised at how practical they can be. The best backpacks not only hold and protect your belongings, but they ease the tension on your shoulders, making the everyday commute simple yet comfortable.
When I was offered the opportunity to review the Harber London Office Backpack, I was intrigued to see how practical it could be. Keep reading to find out my thoughts, and why this backpack would be a great choice if you're on the hunt for a new one.
Harber London Office Backpack review: price and availability
Harber London's Office Backpack has an RRP of £319 and comes in a selection of stylish colourways. I've been reviewing the black, but there's also mocha, camel and olive. Most of Harber London's bags seem to have this colour choice, all of which fit nicely into the brand's aesthetic.
Harber London Office Backpack review: design
Just by looking at the Harber London Office Backpack, you can tell you it has exceptional design quality. Not only are the front, zips and straps made from full-grain leather, the backpack's main body is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. I love the sustainability this brings, and it certainly makes the higher price tag a little more justifiable - well, that's what I tell myself anyways.
I was over the moon to come across six inner pockets. Both the laptop compartments are padded, with one fitting a 16" laptop and one a 13" tablet. This was perfect for holding my MacBook Pro and Huawei Matepad Pro, and so much easier having separate spaces for them both. Just like the Harber London Commuter Backpack, the interior is a light beige colour, making it easy to locate any belongings.
Despite working for a tech publication, I'm still very old fashioned when it comes to carrying a notebook and pen on me at all times. That means despite the nice stylus pocket to the right of the tablet compartment, my trusty biro took price of place instead. Other features include an integrated keychain and an easy access zipped compartment on top.
There's a water bottle slot either side of the backpack, which I absolutely loved. It's big enough to hold a standard sized water bottle, including my own chilly's bottle. I also found myself using the other side to hold my pocket umbrella, proving to be very useful in Britain's current climate.
The Office Backpack's straps are also extremely comfortable, making the walk into work a pleasant one. The strap's upper side is made from the same full-grain leather, yet the lower side is a spongey, neoprene material. Not only that, but the straps swivel and are adjustable, making them adaptable to any shoulder width. I believe the Harber London Office Backpack is ideal for any gender, so this design feature complements that well.
I also loved the horizontal leather strap on the backpack, designed to fit across suitcase handles. Whilst I haven't travelled whilst reviewing the backpack, I'm heading off on an international trip in a few weeks and I already know which bag I'm taking with me.
On one of my review days, I headed to London for an event and a few meetings. I was a little disheartened when it began to rain, but quickly realised it would be a good waterproofing test. Unlike the London Commuter Backpack, I soon noticed the Harber Office Backpack wasn't waterproof. Whilst it didn't let water in necessarily, the fabric on the top of the backpack became rather wet, and stayed like that for a few hours. I wasn't in the rain long enough to see if it would seep in, but it would've been a nice feature to have.
Harber London Office Backpack review: verdict
As soon as I started reviewing the Harber London Office Backpack, I was instantly impressed. Not only does it look great, but the amount of pockets and zipped compartments made it extremely handy for taking to work or heading around the city for meetings. I found the adjustable straps comfortable, and really liked how they swivelled to avoid any painful twisting. A level of waterproofing would have been a nice, but its other features certainly make up for this, hence why it's received five stars.
Harber London Office Backpack review: alternatives to consider
An obvious alternative to the Office Backpack would be the Harber London Commuter Backpack. It's also a stylish, high-quality, with space for a laptop, tablet and more. It has the same colour options and light interior, and actually comes in at almost £100 cheaper.
Another alternative is the Carl Friedrik Day-to-Day backpack. It's able to fold up and down for extra storage and the leather detailing gives a luxurious feel. Coming in nearly £400, the price tag is the only thing that holds it back, but it’s perfect for those who want a backpack that will last.
