The average office worker carries thousands of pounds to and from the office every day.
Not in the form of crisp bank notes, of course, but in tech.
Think about it: there’s your mobile for starters, then headphones, perhaps a tablet but most likely a laptop. There are portable power banks, folding keyboards, cameras - the list goes on. And where is this treasure trove of valuables stashed? In a tatty sports bag or backpack barely a rung or two higher than what you might have used at school.
Indeed, the morning rush hour scene in the City is one of streams of people marching towards their places of work with backpacks snugly strapped on, reinforced worker ants on a mission.
While it might make you feel like an overgrown schoolchild, the appeal - particularly for back health which becomes more of a concern with age - is clear. Apart from spreading the weight evenly across your shoulders and pulling them back from a slouch, having a dedicated work backpack means your hands are free for other things, like carrying coffee, bags of groceries or reading the Standard unhindered.
But a backpack alone isn't a deterrent for prying hands. In 2013, TfL data showed a shocking rise in tube crime, with thefts, pickpocketing and robberies making up most of the offences. As a society, we’ve never carried around more tech, so protecting it is key. Could the answer be this Extreme Commuter Backpack from accessories brand Mous? I took it for a spin to find out.
Mous extreme commuter backpack key specs
- Dimensions: 44 x 29.5 x 15.5cm
- Weight: 1.2kg
- Volume: 18L
- Shoulder strap max length: 975mm
- Shoulder strap min length: 500mm
- Tech compartment: H: 390mm, L: 300mm, W: 30mm
- Laptop pocket: H: 350mm, L: 285mm
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Design
I’m a crossbody and tote woman: essentials tucked into one, and miscellaneous or weather-related accessories (brolly) stuffed in another. I know my compartments like the back of my hand and can fish out a lip balm or Oyster while running for the bus.
Mous’ Extreme Commuter Backpack is a complete departure from my usual set-up. First, let’s address the name - could Extreme Commuting become a new Olympic sport? On deeper reflection, years of being crushed on rush hour tubes and buses, balancing on the tips of my extremities, makes it a valid title.
Lookswise, it’s a beefed-up backpack on steroids with two easy-access compartments outside but with the real storage gold hidden safely behind YKK zips and a tamper-proof Fidlock mechanism which cannot become undone without some serious struggling (unless you know how, of course). Good luck getting through that, Artful Dodger types.
The backpack consists of two compartments: a zipped back pocket for a laptop, tablet and e-reader, and a larger space loaded with zipped pockets and mesh inserts. There’s more room than I expected here, certainly for an average working day. In fact, there’s so much space that you could get away with using this on a short work break or hand baggage-only minibreak.
You’ll also find a zipped pocket at the top of the shell closure, good for keeping things you need close to hand like headphones, chargers and work documents. One more anti-theft pocket sits around the back, resting against your lumbar making it ideal for stashing important, can’t-afford-to-lose bits like house or car keys and passports.
Thick padded straps, water-resistant carbonated nylon and a PU coating complete the picture.
Is it chic? No. Does it feel impenetrable, a mini Fort Knox for your VIP tech? Absolutely.
Function
This bag is made for people who don’t usually carry a handbag. With essentials located in various pockets around the design, you must be ready to dip into the right compartment at the crucial time - before the ticket gates, ideally - which takes a few moments of fumbling versus my usual crossbody which takes seconds.
From a safety aspect, this backpack excels. The adjustable straps offer a snug fit - you’re not snatching this thing off without taking me with it - and the lack of bulging pockets on the outside means there’s nothing visible for opportunists to steal. AiroFoam under the lining protected my tech from knocking against each other - yes, even when running for that bus - and provided a level of shock absorbency when placed on juddering tube carriage floors.
And that Fidlock stayed put throughout the jostle to and from the office. It really is a thing of beauty.
Price
Mous has made an excellent business backpack, something more relevant for the modern worker than those clunky old briefcases of old. Apart from the style - it’s just not to my taste - the only other thing I can pick at is the price.
At just shy of £200 for 18L and £219.99 for the bigger 25L size, these backpacks certainly do not come cheap. They’re an investment in your tech security and while not completely infallible, are certainly one of the more anti-theft options out there. The big question is, how valuable are your gadgets - and what would they cost to replace?
If you’re looking at this from a business luggage POV, you can justify the cost a little more. There’s enough space to stash at least a couple of days worth of clothes, plus essential tech and toiletries.
Verdict
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Mous Extreme Commuter Backpack
Best for: business travel
Built to withstand the vigours of the daily commute, Mous’s backpack boasts plenty of thief-repelling features, from a minimum of exterior pockets to a shell-like lid to keep unsavoury fingers out. The cherry on top is the Fidlock mechanism that won’t come undone without you knowing. The wide padded shoulder straps mean weight is evenly distributed.
Lined with AiroFoam and armed to the eyeballs with internal pockets, zipped compartments and other features to make organisation a breeze, it’s also brilliant for short business trips as your sole bag or hand baggage for longer jaunts.
It is undeniably pricey, but probably not more than it would cost to replace all your stolen tech.
Buy now £199.99, Mous
