Brenthaven MetroLite Backpack
Company: Brenthaven
Price: $89.95
http://www.brenthaven.com/

My Macworld adventures with the Brenthaven MetroLite Backpack.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." I arrived at Macworld 2008 with all the enthusiasm and verve one would expect. My spirits were somewhat dampened by the prospect of becoming the pack mule for my husky backpack loaded down with a MacBook Pro, power adapter, and all the supporting hardware and cables needed to get me through the expo. My motel was quite a distance from Moscone so I wanted to make sure I had what I needed on my daily treks. I lugged the backpack and its weighty contents during three full days of walking the expo floor, back and forth from the south and west complexes, and around downtown San Francisco. Needless to say, the experience was less then enjoyable and not one I wished to repeat.

As I prepared for my annual Hajj to San Francisco for Macworld 2009, I was determined to lighten the burden on my back. As I searched online to find a new backpack for my trip, I had some basic requirements in mind. My new back companion had to be light and svelte. It needed to encompass intelligent industrial design, allowing for the maximum volume of contents while maintaining a minimal footprint. This wonder pack would need to protect two things very precious to me, my computer and back (in that order).

When I arrived at the Brenthaven site and began to look around, I found what seemed to be a little jewel just waiting for me to uncover all its backpack goodness. On paper, the Brenthaven MetroLite Backpack seemed to have everything I needed. The proof would indeed be in the proverbial pudding. A few days at Macworld would answer all the painful and burning questions. The final litmus test would be conducted on Friday as the sun set on my week at Macworld (more on this test later).     

DESIGN
The MetroLite is an attractive backpack. The satiny finish of the black ballistic nylon gives the backpack a rich texture. The red piping provides an understated sense of class. This is a refreshing choice in this day of bright neon colored backpacks etc.

Staying with the material choices for a moment, I was particularly impressed with the choice of red nylon for the interior of the bag.

This crimson red interior carries the understated class design directive into the interior of the backpack. Of course they could have just lined the bag with the De facto black nylon and called it good. I for one, am glad Brenthaven decided to go the extra mile and give the MetroLite a little something extra.

Clearly, the folks at Brenthaven were focused on size and weight when they designed the MetroLite. Choosing to utilize a slimline handle, tuck away straps, and an overlapping rear compartment enclosure all serve to reduce the depth (4"), weight (2lb 0.6oz), and overall feel and size of the backpack.

Under the heading, "It's the Little Things that Matter Most," there are many little industrial design choices that help the MetroLite stand out from the crowd (more on that later). I give the folks at Brenthaven high marks for their thoughtful design of the MetroLite.

FEATURES
I won't bore you with the list of  specifications, although the technology incorporated into this diminutive backpack is impressive.

With a fully padded computer compartment large enough to handle a 17" laptop and many pockets positioned for quick and easy access while allowing for adequate organization, the MetroLite provides the urban traveler enough space for the necessities.

As with many other Brenthaven products, a prominent feature of the MetroLite is Brenthaven's Zero Impact design directive. The lofty goal of Brenthaven is for their products to have zero impact on your computer, your health, and the environment. A great goal to be sure and one I would love to see more of the industry adopt.

USABILITY
Design and features aside, what about the real world? How would the MetroLite hold up under the gauntlet that is Macworld? After using it for five days, I have to say, the MetroLite met my needs as represented.

One side benefit of the MetroLite was that it required a rethinking of what was necessary for my daily treks into the land of Macworld. As a MacBook Air owner, I had become familiar with the, "everything you need, nothing you don't" style of organizing and packing. I actually enjoyed the process of reducing everything down to the least common denominator. What items had multiple uses? What items did I really need, and what items could be classified as, just in case?

Finally, I arrived at the magic combination of "must haves" and "just in cases." I was actually surprised at how much I was able to pack into the MetroLite.

I found the MetroLite to be very comfortable on my back. I knew it was there, but I never felt as though it was heavy. Additionally, the MetroLite did not impact my ability to maneuver through the maze of people and booths at Macworld. This had been a problem with the behemoth I used the year before. Making apologies for my backpack was a constant requirement in 2008. This year, no apologies required. Thanks Brenthaven.

One feature I really found useful was the AC adaptor compartment in the front lower portion of the backpack.

Not only did it equalize the balance and weight of the backpack, but it was very handy when the adaptor was needed. The compartment also proved to be a perfect location for my camera. As I said before, it is the little things that matter most.

Another design feature I appreciated was the ability to tuck away one of the shoulder straps and just sling the backpack over one shoulder.

I have used packs where this was not a feature, but rather, an afterthought. The MetroLite allows you to stow away the unused strap so as not to impact the balance or bulk of the pack when you want to sling it over one shoulder.

My final and most important test of the MetroLite came Friday morning as I woke up, packed up, and headed for home. As I climbed behind the wheel and began the four hour drive home, I thought to myself, "HEY! My back does not hurt." Last year at this time, all I could think about was the location of my Advil. How wonderful it was to drive home thinking about the great time I had at Macworld and not the pain shooting down my back. Brenthaven, mission accomplished. 

A word of caution. If you are looking for a backpack that will allow you to carry everything and the kitchen sink, the MetroLite is not for you. This in not the person that Brenthaven had in mind when they designed the MetroLite. This backpack is for the urban traveler who can exist with the basic requirements for his or her day.

MyMac.com Rating
The Brenthaven MetroLite Backpack earns a hearty 4 out of 5 rating for its design, features, and usability. There are lighter packs on the market which hold barely anything, and heavier packs that hold everything. Brenthaven seems to have hit the sweet spot with the MetroLite.