STM Bags has been making tech bags since 1998. Over the last twelve years, the company has refined their assorted bags and adapted them for the latest devices and PCs on the market. Their latest designs are centered around Apple’s highly-coveted iPad tablet. In this arena, they are touting five designs, ranging from simple sleeves all the way to messenger bags. Looking for a bag that fit somewhere in the middle, allowing us to carry not only our iPad but also other various reporting tools, we got ahold of their Scout Extra Small Laptop Bag.
It’s called a ‘laptop bag’ because it can hold an iPad or up to an 11-inch netbook. The bag is a durable canvas that will repel a bit of water and stand up to the elements – shipping in wither an olive drab or ochre coloring. The outer flap of the bag locks closed with a heavy plastic fastener and the removable shoulder strap even comes with an adjustable padding to help customize it for your body type and carrying style.
Internally, the bag is made up of three major pockets, all at a different Z-plane in order to better facilitate organization. The highest and deepest pocket is the one made for carrying the iPad or netbook. This pocket features dense walls to protect the device, but is lined with a very soft layer of fabric to cuddle it like an angel baby wrapped in a cloud. The iPad users will be happy to know this pocket does not strangle their hard-to-find tablet, but gives it breathing room – accommodating even the thickest skin case. This pocket also features its own flap which is fastened by a velcro strip. The inner flap allows you to open up your bag without fear of outsiders knowing exactly what lies within. It also helps the device from flopping around to much if the wearer gets into a game of b-ball with their friends while wearing it (we do not recommend this, by the way).
The middle pocket is a great place to store books, pamphlets, or important documents and features no internal grips or holds to interfere with this purpose. The last pocket is a great place to store notebooks, pens, or other small electronics and we even got our detachable Apple iPad keyboard dock in here comfortably! Also to be found in this pocket, aside from loops for the aforementioned pens, is a detachable key chain loop. This pocket also has an inner zipper which is home to a small pouch.
Using the Scout is a blast and, with the iPad and keyboard dock inside, is still very light-weight and comfortable. The Scout Extra Small Laptop Shoulder Bag is a great value at $49.99 and is the perfect accessory for students, bloggers, and iReporters alike. You can find this bag and more over at STM Bags’ official website.
