Ekster Techs Out The New GRID Backpack

GRID Backpack holds a lot

My wife gets on my case because whenever I leave town for a week or less, I will pack all of my stuff – clothing and all – into a backpack. One that fits under an airline seat. I do this for several reasons. First, I like to pack light and hate lugging around large bags. Secondly, I detest checking in bags through airlines because I have to wait in line when I get to the airport to do it, and then wait at the baggage carousel when the flight lands. And there’s always a chance it gets lost or delayed. Third of all, I don’t have to carry anything. I just strap the pack to my back and walk away. It’s very convenient.

The five-year-old backpack I’ve been using is beginning to show its age, though. I love the pocket layout and variety on it. But it’s gone on roughly two dozen trips with me. So parts are starting to fray and weather. Thankfully, though, I just got the brand-new Ekster GRID Backpack. Not only does it look to be an amazing product, but it has a hidden tech element to it, as well.

If you don’t know, Ekster makes smart wallets (which I have used for a couple of years now), bags, phone cases, laptop sleeves, and its own version of – for lack of better terms – the Apple AirTag. It’s a credit-card-sized tracking card you can place in any item, to make it findable.

And it's easy to transport

The GRID Backpack offers a streamlined organization and top-notch tech protection, and was created with recyclable materials keeping in mind maximum usage and minimalist design. It looks to be ideal for a daily commute, outdoor adventures, or in my case, five-day road trips. And it can easily store and protect electronic gear, such as laptops and tablets. I’m told Ekster is also selling add-ons to it, including a portable power bank to charge on the go, camera cubes and tech cases.

Among its several pockets is an RFID-blocking side pocket that’s roughly 7.5 inches wide by 4 inches tall. It’s designed to block the electromagnetic signal emitted from any credit cards – creating a barrier and canceling electromagnetic signals. So any card you store in there should be safe from theft. The case itself is a soft-yet-hard shell. It has a full frontal opening (like a suitcase) for easy access; internal mesh zip pockets and external straps for extra gear, as well as luggage pass through strap and water bottle holder; a soft-lined tech/sunglasses pocket; 16-inch laptop sleeve that aims to keep devices separated and protected from impact; a weatherproof exterior made of upcycled polyester; waterproof zippers made from recycled plastic bottles; and a reusable waterproof dust bag. In all, it measures 12 inches wide, 18 inches tall, and 5.9 inches deep. And the rear straps are adjustable to fit pretty much everyone. And yes, it appears to easily stow under airline seats. I know this, because I did a side-by-side size comparison with my well-traveled backpack and they are identical in dimensions.

So as flights continue to be completely sold out – as my last six have been – I can board without any worries about needing to check this one in at the gate.