Everyone has their “thing.” Mine is to document the little happenings in life that make it worth living. That means I have a ton of gear—it’s expensive, it’s heavy, and if it’s not kept organized, I could miss the moment. My upgrade to the new Ekster GRID™ backpack has improved every aspect of my calling.
I already have an Ekster wallet so I know this brand is one I can trust to optimize any space, even the smallest ones. No surprise that the Ekster GRID™ backpack is on it with organization, ergonomic comfort, and the part that’s huge for me: all my valuable gear is really secure in there.
1. It’s ready (and waiting) for any type of outing
Just about every day I walk out my door with my camera, lenses, filter, tripod, extra memory cards, a camera mic, and a whole lot more packed into my backpack. I head out around my neighborhood and into the city to see what I can see and get it recorded. The GRID™ is designed for exactly that, with everything secured safely for moving through busy areas, but with a magnetic quick-access pocket for sunglasses and an RFID-protected zipper pocket for easy phone or wallet access while walking.
But it’s also designed for travel of all types. It’s TSA-approved for through-the-airport excursions, but it’s also rugged enough to tag along into the outdoors. Read on for details.
2. The cooling back panel is a game-changer
This is the first backpack I’ve ever owned with an Airmesh ventilated back panel. It’s a soft mesh panel with a firm structure that holds the bulk of the backpack an inch or so away from your body, letting air flow through and cool your back. If you’re hiking through Arizona or a bike commuter in the city, you won’t want to consider anything else. But really it’s dope in any situation.
3. It’s weatherproof, with waterproof zippers
This is huge. So many backpacks out there fancy themselves an updated briefcase, so they’re inviting your tech in, but they aren’t doing anything to protect you if it rains. I check the weather forecast constantly, but I rarely carry an umbrella. So if my app is wrong, I need to know my gear is going to be kept dry.
The Ekster GRID™ backpack is made from recycled 600D polyester. It’s high-quality, it’s ultra-lite, and it’s meant to last for the rest of your life and beyond.
4. The laptop compartment is superior
Speaking of the glorified briefcase, there’s always going to be a laptop compartment, but none I’ve seen compare to this one. The laptop section is suspended and padded, like a little protective soft shell for the most important device you own. It fits a laptop up to 16 inches, but if your computer’s smaller than that, it’s still hugged securely in there.
5. All the details are well thought out
The gold of this backpack is in the details. I can’t say enough about those quick-access pockets that protect your stuff from incidents like tripping and falling, or even more devious incidents like pickpockets, but able to be opened easily by the owner who knows the tricks.
Just as great, though, is the balancing grippy bottom detail so your backpack will stay upright when you set it down. And the luggage pass-through strap so you can slide it onto the handle of a rolling suitcase. And the strap equalizer that helps you ensure both straps are the same length without you having to eyeball it. And the dozens of pockets so everything can go in its right place.
The Takeaway
Simply put, after trying the Ekster GRID™ backpack, there’s no going back. All my camera gear and high-end tech can be thoughtfully packed, secure and dry, and organized to a T. I’m set on a works-for-everything backpack for life.
