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- The ISM Classic Backpack was designed as a unisex bag for anyone in need of something durable for commuting, yet luxurious enough for professional and formal environments.
- The bag features a combination of premium leather, waterproof nylon, an external zippered laptop compartment, and a variety of thoughtfully placed storage compartments that maximize the space.
- After carrying the ISM Classic Backpack for a full week of commuting from NJ to NYC for work, I can say it's the most convenient commuter bag I've tried. It's the ideal balance of form and function for any type of professional.
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Between grade school and college, I've carried a backpack on a regular basis for the majority of my life without a hitch. It wasn't until I became a working professional with a relatively long commute when I realized that none of the backpacks I owned met my expectations anymore.
As a commuter, I wanted something that was durable and compact, yet high-end enough to look like it belonged in an office — not on the back of a student or a hiker. Unfortunately, most backpacks fall into two categories: rugged outdoorsy or strictly aesthetics-driven luxury.
Because of that, I struggled to find a professional-looking bag that was truly ideal for commuting and comfortably carrying daily essentials. And then I met the ISM Classic Backpack.
Founded in San Francisco by Justin Kwong, ISM came about after he experienced the same issues I did. After a lengthy creation process that included 82 digital designs and 15 prototypes, the ISM Classic Backpack launched in its current form.
Designed to neatly and safely carry all of your necessary tech items and other daily basics, the ISM Classic Backpack features 17.2 liters of storage capacity. The main compartment includes three useful storage pockets for keeping your belongings organized, and there's a separate zippered compartment for carrying a laptop on the back, which means you don't have to struggle to get other items out of the way before you can to get to your computer. The backpack also has a zippered compartment for small items is on the front.
Unlike most luxury bags, the ISM Classic features a fully padded back and shoulder straps for comfort. Made from premium full-grain leather and water-resistant nylon, the ISM Classic a true blend of luxury and durability — and on top of that, it's completely unisex.
On paper, the ISM Classic Backpack sounded like an incredible concept, so the brand sent one over to allow us to put it to the test in the real world. After carrying it for a full work week, I can say that it's the most convenient bag I've used on my commutes to and from New Jersey and New York.
Initially, I thought the bag was a bit small, but the thoughtfully placed compartments make great use of the space. On a daily basis, I usually carry a 13-inch MacBook, an external battery, an iPhone cable, Beats headphones, a compact Patagonia Micropuff Jacket, a book, a bottle of water, and maybe a small umbrella if it's raining. I was able to fit everything I needed in the backpack. The only time I ran into storage issues was when I randomly acquired a stainless steel pot at work to test out for another review, which isn't an everyday occurrence for the average person.
My favorite feature is the separate laptop compartment. Just about any backpack you can buy today features a laptop sleeve, but many of them are an afterthought simply included to say it's there. Most of the time they can be hard to access without taking the contents of the bag out. When I'm commuting to or from the city on the bus, I usually occupy myself by reading a book or using my computer. With the ISM Classic Backpack, everything I need is easily accessible compared to having to rummage through whatever else might be in my bag.
Another small but notable detail that I really appreciate is the charger port. There have been plenty of instances where I need to charge my phone, but don't want to take my external battery out of my bag. To get around this, I've had to leave my backpacks partly open, which isn't ideal. With the ISM Classic Backpack, I can keep my bag closed and neatly run my iPhone cable through here.
Priced at $215 for the black zipper detailing and $225 for the gold zipper option, the ISM Classic Backpack is a great value. Yes, it's more than the average camping backpack, but it's far less than high-end designer bags. I've only come across one other backpack that does a good job of fusing durability with luxury, the Stuart & Lau Capstone Backpack, but it's $120 more.
If you're looking for a quality backpack that can handle your daily grind, whether it's in the office, a café, or at home, the ISM Classic Backpack is it.
ISM Classic Backpack, $215-$225
Amir Ismael
Editor, Insider Reviews
Amir Ismael is an editor for Insider Reviews, Insider's e-commerce branch of the service journalism team. As a collector of sneakers and fashion, Amir is passionate about all things related to style. He's covered everything including the industry's shift to producing more sustainable clothing, the most comfortable loungewear, all of the best places to shop for affordable business casual attire, and more. He's used his expertise in footwear and the footwear industry to review all kinds of shoes from sportswear giants, well-known casual brands, and startups. Amir's coverage also includes eyewear, watches, and grooming products like electric razors and men's skincare. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Amir has led Insider Reviews' face masks coverage with thoughtful recommendations based on CDC guidelines, expert opinions, and his own testing. During his time at Insider, Amir previously handled deals of the day coverage, and worked as a generalist writing hundreds of reviews ranging from phone cases and headphones to bed sheets and blenders, and has also covered major shopping holidays including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Before joining the Insider Reviews team in 2017, worked as a freelance writer for Complex Sneakers and Sole Collector where he contributed to daily sneaker news and release dates, feature-length articles, and interviews with artists, designers, and athletes. Amir graduated from William Paterson University in 2015 with a degree in journalism and public relations. Say hello to Amir at aismael@insider.com or on Instagram @amirjismael. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we test style and beauty products. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnmai6bq%2FLmqqsoZNir6KvyqmYnKNdp7K3tcSwZGtoYW16eg%3D%3D