Pelican U100 Black Elite Storage Backpack for Laptop (OU1000-0003-110)

A buddy of mine just purchased this backpack with built-in Pelican case. He rides a motorcycle and wanted to protect his nice new Apple Retina, even if he took a tumble. This Pelican ProGear is up to the task I have no doubt that the computer would be safe even if the worst happened! It is set up with laptop protection in mind first and foremost, and has a very functional backpack design that meets airline carry-on specifications. The computer compartment is separate from the rest of the backpack, making it convenient to open just the computer compartment to retrieve the laptop for airline security (no difficulties in pushing it back in afterward, as I have had to do many times while traveling on business and doing my best to not check a bag). It is ergonomical design translates to being comfortably worn, and the heavy duty straps adjust. The zippers are not cheapo and there are velcro tie downs that relieve the pressure on the zipper should the bag be over-stuffed. It also has compression straps to minimize its size and maximize its travelability. Plenty of room for a weekend or 3 day trip and room for the various power bricks, drives, etc. that you might want to bring, along with a tablet like an iPad (or a paper one) plus a few folders and/or Kindle, etc. You would carry your iPad or Kindle in a separate compartment from the laptop. The separate compartment is very well protected, but not with the iron fist of the built-in computer case (meaning that it wouldn't be protected from submersion in water or from a car running over it though the laptop would be safe!).

The bag is expensive and there is a trade-off for the "bullet proof" protection in that it is on the heavy side (about 8 lbs empty), but the quality is top notch (you get what you pay for). In my opinion, there is no other backpack out there that would even come close in terms of security. There is no built-in combination lock, but the latch is very secure.

A quick comment on Pelican cases they are the BEST. I asked my Navy SEAL friend (a REAL one) if he knew anything about them and he said that they use them to transport certain of their gear around the world in the toughest environments. They hold up to abuse of the baggage handling gorillas trip after trip. After this endorsement I bought one for myself and have used it to protect sensitive equipment transported via airlines, and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

The Pelican U100 Elite Storage Backpack is an extreme computer backpack for extreme conditions. This beast weighs 8.4 pounds empty, so it is obviously made to withstand almost anything. The Pelican laptop compartment is waterproof, crush proof, and has room for a decent size laptop (15.50″ long x 10.50″ width x 1.50″ deep). The cloth material is 1000 denier nylon, which is much thicker than most non-military grade backpacks. It's the best of both worlds, a Pelican case and a very durable backpack.

Who would need such a backpack? Anyone who puts their computer at risk. I take my laptop to and from work in a car with a lot of other equipment. My laptop is subject to being knocked around, short falls, or having other equipment tossed on top of it. This backpack would also be great for soldiers, frequent travelers, motorcycle riders, or anyone who takes their computer to inhospitable environments. This has got to be one of the most protective computer backpacks on earth.

I stumbled upon this backpack after writing on my website about a laptop sleeve I purchased to protect my MacBook Pro. This laptop sleeve would be sufficient for most people, but I wanted something offering extreme protection. I considered a standard Pelican case (briefcase style), but that would not have room for the other equipment I need to carry with me on a regular basis. Everything pointed to the Pelican U100 backpack.

The Pelican U100 backpack is a bit expensive at a retail price of $269.86. I checked Amazon and it was much cheaper around $185. This was more than I am used to paying for a computer backpack, but it would be cheaper than replacing a high-end laptop. I also feel this laptop is a good deal at the price on Amazon.

The plastic laptop compartment is padded, but the padding is thin and not the normal Pelican case padding. It is obvious this was needed to keep the dimensions of the compartment reasonably sized. Newer laptops, MacBooks, and "ultrabooks" are thin so Pelican included padded spacers. I have a MacBook Pro 13 and the two spacers for this model laptop may be sufficient, but I still may look at adding padding that is more substantial. I may take padding from another Pelican case and line the compartment with it.

In addition to the plastic laptop storage case, the backpack itself has three main storage compartments:

1. The front compartment is thin and has room for an iPad just behind the plastic protective face. There is also room for pens, notepads, or other smaller items. There is also a zippered pouch in this area.

2. The next compartment is slightly above the compartment above and takes up about 1/3 of the pack height. This compartment can expand to a decent depth, but it will take room from the third and largest compartment.

3. The last and largest compartment runs the length of the pack and can expand to hold a decent amount of gear (one or two days clothes).

*There is a somewhat hidden compartment on the back of the backpack that is accessed by moving the shoulder straps out of the way. This compartment is not meant to hold much and I could see it being used for documents that need to be kept flat. I would bet the only reason this pocket is there is for accessing the plastic laptop case in case of repair.

Though a bit expensive and somewhat heavy compared to normal computer packpacks, I highly recommend the Pelican U100 if you need (or want) serious protection for your laptop. Be sure to check your laptop dimensions to make sure there is enough room in the plastic case (15.50″ long x 10.50″ width x 1.50″ deep).

Buy Pelican U100 Black Elite Storage Backpack for Laptop (OU1000-0003-110) Now

I'm a world traveller and have "killed" many travel bags and backpacks flying around the world... finally a carryon backpack that protects my laptop, has plenty of room, and is well made. This is a good one with years of travel and many miles of service.

Read Best Reviews of Pelican U100 Black Elite Storage Backpack for Laptop (OU1000-0003-110) Here

Although stuffed to the brim it becomes a bit too large to fit under the airline seat in front of you while flying due to the hard case, the tradeoff is worth it to protect your expensive work laptop and / or tablet. Plenty of pockets and adjustable straps and an excellent grip-friendly handle make this a backpack that will fit your needs nicely.

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Received the case fast and in perfect shape from the seller. Have waited a bit to review (two months) as I wanted to use it before reviewing.

Black case with no frills (really like that as someone would glance at it and wouldn't think it held a computer or other expensive items)

There was a yellow tag saying built-in case which I promptly removed.

There is plenty of room to store computer peripherals (charger, small power strip, ipod, Nook tablet, etc.) plus some other business or school related stuff (calculator, pens, pencils)

I travel quite a bit and have found this to be almost essential for carrying a computer and the other items I mentioned above onto a plane.

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