The Akiko Laptop Bag for Men - Another Hit from Mamtak

Mamtak Bags already holds a special place in my heart with their lovely Aya laptop bag. Well they've done it again - this time with a bag for the gents. Behold, the Akiko Laptop Bag for Men.

Like the Aya, the Akiko bag's style immediately conjures thoughts of Amsterdam. The bag's familiar pannier shape references cycling in the Netherlands: delightful jaunts past tulips, windmills and those special Dutch cafés where you can get more than just a coffee.

Even with its roots in Amsterdam, the Akiko's style and edge easily fit into any North American metropolis, well, any metropolis really: Vancouver, New York, Tokyo, Paris, or Berlin. (Hmm, maybe I should test the bag on a world tour? That's reasonable, right?). It has a sophisticated yet casual look, something that I would expect from a unisex bag; however the design remains unexpected and simply modern.

The Akiko's pannier shape means it holds my laptop vertically. It's also tapered, wider at the bottom than the top, letting me carry a lot while it remains rather slim overall. There are two options for carrying the Akiko: you can use the sturdy, well padded hand grips or the generous detachable shoulder strap.

Akiko is Japanese: aki, "sparkle" and ko, "bright". The review bag I received is the Blue Zodiac version. Its exterior is a rich, bright blue tone. And while the bag may not sparkle, the water-resistant canvas does have a nice sheen, giving it a cool waxy appearance. The interior lining keeps it simple with a subtle charcoal and black pattern. The Akiko also comes in Umber and Ochre - both with the same cool sheen.

Under the Akiko's top flap, there is a zippered main compartment for my laptop and other storage. My MacBook Pro (15.4") slid into the interior sleeve and is secured with a velcro strap. There is definitely room for a thicker PC. The other section of the main compartment has a pocket that fit my cords and AC adapter, and there's plenty of room, too, for books and documents.

The front of the bag has an exterior pocket, which has a covering flap secured with snaps. Now, this part's brilliant: The front pocket snaps are on little loops so I can EASILY snap them! When I first saw the loops, I thought, sure, they look cool, but then I put my shiz in the front pocket and tried to snap it. It was then I realized what those little loops do: using the loop, you can snap the pocket shut between your finger and thumb. Smart!

The back of the Akiko features a slim zippered pocket, designed specifically for personal items: my wallet, keys, and Eurorail pass.

From the adjustable shoulder strap - with swivel hooks! - to the magnetic clasps and sturdy zippers, the metal hardware is simple, handsome, and high quality. After using the Akiko, you really can't help but admire Mamtak's attention to detail. A lot of thought has gone into this bag's function. The folks at Mamtak describe their bags as beautifully designed, but emphasize they're also made for "intensive daily use". From what I've seen, their products hold up to their promise, and demonstrate that style need not be sacrificed for function.

The Akiko Laptop Bag is available from the Mamtak Online Store for 89.85 Euros or around 120 USD. For more news and their latest designs, find Mamtak on Facebook or Twitter.

And ladies, lest you think this bag isn't for you, fret not. Even if it doesn't suit your personal style, take a gander at the model they used in their recent photoshoot.

Photo Credit: Mamtak Bags - from their Facebook Page