April showers bring May flowers. What do May flowers bring? The Cool Laptop Backpack from Hadaki, that's what. The folks over at Rainbrooke kindly sent over the backpack-style laptop bag, and I am in love. How could I not be - it's called "Paradise Aqua". Its bright aqua and hot pink floral pattern has hints of citrus colors and is a divine addition to my spring wardrobe.
From the pink topstitching to the little feet for it to rest on, the Cool Backpack's details had me at "hello". However, as a *totally* scientific laptop bag reviewer, I put the bag through rigorous testing:
The outside of the bag features two netted side-pockets. One fit my water bottle and the other, a compact umbrella (for any unexpected meteorological conditions). The front of the pack features a deep zippered pocket with a pretty zipper pull. I've slipped in a makeup bag for easy access. My cherry blossom gloss is a must-wear with this backpack!
The Cool Backpack boasts two roomy, top-zippered sections. Each is lined with hot pink, water-repellant fabric. As my tests confirmed, contents are easy seen contrasted against this hot pink lining. Furthermore, hot pink stimulates the pleasure centres of my brain.
The front section has pockets for my iPhone, earbuds, pens. There's also a key ring so I don't have to rummage around like an idiot at my front door. Of note: there's no interior zippered pocket, which is where I would want to put my wallet. Instead, I'll just stow it in the bottom of the section. There's plenty of room for leftover Easter candy and a romance novel a healthy snack and a book, too.
The back section of the Cool Backpack houses the padded area for my laptop. My MacBook Pro slides right in and is secured with a strap and buckle. The backpack should fit most laptops up to 15.4", and my 11" MacBook Air stows away nicely, too. This zippered section is very roomy and easily fits my cords, power adapter as well as notebooks and documents. The Cool Backpack maximizes its use of space so the pack remains very streamlined.
As part of my research, I performed an impromptu test: ten minutes ago I spilled half my coffee on the pack. The Cool Backpack's coated fabric repelled most of the coffee, and the residue easily wiped clean.
In terms of comfort, the padded back and adjustable straps are extremely comfortable, and they are backed with a breathable mesh to get me through a hot summer.
Here's some more science: HADAKI products are AZO free. They don't use Phthalates/DEHP, DBP, or BOP. I'm wondering if their eco-friendliness is why the bag doesn't have an odour. Even right out of the packaging, there wasn't any plasticky smell. Instead, I was only overwhelmed by how adorable this backpack is. (I took lots of pictures. You can see them all here.)
This backpack is my must-wear spring and summer accessory.
The Cool Backpack from Hadaki is available for $70 USD from Rainbrooke in six(!) different patterns and color palettes (including some adorable pink patterns, Rainebrooke's signature colour), each bright and fresh. I may have to "test" another one... or two...