Nayo Smart Urban U5 Backpack [Review]

The Nayo Smart Urban U5 laptop backpack completely caught us off guard when we first got our hands on it.

At first glance, it looks like a standard bucket-style backpack with a lid, until you spot the zipper running through the middle that opens up an entire world of packing possibilities. Combine this clever feature with water-resistant fabric and useful compartments, and you’ve got a backpack that stands out from others in its class.

In this backpack review, we take a closer look at the Urban U5 to break down what makes this backpack special and where it might fall short.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• “Y Opening” flap and zipper design makes accessing main compartment fast and easy

• Great tech compartment with protective laptop and tablet sleeves

• Flap opening can be expanded for more packing room when needed

What we don’t like

• Front zipper can be hard to zip close when overpacked

• No option to add a chest strap

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” (H) x 14” (W) x 6” (D)

• Weight: 2.2 lbs

• Capacity: 20L

• Materials: Nylon

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 12.9”

Where to buy

Use our code backpackies10 for 10% off purchase

Similar Backpacks

Nayo Smart Urban U5 backpack - Model Height 5’6” (167cm)

Size and ComFort

When it comes to size and fit, the Nayo Smart Urban U5 is not a compact bag. It measures 18 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 6 inches deep (45 x 35 x 16 cm), which gives it more of a unisex fit. If you're looking for a smaller backpack for a petite frame, this might feel a bit large.

Nayo Smart Urban U5 backpack - Comfortable shoulder straps but no chest strap

The back panel is pretty straightforward. It features a simple padded foam panel for comfort and a trolley sleeve so you can attach it to rolling luggage on travel days. The shoulder straps, however, are nicely cushioned and offer solid support. One thing the U5 does very well is that the straps don’t dig into your shoulders, even when the bag gets heavy, which makes a big difference during long days of wear.

The one thing missing is a chest strap. While leaving it out helps maintain a cleaner look, we would have liked the option to add one for extra stability.

Exterior Pockets

The exterior organization is where things start to get impressive. The front features two quick-access zip pockets that are perfect for items like sunglasses and other small essentials you need to grab quickly.

Nayo Smart Urban U5 - Front pockets are perfect for small items like sunglasses

Two side pockets accommodate items like umbrellas or water bottles. Just keep in mind that these don't stretch out too much and are best for slimmer bottles. The largest bottle we could fit into these pockets was a 24oz Hydroflask (710ml bottle).

Nayo Smart Urban U5 - Side pockets can fit 24oz water bottle

The real standout feature is the anti-theft security pocket that stays tucked away while you're wearing the backpack. This back pocket is larger than you'd expect, with enough room for both a passport and a phone with some room to spare. A security pocket might seem like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference for keeping valuables safe, especially on public transit or during travel days when pickpocketing is a concern.

Nayo Smart Urban U5 - back panel security pocket

Laptop Compartment

The laptop compartment is easily one of the best features of the Urban U5. Not only does it include a padded 16" laptop sleeve, but it also includes a separate padded 12.9" tablet sleeve and two additional slip pockets for chargers and tech accessories.

The padding quality is genuinely solid throughout. While there's only a slight elevated bottom for the laptop sleeve, there's enough cushioning to make your laptop feel truly protected, especially when placing the backpack on the ground.

Nayo Smart Urban U5 - rear laptop compartment

Nayo Smart really delivered here, and if you carry multiple tech devices daily, this rear compartment alone makes the U5 worth considering. The thoughtful organization and quick access to your tech without disturbing the rest of your packing allows you to have a mobile tech station that will come in handy at school, work, or during travel.

Main Compartment

The Y-shaped lid and zipper design is what makes the Urban U5 truly special. This innovative opening system gives you multiple access options: top access like a bucket bag, front access using just the zipper similar to a duffel bag, and lastly, full access to the inside using both the lid and zipper.

Nayo Smart Urban U5 - main compartment fully open for easy access to packing

Additionally, this main compartment is expandable by loosening the side straps. This will give you some more vertical space on days when you need to stash away extra items.

Nayo Smart Urban U5 - use the lid straps to compress or expand the main compartment

The main compartment offers approximately 20 liters of packing space and handles bulkier items well, including lunchboxes, camera cubes, shoes, and changes of clothes. For students, it accommodates a fair amount of large notebooks and binders without issue. If using the Urban U5 as a travel backpack, we found that the main compartment can fit 2-3 changes of clothes.

Nayo Smart Urban U5 - main compartment organization

There is also some additional organization inside the main compartment: two discreet zipper pockets offer easy access to small everyday items. Plus, Nayo Smart gives you another padded sleeve in the back that could technically be used as a dual laptop backpack, as it can fit up to a 14-inch laptop—making this bag able to carry up to 3 devices total. Yet, most of us will just use this as a divider for other items.

Water Resistance & Stain Resistance

Nayo Smart says that they use a fabric that is not only water-resistant but also oil-repellent, anti-static, and stain-resistant. Our testing found that the lid design provides great protection against rain, splashes, and moisture. Combined with the water-resistant fabric, this bag does a great job of keeping the inside dry during wet conditions.

Nayo Smart Urban U5 - water resistant fabric in action

Since this is such a light-colored backpack, we wanted to put the stain resistance claims to the test. We tested the white fabric against everyday surfaces including concrete, dirty floors, grass, and dirt. The results were mixed.

The bottom picked up several stains, with a grass stain being the most stubborn. It didn't come off with just a damp paper towel and required a fabric detergent pen to remove completely. However, it did come off with proper treatment.

Dirt marks on the top of the lid came off easily with just a damp towel, showing the fabric does have some stain-resistant properties.

While "stain-resistant" might be overpromising, the fabric is surprisingly easy to clean for such a light-colored backpack. If you're concerned about stubborn stains, the black colorway of the Nayo Smart Urban U5 will offer more peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Use our code backpackies10 for 10% off your next Nayo Smart purchase

Nayo Smart is an emerging bag company that has so far really impressed us with its thoughtful and innovative backpack designs. The Urban U5 is one of their standout options, especially for anyone looking for a unique laptop backpack that works well for commuting, school, or travel. The Y-access design feels both useful and innovative, making grabbing items very quick and easy, regardless of how you've packed the bag.

Nayo Smart clearly invested in quality where it matters most. The laptop compartment is very well-designed and offers great protection. And the pockets are also well-thought out, with our favorite being the anti-theft security pocket.

However, there are some considerations. The lack of a chest strap can be a con for those who need that extra support, and the stain-resistant fabric claims are somewhat overstated, particularly for the white fabric version.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the U5 offers a unique combination of innovative design, practical organization, and quality construction that sets it apart from most other backpacks. For users who appreciate thoughtful design details in a laptop backpack, the Nayo Smart Urban U5 delivers on its promises.

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Mammut Seon Transporter 25L [Review]

When we first laid eyes on the Mammut Seon Transporter 25 backpack, we were immediately drawn to its sleek, professional design. Mammut is known for their high-quality technical clothing for climbing and hiking, so we were curious to see if their backpacks held up to the same standard. After testing this backpack for three months as an after-work tennis bag on weekdays, we can confidently say it lives up to its promise of being a 2-in-1 backpack for work and play.

Here's an in-depth Mammut Seon Transport 25 review, where we’ll be going over the pros and cons of this versatile backpack.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Sleek, high quality design that blends-in well with work settings.

• Made of water resistant materials

• Very protective pockets for tech; laptop, tablet and phone

What we don’t like

• No side pockets! Water bottles will have to be stored inside the bag.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 6.25” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Materials: 100% Polyamide, water-repellent zippers

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 17.3”

• Tablet Sleeve: Up to 11”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 Backpack - model height 5’6”

Size and Comfort

Mammut's design focus on a sleek and compact shape is clear in the Seon Transporter 25. Its briefcase-like shape ensures it doesn’t stick out much from your back when worn, providing a sleek, professional look. The size is also compact enough to use as a personal item backpack on flights.

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 exterior measurements: 18” H x 12” W x 6.25” D (45.7 x 30.5 x 15.9 cm)

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - Foam padded back panel and shoulder straps

The back panel scores a 10/10 in terms of comfort. It’s made with two padded sections that feel like memory foam pillows against your back. Even when the Seon Transporter was packed to capacity, the back panel still felt soft and supportive. The shoulder straps are made from the same foam as the back panel and are ergonomically shaped for comfort. They work well until the bag gets heavy, at which point the shoulder straps start to feel a lot more firm than they should - a far cry from the soft, pillowy back panel.

It’s worth pointing out the lack of a chest strap or waist belt for additional weight management. For everyday use and light to moderate loads, the lack of chest and waist straps wasn’t a deal breaker during our testing. We believe the Seon Transporter 25 is compact enough where they aren’t needed.

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - Use the side handle to carry it like a briefcase

Another great features is the side handle that allows you to carry the backpack like a briefcase! Although the shoulder straps do not tuck away like a convertible backpack, they do include elastic bands so that you can avoid dangling straps.

Rear "Work" Laptop Compartment

Mammut Soen Transporter 25 - The WORK compartment has both a padded laptop and tablet sleeve

The rear laptop compartment of the Seon Transporter 25, called the "WORK" compartment by Mammut, is designed with a professional work day in mind. Inside this compartment you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve, padded 11-inch tablet sleeve and a flat pocket for a notebook or documents.

Mammut says that this laptop sleeve can fit up to a 17.3-inch laptop, but we recommend double-checking the sleeve dimensions below to ensure your laptop will fit comfortably.

• Laptop sleeve dimensions: 17.1” x 10.8” (43.5 x 27.5 cm)

During our use, we found the tech protection in this compartment impressive. Both the laptop and tablet sleeves have generous false bottoms, giving you about two inches of protection between the bottom of the sleeves and the bottom of the bag. This gave us peace of mind whenever the bag was placed a little too hard on the ground during our use.

Main "Climb" Compartment and Packing Test

The main packing compartment, known as the "CLIMB" compartment, opens like a suitcase. For shorter trips, the packing space was perfect for 2-3 changes of clothes plus toiletries.

There are mesh pockets inside this compartment, perfect for toiletries or small workout accessories. The shoe pocket, surprisingly, does fit running and workout shoes. Our tests showed that women's size 8 running shoes fit inside the pocket just fine, and men's size 12 workout shoes also fit, though it was a tight squeeze. However, just like with most backpacks with shoe compartments, you're left with minimal space for packing when shoes are in this pocket.

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - CLIMB compartment packed for a workout session.

With shoes in the pocket, we could fit a pair of lightweight pants and a t-shirt in the leftover space on top. Toiletries and smaller workout accessories found their place in the mesh pockets.

The shoe pocket can also double as a spot to store dirty laundry, which came in handy when we traveled and wanted to keep our soiled clothes separated from clean items.

Valuables Compartment

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - Inside the valuables compartment with attached key leash

Sandwiched between the Work and Climb compartments is a smaller valuables compartment. This section features a water-repellent zipper and comes with a built-in lock for added security. Inside, there's a padded pocket for a phone and another pocket that we found perfect for stashing sunglasses.

There's also a larger mesh pocket for smaller loose items, complete with a key clip. This compartment became our go-to for storing our phone, keys, and other small valuables. The built-in lock added peace of mind, especially during our travels.

Exterior Features

In order to keep its sleek look, Mammut only added a few extra features to the exterior of the bag.

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - The large front pocket can store a lightweight jacket

Front Pocket: The only exterior pocket on the Seon Transporter 25 is a large flat zippered pocket on the front of the bag. This pocket spans most of the front panel and also features a water-repellent zipper. However, it's not gusseted, so bulky items like large headphones or pouches can cause the pocket to bulge, detracting from the bag's sleek look. We mostly used this front pocket for storing a lightweight jacket, which we found convenient for quick access.

Mammot Seon Transporter 25 - Built-in trolley sleeve can be attached to travel luggage

Trolley Sleeve: Between the back panel padding, you’ll find a trolley sleeve that allows you to securely attach the backpack to the handle of your rolling luggage.

Water Bottle Storage: One big con about the Seon Transporter 25 is the lack of side pockets for water bottles. This means that a water bottle will have to stored in the main Climb compartment with your clothes and shoes, which isn't the most practical design. For a backpack that was designed for sports and activities, it was an odd choice not to include one!

Water Resistance TEST

Mammut Seon Transporter 25 - The bag has water repellent zippers and fabric but uses a regular fabric zipper for CLIMB compartment

Our water-resistance test found that the coated polyamide fabric exterior did a great job at creating a waterproof barrier, and wiping away water with a towel to dry the bag was a breeze. The water-repellent zippers also helped keep water out in light to moderate rain conditions. However, one big critique is the main CLIMB compartment uses a regular fabric zipper, which is a missed opportunity. Since the CLIMB zipper also reaches the bottom of the bag, it created an unfortunate situation where moisture can get in through this zipper if placed on wet ground. As a result of this design, leaks were more prone to happen inside the CLIMB compartment.

Even with the extra protection of the water-repellent zippers in the WORK and valuables compartment, it’s important to note that this isn’t a fully waterproof backpack. We wouldn’t feel confident around prolonged periods in heavy rain or significant splashes, as moisture could still seep through the stitching. But if you are looking for a backpack that will stay dry in a light rain commute, the Seon Transporter 25 will get the job done with ease.

Final Thoughts

The Mammut Seon Transporter 25 is an attractive backpack that makes the perfect work to gym bag for those who want a sleek pack that won’t look out of place in an office setting. Its sleek design, high-quality materials, and thoughtful compartments also makes it a great travel bag option. Despite a few drawbacks, such as the lack of water bottle pockets, the overall design of this backpack is impressive.

If you are still searching for a backpack that can be used for both work and play? Check out our Best Backpacks for Gym and Work buying guide for more options.

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Sherpani Soleil Anti-Theft [Review]

This Sherpani Soleil review was put together after 2 months of testing, and after extensive use, we can’t help but name it the most impressive small backpack of its size. At only 14-liters, it is the perfect compact backpack for daily carry of essentials. The convertible design allows you to choose between different looks; backpack, tote bag, and crossbody bag. But the real magic begins when you delve into its anti-theft features. Here is where the Soleil really shines as the perfect travel companion at busy airports and crowded sightseeing destination.

Let’s delve in!

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Great anti-theft features makes it the perfect travel daypack or airplane personal item

• Easy to convert to a tote bag or crossbody bag

• Protective padded laptop sleeve

• Lots of pockets to keep things organized

What we don’t like

• The bag tilts forward when worn as a backpack

• Poor water resistant protection because of gaps in top zipper (see photos below)

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 15” (H) x 11” (W) x 4.5” (D)

• Weight: 1 lb 10 oz

• Capacity: 14L

• Materials: Recycled Mélange, Ballistic Nylon

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Model Height 5’6” (167cm)

Convertible Design and Bag Fit

The small footprint of the Sherpani Soleil makes it an ideal personal item backpack for flights. With dimensions of 15” (H) x 11” (W) x 4.5” (D), it is small enough to fit underneath most airplane seats. Its compact size also makes it an ideal backpack for petite women or anyone who finds most backpacks too bulky. 

Sherpani Soleil convertible backpack - crossbody bag and tote bag mode

The Sherpani Soleil is a convertible backpack that can be worn in three ways; backpack, tote bag and crossbody bag. Switching between modes takes seconds thanks to the clips on the shoulder straps. Simply tuck the shoulder straps away into the back panel and you are ready to go! To switch to crossbody bag mode, Sherpani includes a single long shoulder strap that can be clipped to the top of the Soleil for an easy switch. 

As for backpack comfort, the shoulder straps on the Soleil are very comfortable. These shoulder straps are made with a dense foam that do a great job under weight. Unlike other thinner shoulder straps, you won’t have to worry about these cutting into your shoulders.

Shoulder straps on the Sherpani Soleil backpack

The area where the Soleil could improve is with its back panel. When worn as a backpack, the Soleil wants to tilt forward, creating an awkward angle on your back. This doesn’t make the backpack uncomfortable until the bag gets heavy, in which case you will have a pressure point on your lower back. Despite multiple adjustments of shoulder strap length, we could not get the Soleil to not tilt forward when worn as a backpack.

Construction & Water Resistance

The Sherpani Soleil is a well-made pack that feels as good as it looks. In addition to its ballistic nylon exterior, Sherpani also adorns the bag with vegan leather trim for an upscale look. The zippers are also as smooth as butter and have never snagged during use.

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Gaps in top zipper

Our main concern is the overall water-resistance of the Sherpani Soleil. Although it is made with water-resistant fabric, the design of the top zipper undermines any meaningful protection. Two noticeable gaps on either side of the zipper allow rain to easily penetrate the main compartment during a storm. Unfortunately, if you are looking for a waterproof backpack, you might want to explore other options.

Pockets and Compartments

Sherpani offers an impressive array of pockets on the Soleil AT, and the great organization is one of our favorite design elements about this bag.

On the outside of the bag, you have two side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella. These side pockets are large enough to accommodate larger 32oz and 40oz water bottles, although they are a tight fit and dig into the main compartment. We found ourselves sticking to slimmer 20oz and 24oz bottles for easier access.

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Exterior pockets

Three front pockets give you easy access to smaller items. However, one small gripe is that these pockets all share space with each other, meaning that if the top and bottom zipper pockets are full, the middle slip pocket becomes unusable. This is just something to keep in mind.

On the inside of the main compartment, there are even more pockets for organization. Here you will find an organization panel for small items like pens, keys, and a phone. Sherpani even adds an additional slip pocket for a water bottle or umbrella inside the main compartment as a bonus.

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Interior organizer pockets and side water bottle pocket

The other side of the main compartment is where you’ll find the 15-inch laptop sleeve. Honestly, Sherpani has done a great job here. This sleeve is generously padded with great protection all around. We were glad to see that Sherpani took the time to design a protective laptop sleeve!

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Internal 15-inch laptop sleeve

Overall, these pockets offer a good mix of usefull pockets for both everyday carry and travel. As you’ll see later in this review, the ability to lock the zippers and compartments make them great safe spots for items like passports and wallets while still having easy access.

What Fits Inside the Sherpani Soleil?

The inside of the main compartment is filled with lots of pockets for everything from a laptop to sunglasses. Although 13-liters is a great size for daily essentials, we found was that once these inside pockets were packed it didn’t leave much open packing space for other items. Below are some examples of what we were able to pack inside.

Travel PackING

• iPad (inside laptop sleeve)

• Tech Pouch 

• Baseball Cap

• 24oz Water Bottle

• Compressible Travel Jacket

School or Work Packing

• Folder

• Large 3-Subject Notebook

• Composition Notebook

• 1-inch Binder

• Laptop (inside laptop sleeve)

From our testing, it’s easy to see that the Sherpani Soleil is great for essentials only! Think of just a few notebooks and folders for work or school or in-flight travel must-haves like a tablet and compressible jacket. Larger items such as a lunch box or fleece jackets took up almost all of the inside space, leaving little room for much else. If you need more space than we definitely recommend looking at Sherpani’s other larger backpack options.

Anti-Theft Features Explained

If you haven’t already noticed, the “AT” in Sherpani Soleil AT stands for anti-theft. And wow, is this backpack packed with some great safety features!

The most notable are the lockable zippers. There is a small red clip next to the main compartment zipper that allows you to lock the zipper shut to prevent theft. The front zippered pockets are also lockable; you can secure the zipper pull by passing it through a small loop, offering a simple way to outsmart pickpockets.

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - main compartment zipper locking clip

Other great features include RFID-block fabric on the front panel of the bag to prevent digital identity theft, slash-proof fabric on the bottom of the bag and a stainless steel wire and loop that allows you to lock the bag to a table or chair leg in public spaces. Talk about innovative!

Sherpani Soleil Backpack - Included ReturnMe lost and found tag

Our favorite anti-theft feature has to be the ReturnMe lost and found tag. This little tag has information on it to allow a good samaritan to report a found bag from anywhere in the world, and ReturnMe will then contact you for a safe return. This ReturnMe service is free and comes with every Sherpani Soleil purchase.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we are very impressed by what the Sherpani Soleil has to offer. This is easily one of the most feature-packed bags we have ever reviewed. Not only is it convertible, but the anti-theft features alone are enough to make it one of our favorite small backpacks for travel. 

The biggest con is the lack of reliable water resistance. Unfortunately, the gaps in the main compartment zipper leaves the inside of the bag vulnerable to moisture if you were ever to be caught out in the rain. Aside from this design quirk, we found the overall quality of the bag to be excellent and do recommend the Soleil to anyone who wants a stylish yet practical bag that feels as good as it looks. 

If you are still searching for a small backpack with good water resistance, we recommend checking out our reviews for the Patagonia Atom Tote or the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag. Other great hybrid tote bag/backpack options can be found in our backpacks like Fjallraven buying guide.

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