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

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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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