High Sierra Access 3.0 Eco Backpack
The perfect carry-on backpack with plenty of space
Preparing for my recent trip to Italy I was in two minds whether to take my current backpack, a Slavenger bought in Singapore used many times or go for something slightly bigger. The Slazenger is still going strong. It’s good quality and has plenty of compartments and pockets, including room for a laptop, tablet and smartphone(s). Because I was travelling in the middle of winter and carrying heavier clothes I thought I should go for something with extra space so I decided to look for a bigger backpack.
As I am doing more shopping online I checked a few luggage places and Amazon to compare prices and delivery. I found Myer (the Australian retailer) with their 40% sales to be close enough to the cheapest price. Only issue was I had to spend $99 to get free delivery. I was going to sort that out by purchasing another luggage item but in the end I went for two more bags both at 40% discount. I ordered another backpack, a Samsonite Xenon 3.0 for my son to use on his trips to university, and a Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Briefcase, a 13 inch laptop bag for my 13 inch MacBook Air.
The High Sierra backpack took a little longer to arrive as it came straight from China. I ordered a black one and as soon as my daughter saw it she wanted one. She actually wanted a khaki version. The Access 3.0 comes in three colours: black, blue and khaki (green). To get a khaki coloured backpack she would have to order one, and wait. As chance would have it we were at Myer Tea Tree Plaza (in Adelaide) a few days later and lucky enough they had the blue version. So I purchased it and gave the black one to my daughter.
Ever since she’s been very happy with hers. She said it helps organise and separate her stuff and it’s comfortable to wear; sitting flat on her back. She uses it for work and university, good for a change of clothes, her laptop and Wacom tablet.
The Access 3.0 has plenty of compartments with room for spare clothes, laptop, tablet, smartphone(s) and documents, etc. The backpack has a secret pocket behind the smart sleeve perfect for hiding money and wallet. A pocket sealed by velcro on the outside bottom of the backpack contains a bonus rain cover that when rolled up also acts as a cushion for the compartment above. The laptop/tablet compartments are well padded. I carried my MacBook Air 13” laptop and an iPad Air, but there is room for larger laptops and tablets.
I purchased the Access 3.0 for travel as a carry-on. It has been in the overhead bin on several long haul flights, the overhead racks on trains and slipped onto the handle of my roller case thanks to the smart sleeve. Even loaded to the max the backpack sits well on my back. For easier packing I used packing cubes to organise and separate clothes. The backpack has plenty of room for a spare set of clothes and more so it is perfect as a carry-on.
The zips are large and run smoothly. The biggest compartment bends the zipper chain in its corners; the two sliders here get stuck on the bends and require a little prompting to run smoothly, but besides this they operate well.
Overall the Access 3.0 Eco backpack is worth its money especially if you get it on sale at Myer or on one of the online retailers. Hopefully the recycled material and stitching will last my future travels. The backpack comes with a lifetime guarantee.
All photos © High Sierra
