Lo and Sons Melrose Rucksack Backpack Review - This Detachable Crossbody Bag is A Gamechanger

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I'm a huge fan of Lo & Sons bags, so you can imagine my excitement when they dropped their new Melrose Rucksack just in time for my trip to Japan. Just when I thought their bags couldn't get any better, they went and did it...again. I'm completely obsessed, especially with feature #4. This bag is officially my new travel BFF, and here's why:

1. Shoe Pocket

First up, let's talk about the shoe pocket. Lo & Sons calls it a shoe pocket, but I call it the camera pocket. This super easy-to-access compartment is perfect for stashing your shoes, a toiletry kit, or anything else you want to grab in a flash. I'm used to seeing this kind of genius in weekend totes, so having it in a backpack is so refreshing.

Taking a camera out of a backpack

2. Suitcase Handle Sleeve

Next, the suitcase handle sleeve is a lifesaver. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or just fly once a year, this feature saves your back from unnecessary strain. Honestly, a backpack without a pass-through sleeve is a deal-breaker for me. This one slides right onto my carry-on for the most fuss-free travel ever.

Backpack on top of a suitcase
Sitting on a train in Japan

3. Plenty of Pockets

You know I love organization, and this bag delivers with plenty of pockets. It's packed with multiple pockets (including mesh ones) both inside and out, keeping everything in its place. The two exterior pockets are perfect for a water bottle or a foldable umbrella. Sometimes, I even toss my mini selfie stick in there.

Melrose Rucksack bottom pocket
Backpack with exterior pockets

4. Detachable Crossbody Bag

Okay, this feature is pure genius, especially for frequent travelers like me. The detachable crossbody bag means I can bring an extra bag without having to cram a small purse into my personal item. It's like getting two bags in one. I totally took advantage of this in Japan—it was so easy to unzip the top portion of the backpack and clip on a strap (the strap comes with the bag) to turn it into a cute little crossbody. Seriously, this is a gamechanger.

Woman walking with travel luggage
unzipping-the-melrose-rucksack
Removing a bag from a backpack

5. Removable Insert

The removable insert offers fantastic flexibility. If you ever want one big compartment, you can simply take it out. But I personally love having the insert in place because it keeps all my essentials perfectly organized.

Melrose Rucksack Removable Insert

 6. Dedicated Padded Laptop Sleeve

And for all you tech-savvy travelers, there's a dedicated padded laptop sleeve that fits a 13-inch MacBook Pro. This ensures your precious electronics are always securely stored.

Melrose Rucksack Laptop Sleeve
Melrose Rucksack Water Bottle Sleeve

7. Luxury Materials

Finally, this isn't just any ordinary backpack. The luxury materials and thoughtful details truly make the Melrose Rucksack stand out. It looks good whether you're heading to the office or off on an adventure. Every single piece is meticulously designed, from the fine-weave, water-resistant nylon exterior to the premium custom hardware featuring their signature hummingbird icon, and the luxurious signature jacquard lining.

Melrose Rucksack Luxury Interior Lining

Final Thoughts

The Melrose Rucksack is truly a sophisticated travel laptop backpack, perfect for both business and leisure. Lo and Sons always has the smartest design details and they really know how to elevate a backpack.

What's your go-to feature in a travel bag?

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Melrose Rucksack Detachable Crossbody Purse
Lo and Sons Melrose Rucksack
Melrose Rucksack Backpack in Black