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When I’m in search of new luggage, I always look for simple, stylish bags with tons of organizational features. When I first set eyes on Lo & Sons The Rowledge backpack, I was immediately in love. All the features I ever wanted in a stylish laptop backpack were within this bag.

I’ve been a fan of Lo & Sons’ bags and purses for years as they understand what women and travelers look for in travel bags. I also love that they take customers’ feedback seriously to improve their upcoming products.

The Rowledge backpack comes in two sizes and I went with the larger size so that I would have more space to pack my things when traveling. It qualifies as a personal item to fit underneath any airline seat.

Rowledge backpack sitting on the couch — Lo & Son’s The Rowledge Backpack

EXTERIOR FEATURES

Materials

The backpack is made with premium nylon that is water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your bag getting ruined if it’s raining outdoors or accidentally spill liquids on the bag. The front pocket and handles are made from a buttery, luxurious Nappa leather.

The interior features premium-quality jacquard in Lo & Sons’ signature hummingbird print. You can choose from a variety of colors and I chose the camel color.

Backpack sitting on couch — Made with premium nylon and Nappa leather

Showing the organization in the front pocket of the backpack — Loads of compartments for organization

Zippered, Expandable Side Pockets

The expandable side pockets are one of my favorite features of this bag because I always have water with me and need somewhere to store it while I’m traveling. I don’t like to store the water inside the bag for fear of leakage, so exterior side pockets to hold my water is the best solution.

The side pocket can fit a regular 16.9-ounce water bottle easily and to my surprise, it can fit a pretty large size water container inside the pocket as well.

I usually use the other side pocket for my selfie stick and this is when the zippers come in handy. I can secure it right against the bag instead of having it loosely sitting inside and risk of it possibly falling.

Backpack with water bottle in the side pocket — Zippered, expandable side pockets

Side pocket of backpack with water bottle — Side pockets can fit large water bottles

Dedicated Laptop Compartment

There is a dedicated padded laptop compartment in the back with water-resistant zippers. This compartment can easily fit a 13” laptop.

I also tried fitting my 15” MacBook Pro and it actually fits, but it’s very snug. As long as you don’t mind the corners of the laptop being right at the edge of the zippers, you can store your laptop in here.

Putting laptop into the backpack — Dedicated laptop compartment in the back with waterproof zippers

Upper Zippered Compartment

On top of the bag is a convenient zippered compartment where you can store smaller items like a passport, phone, wallet, etc.

This pocket will especially come in handy when I have to go through security checkpoints at the airport. I usually have to store my phone somewhere and this will be the perfect compartment to use for easy access.

Taking passport out of top compartment — Top zippered compartment gives you easy access

Convertible, Padded Straps

The straps are nicely padded to give support to your shoulders and can also be hidden inside the sleeve to convert to a tote.

I don’t see myself using this bag as a tote very often, but I can definitely see Candy using it as a tote. I would use this feature when I board the plane and store the bag underneath the seat in front of me.

When I’m on the plane and store my backpack, I always get stressed worrying about the straps being in someone’s way in the aisle and someone accidentally tripping over it. The ability to hide the straps is a great feature so that I no longer have to worry about this.

Backside of The Rowledge backpack — Padded straps

Holding The Rowledge backpack that converted into a tote — Backpack converted into a tote

Suitcase Handle Sleeve

The suitcase handle sleeve is a must-have for me when it comes to backpacks. Since I know I will be using this bag for traveling, I needed the bag to fit securely on my carryon suitcase for seamless travel.

When I am not using the suitcase handle sleeve, I can zip the bottom part of the sleeve to create an extra pocket.

Rowledge backpack on top of suitcase — Suitcase handle sleeve for seameless travel

INTERIOR FEATURES

Front Pocket

The front pocket is humungous and I was able to fit in way more than expected. There is a zippered compartment along with organization pockets for your snacks, chargers, headphones, pens, perfume, etc.

There is also a key ring strap with a clip to attach your keys for quick access. There are two D-rings on the left and right corners you can attach them to.

Inside the front pocket of the backpack — Front pocket with organization compartments and much more

Key ring strap inside the front pocket of the backpack — Key ring strap inside the front pocket

Inside the Bag

Since I have the large size at 21L and 16.5” in height, this bag can fit quite a lot. I can easily pack my laptop charger, lotions, snacks, extra clothes, and even my DSLR camera.

Similar to the interior features of the front pocket, there are organization pockets where you can store your snacks, headphones, pens, etc. In addition, there are two mesh pockets where you can store things like your sunglasses or umbrella.

Showing the inside of the backpack — The inside of the backpack can hold many items

There is also a padded sleeve inside the bag and this compartment can fit a 15” laptop much better. I usually travel with my personal laptop and work laptop, so this gives me the convenience of carrying two laptops in one backpack.

What’s crazy is that I can also fit my iPad in here as well. I can either place it next to my laptop within the padded sleeve compartment or use the other side of the bag behind the removable liner.

Behind the liner on the opposite side of the padded sleeve is also a large zippered compartment.

If you want even more room inside your bag, you can simply remove the padded liner. You would lose the padded sleeve and organization pockets, but you will definitely have more space.

Placing laptop into backpack — Placing the 15” laptop inside the backpack

Taking out the removable padded liner out of the backpack — Removable padded liner

OVERALL THOUGHTS

As expected, The Rowledge bag excels in style, versatility, and organization. My top favorite features on this backpack are the expandable side pockets, tote conversion, and the top zippered pocket.

This bag can actually fit 2 laptops and a smart tablet, which is fantastic, but it will definitely get heavy. I will only do this if I know I will have the backpack on top of my suitcase majority of the time.

Carrying the Rowledge backpack on shoulders — The Rowledge backpack fits comfortably on me

The suitcase handle sleeve is a must-have for travelers

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Rowledge can fit a 13” laptop comfortably in the dedicated laptop compartment. It can also fit a 15” laptop but it will be very snug. A better option would be to place the 15” laptop inside the bag where there is a padded sleeve.
Qualifies to fit underneath airline seats.
Convenient side expandable pockets to store your large water bottle.
The Rowledge backpack can convert into a stylish tote.
When the suitcase handle sleeve is not being used, it converts into a zippered compartment.
If you want even more room inside the backpack, remove the padded liner.
The backpack can get heavy if you are going to pack it to the max.