by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Wed November 21, 2018
Hybrid bags are increasingly popular these days. Given our need for multi-functionality, it just makes sense to have a bag that is useful in so many ways.
The Duane Hybrid Brief by Solo New York acts as a solid laptop bag as well as a spacious enough backpack. It's easy to see why this is the number one best-selling laptop bag in the United States.
Whether you're a casual traveler or a business traveler, this briefcase backpack combo bag is great for any trip. It certainly helps that it's quite stylish too. But what else would you expect from a bag that was "inspired by the exciting buzz of Lower Manhattan."
Keep it as a traditional laptop briefcase during the day if need be, and then after hours simply pull out the backpack straps from their zipped-in cover to form a comfortable yet sturdy backpack.
The body size is 12.5" x 17" x 5" and the laptop size is 15.2" x 10.4" x 1.7".
The main laptop compartment is extremely spacious and fully padded, with room to fit multiple laptops inside should you need it.
In fact, while using the bag in my recent journey through Egypt, using all of the available pockets I was able to fit two laptops inside, along with my GoPro camera, GoPro Karma grip, laptop chargers and my phone charger.
The larger front pocket has an organizer inside that comes in handy for placing cards, notes and other loose-leaf papers in. Additionally, there are two other quick access pockets located on the very front of the bag - making for a total of five pockets to choose from.
The bag also comes with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap should you want to keep it as a side carry laptop bag. Plus, the handle has magnetic snaps ensuring it stays locked while also giving you a sturdier grip.
I will say it was a little challenging placing the backpack straps back inside their padded hideaway. However, making sure the laptop bag is empty when trying to put back the backpack straps is key. It's really only difficult when the bag is heavy and full of your contents.
I really loved the versatility of this bag. The ability to switch to a backpack when I wanted was a terrific bonus, especially when I had to load the bag up with so many accessories.
If I can avoid checking my luggage I'm all for it, so the fact I could pack more stuff in here than my other laptop bag and be able to put this on as a backpack to lessen the weight load on my shoulder or arm was a huge win for me.
The Duane Hybrid Brief retails for $54.99 and comes in black or grey.
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