Burton White Collection Backpack Review

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Finding just the right backpack is quite a difficult task. Unlike laptops, very few backpacks are reviewed, and there are plenty of packs that never see a store shelf, but must be bought online. Burton is known as a snowboard company, not a company that makes computer accessories, which is the exact reason this pack is appealing. For those of us who want something to carry a very expensive little box around without shouting, “There’s a computer in here!” this pack fulfills its purpose.



Backpack Specs:

• 27L [19in x 12in x 8in] [48cm x 30cm x 21cm]
• Hideaway Skate Carry
• Easy-Access, Side-Entry Padded Laptop Compartment [Fits Most 15 in. Laptops]
• Oversized Studio Headphone Storage Pocket
• Fleece-Lined Sunglass / Sound Pocket
• Signature Shaun White Pinstripe Lining
• Price: $89.95 MSRP

Comfort (3.5/5)

I’ll start with comfort because it is definitely this backpack’s low point. Not because it’s an uncomfortable pack (quite the opposite, really), but because everything else is so great. The backpack is noticeably lacking in the chest and waist straps department. Actually, I was surprised to see that there wasn’t at least a chest strap on a “skater” type backpack. The straps are slightly curved and it definitely helps. I stuck a textbook, a large manual, and six medium sized paperback novels in it, and even though it was pretty heavy, it still felt quite comfortable. It didn’t pull me way over backwards like some backpacks do.


The black padding covers almost the entire back area

The back is thoroughly padded, as it should be to protect the laptop, but it manages to have an air vent as well. Honestly, there could be a little bit more venting, but I’d rather they skimped in venting than on padding.

Looks (4.5/5)

The White Collection backpack comes in three colors: a brilliant white, “Rock Salt,” “Black,” and “Roasted Brown.” I opted for the white color. Upon opening the side pockets, I found a satiny zebra pattern on the inside, which appeared on the inside of every pocket. I anticipate that within a week, my slightly-shiny backpack will look scuffed, as every white backpack eventually does. I was impressed that instead of using plain black zippers, Burton used white to match the rest of the pack.



The first criteria for deciding which backpack to buy for myself was whether it could successfully hide a laptop without looking like it was carrying a laptop. This pack passes with flying colors. It looks like a skater backpack.


The backpack fits snugly and doesn’t bulge, despite its heavy load

The backpack is made for 15.4” laptops, so it’s a fairly large backpack. Looking at it, I’m somewhat amazed how large it is. However, when I put it on, it fits my back and doesn’t bulge way out. The exterior pockets give it a “lots of accessories” look, and there are really tons of places to put stuff.

Usability (4/5)

There is one large main pocket which includes a sleeve (almost as if you were supposed to put a laptop there), a mesh zippered pocket, and a couple pen holders. There is plenty of room for your books, sweatshirt, Xbox 360, and kitchen sink. Well, maybe not the kitchen sink. There’s even a little carabiner for keys.


A textbook, large manual and six medium sized novels fit inside comfortably with plenty of spare room

On the top, there’s a zippered slit on top that could comfortably house a pair of studio headphones. In front of that, there’s a Velcro pocket for an iPod or cell phone, as well s a zippered pocket of similar size for other small items. Below that is a huge external pocket that can hold anything short of a full size textbook. Two Velcro-and-zippered pockets on either side are available to hold more misc. items, although I doubt they would be secure enough to hold a water bottle.


This backpack offers a multitude of accessory pockets

One of Burton’s best ideas is offering hidden pockets for the skateboard straps so they aren’t hanging out when a skateboard isn’t strapped on the back (or for those of us who don’t skateboard).


The skateboard strap is easy to hide away

The dedicated laptop pocket is the closest pocket to the user’s back, with a zipper that goes from the top of the backpack down one side. Sliding a laptop in or out is smooth and easy, and there’s also plenty of room.


The dedicated laptop compartment

Protection (5/5)

The dedicated laptop pocket has over half an inch of stiff padding against the user’s back, and another quarter inch or so between it and the main compartment.


An entire half inch of padding.

The bottom of the laptop compartment is bordered with an elastic strip above even more padding. The laptop “floats” within the backpack, so it’s very resistant to the bumps of moderate physical activity. I’m not afraid to go biking with my laptop or even make a short sprint across a parking lot to catch up to someone. Even the sides have some foam in them, although not as much as the main panels or the bottom (probably about 1/8 inch). I feel that my laptop is completely safe in my backpack.

Conclusion (4.2/5)

Burton’s The White Collection pack is an excellent pack for those who like a casual look. This pack emphasizes a “skater” style, disguising its true purpose of protecting a valuable machine. I would especially recommend this backpack for college students looking for another way to not get ripped off.

Pricing and Availability

The Burton White Collection pack can be purchased directly from Burton online or at various e-tailers for around $89.95.

 

Thanks for the review. The backpack looks quite nice exterior wise. The Zebra pattern inside is however far from my cup of tea.

 

thats a nice backpack, but 90 bucks for it. eh =/

 

Looks kinda ugly IMO. I agree with jabbajabba,, the zebra print is.. meh...

I think it would look alot better, (atleast in white) if the buttons were white too, the HUGE black buttons just stick out horribly. Also, if the inside were ... idk, silverish silk, then I'd like the inside more too.. I'll stick with my still new looking 3 year old targus backpack

 

>.> it looks like a chics backpack.

 

nice review
i love the utility and the looks of the bag
for a $90 bag i would expec solid build quality
but as many i too do not fancy the interior much
but im sure it would grow on you

i myself use an monza backpack and im happy with it
this surely gives a different meaning to laptop backpacks now
the colour selection seems good too

though i bet that whit would change shades after usage by accumulation of dust or so.

overall thanks for the review
cheers

 

Thanks for the review. This thing looks great IMO, rather than that giant oversized ugly Targus XL that screams "I'm carrying a laptop!"

 

The backpack looks cool. I am impressed with it. However, the interior would have been better if they went with thinner black pinstripes (like baseball uniforms or business suits).

That white color is asking to get really dirty (like white baseball caps).

 

does it only come in white? it would prob get dirty real easily...

 

The review mentions that it comes in white, black, and brown.

I have the black version because I agreed in that the white version, although pretty slick, might look a little too flashy for my tastes.

I wasn't expecting the internal zebra print, myself, but it gives the bag a bit of flavor that, suprisingly, I kinda dig.

The longer I have this pack, the more I like it. Unfortunately, I did find a hole in the bottom of the internal mesh where it looked like the sewing apparatus missed close to an inch of where it was supposed to attach it to the bag itself. Not a big deal, but for a $90 pack, I'd expect better build quality.

I'd recommend this backpack to anyone. I use it to carry a 15.4" Dell Inspiron 1520 w/the 9 cell battery and it fits great.

Thanks for posting a review that I was too lazy to do. I have some pictures of the black backpack here if anyone's interested.

 

excellent review and great looking backpack. As a 22 year old surfer who is "with it" I'm gonna give a big thumbs up to the zebra print, white exterior and overall look. Dont listen to these computer nerds

 

Agreed. The black would do me better myself. Good review though. I especially like how you put several books in the backpack for a photo. The books we can use as a reference to gauge it's capacity.

I don't see why not having a chest or waist strap helps. As a backpacker, I understand those two components are great with a sturdy frame on a backpack. But on a flimsy daypack, it's just extra flair and extra weight. Plus I feel like a nerd snapping on a waist belt, sternum strap and breaking out trekking poles when all I'm carrying is 15 lbs of stuff on my back. haha.