Review ? Dicota BacPac Rain

The most important mobile computing accessory in my book is a backpack. I tote my notebook, PDA, cell phone and other goods around all day. I’ve been using a specialized notebook backpack for years, but this is my first go with Dicota. After a number of weeks with the BacPac Rain, I can confidently tell you that it will be replacing my Targus bag as my everyday backpack.

The BacPac Rain is a mid-sized bag that offers a very sleek and clean look. Right out of the box the design subtleties are immediately obvious. The most surprising move though is that Dicota opted to use their zippers backward instead of the standard use. This doesn’t have any effect on the usability, but it does have an amazingly clean look. This is the first time I’ve ever seen anything of this nature.

They’ve also integrated a sealed valve of sorts that allows access to the internal compartments. This valve is perfect for stringing through headphones or even the AC charger cord if you like. The front of the bag also houses two mesh pockets that are very tall and perfect for holding a couple bottled waters.

The main compartment features a generous padded notebook slot with an elastic velcro strap to keep the notebook in place. Dicota also ships an accessory bag that’s perfect for holding the AC adaptor. It’s padded on two sides and fits nicely in the bottom of the main compartment. My power pack fit in there easily, with tons of room to spare. There are also two pockets built into the outside of the notebook slot. These are both quite large. In one I house my noise canceling headphones and their case. In the other I stowed my digital camera.

The middle compartment offers features on both sides. The back side has three integrated pen/pencil holders (these do require clips on the pens or pencils), a carabineer for holding keys and the like and a skinny pouch great for holding a mobile phone or snack bar. The alternate side contains a large zippered pocket perfect for holding cables or other loose accessories. I particularly like this pouch for holding my ethernet cable, phone line, Bluetooth adaptor and other mid-sized items. The middle compartment is also large enough to accommodate papers, magazines or other materials.

The last zippered pocket is actually more or less hidden unless you know where to look. A vertical zipper the length of the front is revealed once the left clip on top is opened. This compartment doesn’t actually hold anything, it actually yields another small zippered pocket built into the front of the bag. This pocket is perfect for holding change, gum and other small items.

By now you might have forgotten the name of the bag is the BacPac Rain. I haven’t even mentioned the rain part yet, largely because I’ve been so wrapped up in the other great features. But the rain issue is actually quite important. In the bottom of the bag, there is an integrated rain slicker that will certainly save your sanity and expensive hardware should a rain cloud open up on you. A zipper runs the length of the bottom of the bag that when opened reveals the slicker. An elastic cord and a small snap at the top ensure a snug and secure fit. The rain protection is completely unexpected and likely won’t be used often, but is one of those features you’re happy to have in the event you need it.

In use, the pack is very comfortable. It doesn’t boast over-padded straps or back support, but it remains comfortable even after hours of continues use. The pack is also very light, at only 2.45 pounds (1.1kg). The weight of a backpack is very important and often overlooked. When trying them empty, they never feel heavy, but once loaded with all your gear, an extra pound or two can make a significant difference, especially if you’re going to be saddled with it for long periods of time.

The BacPac Rain is certainly a favorite of mine after only a few weeks of use. The only real problem I have with it is a lack of cell phone holder on the shoulder strap. I’ve really come to enjoy that with my Targus pack. The BacPac Rain also only comes in two color options, the burnt sienna with beige accents like mine and blue and beige model. Dicota offers a number of colors in their other models and may bring some of them to this product line in the future.

Pros:
•Very light
•Notebook compartment fits most 15” notebooks
•Small design features make a big difference
•Rain protection offers nice insurance policy

Cons:
•Only two color choices
•Lack of cell phone holder on shoulder strap

Bottom Line:
I’ve not used a mid-size backpack I like better, for everyday usage. If you want a light, comfortable bag that will set you apart from everyone else, definitely ad this model to your list of potential backpacks.

Purchase Information:
Dicota ships directly to many countries but at this time does not sell this product in the US. Many of their other packs are sold here though, visit their website for more information, www.dicota.com

 

I really like the look of this backpack. Especially the waterproofing option with the cover. I'm paranoid about taking my notebook outside in the rain when it's inside my bag, and since I have to walk to work there's often days I have to worry about holding the umbrella over my bag instead of my head.

Can't wait until this becomes available in the U.S.!

 

My contact at Dicota said 1-3 months for availability in the US. Seems like they can be had everywhere else, even Canada.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Brian, I've just read your Dicota BacPac rain review and it reassured me that Dicota will be a good choice for my new IBM R50e notebook. But I'm still split between BacPac Rain and BacPac Jump.

I like the look of BacPac Rain, I also like the rain slicker feature, but I'm not sure about how large the backpack is.

On the other side, BacPac Jump, at least according to specifications, should be larger, as the size really is the fact that matters, because I'm working as a technician for WiFi internet provider, so sometimes I need to fit a box with Access point or some other equipment into my bag.

I just wanted to ask if you have seen/have experience with BacPac Jump and if you could recommend me one of those.

Thanks in advance

(And please, forgive me my not-the-best English, as I come from Czech Republic and my knowledge of English is just "basic")

 

I haven't used the Jump so I can't advise you there, but the rain is really nice. I still don't think it's available in the US yet, but it can be found in most other places in the world.

Brian

www.BargainPDA.com | www.DigitalCameraReview.com | www.NotebookReview.com | www.SpotStop.com | www.TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

It's a bit surprising for me, but it seems that there's no problem to get Dicota BacPac rain here (Well, the fact that it's unavailable in US is far more surprising).

I saw someone with BacPac rain on his back today, and it really didn't seem to be small...in fact it seemed to be just as big as I want, so I think I'll be getting one

Again, I'd like to thank you for your great review, it was very helpful in deciding which bag to get.

 

Can someone tell me if this backpack will hold the new Dell XPS Gen 2?

I have gotten contradicting measurements from different websites, so maybe if someone knows first hand, it would be great if you could help me out.

 

I don't think so, I'm still using the pack and doubt it would fit. The area for a notebook is roughly 10" x 16".

Brian

www.BargainPDA.com | www.DigitalCameraReview.com | www.NotebookReview.com | www.SpotStop.com | www.TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

Brian, I just double checked the size of the XPS 2, and this is the mesurements according to dell.com

Height: 1.67 inch (42.4 mm)
Width : 15.5 inch ( 394 mm)
Depth : 11.3 inch ( 288 mm)

If you reckon its 10" x 16", then do you think this might squeeze in? Even if it is a bit snig?

 

Thanks Brian. Thats a shame though. I really like the look of this bag, and as far as reviews it is top notch. I am generally into sports and the whole sports bag thing is what im looking for.

Can you recommend a good, sporty bag that will fit my machine? Its hard to find one for a 17" laptop. There are plenty cheap ones out there, but i wouldnt trust them to hold a gameboy.

 

I think it would be uncomfortably tight as best. As for recommendations, look in the accessories topic.

Brian

www.BargainPDA.com | www.DigitalCameraReview.com | www.NotebookReview.com | www.SpotStop.com | www.TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

Sorry for reviving this old thread but I can't for the life of me find another review of this bag.

I'm a uni student and very interested in this bag, but does it have enough space for a pad, a book and maybe a lunch box/sandwich?

I need the rain cover or a very water resistant bag, I need the external bottle compartment, I need space for a couple of books (not alot but some) and I it to be good looking like this one...

Oh and my notebook is a VAIO SZ so it wont take up alot of room.

Anyone with personal experience of the bag or recommendations of another (preferably avalable in Europe) I'd appreachiate any help.

 

As I said in your PM, you can fit a few extra items, no problem.

 

Thanks alot for the quick reply, putting in the order now.