ISM Backpack 2023 | Detailed Review & Buying Guide

Are you looking for a daypack that is both fashionable and well-designed? This review of the ISM backpack will give you an honest look at everything this bag can do, as well as everything it can’t do!

Although it is undeniably stunning to look at, the question is: What else does this bag have to offer, besides its good looks? Can you put your faith in it to withstand the test of time, and how adaptable is it for day-to-day carry and quick trips?

There’s also the question of how light it is, as well as whether or not it can fit all of the things you need for your day, including your laptop, without being too cumbersome.

This ISM backpack review will immediately answer any further questions or concerns that you may have, in addition to providing you with all of the juicy data.

Also Read: North Face Jester Backpack Review

ISM Backpack Review

ISM is a San Francisco-based firm that is famed for its notorious classic backpacks and other essential travel items. These products are known for their sleek and contemporary minimalist designs.

The creator of the company, Justin Kwong, had the vision to create a bag that was not only fashionable but also practical, as well as adaptive and adaptable to any setting; the end result was the exquisite ISM Backpack Review!

In addition, ISM offers a variety of accessories, such as power banks and water bottles, that are designed to work in conjunction with backpacks.

If you are a fan of high-end brands like Tumi, Longchamp, or Armani, you are going to really adore what ISM has to offer since all of their bags are manufactured in the same facility.

1. Design and Quality

This one is a home run if you place a high value on its appearance and overall quality. The backpack is notable for its high-quality full-grain leather and water-resistant nylon fabric, both of which have exceptional durability and also have a premium, eye-catching look. It is a standout product for both of these reasons.

The ISM backpack may be purchased with either gunmetal black or gold zipper hardware, either of which comes with matching logo trim. The one with the gold accent is the one that appeals to me the most personally since I feel like it adds a dash of elegance and contrast to the otherwise dark surface.

The ISM backpack is available in two sizes (large and small), includes a covert side flap that can be used to charge electrical devices while you are on the go, and comes with a guarantee that is good for life.

2. Materials

The ISM backpack has exceptional craftsmanship, which can be seen even at first glance. The main body of the bag is constructed from water-resistant full-grain leather, while the outside is composed of water-resistant nylon, and leather trim elements are woven all around the bag.

EVA foam and paddings on the leather straps together with a breathable back panel assist keep your back aired, and then you have great waterproof AguaGuard YKK zippers so that your technology and valuables do not get wet inside the bag.

Even if you use this bag on a daily basis, the premium material and feel won’t wear out any time soon. This is because the bag was manufactured in the same facility as other brands, such as TUMI, Longchamp, and Armani, so it comes with the quality stamp of that factory.

From my research on the ISM backpack review, I can say that the company did not fail to live up to my expectations in this regard, which is something that I really value. I really appreciate it when a brand includes nice and thoughtful details to help users get the most out of the bag, and I can say that the company did not let me down in this regard.

3. Uses of Materials

One of them is the inside, which is lined with a dark blue cloth that provides a contrast to the otherwise all-black interior, making it easier to see what’s inside and find what you need.

A separate compartment for a power bank, as well as a cable passthrough on the left side of the bag, allow you to charge your phone even while you’re on the go thanks to two additional considerate features of this bag.

I also really like how the rear panel has a clip that you can use to connect it to the handle of your luggage so that it stays in place even when you roll your bag.

The backpack is now suitable for day-to-day usage as a result of the inclusion of a padded laptop compartment, various compartments that may be used for organizing, leather straps that are adjustable and padded, and an attractive leather wrap handle.

The bag has a volume capacity of 17.2 liters, measurements of 17 by 12 by 5 inches, weighs a light 1.8 pounds, and can hold a laptop with a screen size of 16 inches all while maintaining a nice and orderly structure.

However, there are several design elements that I can’t help but miss in this backpack, such as an antitheft rear pocket to safeguard sensitive goods like a passport and a water bottle pocket. Both of these pockets are located on the outside of the bag.

You can count on this high-end backpack to serve you well for a long time, and even if anything does go wrong with it, you can rest easy knowing that they provide a lifetime guarantee on all products.

4. Comfort and Good Fit

The bag has a consistent design motif of making everything as sleek, light, and almost minimum as possible. In addition, the ISM backpack is designed to be worn in a comfortable manner.

To maintain the bag’s cushioning and comfort, it has adjustable leather straps that are padded with EVA foam and breathable mesh. This keeps the bag feeling nice and cozy to carry.

Additionally, there is some mesh padding on the back of the bag that serves as air flow channels to offer a reasonable degree of ventilation, which you’ll enjoy while you’re waiting in a lengthy line for your order and you’re sweltering in the heat. (Oh, how I miss those happy times.)

It is not surprising that the bag does not come with a sternum strap, waist strap, or any other kind of load lifter since, to tell you the truth, these features are not required. Because the bag is not too large, even when it is completely filled, it will not be unpleasant for you to wear even if it will be completely full.

There is also a grab handle made of soft leather on the top of the bag, which makes it simpler to carry than it would be otherwise. If you are someone who is constantly on the go, there is a leather luggage strap located in the center of the rear panel that you may connect to your rolling wheelie suitcase.

Last but not least, the fact that the inside of the bag is a shade of dark blue offers a pleasant contrast to the overall all-black aesthetic. This provides good visibility, which is helpful for identifying items even when there is little available light.

5. Putting Things Away and Organizing

The ISM backpack has an impressive amount of organization despite its simple appearance. It has four compartments on the inside, one pocket on the outside, and a large main section.

• Front Pocket

This is a handy spot to stash your work badge, keys, phone, wallet, M&Ms, chapstick, sticky notes, and pencils, among other items, so that you can quickly retrieve them when you need them.

• Main Compartment

This compartment is pretty spacious, and it also has an extra pair of flat pockets, a pair of wide pockets, and a zipped pocket with fast access that is positioned in a suitable location for holding little objects so that you may keep organized.

Any one of these compartments is suitable for storing your power bank, water bottle, chargers, sunglasses, and other small personal items. Personally, I think it’s a waste of space to store your water bottle within the main pocket, but I suppose that’s a little price to pay for the bag’s streamlined appearance.

• Additional Eapid access Pocket

There is a zipped pocket with gold embellishments precisely like the one that is located on the outside of the main compartment. This pocket is designed to assist you to arrange the many items for which you would require a pouch.

• Storage Space for tech

This separate compartment comes with two cushioned sleeves for your technology and papers, which means that it does not take up important room in the main compartment and provides additional protection from the other contents of the bag.

You can accommodate a laptop with a screen of 16 inches, and the extra compartment can contain your tablet in addition to documents and folders that you don’t want to get crushed in the main compartment.

6. Price

The ISM backpack is a product that is well-made and comes at a price that is reasonable considering it is a luxury item. The ISM backpack comes in at a price of $225, making it neither inexpensive nor obscenely pricey, as one would expect from a nice bag.

The price is acceptable when you take into consideration the long-lasting materials that were utilized as well as the fact that it is useful, very fashionable, comfy, organization-friendly, and supported by a lifetime guarantee. Note that the smaller (10.8L) version may be purchased for just $195, which is less expensive than the larger (17.2L) version.

7. Assurance

The ISM backpack comes with a guarantee that lasts a lifetime! This basically implies that if your bag breaks due to a flaw in the manufacturing process or a failure of a component, such as the zippers, materials, straps, or handle, they will either repair it at no cost to you or replace it with a new bag and send you the old one back.

It is important to note that the guarantee does not cover damage that is the result of an accident, regular wear, and tear, misuse of the backpack, or the natural deterioration of colors and materials over a long period of time and usage. You may get more information about it by reading this.

Feedback and Comments from Users

The ISM backpack is your best option if you’re looking for a bag that exudes an air of competence and sophistication while still being adaptable enough to be used in a more relaxed setting or a business.

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, it is sophisticated, ultra-modern, and uncluttered. From a practical standpoint, it offers sufficient space for your laptop computer, tablet computer, and any other small items that you are likely to have in there at any one time.

On the other hand, the ISM backpack is not the greatest value that can be found on the market, at least not when compared to leading competitors like the AER Tech backpack. To begin, the carry space and organizing system of the ISM backpack is significantly reduced as compared to other options.

If you find yourself in a position where you need to purchase an ISM backpack, it is highly recommended that you do so from a reliable merchant like as Amazon, where you will get exactly what you paid for and on time. To put it another way, you should aim to avoid making any purchases directly from ISM at this time in order to prevent any headaches.

In my ISM backpack review, I gave the bag a rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars, and the main reason for this is because of all of these unfavorable factors, notably the brand’s terrible customer service.

According to the reviews, the ISM backpack is a luxury bag that has practical functionality and is constructed to endure. Users were generally happy with their purchase of an ISM backpack, which indicates that the reviews are accurate.

Consider also the ISM Backpack as a possible alternative

Both a large and a miniature version of the ISM backpack are available, and both versions share the same compartment layout, construction, features, and functioning.

The most noticeable difference between the two is that this one has a smaller capacity (10.8 liters), a lower profile, and a burgundy-colored inside as standard equipment.

To put these dimensions in context, the little ISM backpack weighs just 1.3 pounds when it is empty, measures 15 inches by 11 inches by 4 inches, and has enough room for a 13.5-inch laptop. If you are on the shorter side, the smaller backpack can work better for you than the medium-sized one.

In light of this, the smaller version of the ISM Backpack has the same level of quality, is equipped with many of the same functions, and has an appearance that is just as visually attractive as the larger version.

Final Thoughts

As a result of reading this review of the ISM backpack, we now know that the bag is not only gorgeous but also very lightweight and pleasant to carry about.

It is able to make a smooth transition from work to travel and theme pack wanderings because of its high-quality material selections, sturdy construction, sufficient internal organization, and other necessary qualities.

So, after reading this review, what are your thoughts on the ISM backpack? Please share your opinions with me in the comment box; I value your input very much