Want to know more about the ISM backpack?
Ever since I started to travel the world I’ve been looking for a backpack that’s both lightweight, organized, and stylish.
A while ago I found the perfect backpack for me – the ISM backpack. This is no doubt one of the best backpacks I’ve ever used during my travels.
Down below you can read more about the ISM backpack, pros and cons, and other useful information before purchasing:
Table of Contents
Information about the ISM backpacks
ISM is a brand that offers comfortable, stylish, and durable backpacks. They are made of high quality and durable materials, and are also water resistant.
The backpacks have memory foam back padding and straps (that are also adjustable and doesn’t dangle). On the side there’s a leather flap for phone charging, which makes it easy to stay charged on the go.
There are several pockets to help you stay organized. There’s a separate laptop compartment with two padded sleeves, one zippered pocket in the front, and two square pockets + one zippered pocket in the main area.
The backpack have black exterior made of full-grain leather & nylon and the inside have a beautiful royal blue or burgundy colored fabric. The zippers and hardware are in gold or dark grey color.
The small ISM backpack specs:
- 38 cm x 28 cm x 10,1 cm (15″ x 11″ x 4″)
- Fits Laptops up to 13.5″
- 0,6 kg (1.3 lbs) when empty
- Holds up to 10.8 L
The large ISM backpack specs
- 43,2 cm x 30,5cm x 12,7cm (17″ x 12″ x 5″)
- Fits Laptops up to 15.6″
- 0,8 kg (1.8lbs) when empty
- Holds up to 17.2 L
The ISM accessories
In addition to the backpacks they also sell some good accessories. They sell both matching powerbanks and water bottles that fits perfectly inside the backpacks.
The power bank can charge your phone up to 3 times, and an iPad up to 2 times (6,000 mAh). It’s really good and one of the things I always have in my backpack. It’s made of an aluminium case with vegan leather and comes in two colors – black and navy.
The water bottle is made of stainless steel and is both minimalistic, slim and fits inside the backpack. It comes in two colors (navy and black) and holds up to 60 cl (20 oz).
What I like about the ISM backpacks
When I was looking for a new backpack, there were a few things on my list that needed to be fulfilled.
One of the most important things for me during my travels is to stay organized, and this is something the ISM backpack helps me with.
I love that there are several organization pockets, both in the front, in the main area, and in the laptop compartment.
Another thing on my list was to have a separate laptop compartment. It makes it’s so much easier to go through the security control at airports, since you don’t have to move all your stuff to get to your computer inside your backpack.
Last but not least I wanted to have a durable, comfortable, minimalistic, and stylish bag to travel with. This backpack was over my expectations – It’s simply beautiful and goes with every outfit.
I’ve used these backpacks the last couple of months, and they still look like they’re new – the quality is amazing!
Pros & Cons
Down below you can read about the pros and cons of the ISM backpacks
The pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Organized
- Have a separate laptop compartment
- Backed by their lifetime warranty
- Good size and lightweight
The cons
I don’t really have any complaints about the ISM backpacks. The only thing is that the smaller ISM backpack isn’t wide enough to carry a big DSLR camera. However, with the larger backpack this is possible.
Our DSLR camera inside the large ISM backpack
What’s inside my ISM backpack:
- Laptop
- GoPro + case + tripod
- Harddrive
- ISM powerbank
- Jewelry case
- Sunglasses/glasses
- Passport
- Hairbrush
In addition to this, I also have chargers, headphones, and a few other small things inside my backpack when traveling.
Is it worth the price?
It’s not one of the cheapest backpacks out on the market. However, you get what you pay for.
I’ve bought backpacks in the past that have been much cheaper, but not as durable as this backpack.
And in addition to the durability, it’s also comfortable, organized, and stylish. You can really see how much thought and effort they’ve put into this backpack, and that’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
I also think it’s great that the large backpack costs the same as the small one (235 USD). It’s really awesome considering that the large ISM backpack is bigger and fits up to a 15” laptop.
Do I recommend the ISM Backpacks?
Yes, I can highly recommend the ISM backpacks for anyone who are looking for a comfortable, organized, durable, and stylish backpack to travel with. It’s great in all those areas.
I use it when traveling, for small day trips, and even when hiking. It works for every occasion.
Where can I buy it?
You can purchase the ISM Backpack directly from the ISM website. The larger backpack in black can also be bough on Amazon.
Do you have any other questions about the ISM backpack? Leave a comment below!
Very helpful and insightful! Had been thinking about this bag for a while and this was a great reference to have. thanks!
Hi Jody! I’m happy to hear that :) It’s a great backpack!
Really helpful review :), you’ve helped me make the choice to purchase the bag. However I have a question, were there instances whereby when you walk the handle of the bag would rub against the strap to produce a squeaking noise?
Hello Trent! Thank you, I’m happy to help :) No, I haven’t heard any noises from my ISM backpacks – they’re great!