One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to get into better shape. Achieving that goal often includes going to a gym, so picking up a new gym bag is quite common this time of year. But what does that have to do with tech and Windows Central? The latest gym bag to hit the market comes from the makers of what I consider to be the most stunning laptop and tech bags around, WaterField Designs. The WaterField Flex Travel Gym Bag also has a back pocket big enough for an 11-inch iPad or similarly sized tablet.

Preorders for the bag are live now, though orders won't ship until January 13, 2025. The Flex Gym Travel Bag is available in a waxed canvas material or in ballistic nylon. Both versions cost $389.

We've covered WaterField for years and gone hands-on with several bags from the company. They're premium accessories, but for those willing to spend a pretty penny on a bag, WaterField is among the best when it comes to design and functionality. The WaterField Tech Folio Plus illustrates how form and function can meet in a bag. I know I'm gushing a bit, but seriously, the bags are stunning and earn great reviews.

WaterField asked for feedback when designing the Flex Travel Gym Bag, crowdsourcing ideas from enthusiasts.

"Our crowdsourcing contributors, including hundreds from my local gym, helped us develop a gym bag with features unlike any other on the market — just in time for everyone's New Year's exercise resolutions," said WaterField owner Gary Waterfield. "I love that it keeps my shoes, clean and dirty clothes, and water bottles all separated and that when I travel, the gym-specific pockets work great with my iPad, AirPods Max, and other gear."

Clearly Waterfield needs to try using a pair of Surface Earbuds and a Surface Go. Or perhaps Microsoft should refresh its accessories and smaller Surface devices more often so people would actually want to use them in 2025.

While WaterField's Flex Travel Gym Bag doesn't have a tech pouch big enough for a Surface Pro, you can fit an 11-inch iPad in the bag's bag pocket. That pocket has a protective sleeve as well to help keep your device safe. It may seem a bit strange to reserve space in a gym bag for a tablet, but tech is quite common at the gym these days. I often use devices to film myself to study my form or create social media content. Tablets and their larger screens are also useful for studying clips on how to perform an exercise or watching content while using a cardio machine.

Cameras in gyms are a sensitive subject. I always protect the privacy of people who are in the gym at the same time as me. I'm lucky to go to a smaller gym where everyone knows each other. I'm always happy to turn a camera off, stop filming, or put a camera away if needed. If you want to film in your gym, please ensure filming is allowed and that you respect the privacy of people working out.

You should also be able to fit the rumored new 11-inch Surface device that's expected to launch in 2025 into that pocket. It was once believed the new Surface device may be a Surface Go successor, but our Senior Editor Zac Bowden has since shared that it's likely a smaller Surface Laptop set to replace the Surface Laptop Go. That may be a smart choice for computing, but I would have loved to slot an Arm-powered Surface Go into the WaterField Flex Travel Gym Bag. Oh well.

WaterField Flex Travel Gym Bag

Digging a bit deeper into the "specs" of the Flex Travel Gym Bag, the accessory has a U-shaped design and two-way zippers. Five interior pockets range in size for different types of gear and the bag has a gold water-resistant liner.

As someone goes to the gym regularly, it's clear WaterField did its homework and listened to feedback. The bag has small touches like a vertical hanging loop for suspending the bag in a locker, a dedicated shoe compartment that separates the odors and grime of your footwear from your other equipment, and a tethered carabiner to attach a lock or keys.

The bag also has a hidden pocket for an Air Tag or other tracker, a side pocket for a water bottle or protein shaker. That side pocket is also big enough for a pair of earbuds within a case. The aforementioned pocket for a tablet sits along the back of the bag.

What you need to know

• The ROG Ally is a handheld PC gaming console manufactured by ASUS due for release in June, featuring a 7-inch 120Hz touchscreen.
• WaterField Designs is a US-based accessory manufacturer that creates carrying cases and bags from rugged materials, including nylon and full-grain leather.
• The CitySlicker for ASUS ROG Ally is now available for a $119 pre-order on the official WaterField Designs store, with shipping starting in late June.

ASUS becomes the most significant competitor to enter the portable PC gaming scene with its ROG Ally handheld, offering more powerful hardware than Valve's Steam Deck and a Windows operating system to boot. Naturally, packing such powerful hardware into a pocket-sized device means you'll want to take extra care when traveling to protect it against hazards in the great outdoors.

WaterField Designs is one of the most reliable accessory manufacturers throwing its hat into the ring with a leather-topped CitySlicker variant explicitly designed for the ROG Ally. There are similarities within how the Ally compares to the Steam Deck, with ASUS' equivalent 7-inch touchscreen bumping its specs up with a 120Hz panel capable of running games at up to 1080p resolutions.

Not only offering to guard your upcoming ROG Ally against bumps and scratches with a suede screen protector, but the latest CitySlicker variant also features dedicated compartments for USB cables, microSD cards, earbuds, and even an HDMI cable. The case is made from full-grain leather, soft liners, and the same kind of ballistic nylon I admired in my WaterField Designs Steam Deck pouch review. It's rugged enough to put my mind at ease, so the CitySlicker will undoubtedly be the same.

We've long praised WaterField Designs for its high-quality cases and bags, even as far back as our Outback Solo for the Surface Pro 4 review, and the quality has never dipped. It's not too often that we can see an announcement post from a manufacturer and be assured that it'll be one of the best on the market by the time of release. The City Slicker for ASUS ROG Ally is available for a $119 pre-order now, with shipping expected to start around late June to early July. 

Part of the appeal of Valve's handheld Steam Deck PC-meets-console is the inclusion of a free hard shell carry case. It's certainly a robust offering, but not so compact. While the official variant has a carry handle and some spare compartments, there's no subtlety to walking around with a case decorated with a logo of its contents.

Based out of San Francisco, WaterField Designs manufactures stylish and functional accessories for all manner of hardware. Currently offering a small selection of cases for Steam Deck, this nylon pouch offers convenient protection in various colors. I spent a few days with their Steam Deck pouch to determine if it's worth the asking price.

Pouch for Steam Deck: Price and availability

WaterField Designs sells the pouch for Steam Deck exclusively through its first-party store for $79 and is available in various colors, including waxed canvas, black ballistic, Forza blue, Forza green, and Forza red. An additional carabiner is available with any choice for an extra $3.

WaterField has provided us with a Forza green sample which measures 34.29 x 4.44 x 11.68cm and weighs 16g when empty.

Pouch for Steam Deck: What's good

My first impressions of the Steam Deck pouch matched my expectations; it's a rugged nylon case with no signs of poor or lazy construction. Some mass-produced accessories often exhibit evidence of corner cutting, with frayed stitches weakening handles that keep you from trusting them to protect your expensive hardware. Thankfully, no red flags appeared during my initial inspection.

A carry loop is fixed to the left side and held up against harsh pulling. The Steam Deck is a weighty console, heavier than the Nintendo Switch, so a single handle needs to be reliable. Both zips for the main compartment and side pockets are relatively unassuming, but the grips sport a cute little WF motif on one side. There are subtle company logos dotted around, but nothing to loudly announce that you're carrying an expensive console.

Part of the marketing for this pouch shows it inside larger bags from the range, which makes more sense than carrying it separately. Still, it's rugged enough to put my mind at ease and more flexible than a cumbersome hardshell case. Competing against the official option means the interior needs to pack some substantial padding to protect the 7-inch screen of your Steam Deck, and opening it up shows that Waterfield Designs understood the assignment.

The inside of this pouch features a plush lining, which is likely what you expected. It's softer than the material inside the official case, but you lose the stiff plating. Fortunately, WaterField Designs went an extra step with an additional, double-thick wall shaped around the Steam Deck screen that also acts as a slim storage sleeve.

Naturally, you won't want to stuff too much into this skinny pocket since it's doing most of the work of protecting precious glass, but I was able to slip in a couple of microSD cards in protective jewel cases.

The design aesthetic stands out the most inside the front zip pocket, banded with gold nylon liner in a hexagon pattern and another motif reminding you this pouch was home-grown in San Francisco.

It had me thinking of the yellowish color themes in the futuristic Deus Ex games and that I should immediately install those on Steam Deck.

This front section is far better suited to bulkier accessories and is where I kept a USB-C dock for connecting extra peripherals. There's a separate pouch inside to keep external storage devices or whatever else you need. Depending on your region, this section might not have enough space to store your AC adapter, leading to one of the only downsides of this pouch.

Pouch for Steam Deck: What's not so good

Since I'm working from the United Kingdom, I get the chunky three-pronged AC adapter provided by Valve. It's not transformable and has no chance of fitting inside this pouch, unlike the much skinnier two-pronged USA variant. This unfortunate issue isn't a blemish on WaterField Designs; they operate in the States, so catering to your home audience makes sense.

Still, international shipping is available, so you need to consider which accessories you plan to take during your travels. Finding a compatible USB-C adapter with a more compact, transformable design could get you around this minor issue. Always remember: match the power rating on unofficial adapters and double-check compatibility before plugging anything into your Steam Deck.

The only other concern I had with this pouch was the safety of protruding thumbsticks when transporting the Steam Deck. Valve's official carry case has cut-out sections to prevent them from being knocked or twisted during transit, but there's nothing inside this soft variant to match. They're not so common, though anyone with access to a 3D printer could try thumbstick protectors (via Printables) to keep them rigid and safe from damage.

Pouch for Steam Deck: The competition

Any company designing carry cases and pouches for Steam Deck immediately compete with the free hardshell variant provided by Valve. As I mentioned earlier, the official option is robust and offers plenty of protection, but far from subtle with a print of the console's logo. Anyone looking to transport the handheld with a little more style and versatility will likely pick up a replacement at some point, with soft pouches offering more options.

Searching on Amazon currently offers mostly hardshell cases, even when specifying soft pouches. Some cheap options are available, made from felt and other materials, but feature images of the usual suspicious 3D render and no real-world photographs of the Steam Deck stored inside. It's a fairly standard practice used by companies targeting the cheapest price point, making it difficult to commit to a purchase.

Right now, it's tricky to recommend alternatives for a flexible Steam Deck pouch. The cheap options regularly disappear from storefronts, then resurface a few weeks later under a different brand name with the same product images. You can find more affordable variants, but $79 feels like a fair shake for the WaterFront Design models. An unfortunate downside to first-party-only sales is you won't be able to use any store credit or vouchers you might have from other retailers.

Pouch for Steam Deck: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You don't need to transport too many bulky accessories.
• You have access to a slim AC adapter for the console.
• You want a stylish and flexible Steam Deck pouch.

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You need to travel with larger accessories.
• Your region uses a large AC adapter with no alternatives.
• You want to protect the Steam Deck thumbsticks during transit.

WaterField Designs have hit the mark with this versatile pouch, keeping your Steam Deck secure for quick journeys or even safer when stored inside large luggage. Available in various colors to match your other travel accessories, it features high-quality construction and enough space to store the essentials.

Restricting sales to a first-party storefront isn't ideal for those who prefer to shop elsewhere, but the price point is fair. It's a rugged pouch that should last for many years and remains one of the best Steam Deck cases. Remember to check the AC adapter for your region since some are too bulky to fit in any side section and might need a replacement.

What you need to know

• A couple of WaterField Designs sleeves fit the upcoming Surface Laptop Go.
• The Dash Sleeve and Sleevecase are now available and fit the Surface Laptop Go.
• The Surface Laptop Go will be available on October 13, 2020.

The Surface Laptop Go is the newest member of the Surface family. It's smaller and more affordable than the Surface Laptop and has a display that's 12.45 inches. Even though the Surface Laptop Go won't be available until October 13, WaterField Designs already has a couple of sleeves available for the device.

The Dash Sleeve fits a range of Surface devices, including the Surface Laptop Go, Surface Laptop 3, and Surface Book 3. It has an impact-resistant compression foam inside to keep your device protected. The Dash Sleeve starts at $89.

The SleeveCase offers a bit more protection and coms in either ballistic nylon or waxed canvas. It has a shock-absorbing neoprene lining to protect your device and an open-topped rear pocket for accessories. The SleeveCase starts at $89

What you need to know

• WaterField Designs announced the Outback Duo laptop bag.
• The bag features two padded compartments for laptops or other devices.
• The Outback Duo is available for order starting at $229.

WaterField Designs unveiled the Outback Duo today, a minimalist gadget bag that can fit multiple laptops or devices. The bag's laptop compartments are impact resistant and lined with plush fabric to prevent scratches. The bag also features a waterproof zipper around the main compartment. The Outback Duo can fit 16-inch laptops. It starts at $229. You can order the bag starting today, but the bag starts shipping on July 10.

We've reviewed several WaterField Designs products in the past, such as the Tech Folio Plus, and came away impressed. The Tech Folio Plus earned high marks from our executive editor, Daniel Rubino, for its build quality, ample pockets, and great look. WaterField Designs seems to have emphasized the same qualities in the Outback Duo.

The Outback Duo features a water-resistant liner in the main pocket that helps you spot your tech quickly. It also has cut-outs inside that allow you to charge your devices while they're in the bag. It features an expandable front pocket for chargers and other gadgets and an area between the two laptop pockets that can be used for a notebook.

You can carry the Outback Duo with its handles, detachable shoulder strap, or by attaching it to a wheeled suitcase. It's available in waxed canvas or ballistic nylon with a chocolate leather top, or ballistic nylon with a black leather top.

What you need to know

• WaterField announced the new Hitch Crossbody Brief today.
• The bag comes in two sizes, and can hold up to a 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
• The bag is available now starting at $250.

WaterField Designs took the wraps off of another premium leather bag for your tech gear today. The new Hitch Crossbody Brief starts at $250, and it comes in two sizes. Regardless of size, the bag comes with two interior compartments for laptops and tablets, along with plenty of pocket space to spare.

The "Compact" Hitch Crossbody Brief is big enough to hold up to a 13-inch Surface Laptop 3, while the "Full" size can fit up to the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3. Both bags contain another padded compartment you can use for either a tablet or a second laptop, if that's your typical setup.

You'll find plenty of extra space in the bag's front pockets, along with dedicated interior pockets for pens and the like. There's also a quick-retrieval key tether, and on the back of the bag you'll find a suitcase passthrough. The front pocket is also expandable, allowing it to hold bulky items if necessary.

In addition to the standard leather finish, the Hitch Crossbody Brief is available in a ballistic nylon material. The "Compact" version is priced at $250, while the "Full" bag is priced at $260.

What you need to know

• WaterField Designs has a new premium backpack with padded space for up to a 16-inch laptop and 13-inch tablet.
• You can choose from ballistic nylon or tan waxed canvas, as well as full-grain leather accents in black or chocolate.
• Those who preorder before January 10, 2020 can choose a magnetic Fidlock clasp or paragliding buckle. Orders will also come with a free Tech Pocket worth $49.

WaterField Designs, based in San Francisco, makes some of the best tech-oriented bags, sleeves, and cases on the market, and we've generally given them high marks for premium construction and thoughtful design. WaterField isn't slowing down in 2020, with the new Mezzo Backpack now available for preorder.

The Mezzo is a 14-liter backpack that sits somewhere near the middle of WaterField's backpack collection in terms of size and function. Its padded internal sleeves fit up to a 16-inch laptop and a 13-inch tablet, and there is an additional zippered pocket inside to keep smaller items and valuables together.

A water-resistant liner helps keep out any water that gets past the ballistic nylon or tan waxed canvas exterior, and the zipper on the main compartment is waterproof as well. A leather flap flips down over the exterior pocket to keep it safe, and you can choose from a magnetic Fidlock clasp or a paragliding buckle before January 10. Any order following will have whatever was most requested during the preorder period.

Also on the outside are dual water bottle pockets, and the bottom of the bag has the same leather accent for extra protection against wear. Dual adjustable straps and mesh padding along the back of the bag add some comfort, and the back also has a panel to slip over luggage handles for easier travel.

The Mezzo Backpack isn't exactly a budget option at $299, but those who have used WaterField products generally agree they're well worth the splurge. For a bit of extra enticement, WaterField is tossing in a complimentary Tech Pocket (usually $49) for your smaller gadgets.

Picking a bag for your Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, or even Surface Book is as big a decision as to the computer itself. How you use the device, what you need to fit all matter in that choice.

The new Waterfield Designs Tech Folio Plus may be the perfect leather (or ballistic nylon) bag for your daily ride to work or even an ideal choice for flights. Built for carrying many smaller items in a well-organized layout, the Tech Folio Plus is not great for packing headphones or a water bottle. Still, it can't be beaten for carrying cables, dongles, adapters, pens, and your ID.

Here are the pros and cons of the Tech Folio Plus, which I have been using for the last few weeks.

What you'll love about the Tech Folio Plus

Waterfield Designs has been making quality bags in San Francisco for many years. The company has a large assortment of offerings and is made to order with an outstanding warranty.

The Tech Folio Plus is a new design that is ideal for those who need to pack lots of little things for their laptop. For example, if you need to pack a mouse, Surface Pen, real pen, notepad, charger, Type-C cables, dongles, USB thumb drive, Amazon Kindle, magazine, and your laptop or Surface Pro this is your bag.

I consider this bag perfect for those who commute to the office, trips on the airplane, or moving between locations. The shoulder strap (+$22) is excellent if you plan to carry this bag, but unnecessary if you slip the Tech Folio Plus into a larger backpack. There's a grab handle that lets you carry it like a briefcase and even strap for your suitcase for bigger trips where you can make your luggage do the work.

The Tech Folio Plus is made from 1050 denier ballistic nylon or waxed canvas (used in this review). It's exceptionally sturdy and long-lasting with waxed canvas giving a worn, aged look that's classic. The rounded zipper front pocket is great for quick-access smaller items like your phone, ID/passport, and pens.

In my testing with the Tech Folio Plus (not the smaller Tech Folio), the bag can fit a Surface Pro X, Surface Pro, Surface Laptop (13.5-inch), Surface Book (13.5-inch), and other 13-inch Ultrabooks like the Dell XPS 13 or XPS 13 2-in-1. There is a main compartment that is padded to hold and protect your PC from minor bangs or drops.

Altogether there are 16 compartments (including the laptop sleeve), slots, and holders for pens in this bag, which is extraordinary.

What you'll love less about Tech Folio Plus

The Tech Folio Plus is not a great bag if you need quick access to your PC while wearing it. For example, if you're frequently taking your laptop in and out of the pocket all day, you may find it a bit tedious as this design requires some packing versus a "dump it" backpack with a laptop sleeve.

If you need something with fewer compartments but faster access the Waterfield Designs Bolt Crossbody or Staad backpack are better choices.

While this bag has a lot of compartments, they are all made for smaller items like pens, cables, dongles, drives, chargers, etc. Don't plan to pack headphones or anything thick like a physical book, or chunky battery pack (slim battery packs are just fine).

Should you buy the Tech Folio Plus?

The Tech Folio Plus is an excellent bag for those of us who travel and need to pack lots of small items. For example, on many of my work trips, I need a reader for my camera's XQD card, Ethernet adapter, thumb drives, portable charger, slim battery pack, Surface Arc Mouse, Kindle reader, Surface Pen, real pens, and more. I could dump that into a backpack (and I usually do), but the Tech Folio Plus lets you easily organize that chaos. I also like that the bag opens and lays flat, whereas a backpack is going to be more of a top-down balancing act.

The downside to this design is it's not so great if you're always using your laptop. You can't use this bag while wearing it unless you're only accessing the nifty front pocket. For such uses, the Outback Solo or excellent Field Muzetto work better. But those bags prioritize quick access over storage – there are not nearly as many compartments to hold smaller items.

The looks of Tech Folio Plus are also excellent. When thrown over the shoulder using the crossbody strap, it's comfortable to wear and looks classic. The bag is symmetrical, too, which gives it a neutral appearance without drawing too much attention. I'm a big fan of how Waterfield Designs also uses a gold-color liner, which makes finding items much easier versus a black or dark background. One thing that is missing that is usually included is a lanyard for keys, which is a bummer.

Overall, I'm looking forward to using this for my many New York City day trips. I'll be able to carry all that I need without having to spend much time looking for it later.

What you need to know

• WaterField announced four new sleeves and bags for the Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, and Surface Laptop 3.
• The new items come in either leather or ballistic nylon.
• The Surface Pro 7 cases are available now, while the Surface Laptop 3 cases will ship on November 1, and the Surface Pro X cases will ship on November 20.

WaterField is a luxury bag maker that creates high-end bags and sleeves for electronics. We've reviewed the Rolltop Backpack this year and the Outback Solo for the Surface Go, each receiving high praise from our executive editor Daniel Rubino. Now, WaterField announced four new sleeves for the brand new line of Surface devices, the SleeveCase, Dash Sleeve, Vero Leather Laptop Sleeve, and Outback Solo. The Surface Pro 7 sleeves are shipping now, while the Surface Laptop 3 cases will ship on November 1, and the Surface Pro X cases will ship on November 20.

The SleeveCase is a water-resistant sleeve with options for either a black ballistic nylon or tan waxed canvas shell. It has shock-absorbing neoprene to protect the device and a padded flap to keep the sleeve closed. It can be used as a shoulder bag with option D-rings or as a standalone sleeve. The SleeveCase costs $69, but D-rings ($5), the Suspension Shoulder Strap ($22), and Piggyback accessory pouch ($34) cost extra. It's available for the Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Laptop 3.

The Dash Sleeve features impact-resistant compression foam inside either a ballistic nylon, waxed canvas or Luna woven textile exterior. It has an open-top so you can access ports and accessories and a rear mesh pocket. The Dash Sleeve costs $79. It's available for the Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Laptop 3.

The Vero Leather Sleeve is made from handcrafted hide that can build a patina over time. It has an ultra-plush liner to cushion your device and a leather strap along the base to reinforce the bag and make it easier to remove devices. The Vero Leather Sleeve is available for $119. It's available for the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 7.

The Outback Solo is a sleeve and bag hybrid with neoprene on the inside, and water-resistant tan waxed canvas on the outside. It has a leather flap with a magnet to secure the device and a pleated front pocket for accessories and other items. It has a removable strap so you can use it as a sleeve or a bag. The Outback Solo is the most expensive of the new items at $159. It's available for the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 7.

Many of the sleeves come in several sizes that snuggly fit a range of devices. The Outback Solo has the widest range of sizes, including options for the Surface Go, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Surface Book, in addition to the new Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 7 sizes.

Waterfield is one of my favorite makers of quality laptop bags, backpacks, and slings. Hand-stitched and assembled in San Francisco these bags are certainly more money than your average mass-produced ones from China. But these bags also last a lot longer and are like nothing else available.

I've been using the new Tech Rolltop backpack for the last three months. It's the perfect bag for those who sometimes want to pack a lot, but on most days travel light. That ability is thanks to the expanding main pocket with a rolltop and ingenious latching mechanism. Here's what you need to know about the latest from Waterfield Designs.

What you'll love about the Tech Rolltop backpack

Compared to other Waterfield backpacks the Tech Rolltop brings two water bottle holders, has a slim design, and is meant for both the office as well as a jaunt to the great outdoors on the weekend. The holders on the side are perfect for a pen, soda bottle, umbrella, etc. and made life with this backpack much more enjoyable.

Being quite versatile, the Tech Rolltop has been perfect at tech events, the coffee shop, or when flying (it fits easily under the seat on airplanes).

The rolltop is a feature found on many outdoor and hiking backpacks. The benefit of the functionality is when not in use, the bag is thin and small. However, if you suddenly need to jam some clothes, or larger items the unrolled bit gives your back much more expansion abilities. The rolltop expands the volume by three to six liters, which is massive. I found this ability very useful when grabbing last-minute gifts at the airport as I could now stuff in a few extra boxes while also latching the bag closed.

Materials are also essential and one of the hallmarks of Waterfield backpacks. The black version is 1050 denier black ballistic nylon, which I have used on some of Waterfield's other bags – it's smooth and modern looking.

For a more traditional look, there is a blue or brown waxed canvas. Waterfield has never done blue before, so that is the version I chose.

Two sizes are available for the Tech Rolltop:

• Compact:16.5 X 10.5 X 4.75 inches; 2.4 lbs. Volume: 12 liters; Expanded 15 liters.
• Full: 19 x 12 x 5.5 inches; 2.8 lbs. Volume: 18 liters; Expanded 24 liters.

I chose the compact size, and the rear laptop compartment could still squeeze in a 13-inch Razer Blade Stealth. For those with 15-inch laptops (or larger) getting the full size is a better choice. That laptop slot is lined with a very soft fleece-like material to ensure your precious cargo won't scratch. Padding on both sides also prevent dings and adds comfort.

Inside there is another large slot for carrying a tablet, but it is big enough to fit a Surface Pro or small 13-inch laptop with ease. Waterfield uses its gold color lining (versus black) to make it simple to see things, and I appreciate that.

A small zip pouch can hold incidentals. On the rear of the bag are two larger pouches. One pocket has an easy-access magnet lip and the lower, larger pocket with a zipper and key fob so you can retrieve your keys without digging.

What you'll love less about Tech Rolltop backpack

The new blue looks great although waxed canvas is more prone to picking up some lint. Waxed canvas is easy enough to clean, but I was surprised at how quickly it picked up stains from putting it on the ground. If you're fastidious about cleanliness, the black ballistic nylon is the better choice.

Waterfield is also not keen on using sternum straps – a clip strap that connects the two shoulder ones to alleviate pressure on your shoulders and back significantly. I wish they'd at least offer that as an add-on feature.

The two pockets on the back are great – especially the top magnetic one, but I also found the angled pockets on the Staad a bit more convenient for quick access.

Finally, price is always a sticking point. Starting at $229 for the compact and $249 for the full, the Tech Rolltop is only for diehards with a solid budget.

Should you buy the Tech Rolltop backpack

The Tech Rolltop is a fantastic purchase. Assuming you're in the market for a long-lasting, premium laptop backpack that can do double duty for the office and play and you can afford it.

Even though I have a closet full of bags to choose from I've been using the Tech Rolltop exclusively going to Microsoft Build, private press events in New York City, Taipei for Computex, and Mexico on vacation.

The main selling points are small, light bag that held my Surface Headphones, Nintendo Switch, Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1, Amazon Kindle, plus my passport, cables, chargers, and even sleep gear for the plane. But the ability to suddenly expand it even more so I can stuff some small boxes, shirts, or whatever is precious. I also enjoyed having those side pockets back as I missed having those on the Waterfield Staad.

That adds up to make the Tech Rolltop my favorite backpack yet and very easy to recommend to others.

In our Microsoft Surface Go video review, many of you asked about the stylish leather case I used to carry around the small PC. That bag was an original WaterField Designs from 2015 meant for the older Surface 3 – while it worked, it was bigger than it needed to be for the Surface Go.

Luckily, Waterfield Designs sent me an updated version of the Outback Solo (Size #22) to see what's changed and what's new. Here's my quick review.

Outback Solo design and use

The idea behind Outback Solo is design simplicity, with protection, and some classic style.

The main pocket is padded with a soft neoprene that protects the Surface Go on all sides from bangs or scratches.

A hook-loop on the bottom lets you pull the bag taught for removing the Surface Go, which fits like a glove – it's not too tight where you will struggle, but there is not much unnecessary space either. Putting the Surface Go with the Surface Pen attached is possible.

A large front pocket has enough space for the Surface Go charger, a travel mouse and any hubs or adapters you may be using. Within that large pocket is a smaller padded one ideal for a smartphone.

In the back is another quick-access slim pocket useful for travel documents, receipts, or anything thin that you need to grab without opening the Outback Solo.

A single adjustable shoulder strap is included and removable.

On the outside, the Outback Solo is made from waxed canvas with a premium leather flap. It's water resistant, but not waterproof making it okay for the occasional rainstorm. An alternative version substitutes the waxed canvas with black ballistic nylon. Holding the leather flap closed is a single snap with a powerful magnet that helps guide it and keep it from getting knocked loose.

Outback Solo is a premium bag

The idea of ordering an excellent case that costs a third of the Surface Go may seem counter-intuitive, but WaterField Designs is the exception. I've been reviewing its bags and backpacks for years, and they only get better with age.

Putting price aside the craftsmanship of a bag sewn in San Francisco and made with premium materials is an excellent experience. The Outback Solo looks cool but is also highly functional. You can use it with just the Surface Go, or if going for a day pack it with all your Go's accessories without the bloat of a backpack.

The beautiful thing about these WaterField bags is they can be easily repurposed for other devices, tablets, etc. besides Surface Go. My hunch is the coming years we'll still have 10-inch computing devices of some sort.

And that's the value here: a classic bag that will last years. Not only will it not degrade, but the waxed canvas – like a pair of jeans – just gets better with age and exposure.

Of course, it's understandable that not everyone can afford such a luxury, but for those who can the Outback Solo is well worth it. The only thing I would love to see is WaterField offer a vertical option for this bag with a similar design.

See at WaterField

When it comes to picking out a pouch or sleeve for tech goodies, it's typically the big stuff, like laptops and tablets, that gets the attention. However, accessories can use a little love too, and that's just the segment WaterField Designs is targeting with its latest bag, an updated version of the Surface Accessories Pouch.

As the name suggests, the pouch was built to hold any Surface accessories you might be toting around. WaterField Designs says that it has redesigned the pouch to be larger, so as to better accommodate the needs of Surface Book users.

As part of the redesign, WaterField says that the new Surface Accessories Pouch is now taller than the original. There are dedicated slots for the Surface Mouse, Surface Dial, the Surface Pen, and the Surface power brick, along with two extra cord pockets. Each pocket is padded and scratch-free, and there's additional space between pockets to stash other accessories.

If you're looking for a stylish way to carry your Surface accessories (or any others, for that matter) from place to place, then the Surface Accessories Pouch looks like a solid option. The pouch is available now from WaterField in "Black Ballistic" and "Waxed Canvas" for $79.

See at WaterField Designs

WaterField is a manufacturer of quality bags based out of San Francisco. Hand-made with only the finest tanned leather and ballistic nylon, WaterField bags are not cheap, but they are meant to last a lifetime versus lower-cost mass produced ones.

The Cargo Laptop Bag was the company's very first bag, going back 18 years. For 2017 it has been redesigned with improved materials and functionality.

The Cargo Laptop Bag has been my go-to bag recently for longer trips where a simple messenger bag is just not enough. Is it worth the $349? It will depend if you like this style, but the quality is top notch.

Design and appearance

The WaterField Cargo fits in the more traditional duffle-bag era for those who prefer a classic look when carrying around their large laptops. While obviously lacking a rounded appearance of a gym bag, the Cargo is taller and flatter, making it ideal for large laptops and tablets. The Cargo can take up to a 15-inch laptop, including the Surface Book 2 and Dell XPS 15 with ease.

The design though is still unique. There is a top flap making the Cargo resemble a horizontal messenger bag, but this flap is a bit deceiving. It acts as a water-resistant cover for the core of the bag but also hides a large compartment for full-size headphones. The flap itself has a waterproof zipper that hides a decently sized compartment for your smartphone and some smaller accoutrements. The pouch had no problem holding the rather large and square Razer Phone.

Instead of the main compartment being hidden by the flap it is on top with a full-body waterproof zipper. The design choice lets you unzip the bag and grab your laptop or tablet without flipping the flap, which is cumbersome on traditional messenger bags — the WaterField Cargo goes for function over form.

Inside the main compartment is the familiar gold-lined material that WaterField uses in all its bags. Not only does it look elegant, but the brighter color gives greater contrast when looking for loose accessories or items in the bag. This design choice is very different from other bags that just have black on the inside making it difficult to locate items quickly. There is also now a padded inner compartment to protect the laptop from any bouncing accessories.

The shoulder strap has an excellent padded area that is very grippy on the bottom, so it won't slide around much. The strap is adjustable with a sizeable quick-release camlock versus the more traditional sliding buckle, which often requires you to remove the bag first before shortening the strap. While the quick-release buckle is preferred, the all-plastic design may be better served with some metal (the tradeoff is added weight, which may be why WaterField opted for plastic).

For a cargo bag, the Cargo is very rigid with a reinforced top frame that keeps the bag mostly flat. It does make opening it a bit tighter than I would prefer, but the bag is sure to hold its form over many years.

WaterField provides a few design modifications to fit your preferences. Those color and material options include grizzly leather, chocolate leather, or black leather. The materials used for all models includes 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon body and full-grain leather flap and handle. All of this weighs in at 3.4lbs (1.54kg) — quite light for its size.

Cargo all the things

I had no fundamental issues with the WaterField Cargo bag. The materials and quality of the craftsmanship are as excellent as always, which helps justify that hefty $350 price tag.

That high price comes from WaterField's manufacturing: the bags are handmade in San Francisco with premium materials and high quality standards, and that drives up the price. A WaterField bag will last a decade or more versus the more disposable bags found at Walmart. Dropping $350 on a bag for your laptop may seem excessive, but a quality bag is an investment in protection and functionality — not to mention it can make as much a statement as your outfit. The WaterField Cargo checks all the right boxes for that crowd.

Related: Best Laptop backpacks

I'm not entirely crazy about cargo bags as a category; I prefer the new Staad backpack or a more traditional messenger bag like the Crossbody. For those looking for something more formal, there is the WaterField Maverick bag. The downside for these is neither can hold more than your laptop and accessories — they're straight laptop and gear bag.

For those who enjoy the cargo bag look, the quality and functionality are unquestionable with WaterField. The Cargo is their longest running and most popular bag for a reason. For Surface Book 2 owners – especially those with the larger 15-inch model the WaterField Cargo is an excellent choice for a premium companion.

See at SFBags.com

WaterField is a well-known manufacturer of quality bags based out of San Francisco, California. Hand-made with only the most exceptional tanned leather and ballistic nylon the bags are not cheap, but they are meant to last a lifetime versus lower-cost mass produced ones.

The WaterField Staad Laptop Backpack is the company's first backpack in its nearly 20-year history. Coming in two sizes – slim or stout – the bag has enough room to fit the new Surface Book 2 15-inch with some extra pockets and the main compartment to spare.

I've been using the Staad for the last few weeks with the Surface Book 2, and it blends quality with a fashionable look.

Design and appearance

The Staad comes in a variety of color and material combinations – six in all, to be exact. Some of those are a leather type with either a black ballistic or waxed canvas combinations. All are water resistant ensuring no matter the weather your PC is protected.

Inside is the main pouch for various accessories, a few pockets, and the central laptop divider. Padded on both sides the area for your PC is secure for minor bumps and bangs. A secondary slot is ideal for a tablet, e-reader, or magazines. Two inner pouches flank the main compartment and are suitable for an AC adapter and some laptop accessories.

On the outside, there are two more side pockets for your phone or any other smaller gadget. The pockets are designed so you can swing the backpack around on one arm and still have easy access.

The primary latch is unique too. All metal, the design is influenced by the military who used a similar single lock for ammo boxes during World War II. It seems it wouldn't hold, but the smart design works very well and is exceptionally secure. Just pull the latch up, and it releases with no effort.

Finally, in the portion that meets your back, WaterField uses a porous material that helps whisk away any sweat and allows some air to pass through keeping you cool. The same material is used on the inner straps, and it works well.

Unique design for those who travel light

Overall, I was impressed with the Staad backpack. The design is easily the unique of all my bags. The Surface Book 2 fit nicely in it and, of course, as does any other 15-inch or smaller laptop.

One downside for those who travel on public railways or are often in crowded areas is there is no common security with the Staad (or any WaterField product, really). While getting access to your laptop while wearing it would be obvious, for those who want a more protected system with hidden flaps and compartments will want to try something else.

Compared to some other backpacks that feature many side pockets, and multiple sub-compartments the Staad is somewhat minimalist. It's a messenger bag, like the WaterField Bolt Crossbody but in a backpack format. For instance, there is no water bottle holder, and if you have a large camera or any object that is not very flat, it may not fit.

The choice for the Staad comes down to personal preference – do you want a do-it-all bag that can hold a million items, but at lesser quality, or do you want a premium, stately backpack that you can wear even when dressed up and not look like a kid going to school?

Related: Best Laptop backpacks

Price wise the Staad is very expensive. Starting at $319 for the slim, or $329 for the stout the Staad is one of the poshest backpacks you can find. The reason for the cost is these are designed, made and stitched in the U.S. almost on a per order basis. Many people – including myself – opt to buy products made in the U.S. as they are often higher quality and that holds true here. Whether that matters to you is a personal choice, but having the option on the market is welcomed, and WaterField lives up to its name.

Overall, the Staad is an excellent choice for those who want a backpack to wear to the office without looking like a kid going to class.

See at SFBags.com

When it comes to protecting your new Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, or Surface Book you can go a few ways – cheap, with questionable longevity or expensive and quality. WaterField falls into the latter category as they are handmade in San Francisco, often being made to order.

I've reviewed WaterField's Dash Sleeve, Outback Solo and I own the Field Muzetto bag. Now, the company has a brand-new one that is very exciting: Bolt Crossbody. Here is my review.

Bolt Crossbody – Fit and style

The WaterField Bolt Crossbody comes in three sizes including small, medium, and large. I grabbed the large version, which takes the Surface Laptop, Surface Book with Performance Base, Razer Blade, and it can even fit the Dell XPS 15. For Surface Pro owners, the medium size will do if you want a snugger fit.

Bolt Crossbody is what I would consider a day bag plus some. Whereas the excellent Brenthaven Collins Vertical Messenger Bag is ideal for a few hours the Bolt Crossbody lets you pack significantly more without turning into a full duffle bag. You can pack this for a few days with an Xbox controller, AC power plug, your laptop, tablet, phone, magazines, travel info, pens and more. Or, you can just put a Surface in it and use it for the day. The point is you get more flexibility with the Bolt Crossbody.

The Bolt Crossbody is similar to the Field Muzetto bag, but I like it better for a few reasons. The top pocket is zipper versus the Field Muzetto's flap. The Muzetto's flap is convenient, but your PC could slide out when the bag is laying down, which makes me nervous. There are also more pockets – both large and small – with the Bolt Crossbody.

For pockets, there is one large compartment that opens from the top. Within there you have a slot for your laptop or 2-in-1 – that area is padded on both sides too to protect the upper and lower areas of the device. There is the central area, where you could technically fit a second laptop but would most likely hold your AC charger or even an Xbox controller - if you're like me - and still, have room to spare. Along the inner-outside pocket, you have a deep, universal pocket and two pen holders.

The outside of the bag has another pocket that looks like it buttons but is held by a strong magnet. That pocket could hold an 8-inch tablet or a magazine, with a smaller pocket for your smartphone. That smartphone pocket is larger too holding my massive HP Elite x3 with protective cover.

The back of the Bolt Crossbody has a sixth compartment that zip closes. It is big enough to fit multiple large-sized magazines, travel documents or anything else that can lay flat.

For carrying, there is a shoulder strap with adjustable D-rings allowing for maneuverability. There is also an excellent "grab handle" on the back, which I adore. The Field Muzetto is missing this making it cumbersome to grab when laying on the seat next to me. Now, I can grab the Bolt Crossbody and since everything is zipped not have to worry about my items spilling out.

Materials and quality

WaterField is a well-known premium brand for bag making. You buy it once and keep it for a decade or more, and they can even fix your bag if something did tear. I have never had an issue with their bags, and you can go read customer testimony or their reviews. In fact, the Bolt Crossbody currently has a five out of five-star rating from 17 reviews.

For the Bolt Crossbody there are multiple options for materials:

• Waxed canvas – Basically, this is the traditional leather bag in three trims including Chocolate, Grizzly, or Black leather.
• Black Ballistic – This is a very thick and sturdy nylon with the same three Chocolate, Grizzly, or Black leather trims as options.

Both styles are water resistant and very durable. The one I tested here is Black Ballistic with Grizzly Leather trim as I think it gives an excellent contrast.

The inside is a gold cloth, which is an interesting choice. WaterField chose this so that it was "bright" on the inside versus a traditional brown or black. That decision means items at the bottom of the bag contrast and is easier to see. I like it a lot.

The zippers are sturdy, worked well and never jammed. They all have a leather grab on them too for easy finding.

While wearing the bag, I could access all the compartment and slots without having to remove it. I appreciate that at airports or trade events when I don't feel comfortable taking the cross body bag off for security reasons.

The Bolt Crossbody can be worn – as its name implies – across your body, or just over the shoulder. I prefer the former style as it can sit against my hip and not bounce a lot.

Expensive, but worth it

I won't beat around the bush the Bolt Crossbody is very expensive. It starts at $199 for the small and goes up to $219 for the large. That is quite a price jump from the typical $20 to $60 range people spend for a laptop bag.

Nonetheless, WaterField makes these in small batches right here in the US with premium materials and well-thought-out designs. These are the kind of bags you buy once and keep for a very long time. Since the large style fits even up to a Dell XPS 15 if you move on from a Surface to something else the bag retains its value.

Personally, I've been trying to move to buying American-made, higher-quality items as I get older instead of lower-cost things I can throw away. Of course, not everyone can afford a WaterField bag, which is understandable too.

Out of all the bags I own so far, the Bolt Crossbody is now my favorite. While the Brenthaven Collins is a lovely day bag, that latch has worn a bit over time, and the quality of the Bolt Crossbody blows it away. I also feel I can pack more into the Bolt Crossbody like an AC charger, Xbox controller, a few smartphones, and even another PC without feeling like it is overpacked. Alternatively, I can just use it for the Surface Laptop, my phone, and a mouse without feeling like I'm carrying too much bag for the job.

See at WaterField Designs

Investing in the Surface Pro 4 or Surface Book is just that — an investment. Dropping that amount of cash means you want to protect your computer wherever and whenever. Sometimes that means having a small dedicated bag, but what if you need to pack your Surface into something larger or just want to carry it around? WaterField Design's Dash Sleeve for Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 is a great solution.

I spent the last few weeks with the Dash Sleeve. Here are my thoughts on how good it is and who it is for.

Dash Sleeve specs

Laptop and tablet sleeves are a dime a dozen, but WaterField goes for the more premium builds that will last you years without falling apart. They are made in the USA in San Francisco, which bumps up the costs, but it is often worth it. Here is what you get with the Dash Sleeve:

• Long-lasting, durable ballistic nylon exterior.
• Impact-resistant compression foam.
• Super soft plush liner.
• Premium, full-grain leather accents.

There are two options for color: gray waxed canvas and black ballistic nylon. I am reviewing the latter option. Both are very professional looking.

The Dash Sleeve comes in many different sizes, but they have two sleeves unique to the Surface series. One fits the Surface Book and the other is for Surface Pro 4 with the Type Cover. The one I'm reviewing here is the Surface Book Dash Sleeve and as expected it also fits the somewhat larger Surface Book with Performance Base.

Besides the main, padded compartment for the Surface, there is a back pocket that is mesh and stretches. It can easily retain a magazine or some papers, but the sleeve can also fit the Surface's AC adapter because it stretches.

Like some of WaterField's other Surface accessories, the Dash Sleeve has a dedicated slot for the Surface Pen, which can be tricky to carry and easy to lose.

Finally, WaterField claims the Sleeve is "TSA-checkpoint friendly (no need to take the device out of the Dash Sleeve)," though I didn't test that.

Who it's for

The Dash Sleeve should be considered more of an accessory for short travel, in the car to the office, within the office or taking the Surface to a coffee shop, for example. I also found it useful when I wanted to put the Surface in a larger backpack without a dedicated laptop sleeve, or throw it in a suitcase.

Students would also benefit from the Dash Sleeve instead of putting it in a backpack that's already filled with books.

To buy or not to buy

The Dash Sleeve is a quality product like all of WaterField's stuff. It costs $59, but I don't find that outrageous for an accessory for the Surface Book, which costs more than $2,000 for some models.

I enjoyed the stretchy latch that you just pull over to prevent the Surface from sliding out of the sleeve. Once the Surface is in there, it will not fall out. The pen slot and stretchy back pocket meant I could carry the AC charger too without much effort.

My only complaint is a minor one. I wouldn't mind seeing WaterField branch out into more colors or add more flair. To be fair, this accessory is advertised as being minimalist and it tries to keep it professional, so I can't ding the company too much. Still, if you're looking for something that stands out or is a little more exciting, there are better options on the market.

See at WaterField Designs

There are some specific usage scenarios that the Dash Sleeve fits well, and it's a great option to have if you travel a lot with the Surface Book or Pro 4 and are looking for protection. WaterField Designs is a company that stands behind its products, and I recommend the Dash Sleeve.

See also:

• WaterField Designs' Outback Solo Case for Surface is a superb leather bag that'll last a lifetime
• The Brenthaven Collins Vertical Messenger Bag for Surface Book is outstanding

When it comes to consumer products, these days affordable often rules the roost. Nonetheless, there is a push for premium, hand-crafted products that won't break down after a few years. WaterField Designs is one of those companies which is based in San Francisco, where they also handmake the bags to order.

Today, I'm reviewing their Outback Solo Case for Surface Book, Surface 3, and Surface Pro 4, and while it's not cheap, it's the kind of bag that will outlast your hardware.

'Rugged minimalism'

WaterField Designs describes their Outback Solo case as "rugged minimalism" due to the materials used and the simplicity in design. Like my other favorite bag by Brenthaven Collins, the Outback Solo is made for day trips when you just want to pack your Surface and not much else. For my needs, this category is much more relevant now with the Surface Book with Performance Base, which lets me get around 10 hours of real-world usage. That's good enough not to have to pack a charger or much else.

The difference with a WaterField Design's bag is they go beyond just cloth and low-cost materials. The Solo is made with high-grade neoprene for the interior lining, a full-grain leather flap, and a waxed canvas exterior. While it's not completely waterproof if you are caught in the rain you shouldn't have to worry about your Surface getting damaged. The neoprene is there to offer shock protection, and the distressed leather gives each bag unique personality.

Each bag is handmade and sewn in San Francisco in small batches. While that means you sometimes need to wait a few weeks for a WaterField Designs bag, you're getting something more than a mass-produced bag shipped from overseas.

Additional features of the Solo include:

• Two exterior pockets for power adapter, phone, wallet or other quick-access items
• Shock-absorbent neoprene interior
• Includes non-removable shoulder strap
• Rear pocket for storage

I've owned a few of these bags from WaterField Designs and have always been happy with their customer support and the quality of their products.

Functionality – What you get

The Outback Solo is a light day bag, but you can easily pack the Surface's charger – even the larger 102 W one with the Surface Book with Performance Base – in the front accessory pocket with room to spare. The smaller front pouch is good for your smartphone up to six inches like the HP Elite x3 or iPhone 7 Plus.

There is no dedicated slot for the Surface's pen, which would have been a nice addition. Nonetheless, you can just clip it to one of the front pockets.

The Outback Solo comes in three sizes for the Surface with one for the small Surface 3 (previously reviewed) another for the Surface Pro 4, which are both $139, and the most expensive one for the Surface Book at $149. You can, of course, order one for the Surface Book and use it for the Surface Pro 4 and have some extra room if you desire. I had no issue putting the heavier Surface Book with Performance Base into the bag.

Compared to their more expensive Field Muzetto bag, which is also one of my favorites, the Outback Solo has a magnetic snapping closure to keep the lid closed. I prefer that style for when grabbing the bag from my car knowing that nothing can slide out.

I like how their logo is on the inside sleeve and not emblazoned across the bag or in the form of a cloth tag. Clean and minimal.

Finally, the rear pocket is large enough to fit a Kindle, some paper, a notebook, or anything else that can lay flat.

Bottom line

There's something to be said about a bag that will last you 5, 10, or 20 years. At three times the cost of some non-US made sleeves the Outback Solo is comparatively expensive. Still, you're getting something handcrafted and made in the USA. The company can even do repairs on your bag years later should you have any problems. I think that stuff matters and that type of craftsmanship is hard to come by these days. If you're already dropping $2k on a Surface Book getting a stylish quality day bag is not the craziest idea.

Personally, I like the leather Indiana Jones-like look of the Outback Solo, and it's perfect for when I head to the city and want something that doesn't look cheap. I love the personalized size of the Outback Solo versus a full backpack or something larger. The design and features are excellent as is the quality.

See at WaterField Designs

If you're looking for a beautiful day bag for your Surface, look no further than Outback Solo. It's the kind of bag that five years from now you'll still be using.

WaterField, the company behind a number of popular bags and cases, has announced the Field Muzetto, a padded bag for laptops and tablets. Coming in three sizes, the Field Muzetto might be just what you need to store your new Surface Pro 4 or Surface Book.

The Field Muzetto is a vertical bag made of lightweight canvas, and comes in small, medium, and large sizes. The small bag is meant for items about the size of a Surface Pro 4, while the medium back is meant for medium-sized laptops, like the Surface Book. The Muzetto also comes with other, smaller pockets for things like your phone, notebooks, pens, and even a charger.

The Field Muzetto starts at $169 for the small bag, with the medium priced at $189, and the large bag costing $199. The bag is set to ship by November 10.

From $169 at WaterField

If you're looking for a small bag to carry just your Surface 3 and a few other things, then you're going to want to check out the Waterfield Outback Solo. They have a similar bag for the Surface Pro 3 which Seth has reviewed here, but Waterfield Designs have also created one specifically for the smaller Surface 3. Watch our hands-on video for a closer look.

When we look at the materials, we can see that the flap is made of leather while the rest of the bag is made of waxed canvas. There's a magnetic tab to keep the bag closed. The canvas material feels very similar to a thick pair of jeans. I like the rugged distressed look. Just like leather, the waxed canvas' appearance will change over time.

The Waterfield Outback Solo is water resistant so the bag should keep your devices inside dry.

The main compartment is lined with a neoprene material that is soft so that it won't scratch your Surface 3. The Surface 3 fits nicely even with the Type Cover attached. It's worth noting that if you use Surface Pen with the pen loop attached, it's going to be snug.

There are two pockets in front of the bag. In the bigger pocket, you can place your charger, wallet, or other small things. The smaller pocket can fit a phone. Just for reference, the Lumia 1520 fits in the smaller pocket, but it's tight. The Lumia 930 can fit more comfortably. You should also put the display towards the front because there is a softer lining on that side.

There's also a compartment on the back where you can store more things. You can put a notepad or even another small tablet. The shoulder strap is optional. The length is adjustable, and you can completely remove it by unsnapping four buttons.

If you're looking for a flashy bag, the Waterfield Outback Solo isn't for you. The design is simple and subtle. The logos are also hidden inside the pockets. The Waterfield Designs logo is in the bigger pocket while the smaller pocket has a 'Made in San Francisco' label. There's also a link to sfbags.com.

The Waterfield Outback Solo for Surface 3 costs $109, and you'll need to add another $19 if you want the adjustable strap. Is it worth it? If you're looking for a small, but high quality bag to carry the Surface 3, the Outback Solo is a good choice. However, if you don't care so much about the materials, you can find bigger bags with lower price tags.

Buy Waterfield Outback Solo for Surface 3 or Surface Pro 3

If you were intrigued by our review of the WaterField Outback sleeve for the Surface Pro 3, you might be wondering what their other offerings are. Well, you're in luck, as the company just announced a whole slew of new sleeve cases for a number of recent laptop offerings such as the Dell XPS 13, ASUS Transformer Book Chi T300, and various Lenovo ThinkPads.

Here are some of the main features and options of these new laptop sleeves:

• High-grade, shock-absorbing neoprene padding inside a ballistic nylon shell
• Bottom loop help extract the laptop
• Choice of horizontal- or vertically-oriented case to match
• messenger bags or backpacks
• Optional addition of a lightly-padded flap for extra protection
• Choice of trim: grey-checkered Indium, or brown or black leather
• Optional D-rings and a strap
• All metal hardware add-ons
• Close-fitted best sleeve for Dell XPS 13, Asus Transformer Book Chi T300 and new Lenovo ThinkPads
• TSA-friendly. Keeps laptop safe going through security.
• Made entirely in the USA—San Francisco

The sleeves are available starting at $49, with various additional options that cost anywhere from $5-$27 extra. If you want to check them out for yourself, and possibly even pick one up, hit up that source link below to get started. Additionally, if you'd like a little more insight into what goes into one of these cases, feel free to check out the video embedded below.

Source: WaterField (Press Release), WaterField Designs