Air Porter Backpack

I bought the Waterfield Packable sling in Nov24 and it is awesome, so when I decided to replace my TUMI laptop backpack, I thought the Air Porter Backpack c/would do that…ordering one on Jan. 13, 2025. I received it on Jan. 18, 2025, and excitedly moved my gear to the Air Porter and used it for 7 to 10 days (mostly trips to the office & client meetings; no planes). But after what I thought was a decent test run, I concluded the Air Porter was not working for me…though a high-quality product, the Air Porter Backpack is a little too boxy for me; pockets are either too big or too small for what I need and it turns out I prefer a more traditional backpack design. So, I sought to return it…well within the Waterfield 30-days return policy limit...with the intention of getting Waterfield's Pro Exec. Laptop Backpack...or waiting for Shinjuku when it comes out next month. BUT Waterfield will not accept the return because my limited use described above voided returnability. They point out that the website says "return it to us unused within 30 days of receipt and we will send you a prompt refund." I find Waterfield's return policy surprising, disappointing, and particularly restrictive. It makes me a not satisfied customer (which is contrary to the articulated goal of the website return policy). Note Waterfield return policy applies this restrictive "unused" interpretation as well as a 30-day limit...one or the other makes sense to me, but applying both is harsh and not customer-friendly policy. There are different approaches Waterfield could take to keep me as a satisfied customer (starting with having a more reasonable "unused or within 30-days" return policy but they could also be willing to exchange my Air Porter for a different product, give me credit towards a different product, a partial refund, requiring photo proof that the product looks like new before accepting a return, etc.) but outright rejection and suggesting I sell it on Facebook is not one of them. Writing this review makes me sad since Waterfield produces quality products, and it frustrates me that they don't have a return policy that confidently supports that quality. Anyway, be aware and be warned and most importantly learn from me to not let your excitement rush you to use your new Waterfield upon delivery, otherwise you too will be disappointed by the return policy.

I have had many different computer backpacks, most of them high end for my MacBook Pros. I have not yet travelled with the Air Porter, but will in three days for the first time. I cleaned out my last bag from Tom Bihn, which I have used for the last five years. Everything from it, my 14 inch MacBook Pro, my 13 inch iPad Pro, magic keyboard case, accessories, Quest 3 (in its WaterField case), Vision Pro (in its WaterField case) all fit perfectly. I have room for cables, chargers, etc). I love how it stands on its own. I am looking forward to being able to remove items from the top compartments, without taking the whole bag out. Really excited about putting through its paces at the airport.

I love my new backpack. It's exactly what I was looking for. Spacious enough and still quite compact size (I was little bit afraid it will be too big). I like it stands on the floor and I could take things out and put them back in very easily. Materials are great. A lot of options to organize things inside - it will just take some time to find my right way :)

The Air Porter is the third Waterfield bag I've purchased during the last decade. I still have the other two and use them almost daily - that says something about the quality. The attention to detail is phenomenal, the materials are excellent and the workmanship is second to none. My only gripe is the price, but as the saying goes: "buy quality, cry once".

Just received this my new bag and so far so good. It seems to be very well made, the design and form function will work well for my upcoming trip. I plan to put two laptops in it (both MacBook Pro 14 inches) along with their chargers, and my AirPods Max headphones. Plus whatever additional tech gear I might need. I think it will do just fine.