Carrier that knows role

» Reliable and structured bag that can adapt when required.

- Arthur Goldstuck

What is it? Laptop bags tend to fall into two categories: bloated travel beasts or limp, forgettable sleeves. The Thule Accent Convertible Backpack 17L carves out space in a third category: a slim-line laptop carrier that knows its role and avoids turning into a fashion statement or a tactical gimmick.

For the past couple of months, it has been my primary laptop bag over a string of flights, conferences and daily churn of meetings. It was chosen not because it tries to stand out, but because it promises not to get in the way. That alone puts it ahead of many competitors. The bag's standout quality is its structure: it maintains a neat silhouette, never sagging when partially packed or puffing up when full.

The laptop compartment is separate and padded, accommodating up to a 15.6-inch laptop and a 16-inch MacBook without fuss. With my Dell XPS 13, it practically vanished.

Despite the bag's slim profile, it doesn't feel like a tight fit, nor does it try to double as a cavernous gear sack.

A second sleeve allows for a tablet, which can be useful, although it makes for a predictably snug fit.

The rest of the internal layout is focused on tidy compartmentalization. Mesh pockets, pen holders and cable pouches are sized realistically, although not generously.

The design isn't showy, but neither is it bland. There's a clean, business-like elegance to the exterior, with nothing flashy or aggressively branded.