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Within backpacker circles, the Pacsafe name is almost legendary for their over-the-top mesh backpack and travel protectors. While these no doubt deter and stop thieves, the “average” traveler (if there is such a thing) is often looking for a more subtle approach.
Enter the MetroSafe line of urban travel bags. We spent a few weeks on the road with Pacsafe’s new MetroSafe 250 travel shoulder bag – the “middle child” if you will of the MetroSafe line.
The Skinny
First, a quick look at the MetroSafe 250 in the manufacturer’s own words. At the heart of Pacsafe’s anti-theft technology are four key features:
- eXomesh® Slashguard in lower front, side and bottom panels
- Slashproof adjustable shoulder strap
- Snatchproof shoulder strap allows the bag to anchor to a secure fixture
- Tamperproof zippers on main compartment and front organiser compartment
Additional features include:
- Large main zippered compartment with internal slip pocket for magazines and pocket for mp3 player
- Headphone port
- Front zippered organiser compartment with 2 padded electronic gadget pockets and credit card slots, pen holder and key clip
- Small front zippered map pocket with concealable zipper puller
- 2 water bottle / compact umbrella side pockets
In Detail
Design
The MetroSafe 250 isn’t going to turn any heads and that’s exactly the way we want it. It’s not clearly a laptop bag, an iPad bag, a camera bag (with obvious lens “bulge”) … or haughty man purse. It could be any or none of these things, which is exactly how we like it. The name of the game here is “urban stealth” – maximum mobile security with a minimal, understated design that provides no clue as to the pack’s contents.
Construction
Pacsafe is synonymous with high-tech, anti-theft bag technology for good reason. The integrated eXomesh® stainless steel security wiring does wonders to stop thieves from slashing and stealing your goods. It’s also so intricately woven into the bag’s design that it’s difficult to detect even if you know it’s there.
After a few weeks of steady use, we found just one minor quibble. Though the MetroSafe is “designed for netbooks”, we found the padding of the main compartment, particularly on the bottom, to be a little on the thin side. To be sure, it’s not a deal breaker and we were never concerned about our valuables. However, other netbook bags we’ve tested offer slightly more generous padding which is always welcome when protecting one’s electronics.
Size
The MetroSafe 250 weighs in at little over one pound – surprising, given the added security mesh wiring.
With enough room for all our daily travel essentials – netbook, cell phone, digicam, magazine, etc. – the 250 is the perfectly-sized day bag for us. It’s larger than many netbook bags, yet smaller than most backpacks. It’s proven to be a “throw it over the shoulder and forget it” affair.
Availability
For sale new on Amazon.com, starting as low as $62.50.
Bottom Line
The size, weight, and capacity are spot-on for most traveler’s daypack needs. Add in the peace of mind of the aforementioned security features and, at just north of $60 USD, we think the MetroSafe 250 is a great buy. Recommended.