The Mezzo Laptop Backpack is all I need to take my 16-inch MacBook Pro, iPad, accessories on the road

I admit that, in all my years of reviewing products, there have been few from WaterField Designs that haven’t impressed me. That hasn’t changed with the new handcrafted Mezzo Laptop Backpack. 

In fact, it and the Atlas Executive Holdall (see my review here) are the only bags I carry when I’m traveling. Together, they hold all the gadgets, accessories, toiletries, and clothes I need, even on long trips.

With its tapered shape and small frame, the $299 Mezzo Laptop Backpack is designed for carrying a laptop, tablet, and more. The 14.5-liter streamlined backpack includes padded laptop and tablet compartments, large pockets on either side for water bottle or umbrellas, and a front, pleated pocket inspired by old-world saddle pouches for quick access items. 

The main compartment easily accommodates my 16-inch MacBook Pro in its leather sleeve and my iPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard Folio attached. I place the power cords, external hard drive, etc., in the front pocket (which is kinda tricky to unsnap).

The Mezzo’s thick leather bottom helps protect all these goodies. Breathable cushioning on the rear and the shoulder straps help keep the cram-packed laptop case from being uncomfortable on your shoulders during a long jaunt through an airport. The leather handle makes it easy to carry if you don’t want it on your shoulders/back.

The WaterField backpack is extremely rugged thanks to its full grain leather, light foam padding, and water-resistant liner. It’s available in ballistic with black leather, ballistic with chocolate leather, or canvas with chocolate leather versions. The latter is the one I prefer.

The WaterField backpack isn’t inexpensive. But you’ll be hard pressed to find one that’s more rugged, easier to use, and which is as handsome.

Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★