Let me say upfront 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 WaterField Designs Bolt Briefcase.
Are WaterField Design products expensive? Yes. The Bolt’s price ranges from $249 to $279 depending if you want a small (which can accommodate up to a 13-inch laptop), medium, or large size (which can handle a 17-inch notebook). You get what you pay for, and the company’s products are impeccable.
The Bolt has a designated, laptop compartment for a Mac notebook, PC laptop, Surface Pro, or other device. The gadget is accessible through a quick-access zipper, which speeds up things when you pass through TSA airport security.
The Bolt is designed to accommodate everything for short business trips without the need for an extra bag. Ergonomically-designed straps distribute weight evenly for comfortable, hands-free carry. Or you can use the leather-lined grab handle instead.
The main compartment is accessible via two waterproof zippers. The rear zipper leads to a shock-absorbing, foam-lined laptop compartment that, as mentioned, holds up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro and an additional plush-lined tablet compartment that fits up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 12-inch MacBook or similarly-sized device. I have a business trip coming up in October, and I’ll definitely be using the Bolt to carry my 12-inch MacBook and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
A front zipper opens wide and provides access to other items in the main compartment. A backside anti-sweat, mesh cushion doubles as a rolling suitcase slot for transport through airports. A thick leather bottom boot provides structure to the backpack and enhances water-resistance and longevity.
Low-profile pockets on either side hold a water bottle or other type of drink. An exterior, front zippered pocket—which protects your goodies thanks to its rain-guard flap—holds passports and tickets. Two additional front pockets close with hidden magnets and leather tabs to keep other travel items near at hand. Inside, two open-topped hand pockets close with Velcro pads to separate items such as chargers, cords and pens from the main compartment.
If anything, the Bolt has so many pockets and compartments you may forget where you stashed everything!
The Bolt is made of the high quality ballistic nylon we’re used to seeing from WaterField Design. There are three colors of leather accents around the sides, bottom, on the handles and the shoulder strap. WaterField also makes one with waxed canvas and the same three leather accent colors for a total of six combinations in each of the two bag sizes.
The Bolt is built to last. When it gets scratched or dings, it only adds to its “seasoned” appeal. You can always use a leather cleaner to spiff it up.
The Bolt has plenty of storage space, looks great, and is rugged. Your gadgets will stay protected while carrying this bag in rain or snow.
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