 This Product
Incase Icon | |||||
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| Awards |  Best Overall Laptop Bag |  A Modern Briefcase Option For a More Professional Carry |  Best Value for Work to Weekend Crossover Use | Best Under $50 | |
| Price | $200 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $185 List Check Price at Amazon | $159 List | $125 List Check REI (on sale!) | $40 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A rugged nylon option that offers good protection, a comfortable fit, and tons of compartments that will appeal to the most-organized of packers | This all-star backpack has pockets that make staying organized a cinch, as well as padded straps and back for all-day comfort | A rugged and versatile laptop briefcase that can quickly switch up into a comfortable messenger bag | High capacity, smart organization, reliable structure, and a large laptop compartment make this bag a great tool for commuters and travelers | A screaming good deal that has good enough quality, comfort, and function to hold up to daily use |
| Rating Categories | Incase Icon | Timbuk2 Authority De... | Aer Tech Brief | The North Face Recon | Matein Travel |
| Comfort and Fit (30%) | |||||
| Laptop Protection (20%) | |||||
| Storage and Organization (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Incase Icon | Timbuk2 Authority De... | Aer Tech Brief | The North Face Recon | Matein Travel |
| Compatible Laptop Size | 16" | 17" | 16" | 16" | 15.6" |
| Carry Style | Backpack | Backpack | Briefcase, crossbody | Backpack | Backpack |
| Volume | 17 L | 20 L | 16 L | 30 L | 28 L |
| External Water Bottle Holder | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Location of Laptop Compatrment | Separate/Back | Separate/Back | Main/Back | Separate/Back | Separate/Back |
| Unique Features | Very compartmentalized | Lower gear straps | Briefcase design with attachable messenger strap, waterproof zippers | Removable hip belt, women's version available | Exterior USB plug, lightweight |
| External Side Pockets | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.6 lb | 2.3 lb | 2.6 lb | 2.5 lb | 1.7 lb |
Several of our testing crew loved this bag's layout. It has two large main compartments filled with sleeves, zippered pockets, and open space. The packing options with the Incase Icon are endless.
The shoulder straps on the Incase Icon are narrow. Some of our testers said they sit a little snug on larger bodies. So if you have broader shoulders, you may not like how this pack fits. Some of our testers also felt this bag's organizational structure was a little over-engineered, saying that there were so many pockets, they often had trouble remembering where they had stored some of their items.
The Icon wasn't as water-resistant as we anticipated. After our at-home spray tests, we detected water on the interior of the bag. We don't think this is a deal-breaker, but a heavy rainstorm could cause problems for the Incase.
The Incase Icon offers a good amount of packing volume (23 liters), but as we mentioned, much of it is divided into smaller pockets and pouches, which limits the amount of larger things you can fit in the bag and may feel overdone to some. If you need more open space to pack a greater variety of items, take a look at The North Face Recon or Osprey Nebula 32, which both offer more space and have a sportier vibe. If you like a sleek aesthetic, the Peak Design Everyday offers customizable organization with velcro dividers (originally meant for camera gear). The Lenovo Legion Armored has the largest capacity of the bags we tested, and has a “just-right” level of organization for packing tech.
