TechRadar Verdict
If you have both the funds and discerning taste, the Lo & Sons Rowledge is a perfect marriage of a backpack that can handle anything you throw at it and manage to look elegant while doing it. Other than pricing, its only real downside is that those outside the US can't easily get their hands on it.
Pros
- +
Beautiful and stylish backpack
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Fits several laptops up to 15-inches
- +
Extremely durable and weatherproof
Cons
- -
Very expensive
- -
Not available outside the US
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Lo & Sons Rowledge: One minute review
The Lo & Sons Rowledge bag is one of our favorite every day bags. It’s one of the most stylish and chic backpacks we’ve ever laid eyes on, both in its simple yet elegant exterior and the interior which is lined with jacquard in a beautiful hummingbird print.
It’s an incredibly practical bag as well, as the exterior is full of storage pockets and made of a wicking material that resists even the worst of storms, while the interior is cushioned to protect your precious laptops and other devices.
There are two mesh pockets on the inside, which can be used for holding water bottles or an umbrella and there’s also a dedicated back sleeve that can hold a smaller laptop or device. The main pocket can hold about two other laptops up to 15-inches, though it can be a tight squeeze. This bag, unlike the Lo & Sons O.G. 2 overnight travel bag, is meant for a smaller workload though it still fits in a solid amount of things.
There are two versions: a small size that’s $465 and a large size priced at $485. It’s an expensive bag indeed and the price only increases if you’re in any region outside the US and are forced to import one.
Its performance fully reflects the high standards of quality and pricing that the Lo & Sons brand name is known for. Not only is this bag gorgeous but it’s capable of taking a substantial beating without showing any signs of wear and tear. The exterior shows no signs of scratching or fraying at the seams, while the interior stays completely pristine and rip-free even when consistently stuffed full day after day.
Simply put, if you're looking for one of the best backpacks around and you're willing to spend the money to get it, the Lo & Sons Rowledge should definitely be on your shortlist.
Lo & Sons Rowledge: Price and availability
- It's very expensive
- Not available outside the US
The Lo & Sons Rowledge comes in two sizes, small and large, with the former costing $465 (around £400 / AU$720) and the latter priced at $485 (around £420 / AU$750).
The pricing reflects the high-quality and long-lasting build of the bag, though it would be difficult for many people to afford it. Not to mention that the brand is only available in the US, meaning that those in other regions would need to find a way to import it and incur additional costs.
Despite that, the Lo & Sons Rowledge is an excellent bag that’s more than worth the price if you can afford it. And honestly, it makes for a great investment, as it outlasts any cheap bags by a wide margin, meaning that you won’t have to repurchase a new bag every few months or even years.
- Value: 4.5 / 5
Lo & Sons Rowledge: Design and features
- Tons of pockets
- Weatherproofed exterior
- Cushioned jacquard-lined interior
Here are the specs for the Lo & Sons Rowledge we received for review:
Key Features: Both briefcase and backpack wear, dedicated laptop sleeve, water-resistant nylon, leather handles and trim, interior jacquard lining
Dimensions: Small- 6" x 10.75" x 16", Large - 6.75" x 11.5" x 16.5" (L x W x H)
Weight: Small - 2.9lbs, Large - 3.2lbs
This is an impeccably designed backpack, with a simple yet refined look and the zippers acting as accents to enhance the sleek black material. It reflects the premium brand name without being too garish, including the lovely hummingbird-printed lavender jacquard material on the inside. Normally a backpack summons images of something more rustic and sporty, but the Lo & Sons Rowledge is sophisticated enough to be in any office environment.
And sophistication isn’t the only aspect of its design either, as everything about it is meant for more practical use. For instance, the outer material is made of weatherproof nylon and the zippers are made to prevent leakage into the back itself even when it's open. The internal jacquard material is cushioned to protect laptops and other vulnerable devices from harm.
Not to mention the number of pockets this backpack has, with two adjustable outside ones on either side, two mesh pockets on the inside, a front pocket, a back outside pocket, a small pocket at the top, a dedicated section in the back for smaller laptops, and space for larger laptops as well as other items. While it’s smaller and can’t fit very large gaming laptops like the O.G. 2 overnight bag can, it still fits in a solid amount for being an everyday bag.
- Design: 5 / 5
Lo & Sons Rowledge: Performance
- Protects any devices inside it from harm
- Remains in pristine condition even after a beating
We put the Lo & Sons Rowledge through its paces to see how much punishment it could take through daily use and the answer is: a lot. The exterior is made of weatherproof material, so the heaviest rain storms won’t easily penetrate it, leaving the inside completely dry and safe from harm. This includes all the extra pockets that can be fully zipped up, and even the partially open outside side pockets provide a surprising amount of protection. And even through months of hard use, the material looks just as pristine as the first day we received it.
The inside is cushioned well and slamming the bag down on a table or hard floor protects any laptops stored inside. The dedicated inside back slot is ideal for smaller laptops and keeps it protected from other items in the main pocket that might spill over. Even after months of overstuffing the bag with devices and other items, there’s been no signs of ripping or tearing.
There are two ways to hold the bag, either as a briefcase with short handles or as a backpack with shoulder straps. Either method works great as the handle material is made of leather and therefore quite durable. And the long straps are extremely durable as well, able to take plenty of punishment without ripping like most cheaper bag straps would after a few months.
- Performance: 5 / 5
Should you buy a Lo & Sons Rowledge?
Buy it if...
Don't buy if...
Also consider
Lo & Sons O.G. 2: Report Card
| Value | Despite the high price tag, this bag is so surable and chic that it will last you a very long time, making it a great investment. | 4.5 / 5 |
| Design | From the material to the elegant hardware and jacquard interior, everything about this bag is gorgeous. | 5 / 5 |
| Performance | Even after stuffing this backpack full of laptops and other tech for months, it looks as good as the day we got it and the weatherproofing is superb. | 5 / 5 |
| Total (Average) | While expensive, the Rowledge is still one of the finest backpacks that we have ever tested and will look not just appropriate but chic no matter where you are. | 4.84 / 5 |
- First reviewed November 2022
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