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Bum Back Pack Ergonomic Evaluation

An Ergonomic Review of the Bum Back Pack

About.com Rating five out of Five

By Chris Adams, About.com

The Bum Back Pack, or BBP, is a new take on an old standard, or a couple of old standards. The Bum Back Pack is a hybrid messenger bag/laptop carrying case. It also has some great ergonomics. The bag has an ingenious strap system that quickly changes from a single shoulder strap to a dual back pack strap system that hangs the bag at your bum to ease the strain on your back.

Why Is it Different?

The Bum Back Pack stands out in three main ways: The bag transforms between a messenger bag and a back pack. It provides some serious protection for your laptop. And the back pack hangs low on your rear, not your shoulders.

A unique strap system can easily change from a messenger style, single strap to two back pack straps. As a messenger bag, it keeps all your stuff at hand. Switch it over to a back pack for your commute and spread the load.

The bag itself is made of durable material. The laptop compartment is then reinforced with hard padding to protect your computer through all the daily bumps.

The Bum Back Pack has also changed how you wear a back pack. By lowering the load to your rear it eases the strain on your back and shoulders. It has some extra padding to rest against the cheeks as well.

Does it Deliver?

The Bum Back Pack does deliver, and with some extra style and versatility as well.

The bag itself is a good bag. It is durable, stain and tear resistant, and strong. There are plenty of pockets to hold all your stuff including a couple of water bottles. There is also good padding to keep things comfortable.

Bum Back Packs are made of ballistic nylon for the exterior. This is some tough stuff. The interior is made of water-resistant nylon to protect your contents from moisture.

The strap is wide and padded. Mesh on the underside makes it breathable as well.

The quick-release latches can be opened and closed with one hand. These latches are one of my favorite features.

The laptop compartment is a fort. If you can't keep your laptop alive in this bag, consider carrying an abacus instead.

The strap adjustments are quick and easy. And once you learn how to transform the bag from messenger to back pack, you can do it in just a few seconds.

The bags come in different sizes to fit different-sized laptops. There is even a pass-through slot so the Bum Back Pack can slide over your rolling suitcase/briefcase handle.

Beneficiaries

The Bum Back Pack can benefit anybody who has to carry a bag for more than 10 minutes a day or has to lug a laptop around.

  • Laptop Users
  • Pedestrian Commuters
  • Travelers
  • Students
  • Those with Junk in the Trunk

Summary

The Bum Back Pack is a fantastic bag. If you need a messenger bag, attache case, back pack or laptop case you should check these bags out. They are durable, manageable and comfortable.

For the usability test, I sent a Bum Back Pack around the world. It has traveled as the primary carry on bag to all corners of the planet (Antarctica not included) for months. It still looks good and works flawlessly.

I also weighted a bag down with more weight than you should ever carry and hauled it around at great personal risk to my back. The low slung back pack does help ease the strain on your back and make your daily haul better on you. You still shouldn't overload your back pack however.

All in all, this bag is top notch and can really help those who suffer from pain due to slinging a laptop around or carrying a heavy pack for miles on end.

For more on the ergonomics of the Bum Back Pack, read The Bum Back Pack Ergonomic Breakdown.

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