I’ll start by saying I’m a nerd when it comes to organization and storage. I actually got giddy when I saw all the pockets, zippers, and compartments on the STM Drifter. If you want a backpack that seriously organizes all your tech, cords, batteries, and travel gear, this is for you.
- Top Load Main Compartment Padded Laptop Cell.
- Zippered Front Panel Pockets.
- Bottom Zip Pocket Holds Detachable Rain Cover.
- 3D Foam Mesh Back Panel.
- Padded And Contoured Shoulder Straps.
I typically travel with the following: a 13″ MacBook Air and its power cord, Bose around-ear headphones and case, iPhone, DSLR camera and lenses, Kindle, sound machine, and all the cords, cables, and batteries that go along with them.
I also like to fit my inflatable travel pillow, a sweater or jacket, some food, my water bottle, and my wallet and passport into any travel bag. The STM Drifter fits all of the above and more, and it fits it all with perfect organization, which makes my heart glad.
This is a well-thought-out pack. And it’s not huge: the Drifter is only two pounds empty, and 18 liters in capacity. It doesn’t have loose flaps or pockets that jut out…it’s very streamlined, even when full.
It has my favorite feature in a backpack for ease of use and getting things in and out: a big U-shaped opening at the top.
I love this, as the traditional backpack opening tends to close up like a clamshell when you’re trying to dig something out if the bag is full.
The Drifter is designed to carry a laptop 15″ or smaller, plus a tablet, phone, and their accessories. The laptop sleeve is padded, and there’s a slip pocket for the tablet (with cord and battery storage space).
You get a see-through zippered pocket for small things (I like to put earbuds and the like in here), and side water bottle pockets with compression straps.
A bottom zip pocket holds a detachable rain cover, which is very useful (I learned the hard way to always carry one), and the reinforced bottom fabric is water resistant.
There’s plenty of main compartment space for clothes, a jacket, and the like (or books and folders if you’re using the backpack for school or work), and you get a reflective light loop for visibility. The shoulder straps are padded, and there’s a sternum strap included too…useful since you can really load up this bag.
The zipper pulls seem oversized, which is handy, too. There’s even a sleeve to slide the bag over a luggage handle for easy transport around airports. In short, STM has thought of everything for the Drifter…it really is a do-all bag that will take care of you.
I have used the Drifter for travel to and from travel conferences, where I need to be highly mobile but also need all my electronics, but I don’t think I’ll have this backpack for long…my teenage son is eyeing it for college. I actually think it will be the ideal bag for a college student, so he may win this battle.
- Top Load Main Compartment Padded Laptop Cell.
- Zippered Front Panel Pockets.
- Bottom Zip Pocket Holds Detachable Rain Cover.
- 3D Foam Mesh Back Panel.
- Padded And Contoured Shoulder Straps.
Pick up the Drifter in one of three colors: a bright navy, a green camo with orange accents, or an underrated graphite (that looks like a brushed gray fabric).
The Drifter will set you back $139, and you should know you can upgrade to a Drifter Energy, with built-in charging capability, for $239. Look on Amazon for deals, too.