A couple of years ago, no one thought about why anti-theft backpacks are needed. Today, such a question seems naive: of course, to save a laptop or other expensive gadgets from pickpockets. The XD Design team was one of the first to learn how to make minimalistic rucksacks with tamper-evident protection. Today we figure out what is what in the extensive line and look at new items.
History of the issue
If you live in a big city, you have probably seen the originals and clones of XD Design Bobby backpacks. No external pockets, like a turtle's shell - it's completely unclear how to open one. Or open it.
The design of the backpacks was invented by a young designer Thomas Droz in 2016. During an internship in Shanghai, Thomas noticed that local residents wear backpacks on their bellies to prevent property from being stolen. Wanting to change the world for the better, the European figured out how to make a backpack that does not burden the owner, but protects things .
A thief can get into an ordinary backpack without any problems, just open the zipper and that's it. We solve the problem elegantly: we put a zipper along the edge of the back, cover it with a thick fold of fabric. You can't open a fold. While the backpack is hanging on the back, the zipper cannot be reached without the owner's permission. A sandwich made of anti-cut materials and a polypropylene board protects from a desperate pickpocket's knife. There are no external easily accessible pockets, that is, there are no vulnerable spots.
The original development was named Bobby. This is the nickname of the British police, after the British Home Secretary Robert Peel. Apparently, Droz wanted a little safety in a foreign land.
So different Bobby
Over the years, the original Bobby has ceased to be a proud bachelor and has acquired a "family" of a dozen models. There are transformers, business models, and women's fashionable backpacks. Each is protected across all science, as is customary in XD Design. Let's take a look at some of the models.
The sporty Bobby Urban cannot be cut through or opened unnoticed by the owner. This is a rolltop: the zipper of the main compartment folds into a tube along with the top of the backpack. Connect the corners with a combination lock, and now even a thief with unlimited time will not open the backpack.
The fabric of the backpack is durable and water resistant and can be easily cleaned from dirt. To justify its design and focus, the backpack is equipped with lacing to secure the outside of sports equipment such as helmets, jackets and balls. The Bobby Urban fits a 15.6-inch laptop. We take the MacBook to work, and after working hours - go ahead for training, since a change of clothes will definitely fit in a 27-liter backpack. Read a detailed review of the backpack here .
Bobby Pro differs from the unique original with a refreshed design. The design of the backpack prevents the main compartment from opening. It is sewn from five layers of materials that the knife does not take.
The backpack holds a lot of equipment. On the back there are pockets for a 15.6-inch laptop, tablet and e-books. The space inside the Bobby Pro is divided into two halves by a folding fabric divider. In the larger half, you can install complete Velcro dividers, or remove them if sorting of things is not needed.
In addition, there is a USB port, that is, the backpack can be connected to a power bank, and then the smartphone can be charged. Find out about the rest of the advantages of the backpack from our review .
Bobby Hero heroically defends your belongings every day. This is a series within a series, three backpacks: Hero Small, Hero Regular and Hero XL. Small, medium and large backpacks, respectively, protected from attacks by pickpockets with a design with a hidden zipper.
But you can't hide the convenience. Bobby Hero distributes the weight well inside the backpack, which is helped by the fabric partition and removable dividers (purchased separately). A laptop pocket remains accessible, while the main backpack space is hidden behind a folding partition. Open your backpack to take out your laptop so your belongings stay in place and won't fall out. Bobby Hero XL, the largest, can accommodate cars up to 17 inches. All three have a power bank port to charge your smartphone on the go. A detailed overview of the "heroic" backpacks with other details can be found here .
Here are all the backpacks in the line. And remember the promo code ALLBOBBY, for it in the Madrobots store there is a 20% discount for any model:
Original Bobby | 13 liters, for 15.6 "laptop | 6 990 RUR |
Bobby compact | 11 liters, for laptop 14 " | 7 990 rub |
Bobby bizz | 10 liters, for 15.6 "laptop | 8 990 RUR |
Bobby urban | 27 liters, 15.6 "laptop | 9 990 RUR |
Bobby urban lite | 22 liters, 15.6 "laptop | 6 990 RUR |
Bobby xl | 15 liters, for laptop 17 " | 7 990 rub |
Bobby pro | 18 liters, for 15.6 "laptop | 10 990 RUR |
Bobby tech | 18 liters, for 15.6 "laptop | 19 990 RUR |
Bobby hero small | 11.5 liters, for 13.3 "laptop | 7 990 rub |
Bobby hero regular | 18 liters, for 15.6 "laptop | 8 490 RUB |
Bobby hero xl | 21.5 liters, laptop 17 " | 8 990 RUR |
Bobby elle | 6.5 liters, tablet 9.7 " | 6 490 RUB |
Bobby duffle | 30 liters, for laptop 17 " | 10 990 RUR |
Bobby bumbag | 1 liter, for tablet 7 " | 3 790 rub |
Bobby spring | 11.5 liters, for 13.3 "laptop | 7 990 rub |
Bobby trolley | 24 liters, laptop 17 " | 15 990 RUR |
And a bonus table. We are often asked if a particular Mac will fit into a particular Bobby backpack. We measured everything, we answer: most will fit. Read more about compatibility with Apple technology - under the cut.
Will my MacBook fit in Bobby?
The collection is already huge, but XD Design continues to delight fans and release new models of backpacks.
Spring, "green": Bobby Spring
Bobby Spring is a new modification of Bobby Hero Small that differs in one thing: color. The pastel palette is reminiscent of the warm season: light gray, pink and light brown. Material: Eco-friendly plastic, bottle recycled product.
Otherwise, this is exactly the same Bobby backpack, protected from pickpockets on all sides. The defensive qualities were not affected by the change of material to recycled ones. The zipper is in place, goes along the edge of the back, and is covered with a fold of fabric on top; it cannot be opened unnoticed by the owner.
Bobby Spring walls are made up of several layers of fabric, including a polypropylene layer, which takes the brunt of the pack if you try to cut it. The material is water-repellent, but does not like dirt. To make the model more pleasing to the eye, treat it with care.
There is only one external easily accessible pocket: on the right shoulder strap, for maps. Instead of a pocket, a holder for headphones or glasses is sewn onto the left shoulder strap. Another pocket for documents is hidden on the back of the backpack.
There is a USB port under the right shoulder strap. If you connect a power bank from the inside, you can use it to charge smartphones and other gadgets on the go.
Bobby Spring has a volume of 11.5 liters. The space inside is divided into two parts by a fabric partition: a part with flat pockets on the back for a laptop and tablet, and the rest of the space. It can be removed if necessary. The backpack holds a 13.3 "laptop and a 10" tablet.
The backpack is small but roomy enough. The load is felt less, as Bobby Spring distributes it evenly throughout the space.
A limited batch of these models arrived in Russia. If you want Bobby in the spring-summer tones, it is better to take it now, so as not to wait for the next opportunity until the New Year.
Ride with Bobby Trolley
XD Design is gradually occupying the niche of travel products. Last year, the studio released the Bobby Duffle, a convertible backpack for travel. Now the Bobby Trolley has arrived : the witty backpack on wheels.
This is a convertible for hand luggage on the plane. The Bobby Trolley transforms into a carry-on bag with wheels to follow the owner around the airport.
When needed, the handle and casters can be removed and the straps can be pulled out. Now it is a backpack that is convenient to take on board. Dimensions: 52 x 35 x 21 cm, which fits the requirements of most airlines.
Bobby Trolley is tamper-proof. It is sewn from several layers of fabric, and the zipper closes with a TSA code lock. Customs officers will be able to open it, the intruders will leave with nothing. In addition, the backpack is water resistant and will survive a collision with a spilled coffee in the waiting room.
This is a spacious 24 liter model. Most of the things - clothes, shoes - will need to be transported to the compartment behind a fabric partition. A laptop and a tablet will go in pockets on the back, gadgets of 17 and 12.9 inches will fit, respectively. Chargers and wires can be folded into the organizer for small items so as not to lose them.
On the outside on the back there is a secret RFID-protected pocket for documents and tickets. In addition, outside, near the lock, there is a USB port for charging devices on the go. With Bobby Trolley you will not be left without your belongings, without documents - or without electricity.
New Kickstarter Campaign: Flex Foldable Trolley and Flex Gym Bag
"Recently Released Backpacks", by XD Design standards, is already the beginning of the Mesozoic. On September 16, a fundraising campaign was launched on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform for the production of two new transformer models: Flex Foldable Trolley and Flex Gym Bag .
The Flex Foldable Trolley is a business suitcase and bag in one, the choice for a two-day business trip. When folded, it is a stern 15 liter case for documents and laptop. Unfolded - a capacious 30-liter travel bag. To unfold, just open the zipper in the middle. Both can be transported on wheels. The Foldable Trolle has a USB port for charging gadgets, as well as a TSA lock.
Flex Gym Bag- business backpack and gym bag. When you want to do CrossFit, but you don't want to lose face in front of your colleagues. The front pocket of the backpack folds out into a full compartment, which increases its capacity. Difference: 16 liters when folded and 24 when unfolded. Solid!
Both models fit a 15.6-inch laptop and are made from recycled fabric.
The campaign was crowned with success on the first day. A modest goal of 10,000 € - more to attract attention than real funds for the project. No one doubts that soon new items will appear in virtual and offline storefronts around the world.
Even safer: now with the XD Design Protective Mask Set
Bobby backpacks keep your belongings safe from pickpockets, but that's not all that worries travelers these days. Viruses do not sleep, and the XD Design team has developed a special mask to fight them.
The XD Design Protective Mask Set includes one fabric mask. Its material is processed using ViralOff technology, which, according to the developers, reduces the number of microbes by 99% for 2 hours. The kit includes five Hyproof reusable filters that have been tested to reduce viruses and bacteria by 95%.
The mask material and filters serve as two stages of protection. Wear the mask calmly and then disinfect the filter with alcohol or boil for 15 minutes in hot water. This procedure can be repeated up to 10 times with each consumable.
Now you can get this protective kit as a gift -when buying any Bobby backpack in our store . The promotion is valid for a limited time. Be careful, take care of yourself!
We remind you a promotional code for a 20% discount on all XD Design backpacks : ALLBOBBY . The discount is valid until September 30, 2020. In one of the following materials, we will share our impressions of another new product from XD Design - a sling backpack.