Every backpack has pockets. But have you ever owned a bag where getting something out of a pocket required you to stop, take the entire bag off, and place it on a surface? This is a classic sign of poor design. A truly exceptional backpack is designed not just for storage, but for access—specifically, access while you are on the move. The \”Reach-Around\” test is a simple way to evaluate a bag\’s real-world convenience. It\’s about what you can easily and securely access without breaking your stride.
What is the \”Reach-Around\” Test?
The test is simple. While wearing the backpack on both shoulders, can you swing it around to your front on one shoulder and comfortably access key compartments? A backpack that passes this test is designed with an understanding of life in motion.
- A Failing Grade: If the zippers are positioned in a way that makes them difficult to open from this angle, or if the pockets are too deep to easily retrieve items, the bag fails.
- A Passing Grade: A bag that passes allows you to smoothly swing it around and, with one hand, unzip a front or side pocket to grab your phone, wallet, or transit pass.
This level of accessibility is a game-changer for commuters and travelers. It means you can pay for your coffee, answer a call, or swipe into the subway without the clumsy, multi-step process of completely removing your bag.
Design Features That Enable Great \”Reach-Around\” Access
This isn\’t an accidental feature; it\’s the result of deliberate design choices.
- Side-Access Zippers: Some of the most innovative backpacks feature a \”side-access\” zipper. This is a vertical zipper on the side of the bag that gives you direct access to the main compartment or a dedicated laptop sleeve. When you swing the bag around, this zipper is perfectly positioned at the top, allowing you to slide your laptop or tablet out with incredible ease. This is a huge benefit for airport security or grabbing your device in a tight space.
- Intelligently Placed Pockets: The placement of smaller external pockets is crucial. A pocket located high on the front of the bag is much easier to access in the \”reach-around\” position than one located low down. A small pocket integrated into the shoulder strap itself is the ultimate in quick access for an ID card or credit card.
- Smooth, High-Quality Zippers: A zipper that snags or requires two hands to operate will cause the test to fail immediately. Smooth, reliable zippers are essential for one-handed access.
The Balance Between Access and Security
Of course, easy access for you could potentially mean easy access for a thief. This is where smart design creates a balance. While a front pocket should be accessible, the most secure pocket for your passport and deep-storage cash should be a hidden one on the back panel. This pocket is impossible to access by anyone else, but you can still get to it by taking the bag off completely. This creates a tiered system of access: quick access for low-risk items, and high security for high-value items.
The \”Reach-Around\” test is a simple, practical way to gauge the true convenience of a backpack. It separates the bags that are just containers from the bags that are dynamic tools designed to integrate seamlessly into your active life.
Don\’t just carry your life, access it. Experience the effortless convenience of a thoughtfully designed backpack from Carrizo.in.