"The Stash"
"The Stash" | Here's my challenge...
Date: 01/17/2008
"The Stash" | When you are hitting clubs of all kinds you never know what sort of shady setup situations you are going to be faced with. I try my best to make the client happy, and I leave the guesswork out of the equation... The drawback is that I need a very large and very well designed bag to carry all of these parts comfortably.
Sure, you could throw them on a big Adidas soccer bag or something like that but that's not the goal!
So I challenge you to show me a BACKPACK that can carry "The Stash" without falling apart, ripping at the seams, and still keeping the laptop and sampler all in one piece!
Think you got a bag that can handle this?
Email me: djbis@djbis.com
I challenge YOU! :)
The stash is made up of (from top to bottom):
• (4) 12" Serato Records
• (1) 17" Wide Screen laptop (16"W X 12"H X 1.80"T)
• (1) Power Surge protector with 6' cord.
• (1) Microphone
• (2) XLR/TRS cables for Microphone
• (1) 25" *Flexible* Mic Gooseneck
• (1) Serato CD Pack
• (1) iPod
• (2) Mini USB Hard Drives
• (1) USB Snake Light
• (1) DJ Cartridge Case
• (1) Serato Scratch Live Interface
• (1) Serato interface Power Adapter
• (1) *Large* Power Adaptor for Laptop
• (2) DJ Heaphones
• (1) Bag of Misc. Audio Adaptors
• (2) Small RCA to 1/8" Audio cables
• (4) 5' RCA Cables
• (4) USB/Firewire Cables
• (2) Electric Power Cables for Laptop Power Adapter
• (3) Compact LED Clip-on lights
• (1) Adjustable/Foldable/Telescopic Laptop stand
• (1) USB to 120V electric Adapter
• (1) Heavy Duty Cutters/Scissors
• (1) Multi-tip Screw Driver
• (3) Pens
• (1) LCD Screen Wipe
• (1) Sampler aprox. size 10"H X 8"W X 3"T
• (1) Power Adapter for Sampler
• (1) Extra Power Cable
• (1) Clamp for Microphone Gooseneck
• (2) Clamps for DJ laptop Stand
• (1) bag with assorted batteries
The $250 UDG bag would have been a winner if its main compartment would have been a little bit taller for the large laptop I carry and the front compartment would have been a little bit more spacious. The search for the "perfect" backpack continues... ;)
Sure, you could throw them on a big Adidas soccer bag or something like that but that's not the goal!
So I challenge you to show me a BACKPACK that can carry "The Stash" without falling apart, ripping at the seams, and still keeping the laptop and sampler all in one piece!
Think you got a bag that can handle this?
Email me: djbis@djbis.com
I challenge YOU! :)
The stash is made up of (from top to bottom):
• (4) 12" Serato Records
• (1) 17" Wide Screen laptop (16"W X 12"H X 1.80"T)
• (1) Power Surge protector with 6' cord.
• (1) Microphone
• (2) XLR/TRS cables for Microphone
• (1) 25" *Flexible* Mic Gooseneck
• (1) Serato CD Pack
• (1) iPod
• (2) Mini USB Hard Drives
• (1) USB Snake Light
• (1) DJ Cartridge Case
• (1) Serato Scratch Live Interface
• (1) Serato interface Power Adapter
• (1) *Large* Power Adaptor for Laptop
• (2) DJ Heaphones
• (1) Bag of Misc. Audio Adaptors
• (2) Small RCA to 1/8" Audio cables
• (4) 5' RCA Cables
• (4) USB/Firewire Cables
• (2) Electric Power Cables for Laptop Power Adapter
• (3) Compact LED Clip-on lights
• (1) Adjustable/Foldable/Telescopic Laptop stand
• (1) USB to 120V electric Adapter
• (1) Heavy Duty Cutters/Scissors
• (1) Multi-tip Screw Driver
• (3) Pens
• (1) LCD Screen Wipe
• (1) Sampler aprox. size 10"H X 8"W X 3"T
• (1) Power Adapter for Sampler
• (1) Extra Power Cable
• (1) Clamp for Microphone Gooseneck
• (2) Clamps for DJ laptop Stand
• (1) bag with assorted batteries
The $250 UDG bag would have been a winner if its main compartment would have been a little bit taller for the large laptop I carry and the front compartment would have been a little bit more spacious. The search for the "perfect" backpack continues... ;)
Multi-view from Turntablelab.com
Nice photo from Turntablelab.com
Date: 01/17/2008
Check out www.turntablelab.com for this and other cool bags, etc.
This picture is a great summary of the look and "feel" of the bag. First let me just say that I have yet to come by a bag as well built as this. Materials used and construction are probably more than what the normal DJ needs. The bag is constructed for serious road abuse with internal padding that is absolutely the best I have seen. And you'll need it, specially if you are carrying a laptop and a mixer together.
The zippers are sturdy, yet sometimes they stick on the fabric inside the compartments, but not a big deal. The zipper pulls are metallic and again the zipper itself is made of a heavy plastic with big teeth that I stretched quite a bit and had no problems with.
The bag is simply beautiful, I mean just look at it! The front and side profiles say "professional" all the way. The back padding and shoulder harness padding are comfortable and of very well designed. The handle is soft yet sturdy and one of the most comfortable that I have felt on a big bag like this.
For a show of techie prowess UDG includes an extremely nice touch for the working DJ (see bottom of the picture). A special "Smartlyte" LED made by Acolyte has been included in a special mini pouch for the main compartment. The light can be taken out of the pouch and used as a flashlight around the DJ booth if necessary. So what's so "smart" about this tiny but powerful LED? UDG includes a magnetic actuator that is actually embedded inside the bag which allows the light to come on by itself when in dark environments. Close the main compartment and the light shuts off again. No need to push buttons or anything else. My only problem was that by the end of the advertised 9-month battery life you will have to go and get another one from http://lightmybag.com/ because the light is sealed and the battery cannot be replaced without possible damage to the light's case.
In this photo you can also see how the front side compartment is packed, in my experience you cannot actually close that compartment with all the stuff they are showing. Serato interface, cables, Needle/Cartridge container, Headphones, and there are still a couple of elastic pouches that you can see aren't being used... I found that this compartment was designed a bit poorly in that there are way to many little "sub-compartments" and pockets that you can't use all at the same time (I found this problem all throughout the backpack). I have enough stuff to fill the whole bag if I want to, but the bag quickly reaches a limit where you won't be able to close the compartment (if you take the Cartridge container out you will probably be OK.
I say to UDG (and far too many other bag manufacturers out there): if you are going to make a compartment or pouch or pocket of some kind then make sure it will truly serve a purpose, and that ALL the pockets can be comfortably used all at once or otherwise is just a pointless use of materials.
On a $250 backpack I think that is a big problem.
This picture is a great summary of the look and "feel" of the bag. First let me just say that I have yet to come by a bag as well built as this. Materials used and construction are probably more than what the normal DJ needs. The bag is constructed for serious road abuse with internal padding that is absolutely the best I have seen. And you'll need it, specially if you are carrying a laptop and a mixer together.
The zippers are sturdy, yet sometimes they stick on the fabric inside the compartments, but not a big deal. The zipper pulls are metallic and again the zipper itself is made of a heavy plastic with big teeth that I stretched quite a bit and had no problems with.
The bag is simply beautiful, I mean just look at it! The front and side profiles say "professional" all the way. The back padding and shoulder harness padding are comfortable and of very well designed. The handle is soft yet sturdy and one of the most comfortable that I have felt on a big bag like this.
For a show of techie prowess UDG includes an extremely nice touch for the working DJ (see bottom of the picture). A special "Smartlyte" LED made by Acolyte has been included in a special mini pouch for the main compartment. The light can be taken out of the pouch and used as a flashlight around the DJ booth if necessary. So what's so "smart" about this tiny but powerful LED? UDG includes a magnetic actuator that is actually embedded inside the bag which allows the light to come on by itself when in dark environments. Close the main compartment and the light shuts off again. No need to push buttons or anything else. My only problem was that by the end of the advertised 9-month battery life you will have to go and get another one from http://lightmybag.com/ because the light is sealed and the battery cannot be replaced without possible damage to the light's case.
In this photo you can also see how the front side compartment is packed, in my experience you cannot actually close that compartment with all the stuff they are showing. Serato interface, cables, Needle/Cartridge container, Headphones, and there are still a couple of elastic pouches that you can see aren't being used... I found that this compartment was designed a bit poorly in that there are way to many little "sub-compartments" and pockets that you can't use all at the same time (I found this problem all throughout the backpack). I have enough stuff to fill the whole bag if I want to, but the bag quickly reaches a limit where you won't be able to close the compartment (if you take the Cartridge container out you will probably be OK.
I say to UDG (and far too many other bag manufacturers out there): if you are going to make a compartment or pouch or pocket of some kind then make sure it will truly serve a purpose, and that ALL the pockets can be comfortably used all at once or otherwise is just a pointless use of materials.
On a $250 backpack I think that is a big problem.
Front View
The shape and overall look of this bag is just elegant and strong. Even from the sides the bag sets itself apart in the looks department.
Date: 01/17/2008
The shape and overall look of this bag is just elegant and strong. Even from the sides the bag sets itself apart in the looks department. This bag is heavy but the weight comes with the great materials used and the sturdy construction.
Even when the bag is empty, its shape does not change, it looks as if it was filled. So compared to other backpacks the Creator Backpack is like a shell, and not a standard "bag" made of nylon.
Even when the bag is empty, its shape does not change, it looks as if it was filled. So compared to other backpacks the Creator Backpack is like a shell, and not a standard "bag" made of nylon.
Side view
From the side you can appreciate the backpack's "depth". In this view the bag is fully loaded. Note the thickness and adjustment on the shoulder straps.
Date: 01/17/2008
From the side you can appreciate the backpack's "depth". In this view the bag is fully loaded. Note the thickness and adjustment on the shoulder straps. This shoulder straps where thick and well cushioned, almost to the point of being very stiff which is ok. The only time this stiffness was a problem was when accesing the rear compartment that holds CD's and the portable media player of your choice, etc.
Rear View (mounted on rolling case).
For some gigs I pack heavy with the UDG backpack and a Pelican case. This shows how the shoulder straps "latch" onto the case's pull-out handle.
Date: 01/17/2008
For some gigs I pack heavy with the UDG backpack and a Pelican case. This shows how the shoulder straps "latch" onto the case's pull-out handle. In addition you can see the shoulder straps from the front... because of their width the weight of the bag is well distributed across your shoulders, a small plastic snap-latch at chest height keeps the straps from moving towards the outside of your shoulders while walking with the backapack on.
Top 3/4 View
Ignore the Velcro straps on the backpack's handle...
Date: 01/17/2008
Ignore the Velcro straps on the backpack's handle it does not come with the bag...
...Next photo.
...Next photo.
Junk in the Trunk
Here's where you put the maps, travel documents, tickets, CD's pens, business cards and of course the iPod (or player of your choice).
Date: 01/17/2008
Here's where you put the maps, travel documents, tickets, CD's (yes that CD holder comes with the bag!), pens, business cards and of course the iPod (or player of your choice).
I found this compartment to be extremely useful, but like most compartments in the backpack, it features way too many sub-compartments that can't be used comfortably. If the bag is full you will have a tough time putting much more than what I have in this picture, I don't think you can even fit a magazine here, just because of how packed the other compartments are. Also, the back may bulge a bit and that may be somewhat uncomfortable in long walks.
Also, you can kind of see how I had to FLIP the shoulder straps forward so that I can access the back of the bag without obstruction. This is a very small detail that I don't mind, but other people may feel different.
I found this compartment to be extremely useful, but like most compartments in the backpack, it features way too many sub-compartments that can't be used comfortably. If the bag is full you will have a tough time putting much more than what I have in this picture, I don't think you can even fit a magazine here, just because of how packed the other compartments are. Also, the back may bulge a bit and that may be somewhat uncomfortable in long walks.
Also, you can kind of see how I had to FLIP the shoulder straps forward so that I can access the back of the bag without obstruction. This is a very small detail that I don't mind, but other people may feel different.
"Covered, like a jimmyhat".
Errrrr, you get the point.,,, :0) A full size deployable rain cover is stored and attached to the bag with an elastic in case you're surprised by nasty weather.
Date: 01/17/2008
Errrrr, you get the point.,,, :0) A full-size deployable rain cover is attached to the bag and stored below the rear cargo compartment (see next photo) with an elastic in case you're surprised by nasty weather.
The rain cover is made of thin, waterproof nylon and is very well implemented. The only problem you will face is trying to carry such of heavy bag during bad weather without access to either the hand strap or shoulder straps... A small opening on the top of the rain cover could have allowed for at least the top handle to stick out yet keeping most of the water out.
The rain cover is made of thin, waterproof nylon and is very well implemented. The only problem you will face is trying to carry such of heavy bag during bad weather without access to either the hand strap or shoulder straps... A small opening on the top of the rain cover could have allowed for at least the top handle to stick out yet keeping most of the water out.
Tricks up the sleeve...
Note the way UDG implements their rain cover. You will never lose the cover because it is attached to the inside of the rain pouch, and the material they made the cover with is thin enough that you won't struggle trying to stick it back into the pocket.
Date: 01/17/2008
Note the way UDG implements their rain cover. You will never lose the cover because it is attached to the inside of the rain pouch, and the material they made the cover with is thin enough that you won't struggle trying to stick it back into the pocket.
If it wasn't because of the zipper, I would have not noticed that this feature was available. Nice work UDG.
If it wasn't because of the zipper, I would have not noticed that this feature was available. Nice work UDG.
Let there be lyte!
And not just a "lyte", but a Smartlyte!!! This feature is one of my favorite in this backpack.
Date: 01/17/2008
And not just a "lyte", but a Smartlyte!!! This feature is one of my favorite in this backpack. The LED device they used in the UDG creator backpack is a special light which can turn on and off automatically when you open and close the bag. If you leave the bag open it shuts off after 30 seconds.
Dark environments won't be as frustrating as before, specially if you carry 1001 things with you.
If you want to use the light as a standalone flashlight you can open the Velcro pouch where its housed and turn it on by clicking a button. The button is hard to push so you will not have the light coming on/off accidentally.
One's the battery expires you will have to replace the LED device with another one because the one offered by UDG is sealed (I tried to pry it open).
• Coolest feature on a DJ bag Award!
Dark environments won't be as frustrating as before, specially if you carry 1001 things with you.
If you want to use the light as a standalone flashlight you can open the Velcro pouch where its housed and turn it on by clicking a button. The button is hard to push so you will not have the light coming on/off accidentally.
One's the battery expires you will have to replace the LED device with another one because the one offered by UDG is sealed (I tried to pry it open).
• Coolest feature on a DJ bag Award!
Light My Bag (1)
Detail view of the Smartlyte Puch on the UDG backpack
Date: 01/21/2008
A nice and simple velcro seal keeps the smartlyte LED from popping out. On the other flat there is a small magnet which when in contact with the LED light turns it on/off. Genius!
Light My Bag (2)
Another detailed view of the Smartlyte
Date: 01/21/2008
They made a tiny hole on the bottom of the pouch just large enough for the tiny LED to pop out. Again, if you want to use it as a flash light in a dark room just take it out by opening the velcro.
Lights, camera, actionnnn!
LED your way to dark DJ booths...
Date: 01/17/2008
This LED is BRIGHT. Its hard to appreciate it from the pictures but this thing can easily light up your setup in a DJ booth. The LED comes with a tiny elastic loop, so if you are really in need of some light you can try to hang it from somewhere near you and you will be set.
I love LED's!
I love LED's!
Main compartment (Top view)
Its the size of a medium studio apartment, no I'm serious!
Date: 01/17/2008
I tried the hardest I could to fill it, and finally I did.
From this top view you can see the large 1.9" thick laptop stuffed on the designated laptop area. On top of that is the "mixer" compartment which should be able to fit a 10"-12" mixer like the TTM-57/56 without breaking a sweat.
Since I lack one of those mixers I dropped in there a lot of other stuff. power adapter, audio cables, power cables, parts for a DJ laptop stand and a medium size surge protector with a long and thick 10' cable.
Everything fit, but very tight. The limiting factor was the short height of the bag which was clipping the corners of the Dell 17" wide screen laptop with the zipper. Truly a very tight fit for a laptop 16" wide X 12" deep. Maybe a 17" MAC will fit without a problem?
From this top view you can see the large 1.9" thick laptop stuffed on the designated laptop area. On top of that is the "mixer" compartment which should be able to fit a 10"-12" mixer like the TTM-57/56 without breaking a sweat.
Since I lack one of those mixers I dropped in there a lot of other stuff. power adapter, audio cables, power cables, parts for a DJ laptop stand and a medium size surge protector with a long and thick 10' cable.
Everything fit, but very tight. The limiting factor was the short height of the bag which was clipping the corners of the Dell 17" wide screen laptop with the zipper. Truly a very tight fit for a laptop 16" wide X 12" deep. Maybe a 17" MAC will fit without a problem?
Its all in the design
You know how most backpacks keep your laptop all the way into a deep compartment that is hard to reach?
Date: 01/17/2008
You know how most backpacks keep your laptop all the way into a deep compartment that is hard to reach? Well, not with the Creator backpack. The way the main compartment section opens leaves the top of the backpack open and fully exposed for you to easily and quickly retrieve the laptop, mixer and any other contents. There is no flaps to move or struggle with either when putting the computer back into the bag, the "lid" just moves out of the way when you open the zipper.
Extra kudos to UDG.
My fingers are sticking there to show how tight those 4 Serato records fit. With a heavy load like this I would normally carry them separately, but this is to show that they can fit in case you want to take out the laptop and carry a small stack of records instead.
Extra kudos to UDG.
My fingers are sticking there to show how tight those 4 Serato records fit. With a heavy load like this I would normally carry them separately, but this is to show that they can fit in case you want to take out the laptop and carry a small stack of records instead.
Mixer compartment
The main compartment features a spacious area with a removable padding specially designed to carry and protect large devices like a mixer, a sampler or a triggerfinger/midi pad.
Date: 01/21/2008
The main compartment features a spacious area with a removable padding specially designed to carry and protect large devices like a mixer, a sampler or a triggerfinger/midi pad. In this photo the BACK of the backpack is at the BOTTOM of the picture.
Notice the attention to detail on features like the rubberized "nubs". The foam padding used to protect the contents of each compartment and the foam used to divide each part of the bag felt very strong and durable. No cheap stuff here, only nice thick pieces of material, unlike most laptop bags that throw in a thin little sheet of padding to make you feel that your laptop won't end up with a crack on the screen at the end of the trip.
Notice the attention to detail on features like the rubberized "nubs". The foam padding used to protect the contents of each compartment and the foam used to divide each part of the bag felt very strong and durable. No cheap stuff here, only nice thick pieces of material, unlike most laptop bags that throw in a thin little sheet of padding to make you feel that your laptop won't end up with a crack on the screen at the end of the trip.
Mixer compartment (Dark)
The main compartment features a spacious area with a removable padding specially designed to carry and protect large devices like a mixer, a sampler or a triggerfinger/midi pad.
Date: 01/17/2008
The main compartment features a spacious area with a removable padding specially designed to carry and protect large devices like a mixer, a sampler or a triggerfinger/midi pad. In this photo the BACK of the backpack is at the BOTTOM of the picture.
Notice the attention to detail on features like the rubberized "nubs". The foam padding used to protect the contents of each compartment and the foam used to divide each part of the bag felt very strong and durable. No cheap stuff here, only nice thick pieces of material, unlike most laptop bags that throw in a thin little sheet of padding to make you feel that your laptop won't end up with a crack on the screen at the end of the trip.
Please ignore the clamps and other stuff at the bottom of the mixer compartment. :)
Notice the attention to detail on features like the rubberized "nubs". The foam padding used to protect the contents of each compartment and the foam used to divide each part of the bag felt very strong and durable. No cheap stuff here, only nice thick pieces of material, unlike most laptop bags that throw in a thin little sheet of padding to make you feel that your laptop won't end up with a crack on the screen at the end of the trip.
Please ignore the clamps and other stuff at the bottom of the mixer compartment. :)
Attention to detail
I love UDG's work on the main compartment of the bag. Most bags with removable foam padding or sleeves use Velcro to attach pieces together...
Date: 01/17/2008
I love UDG's work on the main compartment of the bag. Most bags with removable foam padding or sleeves use Velcro to attach pieces together... The Creator backpack takes it one step further and adds snaps to insure that the contents will not shift and eventually tear the Velcro attachment points.
This Velcro problem happens in another bag I have and can be a little bit annoying.
This Velcro problem happens in another bag I have and can be a little bit annoying.
Mixer compartment contents
This are just a few of the things I kept in the mixer compartment. There was room for more.
Date: 01/17/2008
This are just a few of the things I kept in the mixer compartment. There was room for more.
Side View, Open main compartment.
On this photo you can appreciate the angle at which the main compartment opens.
Date: 01/17/2008
On this photo you can appreciate the angle at which the main compartment opens.
Also note:
• 17" Wide screen Dell laptop (real width aprox. 16") almost reaching the point where the zipper will not be able to close. Its hard to appreciate it from this angle, but once you fill this main compartment and try to zip it up, the zipper actually rubs against the corners of the laptop, possibly scratching the paint, Not good (see next photo).
UDG's advertisement (See next 2 photos) that came with the bag was controversial as it showed a symbol on one part that the Creator backpack can fit screens up to 15.4" but then it describes in another paragraph capability for screens up to 17" wide.
I will set the record clear and tell you that to comfortably carry your laptop in this bag the chassis should be no wider than 14.5" to 15". The depth and thickness of the chassis should not be a problem with the Creator backpack. If you are not FILLING the bag completely you *might* be able to sneak a laptop with a 15.5" wide chassis.
• The bulge on the left, inside the bag is from the other compartment which was pretty packed as well. A mixer could still fit inside this open compartment though. No sweat!
• See that small tag hanging down on the edge of the main compartment cover? That's the pouch that contains the LED. From this view you cannot see it but the puch has a tiny hole that allows the tip of the light to stick out just enough to light the inside of the bag. Clever!
Also note:
• 17" Wide screen Dell laptop (real width aprox. 16") almost reaching the point where the zipper will not be able to close. Its hard to appreciate it from this angle, but once you fill this main compartment and try to zip it up, the zipper actually rubs against the corners of the laptop, possibly scratching the paint, Not good (see next photo).
UDG's advertisement (See next 2 photos) that came with the bag was controversial as it showed a symbol on one part that the Creator backpack can fit screens up to 15.4" but then it describes in another paragraph capability for screens up to 17" wide.
I will set the record clear and tell you that to comfortably carry your laptop in this bag the chassis should be no wider than 14.5" to 15". The depth and thickness of the chassis should not be a problem with the Creator backpack. If you are not FILLING the bag completely you *might* be able to sneak a laptop with a 15.5" wide chassis.
• The bulge on the left, inside the bag is from the other compartment which was pretty packed as well. A mixer could still fit inside this open compartment though. No sweat!
• See that small tag hanging down on the edge of the main compartment cover? That's the pouch that contains the LED. From this view you cannot see it but the puch has a tiny hole that allows the tip of the light to stick out just enough to light the inside of the bag. Clever!
17" WideScreen barely fits...
Most people don't like a big heavy laptop so this bag should work for most, but in the case of gamers or DJ's with big hunkering portable computers you will have to read the fineprint...
Date: 01/17/2008
Since UDG did not provide the fine print, I will... :)
On this photo you see a 17" Wide screen Dell laptop (real chassis width approx. 16") almost reaching the point where the zipper will not be able to close.
Its hard to appreciate it from this angle, but once you fill this main compartment and try to zip it up, the zipper actually rubs against the corners of the laptop, possibly scratching the paint, Not good.
UDG's advertisement card (See next photo) that came with the bag was controversial as it showed an icon representing that the Creator backpack can fit screens up to 15.4" but then it describes in another paragraph capability for screens up to 17" wide.
I will set the record clear and tell you that to comfortably carry your laptop in this bag the chassis should be no wider than 14.5" to 15". The depth and thickness of the chassis should not be a problem with the Creator backpack. If you are not FILLING the bag completely you *might* be able to sneak a laptop with a 15.5" wide chassis, but that is cutting it close.
• This close up also serves as the best shot of their zippers. Rarely do I see a bag built with true *industrial* strength zippers all around.
Also, the backpack's handle is seen on the left edge of the photo. A heavy duty rivet is used to insure that you never rip the handle off.
Excellent work with the handle.
On this photo you see a 17" Wide screen Dell laptop (real chassis width approx. 16") almost reaching the point where the zipper will not be able to close.
Its hard to appreciate it from this angle, but once you fill this main compartment and try to zip it up, the zipper actually rubs against the corners of the laptop, possibly scratching the paint, Not good.
UDG's advertisement card (See next photo) that came with the bag was controversial as it showed an icon representing that the Creator backpack can fit screens up to 15.4" but then it describes in another paragraph capability for screens up to 17" wide.
I will set the record clear and tell you that to comfortably carry your laptop in this bag the chassis should be no wider than 14.5" to 15". The depth and thickness of the chassis should not be a problem with the Creator backpack. If you are not FILLING the bag completely you *might* be able to sneak a laptop with a 15.5" wide chassis, but that is cutting it close.
• This close up also serves as the best shot of their zippers. Rarely do I see a bag built with true *industrial* strength zippers all around.
Also, the backpack's handle is seen on the left edge of the photo. A heavy duty rivet is used to insure that you never rip the handle off.
Excellent work with the handle.
Confusing Specifications: 15.4" Vs. 17" laptop capacity?
After looking at the USG website and confirming that the bag was capable of carrying a 17" backpack I went for it...
Date: 01/21/2008
when the bag arrived (and to my surprise) I noticed on the information card that comes attached on the bag that its notebook capacity was 15.4" instead of 17"! I looked at some other information that came with the bag as well and saw another part that indicated capacity for a 17" notebook.
Either way, the UDG creator backpack got real close to holding a HUGE notebook (see pictures ahead) but in the end I was not able to keep the bag because the size was just not meant for this large 17" Widescreen. The laptop fits too tight in there.
Note to UDG: giving the rear part of the backpack close to 1/2" to 1" of extra height would have probably allowed ANY laptop to fit fairly comfortably.
Either way, the UDG creator backpack got real close to holding a HUGE notebook (see pictures ahead) but in the end I was not able to keep the bag because the size was just not meant for this large 17" Widescreen. The laptop fits too tight in there.
Note to UDG: giving the rear part of the backpack close to 1/2" to 1" of extra height would have probably allowed ANY laptop to fit fairly comfortably.
Mic Check, 1- 2.... 3, 4, 5
Side compartments
Date: 01/17/2008
Every backpack I look at has a little elastic mesh on the side for carrying some pens, a cell phone, or maybe even a bottle of water.
UDG addresses the needs of DJ's, not backpackers and builds a side pocket that delivers protection by using a plastic "molding" piece to shape and help with the rigidity of the pocket. Not only is it well protected but its also HUGE, exactly what I needed to stick anything from headphones to my microphone, microphone cables, Serato ScratchLive power adapter and more.
2 thumbs up for the best side pocket in its class. :)
UDG addresses the needs of DJ's, not backpackers and builds a side pocket that delivers protection by using a plastic "molding" piece to shape and help with the rigidity of the pocket. Not only is it well protected but its also HUGE, exactly what I needed to stick anything from headphones to my microphone, microphone cables, Serato ScratchLive power adapter and more.
2 thumbs up for the best side pocket in its class. :)
On the pocket!
Largest capacity side pocket I have seen.
Date: 01/17/2008
The side pockets on the Creator backpack are excellent!
See next photo.
See next photo.
