Oakley 3-1 Blade Backpack

Hi all, today I am gonna review the Oakley Blade 3-1 bag that I bought over ebay during Jan'13. After using it for 7 months, I am gonna share some of the thoughts and experiences I had with you.

Item: Oakley 3-1 Blade Backpack
Cost: SGD$ 177.88 + SGDS$ 63.55(postage) = SGD$241.43
Buy From: ebay
Own Period: 7 Months

Description:
You can get the specification of this bag from http://www.oakley.com/products/3-1-blade-pack/92458-001.

 The Front

As you can see, this is a 42L backpack. More than enough for your everyday usage.
Total compartments = 6

Left Pocket

A 6" deep pocket with  draw string.
Probably use for keeping stuff like water bottle.
I use it to keep my vapur 0.4L water bottle. The width is not wide enough for me to keep my 0.5L water bottle. But having to squeeze the 0.4L vapur into this compartment is a hassle too. So I usually stuff it with wet tissues.










The Front Pocket

Consist of another 3 pockets.
Oakley site said that it is Mesh Hydrofuse pockets that allow for quick drying.
I am not too sure how well can it keep my stuff from getting wet. But it does sort of keep my stuff dry when raining.
Problem is, why make the opening pocket mesh type? It allow rain water to run in and dampen up the inner.

 Small Clip

For attachment of keys etc. 
It is made of plastic.

Inner Pockets

The 2 inner pockets have zippers.
It is large enough to keep my Iphone 4s but not my S4.
I use it to keep my external 12000mAH battery, thumbdrive etc.

 Right Pocket

It is made of soft cotton layer and can be use to keep your glasses. But I won't use it to keep glasses as the exterior is not made of hard cover. And when you throw your bag around, you might accidentally crash it. 
I use it to keep my pocket knife, pens etc. 

Top Buckle

Made of plastic. 
Use to fasten the exterior layer to the main compartment. 
The main compartment can only be access by releasing these 2 buckles. 

Main Compartment and Top Pocket

Once you release the 2 buckle, you will reveal the main compartment and another top pocket.

Top Pocket

The top pocket is just big enough to keep my Iphone 4S but I have a hard time squeezing in my S4. I use it to keep my house keys and some cards. The inner of this pocket is made of soft cotton material. It will protect stuffs that you do not want to get any scratches.

Main Compartment

I use it to keep my laptop in the padded compartment. But be warn, the back of the backpack is not made hard material, and thus do not provide a all round protection for your laptop. Unlike backpacks from Samsonite which provide a hard cover protection, you really got to be careful if you wanna place your laptop here. Except for these 2 partitions, there isn't any other side zip pockets for your stuff. 

Straps and Back

The airflow system at the back looks nice, but does not really keep your back cool after prolong carrying. The entire back will rest upon your back.
The straps does a good job of distributing the load. I use this bag to carry a 8kg worth of load and the shoulder straps share the load made the carrying easy and lighter. 
You can made use of the sternum strap to help pull the shoulder straps inward for comfort. The shoulder straps are quite far apart from each other and ladies might find the shoulder straps slipping off. 
They do provide a hip belt. I do not use it as it is not padded.

Wet Compartment

Located at the bottom. 
This compartment is closed using folding and a buckle is use to lock the stuff inside from falling out. 

Once opened up, you can access a large compartment with is made of some sort of waterproofing material. For those of you who need to go to beach and use plastic bags to keep your wet beachwear, this compartment will solve your problems. 
And for those who does use this compartment for wet suit and stuff, you can use it keep more books etc. But accessing it is not that quick and easy. You can watch a video intro here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMgDbSypJMU

Main Compartment Expansion

There are 2 side zippers which can help you get more storage space at the main compartment when you need it. 

Conclusion

Initially I use it daily for my commute to work, but after awhile, I sort of use it for my weekends. The problem is the organizing. There isn't enough compartment to keep my stuff organized. I require more compartment in the main area. And it is seriously too wide. In Singapore, it is very hard to manoeuvre in train and buses with this bag.

And I just find that all the pockets are of wrong sizing for my usage.

I do like the unique design and the way the loads are distributed. My wife use it for her diving trips and love it very much as the entire exterior is waterproof and she got no problem keeping away her wet suit.

I am gonna give this bag 3.5/5 stars.