OGIO Backpack Review – Torque and Operative

I have used a OGIO backpack for a few years now and have had zero complaints and many compliments for the product. So when we were asked to take a look at some backpacks from OGIO for a back to school piece I was excited as both a parent and current product owner. The first task was to let my kids pick out their favorite design and it was not easy (which is a good thing) because of all the different patterns. When looking through the different designs, I could see that the design team has kept the backpacks hip and not dated so you can actually keep them for some time which is good since they will last longer than your regular school backpack.

For us, the biggest problem we have with school backpacks is that after winter break they are falling apart, but I do not see that happening with the OGIO based on my previous experience with the backpack and the quality of construction. This could be one of those backpacks that you see multiple year school usage out of, or something that is turned into a family piece of luggage during and after the school year. The quality of the backpacks feel more like luggage, but at the same time is as comfortable of a backpack as you can find. So what is the best way to test out a backpack before school starts? Take it on a long trip that consists of being in a hotel, beach house, and just as much time in the car.

The first trip that they made with the backpacks was a week and a half excursion that included Legoland and Hilton Head.  The bags held up wonderfully. We could pack them up and fit all the things that were needed without having any issues with sensitive electronics or small objects. The OGIO Operative has taken care of that with the Red Protection feature in the Operative which shows you by a color code where your electronics are super safe and the Torque has anti-scratch fleece lining as well to hold your components.

Another great feature on the backpacks are all the different pockets that help sort and keep your things safe without them flopping all over the bottom of the bag and getting lost and/or ruined. Think iPods, Nintendo DSi, crayons, books, all held in place and within easy access while we travelled. The OGIO Torque even has front skateboard carry straps for your older children, and I am sure that it holds other things as well, like school projects. The boys have also commented on the fact that it feels comfortable on their back.

Honestly, I dub the highest praise I can on the OGIO backpack product line and would say that these multi-purpose (school, vacation, luggage) backpacks should be on your must buy list.

For the boys, consider the Torque or the Operative, two anything-but-ordinary backpacks. Features include:

• Padded compartments for laptops and tablets with anti-scratch fleece lining
• High volume multi-use main compartment for textbooks and notebooks
• Convenient stash pockets for smaller gadgets such as calculators
• Deluxe padded back paneling and shoulder straps for extreme comfort
• Adrenaline-driven color schemes

For the girls, consider the SOHO or Manhattan. As part of OGIO’s new women’s line, both provide style and protection. The SOHO is a traditional backpack and the Manhattan is a messenger-style bag. Key features include:

• Padded compartments for laptops and tablets
• Large main pockets for books, binders and notebooks
• Adjustable female-specific shoulder straps
• Fully featured organizational panels
• Feminine color schemes adorned with cute metal trimmings

Note: Backpacks provide for review by OGIO