Nomad Lane released an update to its Bento Bag line. The v4 is a huge upgrade from its predecessor, style- and fashion-wise. But how does it stack up for usability and ease of use?
Disclosure: Nomad Lane provided me with a complimentary v4 Bento Bag® and below is an honest review of it. Eye of the Flyer is a Nomad Lane affiliate and may earn a commission if you use our links to purchase one of their products.
Nomad Lane released an update to its Bento Bag line. The v4 is a huge upgrade from its predecessor, style- and fashion-wise. But how does it stack up for usability and ease of use?
v4 Bento Bag® Review
I literally said, “Whoa” when I unboxed my v4 Bento Bag®. The embossed gold “Nomad Lane” logo on the side and shoulder strap popped — and I instantly noticed how busy the v4 isn’t compared to the v3. (Also, the handles don’t have the connecting strap — and are more comfortable to hold.)
The v3’s front pocket is very pronounced. The v4’s, however, is neatly tucked away. It’s much sleeker and professional.
Two (nitpicky) features are missing from this v4’s front pocket that were in (most versions of) the v3:
- More individual slots for pens, pencils, Sharpies, etc. The v4 features two.
- The external USB plug that can be attached to a battery brick stored inside the pocket.
- As more devices go to USB-C this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker
But I thought about the Bento Bag’s overall concept: it’s designed to hold enough — while discouraging overpacking.
The other side has a dual-use feature.
You can use it either as an extra external pocket —
— or as trolley pass-through.
If you opt for the latter, make sure to remove anything inside the pocket before you unzip the top and bottom. (I miss the v3’s boarding pass and other document storage compartment. But I understand the modification because the world is becoming more and more paperless (even if I’m not. 🙂 ).
I love the top’s dual storage pockets. That’s where I generally stash my cell phone and wallet before going through airport security checkpoints. That’s also where I keep a USB cable, earbuds, bandages, hand-sanitizer — and anything else I may need to quickly access during a flight.
The v4 Bento Bag® comes with a pair of amenity kit-sized pouches that fit in the storage pockets.
Here’s a new feature I love: a water bottle pocket. Don’t go overboard with the bottle size you store in there. My Camelbak 32 oz. thermos fits OK — but has fallen out a couple of times.
Inside, the bag is very reminiscent of its v3 sibling.
Mr. Visnani told me the computer sleeve should hold a 16″ laptop. However, my 16″ MacBook Pro doesn’t fit in there — because it’s in a case adding just a little too much real estate to an already big computer.
But the solution is easy: I put it in the storage compartment behind. In fact, it easily holds my MacBook Pro and 14″ external monitor.
That area is designed for clothes — and if I can ever get over my fear of being away from a laptop for a night or two, I’d love to use it as such!
My v3 Bento Bag went on countless trips and to all sorts of events. I packed it to the seams, and it never once came close to breaking. The v4 Bento Bag® looks just as durable.
It also fits just fine underneath airline seats.
The v4 Bento Bag®‘s price point might be steep for some people. Its MSRP is $348 (although the Black Friday sale knocks it down to $248). Would I spend that much on a carry-on? That’s kind of doubtful — only because it’s out of my budget. On the other hand, my Bento Bags have lasted me a few years — whereas other bags have broken or shown wear and tear in a relatively short period of time.
Plus, I really like the bag’s look — and have received plenty of compliments.
But if you’re into a stylish, durable, and useful bag — and can afford it — check out the v4 Bento Bag®.
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