I once referred to one of Waterfield’s previous backpacks as a mini-Tardis, given its ability to hold much more than its compact shape suggests. This property is even more evident in the latest Shinjuku Backpack.
At first glance, it appears to be a slim backpack that can carry a MacBook, charger, and a few other items, but the cleverly organized design means it offers unexpectedly ample storage.
Appearance & Design
This backpack is crafted from waxed canvas, a durable and water-resistant material, complemented by leather side panels and accents. You can choose between brown or navy, in addition to unwaxed canvas options in black or green.
Waxed canvas has seemingly made the transition from a purely functional fabric to a trendy choice over recent years. While leather remains my top pick for bags, this combination of materials looks fantastic, showcasing a rugged yet classy aesthetic.
Similar to the Tuck Backpack, I would confidently carry this bag to a professional meeting or upscale eatery, although I find it pairs better with a leather jacket than a formal suit.
I’ll get into the details, but it features the small details and quality craftsmanship I’ve come to appreciate from this San Francisco-based brand.
Size, Capacity, and Interior Design
The backpack measures 17 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 5 inches deep, providing a total capacity of 16 liters.
It features a padded rear laptop compartment that fits up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro, as well as a separate padded slot for an iPad that accommodates a 13-inch iPad with Magic Keyboard comfortably.
Included is an internal elastic water bottle holder, which can fit anything from a travel mug to a 1-liter thermos. If not in use, it easily collapses to maximize space.
Additionally, there’s a zippered security pocket for your passport, wallet, or cash.
The remaining interior space is sufficient for a sweater or books, making it ideal for a day bag, and it can also function as a lightweight weekend bag. For those traveling with more gear, a rear luggage strap allows you to slide it over the handle of a roller bag (a thoughtful inclusion that all bag manufacturers should standardize).
On the exterior, you’ll find two zippered pockets. The top pocket features two expanding compartments, while the lower one has an accessory slot and two pen holders. Both pockets comfortably fit an iPhone 16 Pro Max and are perfect for carrying charging bricks, portable SSDs, and power banks.
Additionally, there are two slim side pockets. While they might not hold an insulated coffee cup (that goes inside), they are suitable for a small umbrella on one side and a small water bottle on the other. When not in use, these pockets fold flat to avoid being obtrusive.
Usage Experience
The main advantage of this backpack for me is its ability to hold a lot while maintaining a sleek profile. Backpacks can be cumbersome on public transport, and if you set them down, they can be difficult to manage while keeping a hand free for support. With a depth of only five inches, it remains unobtrusive to others.
This isn’t by chance; the name was inspired by the bustling transit hub of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district.
The laptop padding offers peace of mind, and with both the MacBook and iPad secured inside, positioned closest to my back, I never worried about them getting jostled.
The interior is lined with a bright gold-colored material—now a common feature in premium bags—designed to reflect ambient light and make it easier to see the contents. It consistently impresses me how much of a difference this makes.
All zippers are from YKK, a Japanese company known for their durable, reliable, and waterproof zippers. In all my years using bags with these zippers, I’ve never experienced one getting stuck or failing. The main section features dual zippers, allowing you to either meet them in the center for easy access or position them to one side for added security in crowded areas.
Cost and Final Thoughts
As previously mentioned, Waterfield’s bags come with a premium price tag, and the Shinjuku Backpack is priced at $329. However, the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and design justifies this investment for a premium, U.S.-made bag.
As someone who readily admits to being a bag enthusiast, I’ve been using various bags from this company for five or six years, all of which have proven to be highly durable. If you’re in search of a compact backpack that can serve as a secondary cabin bag while offering surprising storage capacity and striking aesthetics, this might be the perfect choice for you.
The Waterfield Shinjuku Backpack can be purchased directly from the company’s website in four finishes, each available for $329.
