Reviewed: Trespass Rolla 30-Litre Laptop Backpack

Clearly designed with commuters and university students in mind, the Trespass Rolla provides a spacious laptop backpack which sits comfortably at that rare junction between affordability, design, and utility.

The main compartment of the Rolla is accessed via the roll-top access, which is held in place by a single adjustable compression strap and rubberised buckle. The 30-litre capacity is perfectly suited to daily use, providing amble room for all of the necessities - commuters won’t find themselves struggling to find space for their lunch, water bottle, reuseable cup, or even a jumper and a change of shoes. Trespass’s decision to have the 15-inch laptop compartment separated from the main storage was the right one, as the laptop doesn’t infringe on the main storage space, and the dedicated zipped laptop entrance allows the device to be accessed without having to unroll the lid, which would be a fuss on a train, in a meeting, or in a lecture hall. The backpack certainly has a great look too, giving off a strong yet understated urban adventurer vibe.

The Rolla is very comfortable to wear. The back panel is firm and provides structure and support while remaining pliable, and the adjustable shoulder straps offer sufficient padding even with the heaviest of loads, though the chest strap does seem like needless addition, as when it's correctly adjusted the pack is perfectly stable.

The Rolla is constructed with 600D polyester material, which lends the pack a low weight, waterproofing, and strength and longevity.

Reviewer use: Commuting over seven days.

Five Features

The Roll Top

Thankfully, the roll top is more than a fashionable flourish. Because of the top-access roll, the content of the pack is well protected from rain leaks, and the extra material allows for some flexibility over the backpack’s capacity - there's no struggling for extra room if an extra jumper or waterproof jacket needs to be bundled in. The opening is structured by a firm rim, which makes rolling and packing much easier.

The Main Compartment

The main compartment is large and spacious, offering up plenty of storage for everything you’d need for work or college. The pack tapers slightly from the base, widening towards the top – though this may seem counterintuitive, in practice it allows for improved packing organisation and a more comfortable weight distribution.

The Laptop Compartment

The separate 15-inch laptop compartment is a welcome feature, allowing a device to be accessed with ease and speed. The zip closure is of a good quality, and the foam padding and thin plastic structure plate offers knock and drop protection while also providing the while bag with a comfortable and supportive rigidity.

The Front and Inner Pocket

The front pocket is a decent size, capable of storing medium-sized items, such as notebooks, stationary, device chargers, or a book. The flap of the pocket is secured by two Velcro strips, which look inadequate but certainly seemed to do the job. Inside the main compartment, there’s mesh zip pocket, suitable for storing and organising smaller items, such a USB-sticks, keys, or other personal belongings.

The Padded Base

The base of the pack is reinforced with padding, which protects items from drop damage, helps to maintain the bags shape, and allows the pack to stand upright with greater ease, which is ideal from commuting on public transport where space is limited and a pack is often tucked under seats or between feet.

But, if we were to change one thing…

The roll top is a great idea for expanding the bag’s capacity and sidestepping the problem of leaky zips, but it can be a little loose and baggy when there’s only a few things in the pack. A compression strap with an even tighter adjustment would solve this minor annoyance.

The Technical Bit

Capacity – 30 Litres

Dimensions – H46cm x W32cm x D14cm (depth slightly decreases to top)

Materials – 600D Polyester

William Lobley is a Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in technology and outdoor equipment. He also writes for Empire Online.