Whenever I travel – that is to say when I used to travel more consistently – you can typically find me toting along any combination of my iPhone, Macbook Pro, gaming laptop, Nintendo Switch, Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro Earbuds, and my Razer Opus Headphones. I’ve even been known to lug around my PS4 when I have a review deadline that falls on the same date as when I’ll be out of town. You’d think at this point I would have invested in some sort of dedicated luggage solution for my gaming gear, but there just hasn’t really been anything on the market that seemed worth it to me. Laptops, Switch, and headphones in my carry-on backpack, the PS4 nestled snugly and securely between the clothes in my checked bag. This seemed to be good enough for me.
Now, though, after travelling with the new Timbuk2 x ASTRO Collection, I can definitely say that I have seen the light, dear reader. Thanks to the collaboration’s BP35 Gaming Backpack and the CS03 Crossbody Sling, I can confidently say that the days of my makeshift gaming gear travel solution are long gone. The Timbuk2 x ASTRO Collection provides an abundant amount of storage space and protection for all of your devices, while offering up plenty of style and comfort whether you’re jetsetting or simply walking around your city.
Announced last week, the Timbuk2 x ASTRO Collection is a collaboration between gaming lifestyle and accessories brand, ASTRO Gaming, and premium bag and backpack company, Timbuk2. The collection features the BP35 Gaming Backpack and the CS03 Crossbody Sling – the latter of which, if you’re among the older generation (aka my generation), can basically be equated to a fanny pack. I had the opportunity to test out the two products, both of which passed with flying colors.
BP35 Gaming Backpack
Simply put, the BP35 Gaming Backpack is the answer to my prayers. Despite it getting on in age – I bought it almost ten years ago – my Macbook Pro continues to be my non-gaming workhorse. It’s basically an extension of my body at this point, and given the nature of my work, I almost never travel without it. The BP35 Gaming Backpack provides plenty of protection in its not one, but TWO 16” padded laptop sleeves, one being internal and the other being external. That means, not only can I bring along my primary laptop, I can also effortlessly pack my Gateway Creator Series gaming laptop for when I need to game while on-the-go.
Related: AndaSeat Jungle Series Premium Gaming Chair Review: Welcome To The JungleBut what about the real estate when it comes to storage for, say, the laptop chargers that I also have to pack? The BP35 has an ungodly amount of storage for all of your devices, chargers, headphones, microphones… you get the idea. The backpack is deceptively deep, allowing you to stow plenty of accessories. The zippers almost open up the entire backpack, which means your things will also be easily accessible – whether they are stored in the main compartments of the bag or on the outside in the pouch that is secured by a heavy-duty magnetic clasp. I tried my hardest to fill the bag to capacity before going on a recent road trip, but it just never happened. Even with all of my devices and accessories, I still had plenty of space.
If you happen to own any Astro Gaming gear, the BP35 is a must-buy for your travel needs. The backpack is specifically designed to carry your Astro gear – whether it be via the vista loop that holds your Astro headset, the expandable pocket designed for the Astro MixAmp Pro, or the pouch that perfectly fits your Astro C40 controller. I don’t personally own any Astro gear, but I appreciate the vista loop that works great with my Razer Opus, meaning I can do away with having to store the headphones in their case.
Durable and designed for long-lasting comfort, the cherry on top is that the BP35 is super comfortable. I wore the filled backpack at an all day event, but my shoulders, neck, and back never felt fatigued. At least I won’t have to worry about that in future situations when I get stuck at an airport for an extended amount of time.
Even better? An equally as filled CS03 Crossbody Sling fits perfectly inside the BP35!
CS03 Crossbody Sling
Finally, a bag that I don’t feel douchey wearing either as a traditional fanny pack or as a crossbody sling. The CS03 is the perfect everyday bag for gamers on the go, especially those who prefer to tote their Nintendo Switch along with them.
The main compartment of the CS03 has a padded slot for your Switch to slide into, while offering up an abundance of protected slots for your game cartridges. The pack has considerable depth when it is fully expanded, allowing you to bring along your charger without it taking up a lot of space. Like the BP35, the CS03 has an exterior magnetic pouch which allows you to have quick access to your items while still being secure.
The CS03 is also incredibly comfortable, even while wearing the BP35 at the same time. I think that the CS03 Crossbody Sling has finally given me a reason to jump onto the bandwagon for brandishing a fanny pack as a bandolier.
Final Thoughts
The Timbuk2 x ASTRO Collection offers up the definitive way for travelers to tote and protect their gaming gear while on the go. The BP35 Gaming Backpack provides plenty of storage capacity and comfort, while the CS03 Crossbody Sling is a great smaller solution for daily commutes. In fact, the CS03 has become my new diaper bag, providing plenty of space for my kiddo’s things as well as my Nintendo Switch. He’s recently taken a shine to Yoshi’s Island, so having everything in one stylish, comfortable, and convenient bag is pretty darn great.
A sample was provided to TheGamer for this review. The Timbuk2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack (MSRP $199.99) and the CS03 Crossbody Sling (MSRP $79.99) are now available to order on ASTRO Gaming’s and Timbuk2’s websites.
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