HURU A MODEL: REVIEW
FOREWORD
After reviewing the H1 from HURU back in August I was so impressed with the brand that I immediately jumped on the opportunity to try out another pack in the growing portfolio of this ambitious local brand.
Meet the “A Model”, an expandable everyday bag that carries over a unique HURU identity and further expands on the built-in organization so you can stay organized right after unboxing the bag.
WHO IT SUITS
Those who practice minimal travel and need a carry-on compatible bag with a clamshell opening
Anyone looking for an EDC backpack with a rich and intuitive built-in organization
Those who loved the H1 but were looking for a more compact and lighter bag
WHO IT DOESN’T
Those who need a formal bag to take on executive meetings might not find the A Model appropriate enough
Folks who don’t like many pockets on the outside of the bag, preferring something more elegant and utilitarian (or simply those who live out their pouches and organizers would find the organization offered by the A Model obsolete, redundant even)
ABOUT THE BAG
PRICE: $249
WEIGHT (bag only):1.3 kg
DIMENSIONS: W 39 cm x H 48 cm x D 19 cm
CAPACITY: 25L (expanded to 30L)
DESIGN & FEATURES
After the H1 HURU went to the drawing board and decided to make their own version of the versatile everyday bag with plenty of organization. After all, the list of our daily essentials seems to grow every day - the wallet, phone, power bank, book, laptop, hand sanitizer, spare mask, water bottle, lunch, snack, headphones, all kinds of dongles and cables - there is so much stuff! HURU was obsessed with not just creating the bag that would fit everything you need, but to have a thoughtful and elaborate organization for each item you have. Hence the abundance of pockets that actually look pretty good, but more importantly - work brilliantly.
The A Model very much carries on HURU DNA with the signature custom aluminum buckle right at the middle and plenty of pockets all over the bag.
The bag is offered in 2 colors - black and olive. I picked the latter since it looks pretty damn good and also easier to capture on camera for you, dear readers :)
Despite a clear abundance of pockets, the A Model is perfectly symmetrical and in black color, the zipper pulls blend in perfectly with the outer fabric making the bag look much cleaner.
The bag has many features but the most prominent are:
Organization. Duh, it’s literally covered with pockets of all kinds of shapes and sizes to keep you organized
Expandability. A signature feature of all HURU backpacks. There is a pocket at the bottom that when unzipped adds an extra 5L of capacity in a pinch. Clever!
COMFORT
The A Model features a very simple harness system. Over the course of 6 weeks of testing the bag, the straps and back panel have been comfortable and I have not found any issues with it.
The straps strike the right balance in width and thickness. There are no load lifters here but frankly, I did not feel the need for them at all when using the A Model. The straps also have the G-hooks to attach the signature sternum strap that features a similar badass custom aluminum buckle seen on the front of the pack. Sadly, the sternum strap does not come out of the box and has to be purchased separately.
The back panel does not have air channels for ventilation, but I did not find any issues with it. Regardless of the back panel design during hot summer days, your back will sweat, there are no miracles here :)
MATERIALS & ORGANIZATION
Same as with the H1 (and other HURU products) the main fabric is 500d Cordura. It has been used in so many products over the years and has proven to be an incredibly versatile, durable, and water-resistant fabric, so no surprise why HURU and many other brands picked it from all the other options on the market.
The zippers are all YKK with outside zippers being Aquaguard for enhanced weather protection. The outside zippers all feature black paracord zipper pulls that make operating the zippers a breeze.
The laptop compartment has a dual-zipper which makes it really convenient for opening and closing the compartment from either side. One gripe I do have with this compartment is that the rain flaps that cover the zipper sometimes get in the way which is annoying especially if you are accessing this compartment many times during the day.
The organization is arguably the most prominent feature of the A Model and not surprisingly, there are a ton of pockets all over the bag!
Externally there are:
Top quick access compartment - handy for a pair of headphones, snack, or other things you need to grab quickly. The pocket is placed on the top flap and has a decent amount of room
Two long side pockets - ideal to store a water bottle, small umbrella, or even shoes (one in each pocket)!
Two bottom pockets on a smaller side but have enough volume to throw a power bank, cables, or a laptop charger. One of the pockets has a hidden zippered compartment inside which is very easy to miss but awesome to have just in case :)
One compartment under the flap can be accessed from the left or right zipper. I loved the ability to access my stuff from either zipper (this compartment is a home for my Kindle Oasis) and also found it useful to pass through a light jacket for quick access.
The laptop compartment is accessed via a zipper at the top of the bag - it has a dedicated tablet sleeve inside in case you want to store both your tablet and laptop in the same pocket
A hidden pocket on the back for sensitive items like your passport or slim wallet - super secure against pickpockets
Two pockets on the straps for quick access to your key card, ID, bus pass, etc.
Bottom expansion that can serve as a pocket for small things (if you really even MORE organization ;))
Internally things are much simpler and straightforward. Apart from the cavernous main compartment, there are 3 zippered pockets on the clamshell flap - very similar to the H1 layout.
As you can see, the organization is the name of the game here and the A Model is one of the most smartly organized backpacks I have ever seen.
ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER
When using the A Model it constantly reminded me of another champion of the built-in organization - Tom Bihn Synik. Slightly more expensive, Synik is incredibly rich in pockets, has fun color combinations, also rocks clamshell opening, and is offered in two sizes 22L and 30L. Due to the nature of TomBihn’sn production cycles, Synik might not always be available for purchase, so the A Model with its availability and expandability might be more preferable for some folks.
WHAT’S HOT
Rich and thoughtful external organization makes sure there is a place for everything you need - easily accessed without the need to dig inside the main compartment
Great build and custom hardware - the A Model is a high-quality product
Expandable when needed - that extra 5L is there if you need it, and when you don’t - it’s out of sight
Clamshell opening for the main compartment makes packing and unpacking a joy
WHAT’S NOT
The built-in organization might not work for someone who has oddly shaped items that won’t fit inside the compartments
The rain flaps on the laptop compartment sometimes get in the way of the zipper - doesn’t happen all the time but still annoying in daily use
The sternum strap has to be purchased separately, does not come out of the box
VERDICT
The HURU team has created something special. The A Model makes a bold move and goes nuts with adding as much external organization as possible without making the bag look silly or feel like a gimmick. Every pocket is thoughtfully designed, making organizing and accessing your daily essentials effortless (as long as you remember where you put what :)).
If you are looking for a light, expandable, high-quality everyday bag with tons of organization the A Model should definitely be on your radar.
