The OGIO Metro backpack is a staple of the business traveler. I see this bag adorn the shoulders of many frequent flyers with their company’s logo embroidered on the front, and for good reason: it is a durable laptop backpack that has a ton of internal organization. The Metro is well-made and is comfortable on my back, but there are a couple qualms that I have with the bag that make me hesitant to recommend this as your go-to carry-on backpack.
I got this American Airlines-issued bag years ago from a friend who used to work at AA. The backpack holds a special place in my heart as an #avgeek, and I appreciate collecting airline-related gear. When you see so many OGIO Metro backpacks floating around the airport, it is nice to have one that stands out a bit with AA’s new flight symbol emblazoned on the side.
Be warned though: wearing airline gear in an airport means that everyone will think you can help them with their flight questions!
Who is OGIO?
I have used OGIO bags for years, but I only recently found out that the brand name is an acronym that stands for “Our Gear Is Organized”. Originally catering their personal storage solutions to sporting enthusiasts, OGIO was acquired by Callaway Golf and continues to focus on producing high-tech backpacks, luggage, and golf bags. Fun fact: my current golf bag is also an OGIO bag!
You can expect OGIO bags to be well-made and have a ton of features, and their price tags generally reflect that upgrade. If you are looking for your bags to pack the latest innovations, OGIO probably has something for you.
Specifications of the OGIO Metro backpack
- Dimensions: 21″ x 14″ x 9.5″ (height x width x depth)
- Capacity: 36 liters (2200 cubic inches)
- Laptop Sleeve: padded, fits most 15in laptops
- Weight: 2.4 pounds (~1.1 kg)
- Material: 400 x 400 pindot nylon
- Sternum Strap: yes (integrated)
- Hardware: plastic
- MSRP: ~$75 (click here to review the latest price on Amazon)
How does the OGIO Metro backpack look & feel?
The OGIO Metro backpack looks robust & well-built, though I am not a fan of the silhouette. At best, the rounded profile can look modern & sleek. As you begin to fill out the compartments more & push the bag to its stated 36 liter capacity though, the bulging bag becomes quite large and looks like an overstuffed schoolboy’s backpack.
Larger frames may make the OGIO Metro more flattering, but a fully packed bag looks almost laughable on my 5’7” body. Since the bag has multiple compartments that stick out of the main profile, the bag begins to stack itself outward and away from your body as it fills up.
On the other hand, the material of the OGIO Metro backpack feels great. The pinpoint fabric is modern, though some will like the synthetic feel of the fabric more than others. The back of this bag is lined with a different material that is similar to a puffer jacket. This padded back is quite comfortable.
The fleece carrying handle is comfy and has held up to years of use. I am confident in the construction and materials of this bag. OGIO produces bags that will last, and the Metro backpack is no exception.
How does the OGIO Metro backpack fit?
The unique integrated backpack strap system means the OGIO Metro features a seamless connection between the back and the straps. This is a very comfortable harness system and feels good on my back.
The padded back is great and allows for airflow, which is always a good thing for business travelers who may find themselves traveling in work clothes.
The wide mesh padded straps are also quite comfortable, but they may not be suitable for every occasion. There is piping that lines both sides of each strap, and I found this piping to rub on exposed skin when wearing this backpack with a tank top or shirtless. After taking this OGIO Metro on a few uncomfortable day hikes, I realized I couldn’t classify this backpack as a go-anywhere, do-anything bag.
My last major grip with the OGIO Metro backpack is that I have had issues fitting it underneath an airline seat on multiple occasions. The external zipper pockets make this bag just a bit too wide to fit on any airplane that has an IFE box at the base of the seat struts. If you pack this bag too much, the depth of the bag can also present a problem; I regularly found myself struggling to compress the backpack into a size that would fit in the under-seat storage capacity.
Features of the OGIO Metro backpack
Side-entry laptop sleeve
This is my favorite feature of the Metro backpack. To this day, this is one of the best laptop sleeves that I have used on a backpack. Access is restricted to a single side zipper that runs from top to bottom, so it reduces the risk of water dropping into the laptop compartment. The ample padding on both sides has protected my laptop from more than one drop in the past.
Fleece-lined technology pocket
This small pocket at the top of the backpack was built with a pass-through port to support wired headphones to easily connect to a MP3 player or phone. With the increasing popularity of wireless headphones, this feature has become all but obsolete for business travelers & frequent flyers. Instead, I found myself using this small pocket to store sunglasses or keys, which was still a nice way to keep them separate from the rest of the bag.
Multiple external zipper pockets
Many people appreciate the multiple external pockets, and I have to admit that I find them useful. The smaller pockets on the OGIO Metro backpack are the perfect size for wallets or small toiletries that you want quick access to, and the larger pocket is the right size for carrying a reusable water bottle or coffee mug. The bottom pocket that runs across the base of the backpack is what I use to carry items like external battery packs and snacks.
As mentioned above, this storage comes at a price. If you pack all the external pockets, you will have a hard time fitting this under an airplane seat.
Conclusion
The OGIO Metro backpack does what it sets out to do. This backpack will work for you if you are looking for something that will protect your laptop, provide plenty of internal organization, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of clothes.
Trying to pack any more than a day or two worth of clothes though will stretch this bag to the limit. The 35L capacity feels like a misnomer because it includes all of the external zipper pockets; the main compartment’s size is underwhelming. I find that a pair of shoes and two changes of clothes is about the max I can fit in the OGIO Metro. For that reason, I would limit the Metro to overnight work trips or the odd weekend trip at most.
While it may be a bit on the large side for a daily carry backpack, the OGIO Metro excels at transporting gear to & from the office or cafe. This bag can easily replace any laptop tote or messenger bag if you want to opt for a backpack over a shoulder sling.
Recommended For:
someone who needs to commute daily with their laptop and enough storage for a change of clothes
| Pros | Cons |
| + Side laptop entry makes access a breeze | – The wider-than-average backpack does not fit well under the seat of some aircraft |
| + Padded back is very comfortable | – Main compartment’s usable storage space is relatively small |
| + Integrated strap system is very durable | – Zippers on the external water bottle pocket are not for everyone |
