(23
Reviews)
Travels with the Metro and Air Boss
By
Anonymous
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San Francisco and other places
August 20, 2010
My first trip with the Air Boss and the Metro and went from San Francisco to Singapore and on to Chennai, India. First time traveling without a checked piece of luggage and got the question more than a few times "where's the other bags". I told each one there ain't no other bags. One of the flight attendants on Singapore Airlines just nodded at the bag. Now down to specifics. The metro performs very well carrying a Thinkpad T60, mp3 player, kindle. I would like if some of the internal pockets zipped shut somehow. But it slides right there under the seat and gives me access to the goodies I always want on the flight. The Air Boss is the king though. It saved me 20 minutes at the Chennai airport which I am appreciative of. Leaving Chennai was also painless.
Thanks Red Oxx. You guys gave me a great first trip with nothing but carryon.
8.5/10
By
Anonymous
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Sydney, Aust.
August 7, 2010
Great product, something your staff should be proud of. Suits me to a tee, now that I've jettisoned a heap of crap that I'd been carrying around without ever using. The size of the bag is especially good for commuting on public transport, not too big, not too small ...
The Claw strap doesn't work for me as I like to carry my bag on my back and swing it to my hip or front when I need access. I'm still searching for a replacement. The quality of the strap is very high which ensures I'll find another use for it. Just not on my Metro.
At the moment my 17" laptop (yes I know, only 1 generation past using a stone tablet & chisel) fits like a glove. When I move to a smaller laptop / iPad I'll be modding the pocket to suit. I've been thinking about a lacing system maybe using velcro or parracord, or old fashioned press studs?
Perhaps RO might think of adding a type of military style webbing to the internal padded laptop pocket? That way we could secure the mesh side to it and make pockets that suit our individual requirements. Or, like me, we can keep the single 17" wide mouth pocket?
I've cured the headache of stuff falling out of the smaller pockets by using different sized zip bags from a camping store to hold IT accessories, camera, admin supplies etc. Yeah, they still fall out of the pockets, but it's much easier to pick up 5 zip bags rather than half a stationery store.
Overall the Metro case is a great piece of kit and has put Red Oxx at the top of my list when I need new luggage. Congratulations.
10 out of 10
By
Anonymous
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Australia
June 3, 2010
On third trip round the world with Air Boss. Originally got the CPA but it was too big and now gratefully received by kids. Metro fits inside centre Air Boss section when required which is ideal. Fits 17" Macbook, iPad, chargers, documents and assorted bits & pieces. Don't make it any smaller. Personally I'd loose the outside black pockets but otherwise an ideal bag for me.
Mine just arrived!
By
Anonymous
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San Francisco, CA
March 18, 2010
Yep, it's great, and will definitely work as a "mini" suitcase for ultra-light carryon. *** Can't quite figure out the best way to stow my netbook in there - my 10.1" Asus 1001p will fit standing on end in 1/2 of either interior panel slot - and the little buckle that attaches in the top middle of each mesh panel actually helps to keep the top of the netbook from shifting around. *** BUT I'm tempted to create a "netbook width" stow slot on the FRONT of one of the mesh panels, by removing stitching on some of the slots there to create a slot wide enough for the netbook. For example I'm thinking I could use fewer pen and pencil slots and that would make the wide slot next to them even wider, wide enough for the netbook..... Maybe RedOxx will revisit the "slot width" of the utility slots on the mesh panels in the future to create at least one Kindle/iPad/netbook width slot. In the meantime, I'll consider my Exacto knife.... *** In terms of appearance, the "oversize" hardware (o-rings for clasp and strap) looks less "oversize" than on the Gator, and the outside "snap" pouches actually look a little "too small" compared to the Gator's proportions - but this is just an matter of which bag you start with, I've had the Gator for about 2 years and only just got the Metro. I think I agree, though, with the reviewer below who would like to see one of these exterior snap pouches widened) - there's plenty of room on the face of the bag to do that. *** If you are thinking this is just another Land's End canvas attache clone, you are wrong. The bag has a solid rectangular structure thanks to the dense, thin foam padding - the problem with the old Land's End canvas attaches was that there were a little too narrow, and they sagged a lot. This RedOxx Metro is considerably wider (about 4.5" inches interior, 5" total width not counting snap pockets, and doesn't sag. *** One caveat: in all black - my preferred color - the Metro looks a little "tactical." You may actually prefer this look, but for a "friendlier" look consider one of the lighter toned color combinations. *** THANKS FOR A GREAT PRODUCT, REDOXX!
Just Ordered Mine...and Reactions to Dave, Below
By
Anonymous
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San Francisco, CA
March 15, 2010
I will post an actual review when I get this - I just ordered today. I've been on the fence about ordering a Metro for quite a while, but my Gator, which I've been using for the two years, has talked me into it! How so? I like the way the Gator is laid out, completely - the twin outside snap pockets, the twin end elastic pouches, the slip-area behind the outside snap pocket that will hold a letter I've GOTTA reply to that day (or a boarding pass!), the zip slot on the opposite side, the twin mesh organizing panels inside - and above all, I like the self-LOCKING zippers that won't slip apart accidentally, and the thin foam that gives the Gator structure. But there are occasions when I'd rather spend my cubic inches (total bag volume) on something a little taller and wider - but not as thick as the blocky Gator. The Metro fits the bill perfectly in this regard, base on the one my friend has. It seems to have the same "right size" volume for my every day carry items, just laid out differently in the main compartment and in a more "work traditional " appearance. Plus, I have a secret reason for wanting a Metro to go along with the Gator - for trips where I am just plain tired of hauling all my stuff into the cabin, and plan to check a bag, I'd like to use the Metro as a mini-suitcase (mini-me AirBoss?)! LOL, but actually 17" is just about the perfect length for a few shirts, a pair of travel pants or two, and the usual underwear and socks to tide me over should my checked bag get misplaced by the baggage throwers. So RedOxx - please ignore Dave, and don't chop any length off the Metro! Right now might be a little long for a 15" laptop - but laptops make poor measuring sticks, after all I use a 10.1" netbook and I don't think any of us would advocate that you chop the Metro down to an 11" width using the "computer as yardstick" rule Dave seems to be proposing! (BTW I think Dave is right on using cinch cords instead of elastic on the end pockets - and I'd like to see the end pockets on the Metro taller, too, at least tall enough to hold a small bottle of water (like a Trader Joe's sportcap bottle, or their slightly smaller non-sportcap version).
slightly too long
By
Anonymous
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Silicon Valley
March 2, 2010
Dave's comment was right on, good product but slightly too big for todays laptops.
One More Zipper Please
By
Anonymous
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San Francisco
February 4, 2010
On the back side of this bag - not the snap pouch side - please consider adding a second side-to-side zipper, so I can unzip the top and bottom zippers on that side and slip the resulting panel over a wheelie's handle - like on the PR4 Beanos!
RedOxx Missed the Market Indicators w/the Metro
By
Anonymous
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Arlington VA
February 3, 2010
Bought this for my college-student nephew as a gift and gave it a test drive for a few days. I'm a big Red Oxx fan - Metro, Air Boss, SkyTrain, Gator & PR4 replacing some beat-up Tumis and other carry-ons. The Metro is a very good alternative to my Tumi expandable [(12" x 16" x 5.5" (HxWxD)] "Safecase." It misses the mark - but is clearly a competitive product @ $140 vice $345. With the foam padding it "stands tall" and the depth is good. The organizers are simple and unlike Tumi - there aren't too many or them! Less can be more. But at over 17" wide it's out of touch - no one lugs around 17"laptops any more. If so, a large laptop is best carried inverted in a backpack carrier. With the foam inserts, 17" is too wide and unwieldy compared to a messenger bag w/o the foam padded stability. As a counterpoint - the Metro with extra width allows you to cram a cable or accessory pocket next to a 15" or smaller laptop - but a better solution would be to adopt a Tumi design: one small + one medium bellows pocket vice two small ones. Lots of wasted front panel space in the current design w/two small, Gator-sized pockets. In a nutshell..shrink the Metro at least an inch in width, expand one of the bellows pockets in width, and for the water bottle pockets on either end: lose the elastic and use a parachute cord snugger instead for the bigger bottles (like Sigg)
Quality is Great
By
Anonymous
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Canada
February 1, 2010
I like this bag, it's just longer in length then I need.
I got this to go with my Skytrain for when I travel with my laptop. It is a smaller sized laptop, so I had been looking for a bag more suited to it size-wise. The Gator was just a bit to small, and any other product I could find was just not well made, too many 'features', or not enough features! Regarding the length, I am petite-ish female, so it seems bigger to me then it might to other users.
I will continue to use this when I travel for business; I love the Red Oxx durability of it, and the pockets and red interior are just right. I had no problem with my Klean Kanteen water bottles fitting in the end pockets though they add more to the length. I wish it was shorter; I really try to pack light and I have no intention of carrying around legal-sized papers that this was made to fit. I will also use it as just my overnight bag when suitable, but most of my travels will otherwise be met by just my Skytrain. It does fit into the big section of the Skytrain, so it may join me on a trip as a 2nd bag for a flight home.
Great Daily Bag
By
Anonymous
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New Jersey
January 3, 2010
I've been looking for a bag to use for my daily trip to work. I couldn't find anything that fit my needs until I found the Metro. Not only will it carry everything I need to carry back and forth to work, but it will also fit into the center compartment of my AirBoss. Thanks RedOxx!
Good, not great
By
Anonymous
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NH
December 4, 2009
This bag is as solid as everything from RO; the most durable stuff I've ever bought and worth every penny. However, I find the Metro bag to be limited design-wise. The simple interior I find kind of messy to use, with just 3 basic holding slots and some small pockets on the side walls of the slots. A lot of adjusting and rearranging time to get stuff in there and I seem to end up with just a big mess of stuff thrown in a bag that requires sorting and sifting any time I want to get something out. A pain to pull out from under the airplane seat and find something particular. The bag is solid but probably based too directly on the design of the Air Boss for the purpose of a document/laptop carry-on. I agree with the water bottle comment elsewhere: you can't carry water through security and a big bottle doesn't fit the pocket. I never use these pockets on ANY bag, so they waste space and weight. I think RO could come up with something more innovative and practical for business travelers.
workhorse of a bag
By
Anonymous
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San Diego, USA
October 29, 2009
I purchased this bag in black along with an Air Boss in the same color. I use it to carry a laptop (it fits a macbook air up to the 17" MacBook pro), along with assorted accessories for the computer, documents and other sundry items. It can hold a great deal without looking like it's about to explode, and given the quality of the zippers, I doubt it would anyway! I tend to carry the AirBoss on my shoulder and use the hand straps to carry the Metro. In this format I tend to concur with other reviews that I would prefer that the carry handles had some sort of strengthening (like leather and did not need to be clipped together--this slows down the process of taking out a laptop at airport security.
That's a small niggle however, it is a great bag!
workhorse of a bag
By
Anonymous
-
San Diego, USA
October 29, 2009
I purchased this bag in black along with an Air Boss in the same color. I use it to carry a laptop (it fits a macbook air up to the 17" MacBook pro), along with assorted accessories for the computer, documents and other sundry items. It can hold a great deal without looking like it's about to explode, and given the quality of the zippers, I doubt it would anyway! I tend to carry the AirBoss on my shoulder and use the hand straps to carry the Metro. In this format I tend to concur with other reviews that I would prefer that the carry handles had some sort of strengthening (like leather and did not need to be clipped together--this slows down the process of taking out a laptop at airport security.
That's a small niggle however, it is a great bag!
Carry On Travel Capable Laptop bag
By
Howard G
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Billings
May 18, 2009
I needed a laptop bag for a new job that requires travel. I decided the Metro would be a welcome travel companion as it fit my Dell Latitude. The side bellows pockets held all my computer accessories. I like the mesh divider with pockets and slots for writing utensils and such. I also got an Air Boss which you can read my review as a companion bag for my clothes. I was able to fit the Metro INSIDE the middle section of the Air Boss, which made these 2 bags complement each other and reduce one's carry-on to one bag. Again, I'm not big on over shoulder carry, but the Metro is sized right for it. The strap really does NOT slip off. Now that I've experienced the "carryon philosophy" firsthand, I shan't return to baggage claims any time soon. By the way, I've recently moved to Billings and recommend anyone in the area visit the store. They have a large selection available and you can see what the colors look like first hand.
Best Soft Travel Briefcase
By
Anonymous
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New Orleans
May 3, 2009
This product arrived yesterday. I have several computer bags, but this one is absolutely outstanding It is, like all of your products, extremely well built. It holds a 15" laptop securely and with just enough room so the fit is neither too tight or too lose. The Claw strap is perfect. I like the two snap pockets on the front from an ergonomic and practical standpoint, although they make the bag a little to casual to take to court or to a business meeting. I'll keep my leather briefcase for local use, and travel with this one. Another great product.
Finally found it!
By
Chris Norton
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Pittsburgh, PA
February 18, 2009
I never review products but felt this one deserved it. I recently bought an Air Boss and was so impressed I decided to try the Metro Bag to go with it. I have tried several backpacks and other computer bags over the last few years, and this bag is the perfect replacement for them all. The design is deceptively simple...when I first opened the box I thought "this thing will never hold all my stuff" but it easily did without bulging at all, and I have more storage pockets to spare. I also love the bottle holders on the ends - I use one for a coffee travel mug and the other for a small umbrella, which is great to have on the outside of the bag. Perhaps my favorite feature is that the bag stands up by itself, whether the laptop is in it or not...such a simple thing but after so many bags that constantly fell over this is a neat surprise. Of course, it's built like a vault and I'm sure will last many years. Worth every penny.
Rugged and Practical
By
Dave
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California
November 26, 2008
Just purchased the Metro a few weeks ago and used it on a flight for an overnight business trip. It easily held the laptop, personal items and a minimal change of clothes. Worked great and didnt have to be checked when they announced the decreased size limits for carry-on. Perfect overnighter bag, rugged enough for the rigors of business travel.
Excellent bag
By
Bill Parr
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Shanghai, China
October 7, 2008
The Metro is a great bag! I use is to hold my computer and various papers on a daily basis. Lots of space, and yet the bag has a slim profile. The two external zip pockets are great for miscellaneous items, and there is lots of room for items in addition to my laptop in the inner portion of the bag.I've only owned it for about 2 months now, so I can't speak about durability - other than to say that it looks today just like it looked when I first took it out of the box.Bill Parr
No Problems Here!
By
Mike W.
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Chicago, IL
January 20, 2008
I purchased this product along with the Air Boss two weeks ago. After receiving it, I can say that I'm extremely happy with the quality of the product and with the customer service at Red Oxx. There's not a thing I can think of that I would change the briefcase. Granted, it does cost a lot of money, but I am glad I spent it. I don't mind paying for a quality product with excellent customer service.
Will not break
By
Anonymous
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November 21, 2006
I had previously purchased the padded brief case to use in my work as a field auditor. The product has served me flawlessly. I have since purchsed the slim briefcase to handle smaller jobs or in the cases where I needed additional capacity for my bigger jobs. I have to tell you, I have packed these bags so full on occasion, that any other product would have failed at the seams or zipper. The Red Oxx has never failed me, plus I'm assured that if it did the product is backed for life. Keep up the fantastic work Red Oxx.