Review by Paolo Abrera
A typical day for me might include anything from bike-commuting to the office, possibly hitting a pool for a lap or two,
or simply lugging my laptop around for presentations. I wanted a bag that could handle storage duties for a change of
clothes, a sandwich and my computer all at once. It had to be comfortable during the 30-odd kilometers I bike from my
house to the Central Business District and back, but it had to look good too, in case I decided to stop for a chat and a
cappuccino on the way home.
For some people, the concept of a bag doesn't go beyond "a container to take stuff from point A to point B." A trash
bag and a zip-tie will suffice for people like this. However, there are others that worry about form, fit, function, style,
durability and? Discman pockets! For people like this, there is the Nike Epic.
I fit into the latter category, so the Epic backpack was perfect for my needs. Looking more like an alien space-pod than a
bag strapped to your back, the Epic is definitely a looker. It sports a "Fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic urethane frame
and a five-point exoskeletal frame structure." Phew, what a mouthful! Simply put, it has a hard plastic shell that surrounds
the nylon pack proper that, apart from looking cool, protects contents from impact. This is one tough bag that can take some
abuse.
The 976 cubic inch interior is divided into numerous pockets and divisions inside and out. All your things can be kept in
separate compartments. If you use only one bag to take you through the day from the office to the gym, this is a great
feature. If you've ever had a sandwich that tasted like your gym shorts or had a jockstrap pop out when all you wanted to
pull out was your cell phone, then this bag's for you.
In the main section is a padded laptop compartment, which keeps your computer safe from hard knocks. A perforated mesh
back panel keeps things cool. Another cool feature is the detachable, adjustable cargo net. Think of it as an adjustable
kangaroo pouch that can carry anything from your bike helmet to a bundle of wet clothes, but it can also be stashed when not
in use for a sleeker look to the bag. The bungee bag closure also doubles as an external gear attachment for those easy-access
essentials like a rain jacket.
The best thing for me though, is the fit. It moves with you rather than hampering your movement thanks to the padded
S-shaped straps with 35 degrees of articulation. It also has these cool lumbar "S" panels which you can customize to the
curvature of your back for the most comfortable fit.
The one nitpick I have is that, during my first use, the adjustable mesh pouch developed a small tear. A small thing to
worry about as all bags eventually wear out, but a bit of a worry for a bag like this. Which brings me to my main beef about
the Epic: the price. It's P7,495! A bit of a hard sell for many. And for me, no part of a bag this expensive should tear after
just one use.
Don't get me wrong. This is one great bag, so good in fact that I'm willing to overlook the "mesh incident." But all that
engineering and hi-tech materials obviously cost money. And those costs get passed on to you as the buyer. There are
many bags out there that can do the job the Epic does at a fraction of the cost, but none will do it with as much style or
efficiency as this Nike can. If you want the best that money can buy, your Epic awaits you.
GRINS
? off-the-charts styling
? superb ergonomics and fit
? compartments, compartments, compartments!
GRIMACES
? the price
? Fragile mesh panel
THE LOWDOWN
More than the usual "gym-bag" for those who want the
best...and don't mind paying a premium for it.
