Back when I first started reviewing, on a no longer extant site, my very first review was a cool device called a “Grid-It“; a storage solution using tactical webbing. I rather loved it. You slid your gadgets and cables into it, and then you used it to keep your stuff in place. They also came out with a backpack using that tech, and it was nifty-keen.
Fast forward to 2026, and Cocoon has expanded their Grid-it line for multiple bags, each with a different target audience. They were kind enough to send us several; my son tested out the Urban Adventure 16″” Laptop backpack, while I tested the Leather SLIM.
My son spent his Freshman year of High School juggling backpacks; he just could not find one he was happy with. This, in fact, is what caused me to check in with Cocoon in the first place. His daily need of textbooks and a laptop, as well as chargers would be enough – but he also games and his gaming mouse and other hardware are kinda chunky. After one month with the Urban Adventure, he was mostly in love. He used the Grid-It tech for his school supplies and it was perfect for his gaming mice. it balanced well on his shoulders and hit his back “right”; he is already close to six feet tall so this was a concern for him.
His one issue was that after two months, the “handle” at the top of the bag tore. In defense of the bag, he may have overloaded it. Still, disappointing, especially as this is a $109 bag. However, I’ve loaded my SLIM up to no tears. So as I said, he may have pushed it past the limits. It really is very tempting to load these puppies up with as much as possible, especially with the frid system keeping everything in place so nicely
Speaking of the SLIM…sometimes people fuss about adults wearing backpacks. They say it’s not professional. The Leather SLIM takes that argument and spits in its face. It is insanely stylish, and the leather is a delight; when I first unboxed it, it had a new car smell! I was a bit ambivalent about the slim part – would it fit my daily devices? Also, what about long trips?
On an average day during this review, I would carry a MacBook Air M4, a OnePlus tablet and pen, assorted chargers, battery packs, and a bullet journal. These fit very nicely, although one charger made a bulge until I figured out the best way to put it. I was even able to sometimes take along a second tablet and/or my Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Nano (I’m PanOSual). That impressed me quite a bit. I took it with me to multiple meetings. Clients actually took note of it, asking me where to get it.
The National Restaurant Association (aka the *other* NRA) shown in Chicago afforded me the opportunity to take the SLIM on a plane ride. I was extremely impressed at how well it travelled. It did not get too heavy and fit perfectly under the seat in front of me.
The SLIM aspect of the SLIM cannot be overstated. Both in the airport and at the show, I was able to walk through large crowds without anyone getting knocked over. With my previous laptop bag, I felt like a bull in a china shop.
You know where else it works really well? Comic conventions! I wore it to two of them; I was able to put my autogrpah book and multiple pens in the front pocket, and the main body was perfect for holding back issues. And because it was slim it was perfect for walking in aisles.
At $279, the Leather SLIM is a premium priced product targeting a very specific type of individual. As I am a trifle bougie, that’s me. As of this writing the leather model is out of stock, so I am not alone.
In case that price causes sticker shock or neither of these exact bags grab you, Cocoon offers multiple other styles. And they still sell the Grid-It to slide into your existing bags. As some of you may have noted, I was sent these as a review unit. So it’s easy for me to say “Oh it’s great” when I do not have to pay for it. The thing is, while I may not have purchased the leather SLIM (I was shocked to get it) I would absolutely have spent my own money on the non-leather SLIMS or one of their messenger bags (which I regret not reviewing with these). I am particularly impressed with the RFID blocking Vault series (and yes, there is SLIM of that one).
If you’re headed back to school and looking to invest in a quality bag that will last, I recommend Cocoon.
