Waterfield Backpack for Apple Vision Pro review: spatial commuting

When I tested the Apple Vision Pro Travel Case when it released, a lot of thoughts came to mind, but two rose to the top — big and ostentatious. It felt like I was painting a target on my back in downtown Nashville that said, "please rob me."

Waterfield has had some interesting ideas about storing and transporting Apple Vision Pro that aren't represented elsewhere in the market. The simply named Backpack for Apple Vision Pro that retails for $419 is an unassuming, classically designed bag — at least externally.

Inside is a two-layered system similar to what I've seen in camera bags. The top half is separated by a thick layer fastened into place with storage for miscellaneous products and a 16-inch-ish computer.

The bottom half is a hammock — which is also fastened in place so it's removable. The Apple Vision Pro sits in this hammock, suspended in the bag for extra protection.

It is a very different strategy from the Waterfield Shield Case for Apple Vision Pro, which is a compact lunchbox-sized container specially built for holding it. I love the Shield Case, and still believe it's a better choice than Apple's or most other options.

That said, the Backpack is different. I even pontificated on whether such a product could exist in the Shield Case review. Both serve different purposes and fit in my use cases.

The Apple Vision Pro Shield Case is perfect for big trips requiring lots of packing, especially with the Air Porter Backpack in tow. The Backpack for Apple Vision Pro is better for short trips, commutes, and other such quick travel.

Waterfield Backpack for Apple Vision Pro review - Design

Externally, you might mistake the Backpack for Apple Vision Pro for a standard laptop bag. It's well designed, but in a way that doesn't scream "I'm carrying a $3,500 set of computing ski goggles plus accessories."

Sure, any backpack can be the target of theft, but at least you're not actively advertising its contents with a fluffy white exterior. The waterproof zippers, ballistic nylon, and pleasant orange interior add up to a good-looking bag.

The biggest miss externally is the lack of water bottle storage. This was likely a conscious decision to maintain the bag's clean silhouette, but not ideal for a backpack.

There are only two compartments — one for your Apple Vision Pro and one for everything else.

Top compartment

Open the top half of the bag, and you'll see a simple compartment with only one zipper pocket. The back panel is big enough to hold a 16-inch MacBook Pro, or in my case, a 13-inch iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard (all on sale in the AppleInsider Price Guide).

The zipper pocket can easily hold the Magic Trackpad or a small notepad. There aren't any other traditional pockets or sleeves, but there is an odd central slot.

On the front of the laptop sleeve, there is a series of three pockets. The middle one perfectly fits a Magic Keyboard or Nuphy, but the side slots are very skinny.

Perhaps a small tripod could slide into the smaller side slots, but these slots run the full depth of the bag. So, if you drop an Apple Pencil or other small objects in it, you'll not be able to get your hand in to retrieve it.

These small holes could have provided a bit more utility if they had a seam or pen holders. I'm not sure why they extend the full depth of the bag. One could hold a tripod or selfie stick, but two is an odd choice in an otherwise well-thought-out bag.

The upper compartment is actually quite spacious. I was able to fit two battery packs, a PlayStation DualSense controller, a BackBone One, and the new Beats Pill with space to spare.

Bottom compartment

Open the bottom compartment, and there's an open space for the Apple Vision Pro. It sits in a small hammock that keeps the headset suspended off of the ground.

Small accessory bags are set on each side for extra storage and to provide padding. A hatbox sits behind the Apple Vision Pro's eyepieces and can hold chargers, extra cushions, and prescription inserts.

Unlike the Shield Case, you don't need to remove the headband to place it in the Backpack. There is plenty of space to leave either the Dual Loop or Solo Knit Band attached.

The hammock and center shelf are separate pieces and are removable. When taken out, it leaves the interior of the bag hollow if you need to carry something other than Apple Vision Pro.

The outer side of the bottom compartment has a small pocket for the battery pack and cable. It simply slides in and is held in place by a clasp.

Waterfield Backpack for Apple Vision Pro review - easy transport

After publishing the Shield Case review, Waterfield reached out to tell me the "all-in-one shoulder bag" I described was actually in production. I was excited to see how they executed a backpack form factor.

The company didn't disappoint with the custom features and attention to detail. It is much nicer to carry my iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and other gear in a backpack that isn't a loud advertisement for how many valuables I have on my person.

Whether you need to carry Apple Vision Pro for work or personal use, having a traditionally styled backpack for commuting or limited travel is excellent. Apple's Travel Case is a no-go, and even Waterfield's Air Porter Backpack and Shield Case were a bit big for daily use.

You can fit everything you need for working with Apple Vision Pro, like a MacBook Pro and battery pack. It fits comfortably, and the shoulder straps are nice and wide. There's even a suitcase handle passthrough for use with luggage.

Waterfield continues the tradition of offering multiple small bags for a larger bag. The two small bags that fit by the Apple Vision Pro are perfect for my travel chargers and cables.

The biggest omission has to be the lack of a water bottle holder on the side. It isn't clear why they chose not to have one except to maintain the sleekness of the form factor.

Otherwise, it is an excellent first edition. I hope Waterfield continues to experiment with the Apple Vision Pro for its bags and accessories.

Waterfield Backpack for Apple Vision Pro review - Innovating with hammocks

It would have never crossed my mind to suspend the Apple Vision Pro with a hammock. The entire bag is a padded fortress to protect the expensive gear.

I appreciate the effort, materials, and features put into the Backpack for Apple Vision Pro. It fits right in with Waterfield's other bags and looks like a professional backpack anyone can carry.

I'd like to see some small improvements made to the bag in future iterations, but it is quite an excellent first edition. No one else is making a product like this for Apple Vision Pro.

The price may be somewhat prohibitive, but given that it is targeted at consumers willing to spend $3,500 on an Apple Vision Pro, it might not be a problem. It is certainly worth the price if you can afford it.

Waterfield Backpack for Apple Vision Pro review - Pros

• Sturdy, protective, unassuming backpack
• Two-tier design with hammock is a clever way to carry Apple Vision Pro
• Plenty of space for a keyboard, accessories, and a 16-inch MacBook Pro
• Removable components in case the bag is needed for something else

Waterfield Backpack for Apple Vision Pro review - Cons

• No water bottle pocket
• Odd slots that could make useful pockets but instead act as deep, narrow voids
• High price!
• No alternate color or canvas options

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Backpack for Apple Vision Pro feels close to perfection and is perfectly unique. There isn't much to improve upon, but the eye-watering cost and odd design choices limit it to a 4 out of 5.

While the Backpack casts a nice silhouette, we still miss features like a water bottle holder. And if those weird inner pockets could be made more useful, and that would help elevate the product further.

How to buy the Waterfield Backpack for Apple Vision Pro

The Backpack is technically a limited edition product, but it will continue to be made available for purchase as long as there is demand. Those ordering the bag will get theirs with a bulk shipment each month, as Waterfield fulfills orders as quickly as they can make them.

As of publication, customers ordering will get theirs in the August 6 shipment. If you miss that one, a shipment will occur again in September.

Purchase the Backpack for Apple Vision Pro on the Waterfield website for $419. It is only available in black nylon.