From past experiences with its Versa Premium (review), we know that Everki are manufacturers of top quality notebook backpacks. It did not take a lot to see that the Atlas* is cut from the same cloth. 

Firstly, the Atlas backpack fulfils the primary requirement of carrying your notebook safely with adequate protection. Featured inside is Everki’s new adjustable three-point notebook pocket to snuggly fit machines in sizes from 13" to 17.3". 

It secures your notebook comfortably in place, although we did miss the little corner protectors at the bottom as provided by the Versa Premium. Just like that bag, you also don’t need to take out your notebook at airport security checks, since all you do is unzip the compartment and send the bag through the X-ray machine. Having recently traveled internationally, we can say that in most cases the Premium went through security this way, although some checkpoints wanted us to take out the notebook completely. 

Fold open like this, the Atlas will pass through most security checkpoints

Worried about where to put your tablet? A felt-lined pocket makes for easy placement, and it is well protected too. This compartment that carries your notebook and tablet can be locked.   

He ain’t heavy

At 1.72 kg the Atlas is not the lightest on the market, nor the smallest, but its five-point balance strap adjustment system makes up for it. A lot of thought went into this system, even down to the little sliders that prevent straps dangling everywhere. As hoped for, a trolley handle pass-through slot helps to make airports a breeze. Unfortunately the bag does not come with a water-proof EVA base as we’ve seen with other notebook bags. 

There is a sufficiently large top pocket for all your bits and bobs, it’s just a shame that it’s not hard-shell as with the Versa Premium. On that bag we criticised Everki for not proving an easy-to-use solution for power chord storage. In theory the Atlas doesn’t either, but it does offer an always open magazine storage pocket, which worked just as well for tossing in your power chord after work. 

There is lots of space available in the Atlas. Now try and keep track of where you put all your stuff. 

No memory

If there is a point of critique it is that the Atlas doesn’t come with some memory enhancement pills. It should have, since there are so many different pockets and spaces available, that we had trouble keeping track what we put where. 

As we’ve seen with these types of bags, quality comes at a premium, since the Everki Atlas retails for R1 470. It is available from Takealot.com

*The Atlas was received as a seeding unit