featured 7214

Putting the ContemPRO Roll Top Backpack to the Test

EVERKI ContemPRO Roll-Top Backpack Review: The Ultimate Bag for Students and Professionals?

A person wearing the EVERKI ContemPRO Roll-Top Laptop Backpack in a modern urban setting.

Finding the perfect laptop backpack can be a quest. You need something stylish enough for campus or the office, durable enough to withstand daily abuse, and functional enough to protect your expensive tech. When the zipper on my old, trusted bag finally gave up, I was on the hunt for a replacement that could do it all. That’s when I had the opportunity to test the EVERKI ContemPRO Roll-Top Laptop Backpack, and it promised to tick all the right boxes.

The roll-top design is a distinct feature that sets it apart from traditional zippered backpacks. It offers a large, easily accessible opening, which is a game-changer when you’re packing bulky items like textbooks, a change of clothes, or a hefty lunchbox. I tested the classic black model, which features a stylish light grey front panel. It’s also available in a sophisticated navy blue, offering a choice for different personal styles. Let’s dive deep into whether this backpack is the investment-worthy carry-all it claims to be.

Smart Storage: Dedicated Pockets for Your Precious Tech

The exterior of the ContemPRO presents a clean, modern, and almost preppy aesthetic. However, unrolling the top reveals a delightful surprise: a high-contrast, vibrant orange interior. This isn’t just a bold style choice; it’s an incredibly practical feature. The bright lining makes it significantly easier to find smaller items like pens, keys, or a USB drive that would otherwise disappear into the dark abyss of a standard black interior. Inside the main compartment, a generously sized zippered mesh pocket (approximately 25cm wide) allows you to see its contents at a glance, perfect for keeping chargers and cables organized.

For any student or professional, protecting technology is the number one priority. EVERKI clearly understands this. The main compartment houses a dedicated, felt-lined laptop pocket engineered to snugly fit a device up to 15.6 inches. Right next to it is an additional tablet sleeve, perfectly sized for larger tablets like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro or a digital notebook. What truly inspires confidence is the level of protection. The laptop pocket features substantial padding on the bottom, front, and back, while the tablet pocket is also shielded from the front. This robust cushioning system provides peace of mind, protecting your valuable devices from the bumps and knocks of a busy commute.

The interior of the EVERKI ContemPRO backpack showing the dedicated padded sleeves for a laptop and an iPad Pro.

Engineered for All-Day Comfort and Convenience

Anyone who has hauled a heavy load of textbooks, a laptop, a tablet, and other essentials across campus knows that a backpack can quickly feel like a sack of bricks. A comfortable carrying experience is non-negotiable, and this is where the ContemPRO truly excels. EVERKI has designed this backpack to minimize strain and maximize comfort, even when fully loaded.

The “reactive” shoulder straps are a standout feature. They are well-padded and designed to conform to the unique shape of your shoulders, ensuring optimal weight distribution and preventing the straps from digging in. This is complemented by an ergonomically molded back panel. The cushioned padding supports your back, while thoughtfully integrated deep airflow channels promote ventilation. This design is a lifesaver during warmer months, helping to prevent the dreaded “sweaty back” syndrome on your walk to class or the office.

Travel-Friendly Features

EVERKI has also included features that cater to the modern traveler. A brilliant and often-overlooked feature is the integrated trolley handle pass-through on the back panel. If you’re an international student or a professional who travels for work, this is a game-changer. The strap allows you to securely slide the backpack over the handle of your rolling luggage, consolidating your bags and making navigation through busy airports or train stations effortless.

Furthermore, there are times when carrying a pack on your back isn’t practical. The ContemPRO features a robust, padded carry handle on the top. Unlike thin nylon straps that cut into your hand, this handle is comfortable to hold, making it easy to carry the bag in one hand when hopping on a crowded bus or stowing it in an overhead compartment.

Close-up of the padded, reactive shoulder straps and ergonomically moulded back panel of the EVERKI backpack.
The backpack features padded, reactive shoulder straps and an ergonomically moulded back panel for superior comfort.

The trolley handle pass-through strap on the back of the EVERKI backpack, designed for easy travel with roller luggage.
The trolley handle pass-through is perfect for frequent travelers, allowing the bag to slide over a luggage handle.

A view of the comfortable, padded top carry handle on the EVERKI ContemPRO backpack.
A well-padded carry handle makes it comfortable to carry the backpack in one hand.

Durability and Safety Built-In

A backpack is an investment, and its longevity often comes down to the quality of its components. Having discarded previous bags due to failed zippers, I was immediately impressed by the chunky, durable zippers and large metal pulls on the ContemPRO. They feel substantial and operate smoothly, suggesting they are built to last. This confidence is backed by EVERKI’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, which covers manufacturing defects for the entire life of the product, offering significant peace of mind.

Be Safe, Be Seen

For students and commuters who cycle or walk, visibility is a critical safety concern, especially during dark winter mornings or evenings. The ContemPRO addresses this with subtle yet effective reflective strips on the front and on the shoulder straps. These accents help you remain visible to traffic, adding an important layer of safety to your daily journey.

Front view of the black EVERKI ContemPRO roll-top backpack, highlighting its clean design and storage pockets.

Organization and Quick Access Pockets

Excellent organization is key to a great backpack. I’m a huge fan of external pockets that provide quick access to essentials without needing to open the main compartment. The ContemPRO delivers with several well-placed storage options. Two spacious side pockets are perfect for a water bottle, umbrella, or other items. One pocket includes a bungee cord to securely hold your bottle in place, while the other features a convenient clip for your keys, so you’re never left digging for them at your front door.

On the front of the bag, a quick-access pocket is ideal for stashing your phone, wallet, or transit pass. This pocket also features the signature high-contrast orange interior, which cleverly serves as a visual reminder if you accidentally leave it unzipped, helping to prevent your valuables from falling out.

Close-up of the side pocket on the EVERKI backpack, featuring a key clip and a bungee cord for a water bottle.
The side pockets feature a key clip and a bungee cord to securely hold a drink.

The front quick-access pocket of the EVERKI backpack, showing the high-contrast orange interior.
A quick-access front pocket is perfect for items you need to grab easily.

A detailed shot of the durable zippers and metal pulls on the EVERKI ContemPRO backpack.
The backpack features durable, oversized zippers and sturdy metal pulls.

Personalize Your Style

What happens when a great backpack becomes popular and everyone on your floor has one? EVERKI has a creative solution. The ContemPRO roll-top features a customizable transparent window on the front. The bag comes with a set of pre-designed image inserts, but you can easily create and insert your own graphic, photo, or design. This unique feature allows you to personalize your bag and make sure it truly stands out from the crowd, reflecting your individual personality.

The customizable window on the front of the EVERKI backpack, allowing for personal designs to be inserted.

The Final Verdict: Is the EVERKI ContemPRO Worth It?

With a price tag around £89, the EVERKI ContemPRO Roll-Top Backpack is certainly not a budget option. However, after using it extensively, I see it as a worthwhile long-term investment rather than a simple expense. Having experienced the frustration of cheaper bags falling apart—stitching coming undone, zippers breaking, and uncomfortable straps—the superior build quality and thoughtful design of the ContemPRO are evident.

The roll-top design, which I was initially unsure about, proved to be incredibly functional. It provides much wider, easier access to the main compartment, making packing and unpacking a laptop or bulky items completely hassle-free. The combination of smart tech protection, exceptional carrying comfort, and clever organizational features makes this bag a joy to use daily.

Overall, the EVERKI ContemPRO Roll-Top Backpack earns a strong recommendation. It’s a stylish, durable, and exceptionally well-designed bag that’s perfectly suited for the demands of student life, a professional commute, and even light travel. If it lasts you through a three-year degree and beyond—which its build quality and lifetime warranty suggest it will—the annual cost becomes very reasonable for the quality and functionality you receive.

The EVERKI ContemPRO backpack opened up, showing the spacious main compartment and easy access provided by the roll-top design.

Full Specifications

  • Model Tested: EVERKI ContemPRO Roll-Top Backpack in Black (EKP161)
  • Price: £89.00 from Amazon.co.uk and other online retailers
  • Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.1 x 22.4 in (32 x 18 x 57 cm)
  • Laptop Compartment: 10.6 x 1.4 x 15.5 in (27 x 3.5 x 39.5 cm) – Fits laptops up to 15.6 inches
  • Weight: 1.9 lbs (0.86 kg)
  • Capacity: 23 Litres
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty covering manufacturing defects