The intersection of the outdoor and tech worlds is something that, no matter how some of us may fight it, seems inevitable. Our gadgets help us navigate, can call for help if we are hurt, and are sometimes simply brought along for extra entertainment. Lander is a Lehi, UT company that is embracing the mixing of worlds, and creates gear that can keep your gizmos safe and sound while exploring. I had the chance to test their Moab phone case, as well as the Cairn Lantern, and both are pretty sweet pieces of gear. However, Lander’s best offering might be their new line of bags which are the cornerstones of the Lander Carry System. I’ve been using the Wasatch 25L Commuter bag since autumn, and have struggled to find a situation it can’t handle.
Wasatch 25L Commuter features
You will be hard pressed to find a small-ish bag that boasts as many features as this Lander 25L. Here are some of the highlights:
• Crash Pad zone- safe storage for all your fancy electronics
• Laptop Sleeve- fits up to a 17” computer
• Hot Route- protected area inside the pack for routing wires
• DWR Coating on exterior
• Waterproof/Taped seams
• Cargo section- for storing clothes and other gear
• Front organization pocket
• Microfiber lined soft pocket- for your shades, point and shoot cameras, other delicate gear
There’s a lot going on there, but I can assure you that it all checks out. I’ve used this bag for motorcycle rides, road trips, and during my 9-5 gig as a videographer. I can tell you that it definitely held up and kept my gear safe.
Highlights for the Lander Wasatch Commuter
The main reason you’d consider adding this pack to your collection is for laptop protection. This thing gets the job done and then some. I work as a sports videographer, and have to travel in buses, airplanes and rental cars. Often times, my gear gets thrown around by others, smashed into tiny storage areas, or left out in the elements (basically a gauntlet of ways to not treat your laptop).
The crash pad zone on this Commuter pack is lined with microfiber, has high-density foam padding on both sides, and is backed with TPU Ripstop fabric. This thing is bomber. No matter how much abuse the Wasatch pack took, my lapper never felt a single bump or bruise. I have dropped the bag onto concrete, walked and worked in the rain, and criss-crossed the Western USA via airplane and the Commuter has safeguarded my gadgets through it all. If you want legit protection for an every-day bag, this is it.
Other standout features include the front organization pocket and the cargo area. The cargo zone has enough space to fit daily items like a hoodie, rain jacket, or your lunch. It also has a mesh lined sleeve that can fit a tablet or some books. The organization pocket has well-placed sleeves to stash small items like pens, business cards, USB connectors or any other tiny stuff that can often disappear in a large pocket. The Commuter also has two side water bottle holders, and compression straps on the bottom that allow you to lash additional items to it. Bottom line: you get huge performance and protection for your gear in a size that works for “every day carry.”
Gripes for the Lander Commuter bag
The Wasatch 25L bag comes very close to perfect, but I do have a few gripes. First of all, the key leash is located very high up in the organization pocket, making it tricky to reach and tough to snap your keys onto. The sternum strap is adjustable, which is a good thing, but the plastic buckle attachments are prone to slipping out of their slots, which is a bad thing. Finally, because this bag holds its form extremely well (thanks to the Crash Pad area), you’ll have a hard time really cramming gear inside the cargo area. I wish Lander had added just a couple liters of space for additional daily carry items.
The Verdict
The rigors of your daily commute are no match for the Lander Wasatch pack. The Crash Pad zone is legit, and the overall styling on this bag allows for a seamless transition from the office to the weekend road trip destination. Everyone from students to video pros will appreciate the peace of mind you get when your gear is stashed in one of Lander’s Carry System bags.