Something of a snakey theme seems to be running through the range of Booq's bags. Founded in the US by a German design graduate, Booq has a range like a reptile room that includes vipers, mambas and cobras, designed as high-tech carriers for iPad, iPhone and MacBooks. See all laptop bag reviews.
The Booq Boa squeeze is a tough turtleshell-like rucksack for laptops of 13 to 15in screen size. Once donned, the gentle arc that bows out from top to bottom gives the pack a streamlined shape, not unlike a parachute backpack. See also: Be.ez LE bag Pro review.
It's made from black ballistic nylon with a tough-feeling course weave, lined inside with ripstop polyester in a tasteful light cream colour. The effect is not unlike unbleached cotton, and makes the pack seem less sterile than pure monotones.
A potentially useful feature, should it work, is the Terralinq tag sewn into the deep-padded foam back. This includes a barcode and unique serial code. If you register your details online, should anyone find the bag and they visit terralinq.com, your bag and you might be reunited.
Liberally dispersed around the bag are the usual collection of hidden pockets, all of them potentially invaluable for stowing and organising little gadgets, a passport, iPad and assorted cables. Zip-down side pockets are handy for carrying small bottles of water, keys and other accessories. All zips are from respected manufacturer YKK.
A top-mounted zip pocket is the perfect size for storing your smartphone on the move.
The main shoulder straps are pre-curved, harder foam on the top side and soft mesh padding inside. There's no superfluous webbing or chest straps, giving a cleaner look.
The all-important compartment for your laptop is well-padded with dense foam, although there isn't quite as much protection at the very bottom as we'd ideally like to see. But rigid beading through the edges of the bag should help it battle many a hard knock.
