Lifestyle Series – STM Velo 2 Review

I love a good running pack. A nice pack holds you close and carries just what you need, in all the right places so that you’re not wasting time hunting down the thing you want. A good pack feels right at home on your back, and when you wear it long enough, sometimes it even seems weird when you’re not wearing it!

As much as I may wish it, trail running long and far in beautiful places isn’t what I do for a living. Like many of us, I go to an office and sit at a desk or in meetings most days, counting down the time until I can lace up and head out. For our Lifestyle Review Series, we are introducing things that we love to use that aren’t necessarily ‘running related’ but that fit well with us trail and ultra runners that lead active, outdoorsy, lives, where form and function are paramount.

Introducing the Velo 2 from STM

I also love a good ‘bag’. Much like a running pack, I seem to find that my bag is with me, or nearby, anytime I not running (thats where the pack takes over). I’ve tried all sorts of bags, from backpacks, to messengers, satchels to saddlebags and up until now I thought I had settled on a really good bag. When I first got my mitts on STMs Velo 2, my initial thought was “Oh this looks really nice, but it’s pretty small – I don’t think it will carry everything that I need it to…maybe we’ll use this for a diaper bag” (yes, I like a nice diaper bag!).

As I emptied out my other, much larger (and very popular) messenger bag and began transferring the contents into the Velo 2, I was amazed at how much space I actually had left over! Nothing was floating aimlessly about it the main compartment, because everything had a place. Happily surprised, I began using the bag as my everyday bag, toting it to work each day, on vacations and pretty much everywhere else I went. I have used the Velo 2 for over two months now, and it has become (and will remain) my everyday bag.

Here’s what the you get with the Velo 2.

• A compact laptop bag in two sizes (S,M) and three colors (Grey, Black, Blue)
• Well thought out design – everything has a place and every pocket or feature has a purpose
• Excellent materials, fit and finish
• Lightweight – I have had to check and make sure I didn’t forget my computer on several occasions
• Fully enclosed, secure, padded, soft laptop sleeve
• Waist strap to help stabilize the bag if you’re biking, hiking or running to catch the bus
• Unobtrusive reflective points to keep you visible in the dark

Whether you are in and out of the office, a coffee shop resident, or a world traveler, the Velo 2 offers comfort and versatility to make your work life a lot easier. I love being able to reach for my bag and know right where to find just what I’m looking for…kind of like a good running pack.

4.5 out of 5 stars – only holding off on the half star until durability can prove out

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 These shots are of my very well used bag…and I like it that way.

Check out the video review of the Velo 2, and for all the specifics and to get one of your own, head on over to STM and take a look around!