MO Tested - Setgo Jump Jet Messenger Bag
The Setgo Jump Jet is a bi-fold “dual-mode” messenger bag providing a minimalist approach to both conspicuity and capacity. In other words, the Jump Jet is the perfect carrying companion for those who don’t carry much.
Upon arrival I was discouraged to find that my 13-inch Macbook Pro wouldn’t fit into the Jump Jet’s main pocket. Coincidentally, I was replacing my aging Pro with a new 12-inch Macbook. The slim, smaller laptop fits nicely into the same pocket, as do most tablets, which is exactly the primary cargo for which the Jump Jet was designed.
The bag’s “dual-mode” claim is a little misleading. In its folded “compact” configuration it looks to be the perfect sheath for transporting a custom pool cue. Certainly minimalist and covert, but because it is folded, only paper or the like will survive life in the Jump Jet’s main pocket. Otherwise, smaller items such as keys, gum, breath mints, etc., can reside in either the main pocket or the secondary, smaller pocket.
The adjustable shoulder strap features a smartphone pocket, but this too is limited in size. My iPhone 6 (with a thin protective case) fits snugly within, but any phone larger than this size will not. At least the snugness surrounding the iPhone provides a measure of confidence in the phone not slipping when wearing the Jump Jet, especially if you’re wearing it while riding. An added benefit of the phone pocket – having such easy access to your phone – is not often found outside of a handlebar-mounted device.
The Setgo Jump Jet is constructed from “high grade reinforced nylon,” which supposedly makes the bag durable, but not exactly luxurious, such as leather. Out in the weather the flap will help keep rain at bay, but while the Jump Jet comes equipped with waterproof zippers, a quick spray in the kitchen sink resulted in a very wet interior.
Is the Setgo Jump Jet worth its $60 retail price? If you’re in need of a minimalist messenger-type carrying device in which to shuttle your tablet, small laptop, or spare set of riding gloves, the Jump Jet could be just the ticket. In our opinion, if the Jump Jet were designed with expandable sides, Setgo could have maintained the bag’s minimalist dimensions while adding increased usability when the need arrives to shove the uneaten portion of a sub sandwich inside. Actual waterproofness would be nice too.
For more information on the Jump Jet and other Setgo products go to SetGoGear.com.
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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Testing H2O resistance in the kitchen sink, brilliant! I guess this wouldn't normally be a concern in SoCal, but this is the year of the super Godzilla BMF El Niño.
I can't see a single positive side of this product. Completely useless. And I seldom make such strong statements.
A good backpack:
1) Is more aerodynamic
2) Is more comfortable to wear, distributes the load evenly
3) Is able to contain objects of different form-factors, not just flat square ones
4) Always has the potential to take more, whereas with this product you are limited to what you have already taken
5) Is somewhat able to fold when partially filled
6) Has a compartment with semi-rigid walls for laptops and papers, which completely diminishes all the merits of this product
7) Is probably safer when going down.