EXCLUSIVES

Booq Folee XL 2006 > Balancing Form and Function

Words by Christefano Griffin

February 2006

The Folee XL is a messenger-style bag designed for large, widescreen laptops like the 17” Apple PowerBook and larger 15” laptops. Smaller versions of the Folee, the XM and XS, are designed for 12” and 15” PowerBooks and the 12” and 14” iBooks respectively. In addition to being made from extremely high quality materials, the Folee XL features several groundbreaking design innovations.

Available in black with a brazen orange interior, the Folee XL is made from 1680D ballistic nylon, a heavy-duty fabric originally developed for military use as body armor. The thickly woven skin is weather-resistant and won't fade, tear or look old after years of use, and Booq even says the Folee XL's exterior is “bombproof” (though we didn't actually test that claim).

From the front compartment's marsupial pouch design to the embossed Booq logo on each of the zipper handles, the Folee XL shows signs inside and out that Booq has paid great attention to detail. The D-rings commonly found at the ends of the shoulder straps on similar bags have been eliminated and the shoulder strap angles naturally towards the wearer's body to reduce stress on the bag. This clever contoured design and weight distribution actually helps make heavy loads feel lighter than they are.

The unique suspension system found in the FoleeMessenger17 – the Folee XL's predecessor – has been eliminated to reduce weight, volume and complexity. The Folee XL's new design offers more protection while being much lighter, easier to use and a lot less bulky.

Another advantage the Folee XL has over previous generations of the FoleeMessenger17 – and other messenger bags – is that there are no clasps or buckles to fiddle with. Instead, the front compartment uses two magnetic seals that can keep the flap closed effectively and with the absolute minimum of effort. A direct benefit of this is that, other than a small section on the shoulder strap, there is no Velcro anywhere on the outside of the Folee XL. This bag won't gather any unwanted attention during a business meeting because of dog hair trapped in the Velcro, that's for sure.

The shoulder strap itself, which is made from a seatbelt-like nylon webbing material, is adjustable and remarkably comfortable. The strap is also removable, but the end result is not a smart-looking briefcase because the strap loops protrude and look a bit out of place. Removing the strap and using the Folee XL's carrying handle instead can easily be done, however, which may be necessary in rare instances (such as when checking luggage at the airport).

At each end of the shoulder strap are two pockets perfect for keeping things like a travel itinerary, a sunglasses case, in fact, it's an ideal place to keep a media player such as an iPod due to the well-placed eyelets that act as a pass-through for a headphones cord.

To call the Folee XL a messenger bag might be somewhat misleading as it can also be described as an over-the-shoulder briefcase. Inside the stylish, reinforced frame is a thickly padded, top-loading laptop compartment and numerous dividers and pockets for storing items such as your mobile phone, PDA, digital camera, cables, keys, pens, magazines… even a second laptop! Arguably, the Folee XL's only flaw is that it nearly invites you to over pack. But it's perfect for those with a lot of gear to carry it around in style.

The Folee XL strives to balance form and function and does an admirable job doing so without compromising in either direction. Backed by Booq's 100% satisfaction guarantee and lifetime repair warranty, you can't go wrong.

Product Folee XL (2006)
Made By Booq, LLC <booqbags.com>
Price $199.95
Pros Great design and high-quality materials; Highly protective construction; No clasps or buckles and almost no velcro; 100% satisfaction guarantee and lifetime repair warranty
Cons Limited availability of colors