The COLUMBUS lifestyle backpack from Nebulus made a very good overall impression in our test. The backpack has a main compartment, a side compartment that can be used for pens or cosmetics, for example, and an integrated laptop compartment inside. The main and secondary compartments can be closed with a zipper. The backpack is available in seven different colors. For our test, we received it in olive green and black. In our test, the rucksack proved to be robust and practical. It offers a good compromise between external size and storage space and is pleasantly light. The material quality and workmanship are equally impressive. The adjustable shoulder straps make the bag comfortable to carry. The water-repellent coating on the inside also makes it easy to clean. However, we would have liked additional side compartments.
Advantages
✅ High wearing comfort
✅ Good workmanship and quality
✅ Practical zippers
✅ Secondary compartment and laptop compartment
✅ Adjustable carrying straps
✅ Coating on the inside
Disadvantages
❌ No additional side compartments
❌ Back wall too soft for heavy items
The first impression
Packaging and labeling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Sturdy shipping box, additional protection against soiling with plastic bag | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | No unnecessary packaging waste was used, items were packed very compactly | 100 points |
| Packaging convenience | Easy opening of the shipping carton with scissors or a knife | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our case, the COLUMBUS lifestyle backpack from Nebulus was delivered together with other products in a sturdy shipping box . The shipping box was undamaged and could be easily opened using a knife or scissors. The shipping box was also optimally sized, as it was filled to the top. This protects the environment: not only is the amount of material required for the shipping box minimized, but the small space required by the package also ensures better utilization of the transport vehicles. Inside the box was the COLUMBUS rucksack in its product packaging.
The product packaging consists of a transparent plastic bag in which the COLUMBUS rucksack was packed. The film is tear-resistant and cannot be stretched. A Nebulus logo is printed on the front of the packaging. There is also a sticker with a barcode, the product name and the size of the rucksack. There are warnings on the back that the bag poses a choking hazard. The information is available in four languages, including German and English.
The bag has an opening on the top, which is sealed with an adhesive strip on the film. The adhesive strip is reusable. If the bag is to be returned, it can be resealed with the existing adhesive strip.
The COLUMBUS rucksack is very well protected from damage and soiling by the shipping box and the plastic bag.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the package complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Lifestyle backpack with side compartment and storage space for a laptop | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Not available, but not required. Washing and material instructions on the label. | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The lifestyle backpack is supplied without accessories. It has a side compartment and a padded storage space inside for laptops. There is also a beer-cover-sized cardboard disc on the handle, which is printed on both sides in high gloss with the Nebulus logo, which can also be found on the product packaging.
There are no instructions for use, but they are not required. Washing instructions can be found on a label inside the bag, where this is illustrated with the familiar symbols. There is also information on the material composition of the COLUMBUS backpack and the product name.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Modern design with Nebulus lettering and black accents | 100 points |
| Processing and material | Good, almost flawless workmanship, thick and robust fabric | 100 points |
| Stability | Tear-resistant fabric in combination with strong seams | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Good quality indicates a long service life | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
For our test, we received the COLUMBUS lifestyle backpack in olive-black. In addition to the olive-black color combination, Nebulus also offers the bag in five other color combinations, as well as completely in black. The olive green color gives the bag a modern design. The outside consists of a dense fabric made of strong threads that create a rough surface. In the olive-black color combination, the base color is olive-green, and the color of the fabric is the same.
The basic shape of the bag consists of a flat, rectangular underside and a tubular structure. The base is 29 cm wide and 13 cm deep. The superstructure reaches a height of 49 cm, whereby the upper part can also be rolled up. As the bag is not rigid but made of fabric, the shape adapts to the contents as required.
A zipper runs along the entire length of the top, providing access to the large main compartment. As this is sewn onto the inside of the opening, it is not visible from the outside. The top can also be rolled up and fastened with a buckle. The two carrying straps, which are placed over the shoulders, are attached to the back of the rucksack. These are 6.5 cm wide and are made of the same olive green fabric on the outside as the rest of the rucksack. The inside, on the other hand, is padded with foam and covered with black mesh. At the lower end, the two carrying straps are connected to the rucksack with sturdy straps made from a strong fabric, like a tensioning strap. The length of the straps can be adjusted, as can the carrying loops.
There is also a loop on the back, which can be used to hang the backpack, and a strap to which the buckle for closing the main compartment is attached.
In addition to the large main compartment, the backpack also has a side compartment on the front, which extends across the entire width of the backpack. It is accessed via a horizontal zipper, which is located slightly below half the height of the backpack. Accordingly, the compartment is 18 cm deep.
Inside, the rough fabric on the outside is covered with a black plastic layer. There is also a partition to the laptop compartment, which is sewn onto the back of the backpack. The partition is also black, padded and has a soft fabric on the side facing the laptop.
The exterior of the bag is decorated with large Nebulus lettering on the front. The lettering is black to match the overall design. There is also a round Nebulus logo on the front, which includes the Norwegian flag. Attention has also been paid to the details of the look: Each zipper opener is extended with a loop. The Norwegian flag and Nebulus lettering can also be found on the loops.
In addition to the practical design and appealing look, the backpack also impresses with its good quality and workmanship. The materials used are tear-resistant, the fabric is thick and the seams are robust. The carrying straps are also made of a tear-resistant material and are very sturdy. The good quality suggests a long service life.
Overall, the olive green lifestyle backpack is attractively designed and offers a practical laptop pocket and a side compartment. The quality of the fabrics used and the seams, as well as the overall workmanship, are also impressive .
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Storage space | Very good compromise between compact external dimensions and storage space inside | 100 points |
| Wearing comfort | Comfortable to carry on the back with padded shoulder straps. Unfortunately no reinforcement on the back | 90 points |
| Organization | Large main compartment with laptop pocket, additional set on the front. Unfortunately no additional compartments | 85 points |
| Durability | Like new even after the practical test. Water-repellent coating on the inside makes cleaning easy | 100 points |
| Total | 94 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our practical test, the COLUMBUS lifestyle backpack not only proved to be stylish, but also practical. With its dimensions, it offers enough space to comfortably store documents, shopping or luggage. It therefore offers a very good compromise between compact external dimensions and storage space inside.
The backpack iscomfortable to carry . The shoulder straps can be quickly adjusted to the desired size and are comfortable thanks to the padding. The back of the rucksack facing the back is also lightly padded. If the integrated laptop pocket remains empty, the partition serves as additional padding. Unfortunately, the back padding is very flexible. If heavy and sharp objects, such as tools, are transported, the back is deformed and the contents can be felt on the back. However, this is rarely noticeable in everyday life . If the laptop bag is filled with a laptop, this is also not noticeable as the laptop provides the necessary rigidity. The low weight of just 470 g makes it comfortable to carry.
The robustness of the lifestyle backpack, which is made from a hard-wearing material, should be emphasized. According to the manufacturer, this is polyester. This gives the rucksack stability and resistance to the stresses and strains of everyday life. Even after our practical test, we were unable to detect any damage or signs of wear on the backpack. The reliable zippers, which are equipped with practical loops, make it easy to open and close the backpack.
The organization of items inside the backpack has also been taken into consideration. Smaller items such as pens or cosmetics can be stored in the outer compartment. This means you don’t have to rummage around in the backpack to find the smaller items. In terms of size, the compartment would also be suitable for valuables, but is easily accessible for potential thieves. Unfortunately, the rucksack does not have an alternative compartment for valuables. It is also a shame that the backpack does not have a cup holder on the side. On the other hand, the integrated laptop pocket inside is impressive. Even a 15″ laptop could be easily accommodated in the test. It is also well protected by the padding.
Another remarkable feature of the backpack is the water-repellent plastic coating on the inside. This protects the fabric from soiling and prevents dirt from penetrating the material. As a result, the backpack stays clean for longer and retains its attractive appearance.
In conclusion, the COLUMBUS lifestyle backpack impresses with its modern design, pleasant carrying comfort, durability and water-repellent inner coating. This makes it a practical andstylish everyday companion.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also examine consumer ratings and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good quality in the mid-price segment | 80 points |
| Rating cut | 4.8 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 90 points |
| Total | 85 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.8 stars. The only point of criticism is the small number of side compartments. Many customers like the quality, the look and the high capacity of the backpack. In our practical test, we were able to fully confirm the positive rating. However, we would have liked additional compartments.
Prices of up to €81.52 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €16.19. The COLUMBUS lifestyle backpack from Nebulus is currently priced at €39.99 on Amazon, putting it in the mid-price segment. The price is reasonable for the quality and scope of services you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labeling | 10% | 97 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 100 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 94 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer ratings | 20% | 85 points |
| Total | 94 points |
