In recent months Milwaukee has come out with a USA-made toolbox and a smaller bucket-sized toolbox. We’re still in the process of testing both, but have seen enough to know that they’re quite good.
As you might have read in our 2014 and 2015 new Milwaukee tool preview, Milwaukee’s not stopping with just two toolboxes – they’re also coming out with new tool pouches, zippered storage, and the new backpack shown here.
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The new Milwaukee tool storage backpack, model 48-22-8200, was designed with professional tradesmen in mind. There are two large zippered compartments, with the front section configured with plenty of pockets for organizing and storing hand tools, and the rear section is designed to carry and protect a laptop or tablet.
The backpack also features 1680D ballistic nylon construction a hard molded base, a fold-down front pocket for holding large items such as drills, extension cords, or fish tapes, padded breathable straps, a sternum strap for better weight distribution, water bottle pockets, and daisy chains for additional clip-on storage.
The water bottle pockets look sized for 0.5 liter disposable bottles, and it looks like the daisy chain webbing loops are built into the front, just behind the flap that opens to secure bulky items.
Price: $100
Available: Now
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
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First Thoughts
Milwaukee designed the backpack with a larger front pocket and smaller rear pocket, which is somewhat counter-intuitive if you’re just looking at the image of the closed bag. Looking at the closed bag, one might be mistaken into thinking the laptop/tablet pocket is the star of the show and the front tool pocket is smaller than it really is.
So why did Milwaukee design the backpack to be different than traditional backpacks? I’m thinking that this design offers improved tool visibility and access without too much compromise in load stability.
Typically, you want the heavier backpack load to be closer to your body and center of gravity. With this bag, the laptop/tablet pocket pushes the tools outwards a little more, but it doesn’t look to be enough to be an issue. Cinch straps might have been a nice touch, but the zippered laptop/tablet/tech section is narrow enough where such a feature really isn’t necessary.
The tool bag offers pockets galore, but everything looks spaced out enough to minimize the time it takes to hunt down and retrieve the correct tool. I like that there are zippered and flapped compartments within the main zippered tool section, which allows for easier stowing of small items, such as batteries or accessories.
While some might grumble at the $100 price, there’s a limit as to how inexpensive a bag can be before compromises are made.
If you want a backpack with even more storage pockets, check out the Veto Tech Pack, but be prepared to pay heftily for it. Veto’s tool backpack is priced at $240 via Amazon.
Iron-Iceberg
Milwaukee is taking over the world. When can I get my full size car? Powered by an m18 battery of course.
Stuart
I saw a logoed and Milwaukee-red pickup truck in the neighborhood a few months ago. Probably a local Milwaukee rep, but I found it highly amusing. I took a photo at the red light, but can’t seem to find it right now.
Joel
Have one of those parked outside the home depot I work at. I rarely see the rep though?
ryan
I see those red trucks all the time, but that’s because the service centre is really close by.
Dennis
I’ve seen the rep using a Milwaukee branded credit card!
Ben
I have been looking for a laptop tool bag for a long time. This seems like a dream come true!
joe
Cool. I just wanted to point out that the ability to lock the zipper with a small lock is pretty much useless. Has been for a while…lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5mvvZl6pLI
Aside from that I like the idea of a back pack tool bag just in black and yellow.
caleb
Does anyone know what the actual size of the laptop compartment is? I want to know if my laptop will fit, thanks!
ajw1978
If Milwaukee, the city, hadn’t already bled my bank account dry, Milwaukee, the tool company, certainly would. And I have to think that would be much more enjoyable.