Product Review: Delsey Insect vs High Sierra backpack

Today I bought the French designed 'Delsey Insect backpack' after I saw the very-tempting price tag, it is only RM250, down from the retail price of RM375. Last time I almost buy it in Singapore when they give away 20% discount, but still the bag will cost around Rm300. There were only 2 bags left on the shelf, so I just grab one of it after inspecting the two. I gave myself an excuse that I will use the Delsey for working purpose, and my High Sierra backpack which I bought last year for gym purpose. (Sigh, everytime when I buy things, I always need an excuse)

The smaller Delsey insect on the shelf cost RM335 and it only gives away 10% discount, so getting the Rm250 is a better deal which only give away for the first 25 or 30 units.
So let us look at the bag... I am going to compare it with my High Sierra (USA) backpack, which I bought around RM140-150 after discount at KLCC. I will start with High Sierra bag.


The compartment strap is very simple and practical, one strap on the laptop compartment will stop the laptop falling off.

Frankly speaking, I love the little pouches on the left and right, it is so practical! I used it to store some little things which is cheap and I need easy access to, I can also put a deck of playing cards, sun block, cotton buds, etc inside the pouch during my trip to Cambodia.

The High Sierra bagpack comes with some "Suspension Strap System", it is not registered with trade mark. So there is nothing to shout about. But one thing I would say is the High Sierra strap system is quite comfortable when you carry the bag.

Look at the 3 spots padding on the back of the backpack. It defintely gives you enough cushioning for your laptop. Also, the bag is very comfortable when you carry it. Now, we look at the Delsey Insect backpack, which the design was inspired by Insect, you can see the backpack looks like a beetle's shell.

The Insect backpack is expandable. The design of the zip is to expand the capacity of the bag, take a close look at the zip, the design might not be something new but it is brilliant.

The bigger RM375 Delsey definitely not meant for a laptop with 12.1 inch screen. I think a 15.4 inch laptop will suit the bag perfectly. The compartment comes with 3 confusing straps. Personally, I think it is redundant, I believe those who buy this kind of bag with laptop compartment very obvious they are not going to bring the laptop and backpack with them for mountain climbing. You don't need 3 straps to increase the stability. Removing the two extra straps perhaps can reduce the price to RM365? RM10 extra labor and material saved from there.

The rear part of the backpack. Here is another redundancy. Look at the wrist strap padding. Everytime when I carry the bag, I need to remove the padding so it can face outside protecting my 'love handle'. They could have just put a simple strap there like High Sierra, or make use of the room and create a pouch there. No doubt, the material used is very good!

I am not sure if this is related with workmanship or the design issue, to me is a bit on workmanship. The rear part tends to 'sink', leaving the structure looks deformed in a way. So when you carry the bag, you feel that your back doesn't feel that comfortable compare to High Sierra due to u back is touching the frame instead of the padding.

Verdict:

Delsey Insect

Design: *****

Branding: ****

Comfort: ***

Material: ****1/2

Workmanship: ***1/2

Practicality: ****

Value: ***

Total: 27

High Sierra

Design: ****

Branding: ***

Comfort: ****1/2

Material: ****

Workmanship: ****

Practicality: ****1/2

Value: *****

Total: 29

The winner is definitely High Sierra backpack, Delsey scores well in design, as the backpack really stand out from the crowd, it is so clear if you look at the first picture. But I am a person that looks at the practicality and features. Some more, the Delsey bags cost almost Rm100 more than High Sierra after discount. If is more than RM300, I would say it is not worth your hard earn money unless you just want to go for 'design' only.

Actually my aunt who is living in US for years once brought back a High Sierra for me when I was in Standard 5 if I am not mistaken or may be during high school. If you ask me why I remember it so well about this brand. This is because the backpack is so durable and it lasted for more than 2-3 years even though I am carrying all the heavy books behind my back. So if you are hunting for a good and durable backpack, please don't overlooked High Sierra. I bought the backpack at KLCC last time because my Northface backpack is just too damn small and it has started to 'fall apart' after a few years. High Sierra design is defintely better than Jansport.