We’ve done a fair number of Bluetooth speaker reviews as well as backpack reviews here so we’re very familiar with both types of products. But a backpack with a Bluetooth speaker and charging capabilities is something that doesn’t come along every day. The Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack is exactly that product.
The Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack was made for the person who wants sound and storage on the go. While the idea isn’t new, it’s still cool and there certainly is a market for such a device. Let’s take a look at the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack and stay tuned to the end of the review for details on how to enter and win your very own Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack. Let’s jump into the full review of this unique tech gadget.
Specifications
The Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack has the following features and specifications:
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight at only 5 lbs
- Nylon exterior
- 5-6 hour playtime
- 5,000mAh battery
- Dual Hi-Fi speakers
- EVA Foam shell
- Built-in phone charging cable (USB Type-C and Lightning)
- Secret stash pocket
- Extra comfort straps
- Anti-theft zippers and hidden pockets
What’s In The Box
- Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack
- Instruction Manual
Design
The design is the absolute first thing you notice about this backpack. The name “Stealth” is fitting as it resembles a F117-A Nighthawk stealth fighter. Of course, this isn’t going to keep you off people’s radar but it might put you on their radar. The design is eye-catching and you are sure to get people asking you exactly what it is you have on your back.
The backpack is made up of a strong nylon fabric material as well as an EVA foam shell. The foam shell is resilient and durable and offers a huge amount of protection for your goods inside. I would have no problem with this backpack getting tossed around a bit and not worrying about the contents inside.
The straps have a decent amount of padding, although I do wish it were a bit more “cushy” — but they do work as is. The carrying handle is awesome though, it’s made of a nice rubber material and make carrying the backpack one-handed easy. All of the zippers look and feel top notch and never got stuck or pinched and were easy to operate. I do wish there was also a chest strap for taking some of the weight off your back.
On the back portion of the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack, you’ll find a security pouch. Here you can store your cellphone or any number of important things. It also holds the included cable which is a decent length. The cable has a USB Type-C connector, Lighting connector, and USB-A for charging the speaker.
On the inside you have two pouches — well padded I might add — that can hold a 15″ laptop and a 10″ tablet. There is also a zippered interior pouch that can hold things like business cards and other things. The interior of the backpack is a 12L capacity and holds a decent amount. There were some issues with some things as the foam exterior and design of the backpack are so rigid, it is hard to stuff things of an awkward size and shape inside. There is simply no give to the backpack to sort of squish things in.
Finally, at the bottom of the backpack is your speaker and control switch. This is made of a rubberized plastic material that seems durable, just like the rest of the backpack. The company says the backpack is weather-resistant but I’m not sure you want to dunk this in any water.
Overall, the design of the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack is killer to look at. It offers up great protection and some nice options for storage. It could be a challenge to get awkward things into this pack and there is no give when stuffing it over capacity, like other packs made of supple materials. I also would have liked to have seen a chest strap.
Protection
Without a doubt, the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack is made to protect your goods. The EVA foam shell combined with nylon material and weather-resistant properties really elevate the protection here. The padding inside that surrounds your laptop and tablet is also equally robust. I think it’s fair to say that I wouldn’t worry too much if this pack fell down the stairs as I think the contents would be well protected.
Overall, this is probably the most protective backpack I’ve ever used and I think most everyone will be truly satisfied by its offering in this department.
Ease of Use
Using the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack as a storage device is
The speaker portion of the backpack is also fairly simple to use, especially if you’ve used Bluetooth speakers before. Just turn the knob at the bottom of the backpack to power it on and then search for the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack in your Bluetooth settings. Choose it and you’re paired. The knob also serves as a volume knob but I did find it a bit cumbersome to operate. I think the knob needs to protrude a bit more so you can grip it better to manipulate it.
Overall, this is a backpack and Bluetooth speaker, neither one of them is overtly difficult to use and it doesn’t take a degree to manage to get it up and running.
Sound
Here’s the real test of this backpack, the sound. I have to say, I was not blown away by the sound of the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack but I was not underwhelmed either. The speakers sound good enough but they’re certainly not at the same level as some others. But given that these are attached to the backpack, that add some value to them and gives them a little advantage.
The sound from these speakers did lean slightly in favor of the bass frequencies, something many speaker makers do these days. It’s not a massive move to the low end but it is not a flat EQ either. The speakers sounded good in close quarters where sound could resonate off of things to help amplification.
However, the sound did fall off a bit once in open spaces where there were fewer objects for it to resonate off of. This is typical of course and nothing really unexpected. I think the speakers here sound good enough and are probably enough for most people just looking to listen to some tunes at the basketball court or while camping. I wouldn’t classify this as a party speaker as I don’t think it has the power to push a party.
Overall, this is a decent sounding set of speakers and should do well for what it’s intended for. As I said before, I wasn’t super impressed but I wasn’t underwhelmed either.
Battery Life
The company claims 5-6 hours of playback time on the built-in 5,000mAh battery. I was able to get around 4.25 hours of playback time. You also need to take into account using the battery as a charger for your phone. If you do plug your phone in to charge, you will have less battery life for the speaker. Overall, the battery life is decent for what’s built-in.
Price/Value
This is an Indiegogo project so right now the starting early bird price is US$129 and it goes up from there. I think there is value here if this niche product is something you’re looking to get.
As with any crowdfunding campaign, there is a risk supporting them. We’ve recently heard about several that we’ve written about that have failed or are having issues. Our reporting on Indiegogo campaigns does not mean we support or are affiliated with them. Support at your own risk. With 20 days left in the campaign, Stealth Labs still needs about 25% of their flexible goal. The good news is that shipping was originally slated for August but has been moved up to July.
Wrap Up
This isn’t a product for everyone. It’s a special market that’s looking for a combo product such as this and I think it will serve those seeking this product well. I would recommend getting in at the early bird prices as prices will go up after the Indiegogo campaign is over.
Giveaway!
Alright! Giveaway time! Entering this giveaway is super simple! Just watch the video below and follow the instructions! That’s it! Do that and you’ll be entered to win the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack giveaway!
*We received a sample of the Stealth Labs Speaker Backpack for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on February 3, 2021.
