Gadget Gift Ideas For Everyone

19. Astro Gaming Scout Backpack

Here are over 20 gift ideas for your tech-curious friends and family who don't know an overclocked PC from overcooked turkey. Happy Holidays!

Astro Gaming Scout Backpack

Astro Studios, the company behind the Xbox 360 design, is one of the most respected design firms in the business. So when the company opened up its Astro Gaming branch a few years ago to create its own gear, high quality was a given. So far, with products like the A40 Headset and MixAmp, Astro has not only exceeded expectation, but garnered a cult following in the competitive gaming scene.

The Scout backpack is one of Astro’s newest products--so new, in fact, that it isn’t even available yet (but will be sometime in December). Luckily, I got my hands on a preproduction model.

The Scout backpack aims to make travel convenient for the well-rounded gamer. Not only can the Scout handle any laptop up to 17" in size, but it is also designed for consoles. The next time you want to bring your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 to a friend’s house or impromptu competition, the Scout will provide you with ample, practical storage options.

The large outermost compartment is designed to handle two controllers, each in its own pocket, but the bag can easily handle a full quartet of controllers. Housed in the same compartment is a Velcro loop designed for holding a headset, as well as a small detachable pouch that is specifically designed for the A40 MixAmp that Astro also makes. Of course, any number of small electronics can fit in the pouch, such as an iPod, Nintendo DS, etc.

The main compartment is meant for the laptop or gaming console, including a PS3 or Xbox 360 with large power bricks in tow. With over 2,200 cubic inches of cargo space, the Scout should be able to more than handle any console or laptop. Both large compartments also come with a variety of smaller mesh pockets designed for games and various peripherals.

The outside of the Scout has four pockets, three of which zip closed. There is an MP3 player pocket on the front, a cell phone/sunglasses compartment on the top, and a very small pocket on the right shoulder strap, which could hold extra batteries or gum or anything smaller than a credit card.

Sunglasses and MixAmp compartments are lined with an extremely soft plush material, so you can rest assured that no scratches will mark your laptop or Ray Bans. The rest of the bag is fashioned from black nylon and lycra. The design on the outside of the bag is very simple, with nothing besides a small Astro logo. The inside, however, is covered in astronauts and green and black graphics.

The Scout backpack from Astro costs $80, which is how much you should expect to pay for a durable 17" laptop bag. However, since the Scout can hold and organize so much more, this bag is a bargain for gaming enthusiasts. Our only complaint? The bag is anonymous and plain-looking on the outside. On the other hand, it won’t give away the fact that you’ve got your valuable gaming universe stored on the inside. --Devin Connors