Gaston Luga Splash now comes in a larger size that fits a 16-inch laptop. The Gaston Luga Splash was a refreshing bag design back when it first launched because it was waterproof. The small and compact form factor also made it a great day bag for school, work or outdoor travels. Those who wanted it to fit a larger laptop will now be pleased that Gaston Luga now sells a Splash 16″.
The Splash 16″ comes in four different colors – black, black brown, olive black, and taupe black. The one I have is the black model. The Splash 16″ is priced at S$249. But you can apply coupon code TECHJIO for 15% off your purchase.
Tech specs
- Dimensions: 45cm * 35cm * 13cm
- Weight: 1.1kg
- Capacity: 20 litres
- Materials: Polyurethane
- Laptop compartment: 11″-16″
Build quality and design
Like its 13-inch sibling, the Gaston Luga Splash 16″ is made mainly from polyurethane. This makes it water-resistant and easy to clean. The bag still retains a structured shape that allows it stand well on its own. The polyurethane material feels something like rubber which feels smooth to the touch.
The silhouette of the Gaston Luga Splash 16″ was one of the reasons why I liked the Splash bag as it looks clean and minimalistic. The design goes well a wide variety of most outfits, so fashion wise it is a versatile gear to have. And because of it’s water-resistant nature, you can have a peace of mind even you get caught in the rain. The polyurethane repels water well, and you can wipe the water off easily with cloth.
Features
Gaston Luga Splash 16″ operates via a flap based access. The front flap can be locked using the two hooks connected to the flap. You can latch to hook to any of the three latch points. Both hooks are in the same direction, meaning that you’d have to unlatch them through a left swing (if you are back facing the bag).
To get the best out of a flap-based design, Gaston Luga made the flap rollable. This is especially useful if you need to increase the capacity of the bag. Being a larger 16-inch version, the flap is slightly longer than its 13-inch counterpart. This allows for a larger percentage gain in capacity vs the smaller 13-inch Splash.
I mentioned in the Splash 13″ review that it would have been good if Gaston Luga included a zipper or drawstring at the top of the main compartment to better protect the main compartment from any rain. However, this isn’t a thing with the larger Splash 16″. Gaston Luga retains the two button clasps the top of the bag which you can unclasp if you want to store more things, or clasp it down to slim the profile of the bag.
Compartments and space
The front of the Splash 16″ has two side pockets, which provides just enough space to store your true wireless earbuds or tissue paper. The straps at the front of the bag isn’t exactly stretchable but you can squeeze clothing like sweaters across the front if you run out of space in the main compartment.
The main compartment layout of the Splash 16″ resembles the Splash 13“. You have a larger space with the larger 16-inch laptop sleeve at the back. There is a small zippered sleeve at the front to store small items like charging cables which you want to segregate from the main space. There is an elastic water bottle holder at the side (right if you’re opening the bag from the back).
The laptop compartment is really generous in space and can surely pack any 16-inch laptop in the market. I tested packing my 15.4-inch MacBook Pro and as you can see there is still space and height available. Do note that the sleeve does not seem have a false bottom. The larger Splash 16″ is mentioned to have 20 litres of storage and it does feel like it. There is ample of space to even pack for a day-trip.
Comfort of carry
One small change the Splash 16″ has over the Splash 13″ is the comfort of carry. Being a larger bag, Gaston Luga added a perforated back panel, similar to the one seen on Rullen. The addition of a perforated back panel really does with breathability especially in a humid and hot climate like Singapore.
The harness on the Splash 16″ however did not see any change. The straps are still on the slimmer side, but remains well padded. I wish Gaston Luga had used the harness system that was on the Rullen on this Splash 16″ as the curved straps does make a difference when carrying the bag.
Conclusion
The Splash 16″ is a larger version of the Splash 13″ which a small improvement in comfort of carry due to the addition of a perforated back panel. Anyone looking for a larger, water-resistant bag now have an option in the Splash 16″. This comes at a S$50 upgrade, at S$249. It priced very closely to the Rullen which also offer 16″ laptop capacity and water-resistant material. I personally prefer the Rullen, but the flap-opening design of the Splash 16″ might attract people who prefers convenience.
TECHJIO
for 15% off your purchase
If you are interested in the Splash 16″, you can purchase it from their official website here. Gaston Luga is having a promotion now, where you will receive a complimentary tote bag and 50% off accessories with every backpack! Even better, use the code TECHJIO for 15% off.