Spire laptop backpack Meta, arctic grey / black, no. ME6-GRY

Ah, the traveler's dilemma - how to carry a computer, clothes, and all the other essentials of life. Until now, it meant that you had to lug around a bulky computer case and another bag (or two!). Well, road warriors, the Meta is here to make your life complete. It's the biggest, baddest notebook backpack around -- field tested around the globe.

The massive rear compartment will hold your clothes, shoes, food, accessories, and other stuff. The middle compartment holds your computer (in the padded Boot sleeve). The front compartment has organization pockets for accessories like pens, Zip disks, CD-ROMs, etc. In addition, there are two zipper pockets which are perfect for keeping all your cords out of the way. For items that need quick access, the Meta has a unique 2-pocket front panel: one pocket for magazines/folders and the other for maps and tickets. Other features include:

• Large, padded waistbelt for comfort when carrying heavy loads.
• Tuck-away harness for convenience, when you don't want to carry the pack on your back.
• Removable, padded shoulder strap for carrying the bag sideways (like a courier bag or briefcase).
• Removable HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) framesheet with a T6-6061 aluminum stay for reinforcement -- essential for keeping the pack rigid and comfortable when carrying heavy loads.

You asked for a big pack, so here it is -- a monster pack that holds more than you can probably carry, yet still meets airline carry-on requirements.

"This is a very rugged and comfortable laptop backpack. The company was great - shipping an extra sleeve "just in case it didn't fit" with less than a week until deployment. It comfortably carries 30+ pounds."
PC, Meta Owner

"I'm currently working in the Northern Kuwait desert -- it's one of the most inhospitable regions in the world where not even scorpions survive. My Meta has now survived six months of daily use. Through thick mud, blazing heat that can reach 150 degrees, and merciless sand storms the Meta has faithfully protected my laptop. Not only has the Meta failed to break in any way, it still looks like new!"
JW, Meta Owner

"I ordered a Meta from you in early 2002 and have been using it continuously since then. I do a great deal of business travel, and typically spend 1/3 of my time on the road. According to Delta, during the time that I have had the Meta, I have flown just over 500,000 REAL miles and been in Europe, North and South America, Asia, India, Australia, and the Caribbean. The Meta has been with me for all of these trips, acting as my briefcase and laptop bag. With the exception of the rubber handle on the top which is a bit ragged, I cannot detect ANY WEAR AT ALL. The seams are not coming apart; the cloth is not wearing; the zippers have not jammed or lost their pulls; the straps all work perfectly; even the seams are in perfect condition."
JS, Meta Owner

"I can't begin to tell you how impressed I've been with the Meta I purchased about 18 months ago. I've put it through some rough conditions but it hasn't broken or worn out in any way. Most importantly it's protected my laptop from damage at all times."
JW, Meta Owner

"I just got my Meta. I've gotta tell ya, Spire does a great job in designing and creating these packs. The Meta...is exceptional for travel. The hide-away straps/waist belt along with the detachable shoulder straps make it very versatile."
TS, Meta owner

"I took the Meta on a 3 week Far East (Malaysia, Philippines and China) trip and it performed well. The well-padded straps, waist belt and internal frame saved my back/shoulders. Thank you for the prompt and efficient service! My experience overall was great and I have recommended several people to check out your products."
KC, Meta owner

"I have had my pack for almost a month and I could not be happier. It is the ultimate laptop bag. It holds my Dell Inspiron 3700 perfectly. This is the backpack for the indoor/outdoor computer person. Thank you!"
CV, Meta owner

"I love my Meta!! A lot of my school friends have laptops, and you can be sure I'll be recommending Spire to them, not only for its high-end, top-quality backpacks, but for its prompt customer service as well. Thanks so much for helping me with my order and for your quick e-mail replies. I am a very happy customer!"
MM, Meta owner

Q. Will my laptop fit in the Meta?
A. To answer this question, you need to know the correct Boot size for your laptop (see below).

Q. What is a Boot and why do I need it?
A. The Boot is a padded, removable sleeve that secures your laptop inside the pack. It is essential for full laptop protection and is available in 8 different sizes.

Q. How do I know which Boot size will fit my laptop?
A. Check the specs on the Boot page or (even better) use our awesome bag finder.

Q. I already have a Boot, or don't need one. Can I purchase the Volt XL without it?
A. Yes, after you click the 'Buy' button, skip the step where it asks for the Boot size.

Q. I clicked on the 'Buy' button but nothing happened. What's up?
A. You must select a color first.

Q. Do you have any other colors?
A. No, but we'll be happy to hear about any color suggestions you have!

Q. What is the difference between the Meta and your other packs?
A. The Meta is much larger and has a greater capacity. It also has a removable, rigid internal framesheet for extra support and comfort. For a detailed comparison, go to our Compare Packs page.

Q. What makes the Volt XL worth the price? I've seen packs for less.
A. Bottom line: ours are better. More comfortable, better designed, and longer lasting.

"If you’re planning on taking your 17-inch notebook to the top of Kilimanjaro, look no further than the Spire Meta. This bruiser of a backpack, weighing nearly six pounds when completely empty, is so cavernous that we recommend you keep small children away from it, lest they wander inside and become unable to find their way out." [ Read whole article ]
- Maximum PC Magazine

Delivery charges and arrangements:

We charge a contribution towards delivery costs, depending on what you order, where you live, and how quickly you want the goods.

These are our standard charges; there are usually surcharges for all offshore destinations and some remote postcodes - for details please see our delivery information page.

Delivery of other items

Delivery times

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday, excluding Bank holidays).

Cut-off times for Express Delivery orders
Express Delivery orders placed before before the cut-off times shown below will usually be desptached on the date of order. Express Delivery orders placed after these cut-off times will be despatched the next working day.

Delivery FAQs

When will my order arrive?
There are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays, except for postable items where Royal Mail has a Saturday delivery. Express Delivery orders placed on a Friday (before 1pm) should be delivered on the Monday or Tuesday, Express Delivery orders placed on a Saturday or Sunday should be delivered on the Tuesday or Wednesday. The arrangements for Very Heavy Items are different and are shown above.

What about Next Working Day delivery?
Most Express delivery orders will arrive on the next working day, if the order is placed before the cut-off time (see above). Some will arrive on the second working day if there has been a "split-delivery". So-called “split deliveries” happen when the couriers do not have enough trailer space for everything that should be moved around the UK, so they will load what they can and leave the rest for the next trailer.

Is my delivery day guaranteed?
No retailer or courier company can ever "guarantee" a Next Working Day delivery. As well as split deliveries, all courier companies occasionally have the same transport problems as can happen to everyone else, including snow blocked roads, closed roads, traffic jams, mechanical breakdown, an inability to find the delivery address, or to gain access to it if, for example, it's in a block of flats. We work with some of the best couriers in the business, and overall they provide an outstanding service.

Do I need to be at home?
We are very flexible with our deliveries and will aim to deliver to an address which suits you – this does not need to be your home address. Goods can usually be left without signature - we prefer this with roof boxes. There's a "Special Delivery Instructions" box in the checkout area where we'll ask you to choose a typical instruction and then amend it to suit your particular requirements.

Payment options:

We take the following cards, and also PayPal. Please note that the entry on your card statement will be from "The Roof Box Company".

Secure payments

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