SwissGear5698 Laptop Backpack, Black, 17-Inch

Great backpack! Deciding between thes and a Carhartt for a work/travel bag for my husband. The Carhartt is a great bag too but this one is a bit softer and more comfy, has the laptop compartment on the back, space door and ipad inside and a number of easy useful pockets. As well and water bottle holders on both sides.The Carhartt seems more durable, stiffer right now but will soften up. And for my husband I think the side zip compartment for the laptop is a winner.

After going through 8-10 backpacks over the last few years, I finally found the one for me! It took some trial and error to get there, but you won't have to, if you like my reasons why.1. No "TSA open-flat fold down". No airport security likes that garbage these days; most just want you to pull it out and put in the bin. This is just a waste of space and compromise of design for no good reason.2. No USB / power pack. Another waste of space. Tech changes too much to be locked in to this ancient design. For gosh sakes, get a magsafe power pack that just attaches to your phone. No need for lame cables any more.3. No loud logos and branding. This backpack is single color, understated elegance. You are free to add your own bling to your taste. I added a patch to the back side, myself, as well as a luggage tag.4. Simple, functional exterior pockets. Small pocket at front top for easy access to small items, like chapstick, boarding pass, ear phones, glasses. Also a very sleek hidden pocket in front for cash and documents.5. Roller bag strap. Easy travel with a roller bag carry-on and this backpack as your personal bag.6. Excellent price performance. I had cheaper bags, but quality and features were lacking. I also had high-end bags, but I don't want to carry a "rob me" sign on my back anymore.7. Smart-casual design, perfect for travel. Not a wild kids back-to-school bag. Not a stuffy business briefcase with straps. Not a parachute sack for conquering mountain trails. Just a great, well-designed travel backpack.That said, there are small improvements.1. for the hidden front pocket, I trimmed off the loop from the zipper pull. No need for such a behemoth that somewhat defeats the purpose. I left the other loops on because I might use them in the future to lock the zippers.2. odd sewn-in label tags for the inner pockets: laptop, adapters, ... Why? Maybe just print a diagram on card with your suggested pocket uses. I just cut them off.At the end of the day, this is the most practical no-nonsense travel backpack I've come across yet. Highly recommended!

So far great. Lap top and stuff fits

Great backpack for an everyday use!

As described - fits work laptop 15.6in nicely along with another work Padfolio (thicker) and holds a water bottle and coffee thermos.

Continue to love Swiss Gear. Great bags.

If Bruce Wayne had a backpack…stylish,Sleek, yet very functional. I bought 4 different backpacks from 3 different brands and this one was the keeper. Very happy with this purchase.

I spent the better half of a week looking at backpacks because I HATE wasting my money. Ended up running out of time researching and ordered this because it was on sale. Let me say, this is the nicest, most comfortable backpack I have ever owned. Everything is high quality. I think people who give this a bad rating load it up with lots of weight and stress the seams in which case it’s their fault for ordering the wrong bag. I wish I had another one!