SwissGear Unisex-Adult 5358 USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack, Black Dot, Large

A year ago, I got into a bad motorcycle accident where the bike itself was totaled. The Swiss backpack, however, survived with minor abrasions and slashes! The backpack fits my 17in gaming laptop, holds a ton of space, and even has a charging port on the strap (that unfortunately never worked!). If it wasnt for the port, Id give this bag 5 Stars.

The pocket layout on the new ballistic colorway is a definite improvement, but make sure to inspect the stabilizer straps for defects. The stabilizer straps are the small straps with the little arrows on them located at the top of the shoulder straps and their purpose is to keep the elastic from overstretching. If theyre too long like the ones shown in the images then they wont be effective. Thankfully they were the correct lengths on the replacement, which is why I suspect it was just a defect and not a design choice. I spotted the defect when comparing it to my old backpack, but you can test for it yourself pretty easily without needing another pack to compare it to. Start by gripping the shoulder strap at either side of the elastic with both hands then pull it tight. If the stabilizer strap fully stretches out like the first ones shown in the attached images, then the strap is the proper length. If there is still a lot of slack remaining on the stabilizer strap however then its defective and I suggest you return it for a replacement (although it might not be too hard to fix yourself if you know how to sew). Now that Ive covered the defect issue, and the reason Im only giving 4/5 stars, I want to say that Ive been very happy overall with this backpack over the past 3 years, but I was never very thrilled with the layout of the interior pockets. Im glad to report however that theyve addressed that issue with the new interior layout on the ballistic version, which is very similar to the limited edition version from 2018 that I missed out on. Theyve also recently added back the side mesh pocket over the drink compartment. Youll notice its missing this pocket on the product images, but both packs I received had it, as well the navy blue ballistic version someone else reviewed. Other notable changes is the addition of a document sleeve and a large interior zipper pocket in the main compartment. The adapter pouches were moved to the secondary compartment and placed higher so that they sit above the laptop sleeve. This all results in the backpack being slimmer when fully loaded, and it also makes accessing the main compartment easier. The USB port has also been moved to the side just above the shoe compartment due to the battery pocket being relocated. This is another change I like as well, because the only time I ever used it to charge my phone was when I was sitting down with my backpack next to me or when I had my backpack on top of my suitcase. Probably just a matter of preference as Im sure there are people who preferred it on the strap, which was a unique location, but I definitely find the new location easier to use. I dont write a lot of reviews, but I wanted to make you aware of the stabilizer strap defect so you know to check for it. I also had to spend a lot of hours researching the new version to decide if it had enough improvements to justify upgrading, so hopefully my review helps you with your decision I think the only major flaw with this backpack, is the mesh pocket is pretty short. It holds my 24oz water bottle fine, but only just barely. It also doesnt have a ton of smaller compartments, but its size, shape, and features suit my needs perfectly. It slides easily under the seat on airlines, its comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and the shoe compartment is perfect for stashing my laptops power adapter and wireless mouse. I probably wouldnt recommend this backpack to anyone looking for a dedicated school backpack due to the lack of built-in organizational features, but you know your needs better than I do so dont let that dissuade you.

3/31/2021 Wanted to provide an update on the bag. Everything I said is still true. 1 year, 4 months, and 10 days later, not a blemish, not a tear, not a loose string, not a stitch undone. Ive brought this bag overseas twice, snowboarding on the mountain 20+ times, dropped it, scratched it, and nothing, nada, zilch in terms of wear or tear. I will never own another backpack model. A coworker of mine put me onto the SwissGear bag brand while picking up liquor to sneak into a boozeless karaoke bar. Before a trip to Amsterdam and Brussels, I ordered this magical sack. This bag rocked it all trip long. From impeccable comfortable weight distribution (35 pounds feels like 15), to the clever wheeled luggage strap connecting your bag to the luggage handle, this thing has it all, and more. The bag can unzip and open like a crocodile’s mouth when swallowing a dwarfed hippo and consume your belongings with ease. There are many compartments and compartments within compartments. The bottom right pouch for shoes doubles as an umbrella or flashlight holder keeping the rest of your bag dry. Plus, you can open and close it to snag the umbrella without taking the bag of, like a Ninja unsheathing their sword. Have not used the USB charging feature but, seems excellent. I have an iPhone Xs and it does fit into the front shoulder strap phone holding pouch. Again, the comfort level is real and how it just feels like it’s floating above your back even with significant weight in it. If you have back probs, pops, you should probs buy this props-worthy bag. The metal cable in the top carrying handle is ingenious. Plus, an insulated cold pouch for soda or a roadie. Also, I ordered the $9.99 4-year insurance which SwissGear will repair or replace irreparable bags for, you guessed it, 20 years! Nope. 4. Showed my friend my new bag based on his SwissGear recommendation. He bought one and dearly loves It. Sometimes he wears it to bed. No, no he does not. Finally, I put the bag to the ultimate test. I wore it to an interview with nothing else on. Guess what, I got the job! The panel interviewers were able to easily overlook the fact that I was only wearing a backpack due to there complete adoration of the bag. DISCLAIMER: Some of these statements may be embellished, exaggerated, stretched, or even a dream. CLAIMER: Buy this bag!

Got this for my husband. Hes a pilot and needs a lot of space and areas for different items. This hit the nail on the head. Even sits up when you put it down, so he never has to worry about his water bottle leaking.

Use mine everyday. Easy access and very well made.

This bag is great. Not huge and not small just the right size. Has a good amount of organization and compartments to keep things In their place. The old thing that would be better is if the keep cold zipper pouch was bigger. I can keep a tall red bull in there but a 1lt water bottle size would have been nice. Other than that I think this bag is perfect. Its my daily laptop backpack as I travel to different sites for work.

Great stitching, reinforced handle, tons of pockets, your paying a premium because it is incredibly high quality build.

You want a bag that has so many random compartments & features that youll probably never use all of them? This is the bag for you. Style is great - all black is really sleek looking. The shoulder straps are hefty and work best when strapped. This isnt a great bag for just school or daily use... Its wayyyy overkill for that. Awesome for camping/traveling with all the tech sleeves and features though.

I’m coming up on the 3 years of ownership, 60+ domestic flights using it as a personal item, school, ect I love how organized my electronics are and as well as the versatility of this backpack. My last Swiss bag lasted 6+ years of HEAVY use. Love this bag

I just got this backpack and love it. I found it had enough compartments and pockets for me to be able to separate and store all that I needed to. While I havent had it long it does seem sturdy and well made. I love the handle as when I travel I usually carry it through airports instead of wearing it on my back and the handle is very easy on my hands. But it is very comfortable to wear on my back also. I feel it does a good job of protecting my14 lap top and its also small enough to easily fit under the seat on the plane. I saw reviews where people said the zippers came undone and their laptop fell out. But I would never close my zippers at the top of the backpack. I always pull both zippers all the way over to the left side and I am sure they could not come undone that way. Even though its kind of hard I am not sure the sunglass compartment is sturdy enough to protect my prescription sunglasses. But its a convenient spot to keep snack bars in for the plane so I use it for that. All in all a good purchase and very happy.....