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

This is my fourth attempt at finding a backpack with all the features needed to be the perfect travel companion for car trip and airplane travel, and this backpack is IT! I especially love the zip pocket for the water bottle so it does not continuously fall out (bonus, the pocket has a mini waterproof, cooler liner to keeping the drinks cold/warm). I use the zip pocket designed for shoes for my camera and I can easily take it in and out of the backpack without having to expose the rest of the contents. There are several perfectly sized pockets for other valuables and the icing on the cake is the plastic-lined zip pocket on top to protect my sunglasses. It is a bit too heavy to convert to use for long, vertical hikes, but is great for use in going to the beach or anywhere else where weight is to an issue. This back-pack is a real game-changer for the active traveler, simply, unimaginably perfect!

Excellent backpack. Very thoughtful design. Many useful pockets. The shoe pocket also works for quick access to smaller travel bags that hold my laptop accessories or camera accessories. It’s nice to know that I always have access to a usb power bank via USB port on the backpack strap no matter where I go. Great thinking!

The reason why I bought this is because I had one before that was recently stolen, I loved it so much I just had to get a new one. My only two complaints about this model (my first purchase) was the zipper on the quick access pocket broke, rendering it useless - you cant put a wallet or anything important in a broken pocket on the back of your backpack for risk of it falling out or someone stealing it. My other complaint was the USB phone pocket with way too small, it looked like it was designed for a flip phone from 2006 and theres no way a smartphone would fit believe me, I tried. When I was looking at pictures this one it looked the same, so I assumed they didnt update on the design. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they actually fixed it, it will now actually hold a smartphone. My only regret is the color / texture I chose. I wanted to try a different color, my old one was the black and red, the material seemed more durable this, this material almost feels like a polyester Jansport. they also updated the USB port which is also more secure and rubberized instead of plastic. Ill update my review and several months to tell you how the zipper is held up on this one. $100 price point seemed high considering it went to $85 the next day after I bought it, and it originally only cost me $69 at Target. Other than that, overall its a great backpack my orginal probably would lasted me 20 years if somebody didnt steal it. Hopefully I can keep this one safe!

I travel a good amount and have had other bags that start to fail or are not as well organized. This travel bag is fantastic, it’s well organized and extremely well constructed.

Had a lot of backpacks, trust me get this one

About a year ago, I bought a different backpack off Amazon. It had (and still has) very good reviews from very many people. It served its purpose and has held up well, but I wanted something with more pockets/compartments and with more laptop protection. I picked this one mainly because of the shoe compartment. I use my backpack for work and often bring a second pair of shoes so that I can switch between work shoes and comfortable shoes. I will say though that it is a little annoying having the bag part of the compartment loose in the main zipped area. I don’t think I realized it would be that way. The reinforced glasses compartment is also nice, but similarly it gets in the way in the main compartment. I think the design of these two compartments could be improved. My favorite thing, which I wasn’t even looking for in a backpack, is the elastic in the straps. It makes the backpack so much more comfortable. My laptop is quite heavy and then when you add in a water bottle and all the other miscellaneous things, it’s even heavier. My shoulders and back used to hurt from my last backpack and I always thought it was just because of what I was carrying. I don’t even notice the weight now. I took off one star for two minor reasons, but I would still recommend and re-purchase this backpack. 1) the zippers are loud. So loud that others comment on them, no matter how carefully I try to zip and unzip. I think they’re meant to be heavy duty and sturdy, but it’s a bit excessive. 2) the cross emblem on my bag is noticeably crooked. It’s not a big deal, but I paid $100 for this bag and I don’t love that it looks kind of like a knock off. It’s such an easy simple thing that shouldn’t be off. I’ve tried to see it can be turned, but sadly it can’t.

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

Worked perfect for me.

UPDATE 01/27/2020: The zipper on the shoe compartment came off completely a couple days after Christmas 2019 while traveling, rendering that portion of the backpack useless. While I was using that portion of the backpack not for its original intended use as designed by SwissGear, it should have held up for much longer than 5 months. The bag is sitting unused and empty in my home office while I use a LowePro backpack. --- Recently my 6 year old NorthFace 40L Overhaul backpack that I used for travelling, EDC, et cetera started to fall apart. When I saw this backpack on Amazon I wondered if the zippered shoe compartment would be able to fit a camera case (https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Holster-Camera-Case-Cameras/dp/B008MWBY6W/). And it fits it perfectly! I did add some extra padding inside of the shoe compartment before putting the camera case inside. While this isnt a dedicated camera backpack it suits my needs perfectly. So far Ive travelled several times around Alaska, to Seattle, and to the Midwest with this backpack and it comfortably holds my MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, Canon 6D Mkii w/ 24-105mm L lens attached, as well as a 70-200mm L lens in a padded bag along with extra room for light toiletries and random small items. My only complaint after using it for a few months is that the shoulder straps dont seem to sit comfortably around my shoulders.

I got this to replace my husbands beloved backpack (that he uses for everything) after his finally fell apart. Ive been using a SwissGear backpack for years and it still looks new. Its all I use when I travel. So well appointed and sturdy. He wanted a blue one and this one is such a lovely blue shade. The trim and accents are all the same color which makes it look more professional imo. I will always buy SwissGear backpacks!