Victorinox Luggage Architecture 3.0 Big Ben Mono Retrax Backpack

Hi all

This bag is so near to a perfect idea...

BUT (yes, yes, there had to be one... 2 actually)

1) While the curve on the handle server a great purpose, it seems that accomodating that curve in the rear-most compartment (where the computer accomodations are) resulted in some not-so-great compromises: Very cramped when inserting, strapping down and removing the computer a process I have to go through 3-5 times a day. There is no termination on the strap (other than the velcro) to grab on to, and you have to squeeze between the computer and the handle-housing in order to affix the velcro. The computer also catches on the handle housing on the way down, and the top corners of the computer (15" Lenovo) are juuuuuust inside the fabric of the bag not as protected as I would like.

2) no water bottle holders on the side... you don't realize how much you use 'em until you don't have 'em!

Other than these 2 points, it is an awesome bag. It is still "good", but I will continue in my quest to find "great".

russ

This bag is simply awesome! I researched far & wide over 6 months for a bag that suited my needs (I ride a motorbike, work with laptops, & travel with all my puter gear). So my criteria was a proper backpack that I can ride with, that can carry 2 x 17" laptops plus all my puter gear, carry my clothes etc, & not have to carry it through airports. After much research I found the Victorinox Architecture 3.0 Big Ben Mono Retrax is the ONLY bag on market that fully meets this criteria. But to my benefit it exceeds my expectations because it has many more pockets than I expected, it has a handle that locks in 2 height positions that when extended/retracted also extends/retracts the wheels, can be used as carry-on (as a laptop bag), is extremely well padded & consructed, secures away the straps, handle & wheels when not in use, & has its own lost bag tracking system. All I needed to do was find the best price for it & Amazon did that by being half the price of the retail outlets I looked at in several countries. Bonus! I am so happy I bought this bag, & so happy I got it from Amazon.

I also got the STM laptop glove sleeves to protect the laptops when I remove them through security, & they fit like a dream so it all works well.

For the previous post I saw here that had trouble with the handle, I wonder if they realised the handle automatically extends & retracts the wheels, & that the handle has 2 locking positions? I have no trouble with my handle.

Buy Victorinox Luggage Architecture 3.0 Big Ben Mono Retrax Backpack Now

I bought this 3 days ago after searching time and again for a rolling backpack that had plenty organization compartments. This is a winner in that aspect, and the way the wheels hide when the arm is not extended is brilliant.

Although I can point that it is missing a bottle holder on the side, and the laptop compartment was not though for a heavy laptop. My Lenovo w510 with extra battery becomes so heavy that seams to put strain on the zipper, and makes the back compartment almost unusable to store any other things like even a 2,5'' external disk.

And last, and most important, after 3h of normal use, the handle came loose on its axis, and is not working properly while opening and closing. This is NOT what I was expecting in terms of the known durability that Victorinox name carries.

The site is not clear on how to activate warranty outside US or Canada.

Read Best Reviews of Victorinox Luggage Architecture 3.0 Big Ben Mono Retrax Backpack Here

First, it's a Victorinox, and that says A LOT!

Second, there is an incredible amount of room to put things in.

I have a 17inch laptop and it fits. There's plenty of room for other necessities like power cables, USB cables, biz cards, in-flight reading materials, presentation folders and much much more room. It's easy to access the compartments also.

When the handle collapses the entire backpack fits very nicely, and easily, into the overhead storage on airplanes though I will admit that I have not taken it on a smaller turbo-prop flight yet to test it in those much smaller overhead storage bins.

I'm 6'5" and luggage handles have always been a problem I'm always hitting my heels on the luggage as it rolls along with me but not with this one. The handle is long enough and it's curved very easy to keep my feet away from the backpack. Very easy to maneuver about. Also, the collapsible wheels are great when you're rolling along in an airport and need to use the restroom. I collapse the handle and the wheels collapse up also. That keeps the back of my shirt or jacket from getting that nasty airport carpet "stuff" all over my back.

The only drawback is the shoulder straps. You have to pull them out and then "click" them together with snaps towards the bottom of the bag. Just kind a minor pain to do, but it's also nice in that the shoulder straps are not in your way if you choose to roll this backpack.

High quality stitching and overall very well made.

Plan on getting countless miles out of this!

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Bought this because of the retractable wheels.

Pro's:

1. Retractable system works good.

2. Straps can be hidden which is good as you will not be dragging them on the ground.

3. Good construction

Cons:

1. Retractable system is heavy.

2. When wheels are drawn, the backpack falls forward.

3. Does not fit in small regional gets, with two laptops (Had no problem with two laptops with Tumi)

The leather handel cracked and happened after the return policy ended. Would not recommend.