Duluth Pack Deluxe Laptop Daypack

First, the bag itself:

I ordered the Khaki color, and it was beautiful. The construction appears to be top-notch and ultra durable (although I didn't use it long enough to test this out). The bag isn't cluttered with tons of extra tie-downs and external pockets, which I think make a bag ugly. The simplicity of this bag is one of its most attractive qualities.

The bag itself weighs 3.0lbs (the Duluth Standard Laptop Daypack--identical to this one, except without leather, weighs 2.6lbs for reference).

The padded laptop sleeve is only padded on the front and back, but it is sewn together at the edges, meaning the padded sides taper together. I was not concerned about the corners or bottom of my laptop, as I thought I might be. I would trust this bag to protect my laptop under normal use conditions.

My only complaint about this bag itself, was the leather shoulder straps. They were quite rigid, and uncomfortable. I suspect after a breaking-in period, that wouldn't be so true any more, though, so I won't drop a star for that.

However, after having said all that, I had to return my bag for a refund. Let me explain why.

I have been on the quest for the perfect laptop daypack for my upcoming urban hiking trip through Central and South America. My criteria were:

1. Large enough to protect my 14" laptop.

2. As small as possible, and in particular, small enough to fit inside my MEI Voyager travel pack (not available on Amazon)

3. Durable enough to last 1-2 years of daily use.

4. Fashionable enough that it won't make me look like a hipster kid on the latest fashion trend band wagon

This bag fit all of the criteria, except #2; it was simply too large. While it did technically fit inside my MEI Voyager travel pack, it took up approximately half of the available space. After trying the Duluth pack, I returned it and ordered a Mamba daypack, sand, which is significantly smaller--narrow in particular, and weighs about half as much. Although I believe the Duluth bag is made of higher quality materials, and more durable, the Booq bag will be going with me on my trip.

I think calling this bag a "day pack" is a bit of a misnomer. It would be better called a "small back pack." To me, a daypack is much smaller than a typical backpack. Maybe that's just me.

I would give this bag 5 stars, if weren't for its bulkiness; which won't be a detriment to many people. If you don't need the smallest bag possible, I would highly recommend this bag. I also highly recommend the Duluth Pack Company. I dealt with their customer service by phone and email several times, prior to, and after my order, and they were always extremely friendly and helpful. And their return policy is great.