Pros:More than sufficient storage (pockets & so forth), fits securely over luggage handles for easy airport maneuvering, security fast pass does as advertised, bag tracking system (aka SwissTracker for lost luggage, not tested, included in sale price) is a great idea.
Cons:
No major issues.
Other Thoughts:
-Main compartment seems poorly equipped to store a change of clothing (which I always carry in my carry-on).
-Do not expect a bunch of peripherals (extra storage for non-business items, pockets with no specific function, gimmicks, etc.) this is a lean, mean, professional traveler machine.
-Security FastPass works best in high volume airports (where the security staff knows what it is): you will still have to remove your electronic devices if the security staff fails to recognize the innovation.
This bag is one of the first I've come across specifically for the mobile laptop carrying professional. It is easy to load up with too much of your crap, but overall is quite elegant.
The best feature: TSA compartment that isn't bulky and LOCKABLE. I've seen laptops stolen while in line at the airport, just sitting in a bin while the unfortunate owners are getting felt up by TSA Security. I've personally had 2 laptops stolen and when locked you definitely want zippers like these which can't be broken into. Victorinox has excellent theft proof zippers.
The Big Ben has a lot of compartments sealed by zippers. To be honest, it is more storage than any of the other bags out there. I'd compare it in space to the Executive 15. The problem: I'm anal retentive, fidgeting in the airport and opening and closing compartments all the time right before boarding. I feel like I have zipper OCD, like the bag belongs at NASA and is like a series of mission critical airlocks. So for me, the magnetic pouch in the front is perfect for the thing I use most: my pen!
The storage is pretty nice, although I'll be honest, I've had my stuff spill out of it while at home and in the hotel. So despite all those NASA-grade zippers, you still end up with your bag's contents all over the floor. Not cool. One major reason I dislike the bag is that the pockets are based on the Architecture Series, instead of the Professional Werks collection. I wish Victorinox would send me an updated bag, for all of the bags I've purchased through them in the past few years!
I find there's enough for my Lenovo W530, which is just over 6lb. It has a fairly large 170W power supply, which does seem to fit OK. I can definitely fit my iPad, Kindle, a few magazines, a rain jacket in here, as well as a small notebook.
One of the main reasons I like the Professional Werks is that it has excellent built-in storage. Not so here, so I use a cable bag from Waterfield Designs. The plus of the Werks collection is that they're standardized no matter which bag you use, you'll always have your pockets in exactly the same spot! With a cable bag, I don't have to memorize where I put things, or more importantly have to relearn how to pack.
As for the laptop protection, I wish Victorinox would start padding the TSA pouch with a bit of foam and neoprene. Seriously, it would be great to think of it as a sleeve. To be honest, I've seen my laptop corners dinged up and cracked on all of their bags. And yes, I am known for beating the crap out my stuff. I guess that's why I bought a bag that is damn expensive in first place (i.e. not a throw away).
As for carrying the bag around the office, I find some narrow hallways and elevators I end up walking into people. I'm a bit of a clutz and with 15lb on my back I'm like a bull in a china shop. I'd say the bag has slightly TOO MUCH storage where you can easily overload it if you want to.
The straps are pretty comfortable. And the bag fits well on my shoulders. I pulled one of them a few years ago and it is important if I'm carrying a heavy bag that my shoulder injury isn't aggravated. I like there's padding on the back, which also can slide over my wheeled roller (an Avolve 22).
One thing I liked from my climbing backpack is that between the shoulder straps there's another strap to bridge the weight between the two. I found this feature lacking and would have been nice when fully loaded and walking around new cities, as I occasionally do when mixing business with pleasure.
Perhaps the thing I like most is the mesh pouch. That's where I hide my drugs, I mean my plastic bag with the TSA 3-1-1. I need something that is easy to access in 3 seconds and this works well.
Probably a bit frustrating is that I haven't found a dedicated pouch just for my iPhone, charger, wallet, phone, headphones (Shure) and keys. That's what I use all the time and like I referred to before, it is a pain to open all those NASA-grade zippers to get your crap right before boarding a plane.
Overall, I highly recommend the bag. For a revision, make a bag with easier pockets management, better laptop padding and slightly smaller so I'm not tempted to overload. Definitely take into account the design of the Professional Werks collection, I like that series a lot better.
Given the thought into writing the review, and the fact I own several Victorinox, it would be awesome to acknowledge their customers with access to new products or some kind of loyalty program. I think their Swiss Tracking is a neat feature that I like a lot!
Buy Victorinox Luggage Architecture 3.0 Big Ben With Security Fast Pass Backpack Now
A solidly constructed well designed backpack. It has a place for everything I need. The only drawback that kept this rating from being a 5 is that it doesn't stand up on its own, as the Tumi version does. I would still buy it again tomorrow.Quality is great! you only need one hand to unzip it? This his handy when you hands are full. A lot of room packed in a compact bag! I would recommend this bag!Want Victorinox Luggage Architecture 3.0 Big Ben With Security Fast Pass Backpack Discount?
Finally a bag that has more pockets and areas for storage than i have ever seen in a bag in all my all my 20 years of flying.
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