I am not military or LE, I simply want a backpack that doesn't advertise itself as "I'm expensive, think about robbing my owner" when travelling in foreign countries. I currently own 2 different Northface bags (typical school "book bag" types) and an Osprey Stratos 24. The Osprey is better than the Northface bags but I feel conspicuous using it my mistake really...should only be used for hiking. Size wise, this bag looks the same as the Northface
I got the 5.11 Covrt18 bag (navy) a week before I traveled to 3 islands in the Caribbean. The bag is good looking without standing out in any way. It has the standard laptop case which is fine. This bag really stands out in 3 ways from my perspective:
1) Spaciousness of main compartment
2) Weight distribution/comfort
3) Size and organization (ie functionality) of additional compartments
I stored passports, 4 days of clothing, a Canon DLSR, 2 books (1 was 1100 pages), 3 phone chargers, camera charger, snacks, earplugs, headphones, writing paper & pens. I carried this onto the plane and was able to fit it under the seat(aisle seat) with minimal shoving.
The main compartment is surprisingly big. I was able to put clothing on all 4 sides of my camera without feeling like i was crushing it. It has 2 grommeted holes on the bottom, which at first I didn't like thinking water would get in but I quickly realized I'd never put my bag down in a puddle. The holes let the lint and cruft fall out vs my other bags which require periodic upside down shakeouts. The holes are smaller than a dime so you can still toss your change wherever is easiest.
I don't understand why this bag is so comfortable compared to the others I own. Yes, the shoulder straps are cushioned but thats never bothered me. Rather, the weight seems to be better distributed? I don't feel like I need to walk hunched forward slightly and frankly forgot I had it on when standing at the airport for 6 hrs.
The northface bags have 700 zippers, straps, openings but I hated them. The Covrt18 makes perfect sense the 2ndary compartments don't 'black hole' your stuff when you need to get things out. The arrangement makes it easy to recognize which compartment you're opening. My 2 favorites are the very top compartment, lined with soft material. Perfect for sunglasses, cellphone, keys, earbuds, gum & other things that you may need to pull out frequently. The other is the 2 overlapping square compartments on the outside perfect for throwing passports in one and paper/notes in the other.
I've only had it for 2 weeks now so I can't comment on durability but have no reason to question it. Yes it is slightly more expensive than other bags but when I add up the 3 I've purchased prior to Covrt18, it's close to $200 spent trying to find the right bag. Buy the right one first.
UPDATE: July 2012
I've used this about 6 times so far and it's still in like-new condition. I haven't found any problems or 'cons' since the original review. I took it to Italy for a week and to Las Vegas for a 3 day weekend. For Vegas this was the only thing I brought fit 2 shorts, 1 jeans, pair of dress shoes, 6 shirts, bathing suit, toiletries and a kindle room for more. If you don't already roll everything for packing I'd suggest trying it out with this. The bundle method is better for avoiding wrinkles with suits and dress shirts IMO...
I wanted very badly to like this backpack. I could not have been more excited to see the UPS guy pull up today. When I pulled it out of the box, it became obvious that the quality control on these things is sub-par. While the bag itself seemed to be very functional, and all of their advertisements seemed to be accurate, several of the straps and zippers on the one I ordered were either already broken (zippers on the inside pockets, which I was able to fix after fiddling with it for about a half hour), or they broke upon their first use (the right hand elastic strap on the water bottle holder popped the first time I tried to cinch it up). I am returning this bag, and am now debating whether I should try another one or not. I was purchasing this for a trip I am going on in a week, and I just hope that I can get another unit that fast if I decide to get another one of these. I am not sure what the quality control process is for these, but it seems that it needs to be adjusted. Had I have paid half the price for this backpack, it wouldn't be a big deal, but at this price to have things breaking on the backpack right out of the box is unacceptable. Very disappointing from a backpack of this caliber...
**UPDATE**
Ok, I did indeed wind up purchasing another one, and this time with better results. I have since been to Korea, China, backpacking, fishing, and have used it at the office every day, and it has actually been a great little backpack. It is indeed laid out well, and it just adapts so well to so many different scenarios. It is also well balanced and extremely comfortable. I bumped it up a star (really wanted to give it 3 1/2, but half in not an option). The reason I didn't go up to five with it is because I am still a little concerned that I heard nothing at all from the company. In fact, I even sent them a contact through their website and nothing. The other thing I am very concerned about is that I left a similar review on the the companies website which never got posted. It is always a little shady to me when a website lets you "review" products, but the negative ones never post. This is akin to false advertisement if you ask me.
In summary, the backpack itself (second time around) is actually really good and I am glad overall that I gave it another shot. The company does not seem to be concerned with pleasing their customers (at least average Joes...maybe it would be different if I were in the service or in law enforcement...), nor will they allow honest feedback on their website's posted comments and "ratings." Again, for a backpack of this price that is in competition with other companies who offer lifetime warranties on their products, this seems like an unwise practice.
There you go! Now you decide...
Buy 5.11 Covrt18 Backpack Now
This well thought-out backpack has lots of room and many pockets for organization. The padded laptop sleeve is as good as any other backpack's; a 17" MacBook Pro will *just* fit, though the top corners are very close to the top of the bag. The side-entry pocket is great for stowing an iPad our you can use the big front pocket for the same purpose. The two small pockets on the front are perfect for small items you want to get to quickly like USB sticks, ear-buds or change. The "admin" pocket on the front-top has plenty of room for pens, business cards, small note pads and other "office supplies". The main compartment where the laptop can be stowed expands quite a bit, you could drop a 3" binder in there along with the laptop. There is no dedicated "paperwork" pocket like you find in most laptop backpacks, but you can use the main compartment or, if it's just a folder or two, a great place is the compartment that can also hold the hydration pack. The mesh zippered pockets in the main compartment are great for stowing whatever you want to carry that needs to be contained/organized.
This bag is more than just a laptop bag, it is intended to be used in the field and is just as tough as a typical day-hiking bag by one of the major outdoor bag manufacturers. On a recent trip, I dumped out all my business stuff and put in a hydration bladder, first aid kit, snacks, maps, etc and went on an all day hike. The shoulder straps and sternum strap are well designed and distribute the weight of the backpack to keep your shoulders and back from getting sore on long treks. The surfaces that contact your back, shoulders and chest are made of a semi-breathable padding to help keep you cooler and the padding on the back has a channel for ventilation. The empty weight is very light, the fabric is water repellant and most of the zippers have rain covers that keep (much)water from leaking through the zippers and into the bag. After a trip from the US to Europe then Asia and back the backpack still looks brand new and will certainly last for years. This is a great bag and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new laptop backpack.
One last comment about carrying the 17" MacBook. My laptop is in a Speck Products lexan case that will protect it from bumps, but does add about 3/16" to the dimensions. With the case, the laptop still fits fine. Because there is virtually no room left at the top of the bag, I was concerned about the top corners of the laptop rubbing on the fabric and causing wear. I put a 2"x3" patch of moleskin on each upper inside surface where this contact could occur, just in case. The moleskin has been there for over a month and shows no sign of wear and isn't trying to peel off, and there is no sign of wear on the outside of the bag.
Read Best Reviews of 5.11 Covrt18 Backpack Here
I finally convinced my wife to let me order her a EDC bag. I did a lot of research and decided on the 5.11 COVRT 18. I read the review from J. Sutton (posted on this site) and was a little concerned however I decided to order 2 of the bags anyway. That was a mistake! Upon arrival, the one I ordered for my wife was damaged / broken. The top carrying handle was torn in two. I examined it further and it appears the handle was yanked on until it gave way and broke through the middle. The stitching around the handle was frayed and, well, it was completely sheared in two (in the middle). I've never seen a pack handle do this! This should have been caught by quality control as it was an OBVIOUS defect in workmanship and is the first thing I noticed as I pulled it out of the packaging (unless a disgruntled employee shipped it in this manner??!!). I examined the pack I ordered for me and found other frayed / loose stitching which made me nervous. I called 5.11 but was directed to a voice mail. I left two messages explaining the quality / damage issues but never received a phone call back. BOTTOM LINE: This pack is definitely sub-par when it comes to quality. I would not trust it in the field. I've heard other police officers say 5.11 has been producing gear with issues recently, but I didn't believe it until I saw it. Buyer beware! My search continues for a well built EDC pack. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I have lost confidence in 5.11's quality and customer service.
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I am a firearms and CHL (Concealed Handgun License) instructor. I am constantly looking for a backpack or other way of carrying my work gear that does not look Tacticool and, therefore, broadcasts to the world "THIS GUY IS CARRYING A GUN!!" This bag is perfect for carrying all work day essentials. I have a HUGE 17" Dell laptop that fits in the main compartment perfectly. I also have a full sized Glock .45 with 2 mags, and a S&W snubby with speedloader in the velcro concealed compartment. My last backpack seemed to be so heavy, but it's stuff I use every day so I have to carry it around. I have no idea what the deal is with this backpack, but I swear the exact same load out I carried in my lst pack FEELS lighter in this backpack. I guess it's the location/spacing of the straps...not sure. But I love it. I also should mention that I'm 6'7" and have broad shoulders, and this pack fits fine (for those that find it hard to fit a good backpack).
I love the sporty, pleasant looking colors offered and love even more that it does not scream TACTICAL!
Buy it. You will not be disappointed.
I purchased this bag as a gift for my technologically-savvy boyfriend. He's always carrying along several electronic devices, including a tablet or laptop, almost everywhere he goes. The distressed look of the bag is attractive, and in case you can't see in the picture, there's orange stitching around the outside. The snaps close firmly so things don't fall out of the bag, and it's sturdy enough that he can wear it on his motorcycle. The bag is also well-balanced and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It keeps all his electronics safe from bumps and scratches, and he looks great while wearing it!
