Optari Backpack Pink - Optari BPPI
Dakine Girls Cosmo Back Pack
One of the reason I was a little weary of buying this pack was I wasn't sure exactly how the insides looked like and if it was big enough to fit my needs. I am happy that after buying it, it does in fact. But, I have added two pictures to show exactly what the insides look like since I couldn't find any online when I was purchasing.
The back opening has a little zip pouch for change or possibly personal stuff and an open area for water bottle, camera, etc. The front opening has three narrow pouches for pencils and pens, a larger pouch to the side with a zip mesh pouch on top of that. There is also a larger pouch behind all those possibly for small papers. There is also a zipped up area on the opposite side. So, there is plenty of places to put things.
The back doesn't have much padding so it is a bit bumpy to my back depending on what I put in it. But, that doesn't bother me. I am just glad to have this for use of hiking or going on a boat ride and now having to worry about all my stuff getting lost because it is on my back.I just rec'd this little backpack it's exactly what I was looking for. I have sloping shoulders, so it's impossible to keep a 'shoulder-bag' purse strap on me without hunching that shoulder up (thereby resulting in a nice headache after >1 hour). I've got several 'cross-body' bags, but for travel & wearing to work here in Aspen I wanted a mini-backpack which hangs from both of my shoulders and out of the way; I'm not doing a 6-hr day hike, or climbing a 14,000-foot mountain, so I don't want or need the usual day-pack size. I also love all the colors and patterns available I had a hard time choosing one, but finally went with the purple 'lacey' design, which has purple-and-white zebra stripes on the inside. I'll probably purchase a lighter-color pattern also, since these little packs are definitely machine washable/dryable (made out of nylon, not cotton quilting).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The straps on this Dakine pack ARE LONG ENOUGH FOR ADULT WOMEN! I looked everywhere on the internet, & nowhere was it mentioned how long the straps are, so here you go: they can be adjusted to a maximum length of 31" as measured from the top of the strap to where it's attached at the bottom, plenty long enough for even this plus-sized gal (I even have 2.5 "extra" inches of strap when I adjust them to the length perfect for me.) I had bought a 'girls' backpack once before, but was disappointed because the strap-length was really designed for girl-size bodies, not women.
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So i basically needed something to carry my stuff when i go out. It can fit a small notebook, my sketchbook and pencils, my phone and mp3 player, a small novel, and my camera. It also has little pockets for cash and stuff. There are enough compartments to keep everything organized, which is nice.It can't fit textbooks though, so I wouldn't buy it for school.
I haven't had it for very long but it seems pretty durable.
Overall I am very happy with this product.I bought the Dakine Girls Cosmo Pack because it is small but looked like it would hold quite a bit. I took it traveling and it held my wallet, lotion, keys, Kindle ereader, pens, small tablet and a bottle of water and more. Just what I needed. With the wide straps it's comfortable to wear and I love the gray color and design. Best of all, the price was right! Now I'm using it as a purse and it's just right. Great product!This was my second purchase of a Dakine Cosmo backpack. I got it for carrying essentials on the back of my wheelchair. It is just the right size to carry some emergency supplies like a spare inner tube, some small tools, tire changing levers, and some medical supplies. I've had the first one for 7 or 8 years, and other than fading from exposure to sunlight, it is just like new. The zippers get used almost daily, and have never jammed, even though most of the time I reach behind my back to zip and unzip them. The only reason I got a new one is to go on my new wheelchair!
Belvah Medium Quilted Damask Print Backpack Style Handbag - Choice of Colors
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Bought this backpack in January. Have used it daily (as a purse) since it arrived and just love it. Several people have asked where I got it (amazon.com, of course!), because they want to get one. I especially like the fabric pattern. The only thing that would make it better would be a long zippered pouch on the back.Very cute but not a full size back pack. My daughter still loves it though, she is ten and loves damask.Want Belvah Medium Quilted Damask Print Backpack Style Handbag - Choice of Colors Discount?
Bought this for a trip to Disney to carry necessities for a five year old with allergies. Was able to fit epi-pens, wipes, wallet, water bottle, snacks and more. Nice compact bag, comfortable and cute! Very happy with this purchase, plus much less expensive than other brands and the quality was superb!Octonauts 'Let'S Do This' School Bag Rucksack Backpack
it a 4 or a 2 that is just wrong.
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I didn't not realize how small this bag is. This would be for a toddler and is not large enough for a folder or full size paper without folding.Read Best Reviews of Octonauts 'Let'S Do This' School Bag Rucksack Backpack Here
Well put together for a reasonable amount. But can you really put a price on it, if my son's eyes opened WIDE when he saw his new bag? It's hard to find products for the 'Nauts here in the States and just thankful to allow him to be a part of a positive creation.Want Octonauts 'Let'S Do This' School Bag Rucksack Backpack Discount?
Thule Crossover 38-Litre Rolling Carry-On
Before discussing the compromises, let's dig into the overall build quality, which is great. The wheels are big and solid, with sturdy metal axels that should keep it rolling straight. The outside material looks thick and durable, and Thule states that it is water repellent. The zippers look strong and zip without snagging, although they are not water resistant. The backpack straps have metal hardware that should wear well. The suitcase is also properly weighted so that it doesn't easily fall over when you set it down or bump into it (this is a pet peeve of mine). Also, the overall suitcase looks professional, so it would be easy to take on a business trip as well as a vacation.
Okay, now for the compromises to make this thing into a backpack. First, the backpack straps are in a compartment with much more room than they seem to need, which means that there is less room for packing your belongings. This extra room has its advantages, though, because the backpack is VERY comfortable because this area naturally forms into my back (I'm 6'1" and about 165 lbs). The straps pull out easily, too, because of this extra room, and they quickly attach to the sides of the suitcase. The straps are also placed on the opposite side from the wheels, so you won't get your clothes dirty. My only reservation with the straps is that they attach BEFORE the zipper, which means that they will pull on the zipper over time. I'm not sure if this will turn out to be a design flaw, but it's worth stating.
So the primary disadvantage to the suitcase is the room necessary for the backpack and the extra-sturdy wheels. I was easily able to fit three pairs of jeans, three shirts, three t-shirts, four pairs of socks and four boxers into the main compartment. The side compartments could probably hold a couple more pairs of jeans plus toiletries and a book or so. It's not a lot compared to other carry-ons I've used, so if you're looking for a lot of room, this probably won't be your ideal suitcase.
In summary, this is an ideal suitcase for me. I like the sturdy hardware and the little touches that show that someone really thought about how to make a great combination suitcase/backpack. (There's a special inset designed just to hold large goggles for skiing, for example.) This backpack was made for the part-time adventure traveler who likes to pack light and move fast. If this doesn't describe you, then you may not like this suitcase as much as I do. UGH-O a cross-over bag that is a carry-on bag with wheels and doubles as a backpack; this can't be good. So I take it out of the box, quality is excellent but I expect nothing less from Thule. The bag is very nice, material made very well and says it's water repellent. Water repellent huh, we'll see about that. Took the bag outside, turned on the hose and let me kids have at it! After 5-10 minutes; YUP its water repellent. The overall functionality is excellent, wheels: perfect, construction of the bag perfect. The bag will not easily tip over. The backpack strap has metal hardware so it should last for a while. Very professional looking and very easy on the eyes so you can use this piece for business and personal.
If you don't know how to pack, this suitcase is not for you. If you're a heavy packer, this suitcase is not for you. This suitcase is perfect for me. I pack light on my business trips so I need something that looks great, maneuvers well, can turn into a backpack when I want, take a beating and can fit in an overhead compartment on a plane.
The bag ROCKS only if you travel light.
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I guess I expected more from a Thule product. First off, even though it is called a carry-on, it may not fit in to the guidelines of several airlines due to its dimensions it's a little too wide and tall. Second,in my opinion, it has one major design flaw: when you unzip it, there is a slope to it. Basically, one side of the compartment is taller than the other. When it's zipped you don't notice it because the cover is built the same way so overall you get the same size all around, but it makes it difficult to pack. You can't shove things in because there isn't necessarily a side to hold it in. Also, while the dimensions are slightly bigger than another traditionally shaped (21") carry-on that I have, this one actually holds less! This is really only good for a weekend trip, and for that I still think a duffle bag would hold more and take up less space overall. I definitely expected better from this.Read Best Reviews of Thule Crossover 38-Litre Rolling Carry-On Here
This suitcase has some great features for travel through airports and on airplanes: large wheels that roll well, easy to raise and lower handle, easy to grasp handle on the case to pick up, alternative backpack straps (that are not too difficult to figure out), outside protected compartments for laptap and glasses/ipod/blackberry type devices, large inner compartment and mesh compartment that are padded. I have used it with the extended handle as a roller bag which is its best suited use; I have also found it works pretty well when picked up and used as a backpack for shorter lengths.The weak points are the backpack straps get in the way of accessing the laptop compartment and need to be moved out of the way--not a big problem but prevents a 5-star rating. I also wish it had a way to strap loose articles in the inner compartment like books, etc. It is a little heavy to use regularly as a backpack for long periods of time and the protective shell makes it a little uncomfortable as a backpack.
I think I definitely be happy with this suitcase for travel, and it will be adequate for daily use with my laptop and book, notebooks and stuff.
The dvd user's guide is worthless; it is 57 seconds of an ad for the suitcase without any helpful ways to use it. The instruction brochure is also useless in offering help. Using the backstraps took a minute to figure out but is not difficult.
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I purchased this carry-on based on the quality of a Thule Crossover 56L rolling duffel I own. That bag has made six trips to France so far and, except for a few scratches on the aluminum fittings, it looks like new. The wheels and handle and zippers are rock solid, and if you don't like the big silver Thule logo on the bag, it's easy to identify when it comes tumbling down the baggage conveyor.I've only made one airline trip with this bag, but I'm pleased so far. Because it has a slightly rounded shape and the compartment for the backpacking straps takes up a little space, the 38L doesn't hold as much as a typical 22" carry-on. The available space is fine for my purposes, and it holds more than it looks like it will, but if maximum stowage is your goal, this may not be your solution. The rounded shape makes it easy to stash in overhead storage bins, however, and my only wish is that the straps could be removed and a bit of storage reclaimed for those times when you know you won't be carrying it.
The 38L is probably not for everyone but my experience with Thule Crossover luggage has been great and I recommend it highly. Unlike a lot of department store luggage brands, Thule products don't seem to be discounted much, but I found this one for about 30% off on Amazon. So shop around.
Extreme Pak Camo Backpack
17 inch Café in Paris Silver Gray Notebook Laptop Sleeve Bag Carrying Case for MacBook Pro 17 / mo
and the print. When others said it was smelly, I thought it was made of plastic but it was made of fabric and streachable
and the zip does not open all the way so your laptop if it is 17" might get scratches while putting it in.Many reviews on this comment on the smell; perhaps some are more sensitive to the particular initial smell, but I only noticed it slightly for an hour or two, and my young daughter who gags at most every smell that is not baking-cookies perfect, held it up to her face and said nothing. So for us, it is a non issue and today it is 3 feet from me at the moment and I smell nothing. If someone is sensitive, perhaps a day or two in the garage unzipped and propped over a vase or something should do the trick, or perhaps soaking in mild soapy water and air drying for a day...
But I am happy with the purchase. It provides nice cushion protection for my 17" macbook pro, will be perfect for airport security, and I picked up the smaller version for my bamboo tablet, since it was almost the exact size of the new-package sleeve for that tablet. Can't beat the price point, and it probably deserves 5 stars for the price category. It would just be nice if it had an extra compartment for the power chord is all -Good quality and looks just like the picture.
Slightly loose for my laptop but it is a 15" one so expected it anyway.
But has some cushioning effect to make it better.Well made and attractive. The price is unbeatable! I am so glad I was able to find something like this perhaps the most clever way to get a teenager to protect her laptop!I would have given it 5 stars if it was actually the same gray color. It is actually on the purple side. Glad i like purple. Nice quality though.
David King & Co. Laptop Backpack
DC Freezebell Backpack
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Son is truly happy with this backpack!! Way to start a happy new school year. Will purchase again from this site.This is a great backpack for my 8 year old. Awesome color and structure seems good. Zipper is a little tough. Hopefully it will get better with use.Backpack is nice. Smaller than one I bought last year. Good for my sons who's in third grade(on the taller side.It's Simple no bells and whistles but will work for what we bought it for which is just a back pack.Women In Business Nairobi Laptop Shoulder Bag
Kalencom Miss Prissy
Roxy Juniors Tracker Backpack
Be warned. It's small.
This bag is wider than it tall and deep; pretty much meaning it wont fit much. I don't have much to carry though so I didn't see that as a problem.
The zippers do get stuck every now and then-which is why I only gave it 4 stars.
One more thing to note is that the shade of red this bag comes in is much darker than the picture up there (I was happy it wasn't like the picture though). It's more of a blood red color than orange red.
Overall great buy. Love it:)The bag is a lot smaller than i thought. its size is juz like a backpack for elementary school kids. If you are taller than 5'5", this bag will make u look funnyI actually bought this for my five year old in kindergarten. It may seem ridiculous but I greatly dislike all the cartoon characters and other labeling they put on children's backpacks. This is perfect in that it's big enough to hold her folders but small and light enough for her to carry around. Only bad thing is the zipper on the front pocket broke in a week. To be fair, it may not have been built to withstand the rough tugs of the younger ones.
Super Mario Bros. Medium BackPack - Mario Medium School Bag
It's only been a few weeks, so I cannot comment on durability yet. Our last Mario backpack lasted 9 months (through one school year), but it was definitely beaten up by the end. Hopefully, this one will hold up a little better.
We are subscribed to Amazon Prime, so the backpack arrived in two days. Just in time for the first day of school!I let my son pick out a backpack online for his first day of kindergarten, and this was the one he chose. It is pretty simple and has little to no padding inside (just minimal padding on the straps). It fits his lunch kit and everything that a 5 year old needs to take to and from school. He love is the picture doesb't do the colours justice (they are typical Mario bright and bold).
It is great for him, but there are probably better choices out there for older kids. Don't know about the durability he's only had it 3 minths it has lasted well so far.
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Carrot Ab-32001 Denim Backpack
Incase Terra Collection Convertible Pack for MacBook Air (CL60148)
Except......
I'm not sure how other people are managing to use this as a backpack the reason I bought this was because it was convertible to a backpack. However when I try to put the pack on, because there is nothing holding the strap in the middle slot where you put the strap through, the backpack slides down and you can't put the other arm in the pack. (If that makes sense...)
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I have a MacBook Air computer and it fits perfectly in this bag. It has an orange interior and is lightly padded. I fixed the strap to fit like a backpack. I LOVE it. It is lightweight, looks nice and is very comfortable. The strap is very easy to adjust. I will recommend this bag to my coworkers who just received the same kind of computer.Read Best Reviews of Incase Terra Collection Convertible Pack for MacBook Air (CL60148) Here
Love the concept of transforming the strap to different configurations. Bag holds my Samsung Chromebook, 10" tablet, wireless keyboard and charging cables in individual pouches.Want Incase Terra Collection Convertible Pack for MacBook Air (CL60148) Discount?
Perfect for carrying your laptop and a notebook and pen. Helps keeping it simple and it looks cool. I've yet to try other ways to carry it around, only used it as a messenger bag.Map 3500 3 Day Assault Pack 2300 Cu in Volume - Foliage Green
I'd been debating over whether to ask for this pack for a couple of months, while I checked out user reviews and did some research online. Satisfied that "military assault pack" wasn't total BS, I asked my mom to order it for me. The price ($120) was absolutely reasonable for what came in the box. Let's cut to the chase. I'm not active or reservist military. But I know good 'gear' when I see it. I hike a lot, and I can say that the MAP 3500 is an excellent pack for most uses. It has aluminum stays in the pack to keep shape and also to give some sort of back support. Several compartments to store various items. The 'admin' area will do nicely for people who commute or work out of a pack during the day, such as students. Space for a couple of pens/pencils, etc.
To give you an idea of how tough this pack is, it is used by the Seals to train with, and they put weighted plates in it. I can grab this pack by the daisy chain, which is ordinarily not exactly heavy-duty on a pack, and shake the pack by this all over the place. No seam rippage.
Kelty is a very good company, and this pack is a very good deal. I've had it only a couple of weeks, but I am always finding reasons to sling it on and take it with me. The straps are velcro adjustable, and very well padded. They will fit a big guy like me with no problems. The only thing I deduct a star for is the waist belt is a few inches too small to fit me. Since it is a reasonably light pack, I only take away 1 star. I doubt most people will need the belt. But, it is removable. I might lose a few pounds later on and see if I can fit it on. But, as I said, not a deal-breaker for this style of pack. You likely won't be loading that much inside. I mostly have some books, daily odds and ends, and a jacket for when it's windy.
The pack is hydration 'ready'. That means, it has a sleeve where you can put a hydration bladder (such as Camelbak), and a pass-through port out of the compartment to run your hose. There is also a strap-secured sleeve in front of the hydration sleeve, where you could in theory stow a 2nd bladder, or anything else you need to keep secure, like a small laptop computer. I put my netbook in there in it's neoprene case. It fits well.
There are mesh pockets on the outside for drinking bottles or canteens, one on each side of the pack. They are cinchable, and can hold most commercially available bottles. The small to medium ones, anyway. I've found a tall bottle will ride better if you tuck it under one of the pack's compression straps.
I chose foliage because I have *A LOT* of black packs and bags, and foliage is very neutral. It doesn't present a bright image. Handy for if you are bird-watching or otherwise trying not to be very conspicuous. It's a nice neutral color scheme. I was also impressed with the variety of color choices Kelty offers for this pack. I notice a lot of 'military' packs come in 1 to 3 colors, no more. This one has several, and you should be able to find something you like.
As a hiking or daypack, this pack is *PERFECT*, in my opinion. It's not too big, not too small, and will organize what you need organized. It can stuff a lot of items inside. More than you'd think, given the profile. But, all in all, I really like it. I also like the lack of drainage grommets. I have some packs that have massive drain holes that all manner of insects and critters can get into. As long as you keep this thing zipped, it should be secure.
To summarize, it is a great pack, reasonably priced, and should be good for just about anything you might need a backpack for. Great for school, great for light travel. It's considered a 3 day pack, I believe. I know I can put 3 days worth of clothing inside, with room to spare.I bought my MAP 3500 a few months ago and use it 5 days a week for work, and I'm not just throwing it on the front seat of my car and dragging it to the office, but I walk to work at least twice a week 6 miles one way 12 round trip.
There's plenty of room for my laptop, iPad, books, lunch, water, a couple cans of coke, wipes, etc... and the nice thing about it is it doesn't look bulky while wearing it and its extremely comfortable, supportive and durable. I stuff it full or items for the day and am happy to report that there are no signs of wear and tear! I walk in rain and it wears nicely.
Where I live, it can reach up over 100 degrees for weeks at a time, and that's where the back panel comes in keeping it as cool as possible, off the back, in the heat. Lots of loops, straps and adjustments for comfort.
I can't say enough about this back pack. It's nice to know that there are still some companies out there that make good products and Kelty is one of them.
Buy Map 3500 3 Day Assault Pack 2300 Cu in Volume - Foliage Green Now
I got this pack for train-up before deployment. I got the Multi-cam version to mix with the new uniforms. I knew the Kelty name from my other 3 hiking packs and knew the quality would be good.When I first used the pack for a 2 day op, it fit well, was sturdy, and held my gear, water and MREs securely with the cinch straps. The outside pockets held 48 oz nalgene bottles very well. But what I really loved were the shoulder straps and back panel... Good air flow and moisture control! This has become my favorite pack for long day trips or overnights. I'll likely get another one in brown for everyday use.
Read Best Reviews of Map 3500 3 Day Assault Pack 2300 Cu in Volume - Foliage Green Here
This is the pack I've been looking for. Couldn't find just what I wanted and needed in the stores; nice packs but not just what I wanted. This pack is used to haul all the stuff you need for a day at the zoo or a cold morning at the soccer game. It's full of ponchos, water, sunblock, you name it. When the weather warms up, the jackets and sweaters go into the pack. The waist belt is removable for what I need; can be reinstalled if needed for a real hike. The ONLY thing I would suggest is larger zippers, but the ones that come with it now are not a deal breaker. Size wise I call it a day pack. A week in the woods and I would want an external frame and as large of a pack as I could move with. This looks like it will last a long time.Want Map 3500 3 Day Assault Pack 2300 Cu in Volume - Foliage Green Discount?
My husband bought a kelty map 3500 for use at work. When we planned a trip to the local zoo, I decided to take the pack with us. We bought the camelback bladder and put the kids clothes, snack, books, first aid kit. The bag worked so great, all the things fit nicely and it was not burden to carry, like my old diaper bags. The fact that I could drink fresh water whenever I wanted without having to buy bottles of water was so nice.I have now bought a pack of my own and whenever we go anywhere we take our packs with us. Everyone always comments what a nice idea it is to carry the pack with the water. I know that before I had the pack I would buy water and soda at very high prices, not anymore.
I love this pack.
Urban Sport Messenger Cross Body Outdoor Biking Backpack - 3 Color Options
It's longer and roomier than my old Colombia sling bag, which was very typical of most sling bags in the market. Unlike the Colombia that allowed for switching the strap from one side to another, this one has a fixed strap (center at the top, to lower left on the back). Nice padding on the back, with plenty of pockets have made it my most frequently used bag on day to day basis.
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I'm a 15-yr old kid and I use this for school and casual use, just carrying around some paperbacks, a journal, and maybe a hoddie. Since May (it's now August) I have been using this very often and the only thing wrong with it that I can tell is that after stuffing it so much with a hoodie, or school supplies, it has tore a tiny hole in the front pocket from the main pocket. Other than that, this thing is great and I love. Price is awesome too.Read Best Reviews of Urban Sport Messenger Cross Body Outdoor Biking Backpack - 3 Color Options Here
I have owned the bag for about 1 month now. I am in grad school, and need to carry folders with notes (8x11) and an iPad. I also carry some meds, some clothing items, and some food items. This bag is large enough for all that without difficulty. It got crowded with 4 folders (each about 3/4 " thick, 2 text books (about 3" total), the iPad, and gym shorts and shirt (but the zipper still closed without much effort). It seems well made so far. The shoulder pad is comfortable. There are several pockets to carry items. The small one in the front is perhaps smaller than I would like, but overall is a great bag. For the price it is exceptional unless it falls apart in a few months. I think for your average student this would be great (I was worried that it might be too small, but it is a very generous size).Update for 5/2013.. Have been using for a couple of years now, and it has held up great. Padding on the shoulder strap is not quite as full, but I carry a lot of stuff as noted. I have also been taking my MacBook Pro 15" screen in it, and it handles the size (I can't close it all the way though), and the weight well. If they keep the build quality up, this is an easy recommendation from my standpoint.
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It is a $20 bag. Definitely not bad at all but beware that it might not be built to last. After a full month of daily use (including some time wandering the streets of Tokyo) one of the dual main zippers has fallen off. I can still close it with the other zipper but must zip it the full-length. I really only needed the trip for my two week vacation, so it served its purpose. I would buy a better quality if I needed it for longer. It's large enough for my laptop and has enough pockets to be useful to carry pens, a wallet, a water bottle and more.Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop TSA-Friendly Backpack
No reinforced bottom.
Straps thin and single stiched.
Ultrathin pack material.
Worst of all, the carrying handles are a joke. The thinnest single piece of nylon I have ever seen a pack. My 1990's Jansport made this feel like a glass egg!
At first I thought I was the victim of poor quality control, but even on the Timbuk2 site there are customers crying out for more durability on this pack! WAKE UP TIMBUK2!!
By the way, my strap broke at the bottom during my first trip to work. So it was really fun carrying my backpack around in my arms like a sack all day!
To give you an idea, it had a small 15" laptop, Ipad, a 1"binder, three pens and my car keys. I admit one of those pens weighed a few ounces, but come on! Seriously, the bag was no where near it's proposed weight or size capacity.
It's just really sad to see a grassroots company like Timbuk2 sell out to try and make a buck from the people who backed you from the beginning.
Needless to say, thanks to Amazon, the bag is going back and I'll never trust in Timbuk2 again. I can only hope you learn from my mistake and steer clear.I've had this backpack for couple months now and I honestly love it more and more....
What I use it for:
daily bus commute to work, I usually carry iPad, 15'' laptop, gzillion cables, chargers, headsets, ... occasionally a jacket (even winter fleece jacket fits), and yes also coffee mug
What I was worried about:
1. the material feel thin and cheap. I was wrong, honestly it works great, I actually like how light it is
2. zippers feel cheap as well, but work, no issue there
What I love:
1. tons of pockets
2. laptop pocket I used it 6x at the airports already, never had to pull my laptop out of the backpack so convenient, yes people are jealous
3. shoulder straps really nicely fit, this is probably the most comfortable backpack I used so far
What I don't care about but you might:
1. this is not waterproof backpack, I would not take it skying
2. it has no waist strap
3. it is not "tough" backpack, don't expect same material you are used to from messenger bag, this backpack is as light and simple as possible
Is there anything to improve: Well yes, there is always something.
1. I would love to see mouse pocket (yeah geeky stuff) and padded sunglasses pocket
2. Perhaps a bit less flimsy zippers.
3. true napoleon pocket (the existing napoleon pocket is sideways, but deep down and thus harder to pull stuff from)
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Yes, it's kind of expensive. But totally worth it!I had my Timbuk2 messenger bag for 12 years, and decided it was time to upgrade. I've got a lot of back problems, and was told the messenger style bag isn't helping. (The messenger bag is still going strong BTW, speaks volumes about the quality of Timbuk2!)
I travel, A LOT, and this bag really saves time and effort at the airport. I was a little weary that the TSA would let it through without me taking my computer out, but so far I've been through DCA, CLT, BWI, and SAV with no problems. I'm going through LAX tomorrow and expect the same.
The only thing that concerns me about this bag is where the straps are connected it looks like there is a lot of stress on the stitching. I'm confident Timbuk2 knows what they are doing, and I guess only time will tell. I'll update if I have any problems.
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I have always been a Timbuk2 customer and love their products very much. However, it's time to once again make all of the products in American only. Either make the products here in the US or drop the price. Quantity will not out-live quality.Want Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop TSA-Friendly Backpack Discount?
I have had several timbuk2 bags and this is my favorite. The TSA friendly compartment holds my laptop and this section also easily holds my iPad as well. There is a section for all my power cords, a smaller section for pens etc. And the kicker is there is a compartment for a small amount of clothing. I recently went on a two day business trip and was able to carry just this bag. And given all these compartments, this bag is quite small.I may never get another kind of bag again.
17.3-Inch Eco-Friendly Canvas Messenger Bag (Green)
I have a 16" widescreen laptop, and it's a perfect fit.
The handle is a little awkward if a laptop is not in the bag, but I intend to keep a laptop in it at most times, plus I don't usually use the handle, I use the shoulder strap. I do wish the shoulder straps had swivels attached to the ends. It seems like everytime I pick it up, I'm having to twist the strap around to make sure it's straight.
I also wish it had at least one small pocket on the outside of the pack..one that you could get to without undoing the two main clasps (for gum, pens, thumb drives, etc). It has a pocket on the back of the bag, but anything you put in that pocket is right between the laptop and the padding designed to protect the bottom of the laptop..I can't really think of anything I would put in that pocket aside from folders, papers or other soft flat items that wouldn't damage the laptop.
The pen holder is kind of strange. Look at the picture. The black patch between the two main clasps is the bottom of the pen holder, so your pens are visible outside the bag, even though you can't access them without opening the clasps. Not BAD exactly, just strange.
Overall, aside from the little issues mentioned above, I do like the bag. It does what it's supposed to, I like the way it looks.I really wanted to like this bag, but unfortunately I just can't live with it's many flaws. First, as mentioned by several other reviewers, the handle on the bag is not centered, causing the bag to hang at an unusual and uncomfortable angle when carrying it by the handle. I thought maybe the other reviewers didn't realize it's called a 'messenger' bag because it's supposed to be worn over the shoulder messenger style. What I didn't realize was that when a bag has a handle on it, sometimes you just use it because it's convenient. Like when I'm taking the bag off my shoulder to lay down, I use the handle. However, because the handle is offset, when I try to lay the bag down on it's back side, I have to swing the bag out and plop it down quickly or it tends to want to lay on it's front because of the angle it hangs at. This, by itself, is not completely unacceptable, but this coupled with the lack of padding on the back of the laptop compartment means my laptop is susceptible to damaged every time I set it down to remove the laptop.
This brings me to another major issue I have, which is that the laptop compartment is not padded on the back side. The front, sides, and bottom are padded, but the back is just a thin piece of canvas. There is a pouch for papers behind the laptop compartment, and there is a small padded area sewn onto the outside of the back of the bag, but there is no other back padding. This made the bag unusable for me. I bought a laptop bag to protect my laptop. The lack of padding on the back side of the laptop compartment was a deal-breaker the ONE thing a laptop bag should do best is protect the laptop, and this bag utterly fails at that.
Further, I also ignored the warning that the strap connector didn't swivel, which causes the strap connector to disconnect unexpectedly. I thought surely the people this happened to were just not very bright. Well, if that's true, then count me among the less intelligent because it happened to me too... almost immediately. I grabbed the bag out of my back seat on my way in to work one morning and the strap was tangled. In my efforts to untangle the strap the connector disengaged and the bag tumbled to the ground. Fortunately I 'caught' the laptop bag with my foot before it hit the pavement, which prevented any damage to my MacBook Pro. All I did was untwist the strap half a turn, and it fell to the ground. If you've ever used a messenger bag you know that a twisted strap is a very common occurrence with a reasonably designed bag, you just untwist it, but with this bag that action can destroy your laptop. That was the day I decided that I just couldn't live with such a poorly designed laptop bag and I ordered a new, hopefully better designed bag: Targus CityGear Miami Messenger Case for 17 Inch Notebooks TCG200 (Black with Grey).
I wanted to like the bag, and I wanted the other negative reviews to be rare anomalies. I'm sorry to say that they weren't and this is just a poorly designed bag which is not suitable for somebody who takes their laptop with them frequently. I can't recommend this bag for anybody... not if you value your laptop.
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The offset placement of the carrying handle helps to balance the bag IF you are also lugging a laptop. Without the laptop in its slot and a few heavy textbooks in their logical place carrying by the handle is quite awkward because the bag is very out-of-balance.Unfortunately use of the shoulder strap does not alleviate the pressing against your lower body.I am updating my review to report additional consequences of the offset handle. After 5 Months of use the bag is splitting, tearing at the stress point of the imbalance. This bag is misnamed. It is not a messenger bag it is a Laptop-only carrying bag.
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I purchased this to protect my laptop and carry around my books about a month ago. I must say, even with a 15.6" notebook, there is plenty of room for all my stuff. The only thing this bag is missing is a water bottle holder, I tend to just stick it in the middle inner pocket. I prefer the shoulder strap so I never use the handle on the back but the stitching seems adequate for most uses. Not Rowsdower adequate, but it would probably serve the purposes of Bob Johnson or Blast Hardcheese, whom I put my faith in. Remember, this is a notebook bag, so I try to not put anything too heavy or large in the bag. Bowling balls and/or cinder blocks probably wouldn't work. Yes the notebook carrying part is padded, but why take an unnecessary chance? It still fits my notebook/mouse/power adapter, paper notebook, various loose papers, ipod touch, and 2 of my college text books with ease (Think giant law tomes or organic chemistry, not... well I can't think of anything because all I have taken are law or science classes... nerd alert).The bag itself is nice quality. The canvas is not as yellow as it looks does in the picture and the spots for the velcro id holder above the black straps don't look as weird either. There are two strips of black padding on the back, towards the bottom, which actually makes a difference when I walk as the bag tends to stay against my legs more instead of bouncing around (well, stays as much as a messenger bag will). The underside of the canvas is a velour like quality; I find it ero... wait, wrong review. The underside is a fancy water resistant plastic. However, I probably would not take this out in heavy rain, unless fully loaded, as the sides where the shoulder strap clips on tend to stick out a little from under the flap. When fully loaded the sides don't flex out. I put a trashbag over it when it rains. When people ask me what I'm doing I act all offended and ask them why they don't like my bags and the cord I use in lieu of a belt.
There are a lot of pockets. On the outside there is a pocket which is against your body when you wear the shoulder strap, I tend to not use this. If anything, I would probably only put loose paper in there. The flap has a zippered mesh pocket on the underside, perfect for my power adapter and usb devices. A 7 pencil holder on the front, the black rectangle on the picture is a little slot to keep them in so you can actually bring writing devices which do not have clips. There's an open pocket on the right side about the width of an ipod touch and a little taller and deeper, I wish there was a similar pocket on the left side. A pocket the size of the black strap directly behind it (about 6" across guestimating) with a slight velcro enclosure. Another pocket the length of the bag with a slight velcro enclosure. Inside the bag are three pockets: a thin one good for one of those 5 subject notebooks plus a little extra, another pocket which can fit two large text books and a supplement, and the padded notebook section which rests against you. The notebook section has a velcro strap on the top which you can use to tighten the pocket if you don't use a 16" or 15.6" notebook. The pockets are all a good size, and I can bring pretty much anything I want and not have to dig through the bag to find it.
One of the reason I got this is because I'm decently tall (6'2") with pretty broad shoulders and a lot of other bags did not have the shoulder strap length or width (so it doesn't ride off me) I look for. I like the middle of the bag to rest against my hips... ladies? This has a very long shoulder strap which does the job nicely, with enough to room to spare for a much taller person; I only have the strap loosened slightly below half-way. I tried pretty much every bag at a couple of computer stores and this was the only one that felt right, like when you try on a pair of running shoes. The shoulder strap seems sturdy, however, make sure it is not twisted when you pick the bag up because the strap-clips will detach from the bag. This really isn't a problem with me because twisted shoulder straps really annoy me when I walk, but I lifted it up off the table one time and the shoulder straps just popped off (the bag stayed on the table so nothing was damaged). With the shoulder straps straight, I put a few heavy books in and swung the bag around violently for a while. It did not detact and seemed very solid, so I'm not really worried about a repeat.
Overall I like this bag, it doesn't really scream "COMPUTER BAG... STEAL ME" when I wear it around and lets all the cool kids know that "Yes... I have a bag. So you know... yeah." I would give this 5 out of 5 if it wasn't for the clip coming off that one time, and the sides sticking out slightly further than the flap when it isn't fully loaded.
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I purchased this in anticipation of a trip to DC. First, the offset handle is completely impractical. Two handles would be a perfect solution. Otherwise, it is completely imbalanced. It was a very frustrating experience at the airport and on the Metro. The plastic clip came undone once, causing the bag to hit the floor with my laptop inside. I am returning this and have purchased sometime that will hopefully work better at Office Depot.Manhattan Portage Large DJ Computer Bag
The design is simple; the laptop sleeve sits in the main pocket. There are two zipper pockets on the front, and that's it. The laptop sleeve is well-cushioned, and a velcro strap keeps my laptop from falling out when the bag is open. My laptop is only a 15", but I'm happy for the extra room the large size gives me. It holds a surprising amount of my junk, without being bulky or awkward.
I really have given this bag a beating. I've stuffed it to the limit and thrown it around plenty. Still, there are no frayed edges or loose threads. Everything is holding firm, and it's clear to me that I'll be using this bag for a long long time.

