As far as someone who owns computer backpacks I am definitely not average. Due to a combination of work and generous people who think a computer backpack would be the ideal gift for me, I have a LOT of them. But none of them cost well over a hundred bucks. Can this one be worth that much?
The first thing I want to say immediately is for the amount of gear this bag holds it is remarkably compact. Another way of putting it is that Thule are genuses at efficient design. I can safely say I am more pleased with the various pockets and places this bag has than any other I own.
This bag is totally "today" in that it has protected zones for not only a laptop but a tablet or BOTH, instantly making it my #1 choice for overnight trips or to be used in addition to other luggage for longer trips.
Two of the most impressive features are the hard-shell accessory pouch at the top, a great place to store those expensive sunglasses or other breakables, and the Shove It pocket, which is essentially a large open area between the front and the back of the bag where you can throw a newspaper, sandwich, sweater, ballcap, whatever for instant access. A word of caution though, anything thrown in there is subject to falling out ... the two side cinches only partially pull the pocket shut. I've never seen another bag with either of these two features.
The zippered clothing compartment is big enough for a change of clothes, some swim shorts and maybe another pair of shoes. Watch the video on this page, it does a great job of showing off all of these pockets.
The little pocket on the very bottom is also a nice touch for things like chargers for your laptop or cell phone.
Since I just got the bag I can't say how long it will last but the construction quality is undeniably first class. If I rank the bag on two things versatility and quality of construction that will answer my initial question if it's worth it. The answer is yes.
The final thing that is important to most of us is how does it look? Well, it won't win any awards for cutting edge styling, it is low-key and basic black but it's one of those items that it only takes one look at to think "classy".
If backpacks are part of your daily life style why go cheap? I could not be happier than with the Thule Crossover. Maybe I'll start giving my other backpacks away ;-)
I like the products that Thule makes. They're sturdy and of high quality, and that's why I was looking forward so much to getting this backpack, and I wasn't disappointed.
From the video I posted, you can see the storage space in the backpack.
There's plenty of padding to keep a laptop secure. It'll easily fit the 17" laptops and Macbooks. We put a 17" HP laptop which is thicker than a Macbook and it fit just fine.
The hardened storage compartment is great for sunglasses or ipods so they don't get scratched by all the other stuff you might have in the backpack. It also makes it easy to access your ipod, headphones, sunglasses, or whatever else you might put in there.
The only drawback is that the shoulder straps feel just a tight around the edges, almost like they're angled in. That could be just a matter of having the straps too tight, and I really only feel it when putting on the backpack.
Other than that, it's been our laptop case of choice when we're going out and about and need to take the laptop.
There's a space on the backpack where you could stuff a jacket in which comes in handy when travelling.
So all around, great backpack for taking care of important digital devices you want to take around.
Buy Thule Crossover 32L Backpack Now
This is the best backpack I have ever used in my entire life.
The first thing you'll notice is how durable the materials are. This bag is SOLID. The zippers and buckles are high quality. The straps and handles are rugged yet padded and very comfortable.
At first I thought this bag wasn't that big inside, because when all the pockets are empty, it actually compresses down into a fairly compact size. Then I realized how much capacity there is. And the compartments are so smartly designed! To give you an idea: Right now the back compartment has my iPad and 15-inch MacBook (which is sitting on a built-in cushioned bottom so that it doesn't hit the ground when I put the bag down), the middle compartment has clothing and a pair of sneakers, the outside zipper is holding my AC adapters and wires, the hard protective case on the outside top has my sunglasses and camera, and the external pocket in the middle of the bag is holding the newspaper. (And I'm not even using all the compartments; there is still room in the bottom compartment, and there are tons of zippered crevices on the insides to organize anything you've got.)
The sign of a really great product is when the designers put in features I didn't even realize I needed, UNTIL I used them. I am talking specifically about the "Shove-it Pocket." This is a pocket in the middle of the bag that doesn't have a zipper, and it is accessible from the top of the bag -you can quickly stuff things in there and pull them out quickly as needed. When I first saw this pocket I thought, "Um, this is kind of weird. I don't think I'm going to use this when I could put my stuff inside the backpack." Then I realized that the external pocket is perfect for putting in my newspaper. And my umbrella. And my water bottle. And my banana! It is expandable with adjusting straps, and everything stays put. It's a genius feature, and because it is instantly accessible, I find I use it the most out of all the compartments.
The only negative I could say about this bag is that it's kind of tall. But I'm 6'1" and it fits my frame perfectly and the height helps it hold so much!
In comparison to this Thule backpack, every other backpack I've used seems cheap and poorly thought out. This bag is comfortable, functional, durable, and brilliantly thought out. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.
Read Best Reviews of Thule Crossover 32L Backpack Here
From the reviews I read before I bought this bag I could not find anyone using it for a high-school book-bag. So I decided to write it from my own perspective.
For the abbreviated review, skip to the last paragraph, you might have to do some scrolling.
Let me start by saying that I love this bag, and if thats all you read of this review, you will not be disappointed by the bag. For those of you with concerns, I will try to adress them now. This bag is organized VERY well. The center pocket is EXTREMELY spacious, and can hold 6 textbooks all about 1.75in in thickness. If you carry more than that many books, just go buy a luggage cart. The laptop pocket holds any size laptop up to a 17in. But that dosent mean it wont cary a 13 or 11 in securely and safely. The tablet pocket will accomodate just about any 10 tablet including my galaxy tab 10.1. The added pockets at the top are great for carrying a mouse, cellphone charger or just cables. Dont expect to fit anything more than a magazine into this pocket though, as its very slim. the front pockets are great. Inside the front attached pocket thing there are three pockets, one zipper pocket, and two normal pockets of different sizes. The two pockets are perfectly sized for a scientific calculator (ti84 plus) and a sizable stack of notecards. The zipper pocket is well made and I use it for holding pens becuase i can trust the material they use. this pocket can also accomodate another larger item; like a pair of headphones or a kindle or a book.
Moving to the main pocket there is ample room inside as mentioned above and some pockets above that are very handy because they are so high up they dont interfere with the books.
The crushproof pocket has a feature that i dont think anyone else mentioned, it has the ability to be locked. The zipper will accomodate a standard travel lock. It is the only locking pocket on the bag as far as i know. That said, the zippers have holes in them big enough to possibly accomodate a standard padlock.
The bottom pocket is very flat, as you would expect. One reviewer wrote about uneven wear because the charger would cause a bump in the pocket. I dont have this fear because i have the extension on my mac charger, (it comes with one people, its in the box) so the pocket just sits flat.
The water bottle compartments are made of quite heavy material, unlike most other brands (come on northface). and they are easily large enough to accomodate a thermos.
The straps and back padding are very comfortable as i assume they are made from some high density foam or gell. Some reviews complained about the straps pinching their necks. I have not had this problem. Though you should really think about this bag if you have a small frame. IT is VERY large and may be too large for anyone under about 5' 6".
Another bonus about this bag is it excellent build quality. The strap adjustment loop things are made from solid aluminum and have a nice brushed finish. I dont expect them to scratch or break. The whole backpack is made with care and the zippers and straps, stitches and design show it. And Thule backs up their workmanship with a 25 year warranty.
You made it, or you just cheated, whatever, in summary:
If your a student and considering this bag I would say go get one, as long as you are big enough to carry it. It feels big, and rightfully so, at 32L its right at the top of the backpack range. Its excellent build quality and though in the designing process make this bag worth every penny of its pricey $129.99 price tag.
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Pros:
Quality is top notch.
Bag is extremely roomy. With the laptop area separated from the main storage compartment there is room for either your lunch, or if you're traveling a set of shoes and clothes.
Protective area for eye classes is a good idea.
chest strap secures bag so you can run through the airport or chase after a train.
Cons:
There is a large slot that you use to stow odd items like a newspaper, a jacket etc. Unfortunately this slot is not sealable with a zipper and so if you are walking in the rain and your umbrella does not extend far back enough, you will find water filling that slot with no place to go since there is no drainage hole on the bottom.
-I would have liked to see the side pouches zippered so I can use them to stick in an umbrella or spare change when I have to rush through airport security.
My 6 year old has been using this backpack for a couple of months and its holding up great, it didn't seem all that durable when it arrived but it's doing real good. The extra binders/folders are a terrific bonus, it's not that easy to find good quality angry bird merchandise or this price.
