Clava Leather Urban Survival Backpack
DAKINE Quest Pack
During travels I carried:
15.6" laptop + charger (a large brick)
Canon 5D Mark II
5 lenses (35mm (mounted), 70-200mm, 50mm, 15mm, 16-35mm
Kindle
Tons of accessories (lens hoods, extra HDD, extra batteries, cables, international power plug adapters, magazines, etc.
Full-size tripod
Water bottle
Rain coat
Pack weighed 26 lbs (12 kg) total (without water). Once I got to my destinations, I obviously only explored with camera gear and left other stuff at the hotels.
Pros:
Fits a ton of gear -many smaller pockets to securely store money, passports, boarding passes, etc.
Quite comfortable to carry so much gear for long periods of time. I walked around 10 hours a day on average everyday with almost no discomfort or pain.
Side-access to camera compartment means I can swing it around to change lenses when I'm out shooting -this was critical for me.
Pack stands up straight when left on the floor (unlike my Lowerpro Vertex pack which tends to topple over).
Was rainproof enough for light drizzle without the rain cover.
Cons:
The stiff padded part of the waist strap curves OUT for some reason. So instead of curving around the waist, it sticks out on either side (and because it's stiff, cannot reshape it). This is quite a hassle when walking in narrow areas, e.g. airplane aisles, crowded subways, and really any place with a lot of people, because the sides keep getting caught. Towards the end of the trip I ended up taking the waist strap section off completely.
The camera compartment is a bit tight. So getting lenses in and out can be a struggle at times (especially towards the bottom of the pack).
The shoulder straps only adjust from the bottom -so it's hard to get the pack to stay snug against the shoulder. Wish the straps adjusted at the shoulder/neck, so I could cinch it up top and not have the pack sag. Using the chest strap helps alleviate this problem somewhat.
The waist straps are really long and there are no loops to "store" them -so they just dangle and flap around a l-o-n-g way.
The included rain cover takes up the space intended for a water bottle -so when using water bottle, I had to find another place for the cover (essentially wasting one storage area). A Lowepro-like solution would have been better, where the rain cover is attached to the pack and folds away underneath the pack.
The rain cover was loose when the pack wasn't bulging full and fell off a few times. Ended up not using it for light rain (but pack did fine).
Tripod is carried on the side, making the pack a bit lopsided. Carrying on the back would have been better for weight distribution.
A few more loops overall (to attach carabiners and carry other stuff) would have been nice.
I know the cons looks like a lot, but they're mostly nits/hassles, no major functional problems. Love the pack in general. Does exactly what I needed it to do. I'd tried the Tamrac Evolution 9 before, but it was very uncomfortable to wear for even 30 minutes (the straps are horrible), so I returned it (even though the camera compartment was roomier). This Dakine pack is going to serve me quite well for a long time.Ordered this backpack to travel with my 15" MBP and camera equipment. Great bag that has padded compartments that are customize-able. Was able to fit my Canon Mark III, 70-200mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses with room to spare. NIce to have a separate compartment for personal items. Laptop compartment has a lined sleeve to protect the laptop but with a 15" MBP, a part of it sticks out past the sleeve, leaving it exposed. Wished it would cover the whole laptop. Waist strap helps distribute weight but the bag fully loaded is quite heavy for me. Still really like the bag and would recommend it.
OGIO Lucas Bag
Pros: real light weight but built strong like an OGIO. Laptop is well protected.
Cons: like the other OGIO i had before, this one does not have the laptop compartment that opens from the side. I loved the convenience of taking my laptop in/out without having to deal with the rest of the stuff in the backpack.
14 inch Bubble Emotions Notebook Laptop Sleeve Bag Carrying Case for most of MacBook, Acer, ASUS, D
My case came smelling like chemicals and discolored.
The good:
fits and protects my laptop
It is light.
Came quicklyI liked that the two zippers go down the side far enough that you can zip the laptop up while its charging without a problem. It's also well made.
The only issue is that it is not as snug around the laptop as I would like. It says its for a 14" laptop, but it seems like it would better fit a 15"
Overall, I'm happy with my purchase.
Samsonite® - 15.6" Aramon Laptop Sleeve, Neoprene, 15-3/4 x 1 x 10-1/2, Black - Sold As 1 Each - C
One note though, it does smell like the material it's made out of. Although, I'm sure the smell will die down soon. It's not a bad smell.
SwissGear TSA Backpack for 17-Inch Laptop with Accessory Pockets (SA1753)
Buy SwissGear TSA Backpack for 17-Inch Laptop with Accessory Pockets (SA1753) Now
I was lucky enough to get this when it was 70% off but I would buy it again even if it wasn't. Very sturdy, well made backpack. Bought it for work so I can carry my laptop to and from work and as well as on the airplane.Read Best Reviews of SwissGear TSA Backpack for 17-Inch Laptop with Accessory Pockets (SA1753) Here
Feels nice and solid, I regularly carry two laptops with chargers and associated cables and a binder or two. Distributes weight well across shoulders and looks great. Nice variety of storage compartments and I believe a 5 year warranty.Want SwissGear TSA Backpack for 17-Inch Laptop with Accessory Pockets (SA1753) Discount?
Great deal! Love this backpack. It holds my computer securely and allows for easy access going through security. I like the extra compartments also.LEGO Ninjago Lightning Classic Backpack (Blue)
Buy LEGO Ninjago Lightning Classic Backpack (Blue) Now
This was a present for my grandson who had been looking all over for this backpack. He was so thrilled when he received it. He is now the only one in his class that has it. My daughterin-law said it was great looking.Read Best Reviews of LEGO Ninjago Lightning Classic Backpack (Blue) Here
Love it. It took a while to get here but ii was worth the wait.Seems very sturdy and easy to clean.Want LEGO Ninjago Lightning Classic Backpack (Blue) Discount?
Nike Nike Team Training Max Air Medium Duffel
Buy Nike Nike Team Training Max Air Medium Duffel Now
I bought this for my teenage grandson who plays basketball. It is big enough to carry everything he needs for tournaments. He likes it!Read Best Reviews of Nike Nike Team Training Max Air Medium Duffel Here
J.I.P. Cat Backpack, Black
Manhattan Portage J Bag
While I complain about this bag, I still like it. It is definitely durable. We sometimes take it hiking with bottles of water and other snacks. I have been carrying it for a year now and haven't moved to replace it until recently when I needed to start carrying a laptop to and from work. Basically, if you need a lot of pockets and organization, you won't like this bag. But, you may like it based on the fact that it is lightweight, comfortable, well made and durable. It still looks the same as when I bought it a year ago, no tears or scuffs.This was purchased as a gift for a family member who travels over seas frequently. High quality, good size. Very useful product.
Buy Manhattan Portage J Bag Now
This was my second J Bag (I loved the first one so much I wore it out!). I originally bought it as an alternative to the traditional 2-shoulder backpack, which was aggravating a back injury I had. It definitely helped relieve the upper back/shoulder pain I was experiencing with a traditional backpack, and is designed so that I can wear it on either shoulder, or switch shoulders with a simple snap. Very comfortable to wear for a long day of urban hiking, folds up nicely if it needs to fit under your seat, hangs off the back of restaurant chairs easily, and is machine washable! Best bag I've ever had!Read Best Reviews of Manhattan Portage J Bag Here
I ordered this pack to take the pressure off an injured right shoulder, which it did nicely (as opposed to my "regular" pack which pulls on the shoulders and neck). While this is a great idea and makes carrying loads quite easy, there are issues:Not enough compartments! The tiny front pocket barely holds keys or a mobile device needs to be bigger, or come with a key chain clip. Additionally, the main interior is just that one big pouch. With that, everything gets jumbled up at the bottom not good! As a busy person, I love pockets and organization.
A very odd fit for women. While the straps hold the bag in place, they cut across a woman's chest area rather uncomfortably I really think this was built with men in mind!
All in all, I would say that this is an interesting and smart concept, but you would be better off looking elsewhere for an ergonomically correct or comfortable sling bag. Not one of my all-time favorite purchases, although I do use it daily.The unique way this bag straps to the body can be nice but generally speaking it's somewhat awkward to wear and looks strange strapped across my upper body. There are only two compartments -a very tiny one on the front of the bag and the main compartment. The main compartment isn't square which can sometimes cause issues for me when packing it. I would probably choose a more traditional style if I had it to do over again despite thinking I'd really like this unique bag.
Sprayground Game Over Deluxe Mens Backpack - Multi
Buy Sprayground Game Over Deluxe Mens Backpack - Multi Now
My son love games and this covers them all. It is durable and has extra pockets inside. Good capacity and the GAME OVER logo has multiple meanings. Gaming over, time to get serious at school? Game Over, at school, less fun? (luckily that's not the case as far as I can tell) This is the first non Ben 10 backpack he has had for school.Read Best Reviews of Sprayground Game Over Deluxe Mens Backpack - Multi Here
MyGift® 17 inch Black Flowers Floral Print Laptop Computer Messenger Shoulder Bag
Buy MyGift® 17 inch Black Flowers Floral Print Laptop Computer Messenger Shoulder Bag Now
Bag worked great for my wife's 17.3" HP.Fast shipping, got here before Christmas even!!!
I would recommend this bag to anyone with a 17.3" laptop.I bought this bag for my 17" laptop and I have to say that I love it! I can fit the laptop, a folder, notebook and a few textbooks in there too! Very impressed with it and it's cute too!
Want MyGift® 17 inch Black Flowers Floral Print Laptop Computer Messenger Shoulder Bag Discount?
I totally loved the bag. I shopped around for a couple weeks before I bought it, It came in 17in' and it's totally hard to find a cute bag in that size. I got the bag in a couple days and I've used it ever since. I'm glad I didn't listen to the bad reviews !!!! I would recommend anyone to buy it, its a great find for the money !!!!TARGE P1X 17" Laptop Backpack (Black) Fits up to 17 inch Laptops
The pocket system is great, as well: distributed among the main compartments of the backpack, there are picture-labeled pockets for specific electronic items. It was too good to be true, I thought, since I have been disappointed by so many backpacks in the past--but nothing of mine has ever fallen out of the pockets in 3 years and the pockets still look new. There is a pocket for your laptop, for your mouse, iPod, laptop cable, etc. It still has the ordinary pockets you find in most backpacks like, pencil and pen holders, and a few zippers for small items like a USB port or loose change.
I have never had a problem with the zippers or any aspect of this backpack, even when I nearly overstuffed it, which is often, considering my full class schedule, and I often carry multiple textbooks in addition to my 15" laptop, a sub, protein bars, and a change of clothes for the gym.
I think this company has thought of everything. The backpack is very comfortable to wear--easy on the back and shoulders. It has an umbrella holder. It has another thing as brilliant as the picture-labeled-pocket holders-if you are worried about the rain, which can happen on campus quite often, your laptop and books will always be safe, since it has a built in raincoat hidden in a zipper on the bottom of the backpack. You pull it out and just put it over the entire backpack. I use it whenever it rains and have never seen any trace of water seep through onto my possessions.
This product gets an A+++ from me. Couldn't be happier. I would never buy another brand again. I am now a faithful Targe customer, and I wholeheartedly recommend any product of theirs. This backpack deserves my MA as much as I do!I was impressed with the prompt delivery of my Targe bag. I LOVE my bag; it is exactly what I was looking for. Quality, comfort, and the ability to organize my laptop, IPad, power chords, and needed files. My Targe also has enough pocket space where I am able to carry needed items and retrieve them quickly. I now find myself letting people try on the bag and look through it. I travel frequently, both through airports and hotels, and this bag allows you to retrieve your computer/IPad and keep your other items protected. This is THE bag!
Buy TARGE P1X 17" Laptop Backpack (Black) Fits up to 17 inch Laptops Now
I've had several laptop back packs through the years and none of them is anywhere near as good as this one. The padding and protection of the equipment is superb. There are lots of compartments for keeping various accessories organized securely. To top it all off, the backpack is very styleish and visually appealing. You definitely cannot go wrong with this backpack.Read Best Reviews of TARGE P1X 17" Laptop Backpack (Black) Fits up to 17 inch Laptops Here
Eagle Creek Travel Gear Susie Travel Clutch
Buy Eagle Creek Travel Gear Susie Travel Clutch Now
Many compartments that hold a lot but closes flat. Inside design is beautiful. Adjustable strap comes in very handy when one wants clutch close to their bodyRead Best Reviews of Eagle Creek Travel Gear Susie Travel Clutch Here
Bags for LessTM Two-tone Paint Splatter Drawstring Bag, Red
Slappa SL-BP-201 Velocity SPYDER Backpack/Laptop Bag (Black/Gray)
Very frustrated that I spent 100 dollars on a supposedly high quality backpack. Very inconvenient
Buy Slappa SL-BP-201 Velocity SPYDER Backpack/Laptop Bag (Black/Gray) Now
15 Inch Classic Green Peacock DOUBLE Sided Print Design Dual Compartment Laptop Carrying Case Noteb
Transport Jeep Two Tone Flap Messenger Diaper Bag in Black / Grey
Buy Transport Jeep Two Tone Flap Messenger Diaper Bag in Black / Grey Now
I bought this backpack at Walmart and loved having my hands free to chase my twins! It's fairly nice for an inexpensive bag. 1 insulated pocket on the side, 1 non-insulated pocket on the other. The main compartment is quite deep and holds everything I need, including 2 changes of clothes, 2 cloth diapers, and a Potette Plus potty seat. Sadly, the top and front pockets are a bit hard to get into when the main compartment is full. It was an ok bag for the price until the bag ripped at the top near the grab handle (which is a handy feature by the way). I'm shopping for a new bag now.Read Best Reviews of Transport Jeep Two Tone Flap Messenger Diaper Bag in Black / Grey Here
SugarBooger Kiddie Play Back Pack
The large velco flap is easy for him to open and close. It's lightly padded all around, which I'm sure allows for more comfort, so he's not feeling every toy or book poking through. The carry handle on top is helpful when he's carrying it from here to there to stuff things inside. He immediately filled the bag with Wheat Thins, which I immediately dumped out and had to clean the bag. He then filled it with a random assortment of toys. He just wants to fill it up and wear it!
I got it as a toy more than anything, and for him to take a few things with him and spare pants/undies when we go out, so I don't have to carry his stuff. It's not a school bag, however, so don't be bummed if you can't fit a folder and books in it.
UPDATE: My son loves his backpack so much he often sleeps with it. One night he wet the bed and got a LOT on the back pack. I ran it through the washer on cold in the "hand wash" setting and hung it up to dry. It came out in very good shape, though looking a little worn. The edges of the flap crunched up a tiny bit. I think it looks great considering it went through the wash, and is actually a bit softer now. I'm happy to know I can wash it and it's ok!
UPDATE 12/28/11 Just bought another one for my second son. The robot style, since he loves "bo-bots." Can't wait to give it to him for his second birthday! I will be back for a third when my daughter turns two in 16 months. They better still be available!
UPDATE 4/17/13: Just bought a third for my daughter! I love these, and the kids do too! The original, now 2 1/2 years old, is doing very well. And the only thing that really pooped it out was a couple of runs in the washing machine. I have been able to avoid having to wash the robot one and it's still nearly like new! We will be giving our daughter her's on her 2nd birthday in two days and she's going to be so excited to be just like her brothers!
My only complaint would be the limited girl styles. I mean, there are a lot, but they are all just so...well, girly!! I really wanted the Dia de los Muertos backpack, but my husband said that was me trying too hard (still, I like it!) We settled for one with owls and hearts and not too much pink. Still cute, but they need tomboy options. :)I bought this for my 2 1/2 year old daughter, despite an earlier review about the straps being too wide. This is true, the straps are too wide and fall off my daughter's shoulders if it is not positioned exactly right. But I have rectified the issue by using a mitten clip (it's a mini suspender) to pull the straps together across her front. The sizing is wonderful, the pattern is cute, and it's not advertising for anyone (Disney etc.). I am very pleased with it, and would give it a 5 star if the straps were a little closer together, or if it came with a clip that you could just put across their chest to fix it. Mitten clips are easy to find and very inexpensive (a couple of $$). If you're thinking about buying it, I'd go for it. It's well worth it.
UPDATE (July 2011): My daughter is now 3yr3mo and the straps fit fine. They are too big on my 2 yr old so will use the mitten clips until the straps don't fall off her shoulders.
Buy SugarBooger Kiddie Play Back Pack Now
I purchased this a year ago for my 2.5 year old daughter, and we all love it. It's easy for her to open/close and just the right size to hold her coloring books/toys. We use this primarily as a "busy bag" when we go to restaurants, church, etc., but I plan to use it for preschool as well; it's big enough to hold what she needs, but not too big for her to carry -just right for little bodies! It's held up perfectly for over a year of weekly use. I'd definitely recommend it; it's wonderful quality for the price!Read Best Reviews of SugarBooger Kiddie Play Back Pack Here
I did a LOT of research before deciding on this particular backpack for my son. We've been using it for almost a year now and have absolutely loved it. We also have a Sugarbooger lunch bag to match and a splat mat in another Sugarbooger pattern (Outerspace) and love them both as well. The backpack is just the right size for taking to mother's day out and short nursery stays, or on trips in the car. We pretty much take it everywhere with us; for the amount we've used it already, the price was extremely reasonable. I fit several diapers (sz 5), a travel package of wipes, an insulated sippy cup, a package of diaper disposal bags, at least one toy, some crayons, and usually a fruit pouch and/or fruit snacks in it at one time, so it's pretty roomy. The nice thing is that the flap with the velcro is the only fastener so you don't have to worry about overstuffing it and breaking a zipper or anything. There is a zipper pocket inside, but I've never actually used it. My son is almost two and still a bit young to carry it on his back, but the top handle makes it just as easy for me to carry around. I love that the style, size and pattern are such that my son will probably be carrying this around until he goes to kindergarten and maybe even longer. Just a note: I had this monogrammed with his name pretty large on the flap in brown and it looks adorable. There was an ID sleeve on the inside of the pouch that the monogrammer removed in order to monogram it, but that was no big deal and didn't cost extra. I've also washed this in my washing machine and just hung it up to dry and it faired just fine. The inside can be easily wiped out, but the outside is a durable fabric (almost like a canvas) that isn't as easily wiped down, but came out of the washer perfectly clean. I get lots of compliments on my Sugarbooger products because they're so cute and unique!Want SugarBooger Kiddie Play Back Pack Discount?
I waffled a bit over buying this backpack, having read about the issue of size from other reviewers, and having measured it out on paper beforehand and realizing that it is, in fact, exactly the size of a piece of notebook paper and thus, would likely not be able to hold an actual notebook-sized object.The deciding factor was the pattern. Skip Hop's Owl Pack is adorable -and a little larger -but my little girl only likes owls, while she LOVES monsters. And no doubt, this monster pattern is absolutely adorable. My daughter lit up when the package arrived today, and promptly put her backpack on. She is three and the pack looks so sweet and perfect on her. Even sweeter was the fact that she wore the pack ALL DAY long, while playing in the sandbox, filled with her Playmobil dinos for a trip to the grocery store where she insisted on walking and showing off the whole time (which ellicited many an admiring stare from onlookers, much to her pleasure). So, all in all, I've no doubt this will be a well-loved, well-used little item.
But we had another motive. We were hoping this would be a pack that she could wear to 3K next year, in spite of the size. And I'm not sure it's ideal for that. It *will* actually hold a notebook of standard size or a full-size coloring book, a few of them actually, but they don't go in easily enough for my daughter to pack them up herself I don't believe, and the flap is somewhat resistant to velcroing closed when this sort of large object is placed inside. I can't help but wonder why the dimensions couldn't have been ever-so-slightly larger, or even if this pack were offered in a closer-to-standard backpack size for older kids? It's darn-near impossible to find a backpack that doesn't have PVC or some other nasty material, and that has kid-appeal too. I love the thick, cotton canvas of this. It's absolutely ideal -and I think it'll survive washing too, though I may do it on delicate out of an abundance of caution. We'll soon find out as it does have a slightly chemical odor inside, perhaps from the finishing process, and I will probably wash it in the next few days.
Overall, I'm pretty pleased with this little pack, and even if it doesn't pan out as a 3K backpack, I think it will see plenty of use as a convenient tote for toys, small books, and art supplies for outings. Or just, apparently, as a fun accessory to wear around everywhere.

