SwissGear 5698 Laptop Backpack, Black, 17-Inch

After going through 8-10 backpacks over the last few years, I finally found the one for me! It took some trial and error to get there, but you won't have to, if you like my reasons why.1. No "TSA open-flat fold down". No airport security likes that garbage these days; most just want you to pull it out and put in the bin. This is just a waste of space and compromise of design for no good reason.2. No USB / power pack. Another waste of space. Tech changes too much to be locked in to this ancient design. For gosh sakes, get a magsafe power pack that just attaches to your phone. No need for lame cables any more.3. No loud logos and branding. This backpack is single color, understated elegance. You are free to add your own bling to your taste. I added a patch to the back side, myself, as well as a luggage tag.4. Simple, functional exterior pockets. Small pocket at front top for easy access to small items, like chapstick, boarding pass, ear phones, glasses. Also a very sleek hidden pocket in front for cash and documents.5. Roller bag strap. Easy travel with a roller bag carry-on and this backpack as your personal bag.6. Excellent price performance. I had cheaper bags, but quality and features were lacking. I also had high-end bags, but I don't want to carry a "rob me" sign on my back anymore.7. Smart-casual design, perfect for travel. Not a wild kids back-to-school bag. Not a stuffy business briefcase with straps. Not a parachute sack for conquering mountain trails. Just a great, well-designed travel backpack.That said, there are small improvements.1. for the hidden front pocket, I trimmed off the loop from the zipper pull. No need for such a behemoth that somewhat defeats the purpose. I left the other loops on because I might use them in the future to lock the zippers.2. odd sewn-in label tags for the inner pockets: laptop, adapters, ... Why? Maybe just print a diagram on card with your suggested pocket uses. I just cut them off.At the end of the day, this is the most practical no-nonsense travel backpack I've come across yet. Highly recommended!

I received this backpack at the beginning of April so I have only had a little more than a month of use but I have found that it is a great everyday backpack. I bring it with me to work and I have used it for a 3 week long trip to Europe. It has enough room to pack a lunch, hold my sony xm4s/case, my water bottle, all the chargers and cables I need as well as my laptop.Pros-Holds a 32oz hydroflask in the pocket-Pockets for a tablet AND a laptop-Durable material-Not awkwardly large-Great deal for a Swissgear brand backpack because the newer models listed on their site are probably the same quality but you can get this one for cheaper and it’s just as good.Cons-There is nothing that I dislike about this backpack so far!

I’ve bought multiple backpacks, but this has been the best one so far. It has a lot of storage, great quality, and looks nice for the price.

I love this backpack!! It is roomy, whether you are hiking, flying, or going back to school.Pros:- Many pockets and zippers- Laptop and tablet compartments- Water bottle holder (not mesh!)- Padded airflow technology- Very Deep- Padded HandleCons:- Water bottle holder can only fit a smaller bottle- Only 1 color (black)

Replaced a larger swissgear bag with this one. I don't miss the larger one, I'm much happier with these water bottle pockets, if I could change anything:zipper pulls would be good ole metal pulls, not this oversized stringy thing.plastic bottom so it stood up better.

I spent the better half of a week looking at backpacks because I HATE wasting my money. Ended up running out of time researching and ordered this because it was on sale. Let me say, this is the nicest, most comfortable backpack I have ever owned. Everything is high quality. I think people who give this a bad rating load it up with lots of weight and stress the seams in which case it’s their fault for ordering the wrong bag. I wish I had another one!

I have taken several international trips with this bag, and it has functioned flawlessly. Furthermore, there is plenty of room inside for books, papers, a large laptop, a camera, water bottles, food, and other stuff. After 2 years of use (I originally purchased this in the summer of 2022), I am happy to report that it has held up without an issue. The only part of the bag that broke was a zipper handle that I attached a zip tie to. That functions just fine, and did not justify me buying a whole new bag. Other than that, it has done the job well.

Continue to love Swiss Gear. Great bags.