Swiss Gear SA1923 Black TSA Friendly ScanSmart Laptop Backpack - Fits Most 15 Inch Laptops and Tablets

I was skeptical about this purchase with the myriad of complaints about quality in the reviews. So far this pack has held up well to both urban and camping usage. I can carry a decent amount of weight in it without strain. I loaded 35 pounds in it and took it on a 4 mile hike with my dog - no sweat! It has LOTS of compartments that are well designed for all the various electronics used today and various items I like to carry The straps are comfortable and easy to adjust. The handle is sturdy. And so far, every bit of it has held up to some abuse. My only complaint is the zipper design. They are all curved in a way that is pleasing to the eye and helpful in how much you can open each compartment. BUT because of the curves, its been impossible for me to close any of the zippers with one hand. I get annoyed when I reach for something and then want to close it back up and have to set things down so I can use both hands.

Been very happy with this bag. its a good size for a laptop computer, and has a nice padded compartment against your back for carrying the computer. I find the side-opening zipper of the computer compartment convenient and easy for slipping my iBook in and out. There is enough space in the other compartments to store cord/charger, thumb drives, and assorted things like pens and notebook. I especially like the sturdy top handle for carrying the bag in hand, rather than on my back. The one complaint I have about carrying it this way, however, is the length of the straps. The adjustment straps for the shoulders are long enough that when I carry the bag using the handle, they drag on the ground. There is no place to secure them other than maybe knotting them around each other. But in that case, you cant really fling the bag over the shoulder. The bag is a little bit on the heavy side - but this is a byproduct of the sturdy build. The zippers have functioned well, and overall, the bag is comfortable on the back, or in hand. I feel that the computer is protected and secure. And it doesnt really look like anything other than a knapsack, so presumably, not a target for would-be thieves. Like the size. Big enough to carry the stuff I carry when carrying my laptop, and has enough space to bring along other necessities when traveling on a plane as a small carry-on. But not so big that it becomes cumbersome.

I have been using this backpack for about an year now and personally, its an amazing backpack for me. I was in school when I bought this and now I am working, so it has seen all kinds loads from just a tablet in it to a overload of camping items. The bag kind of has only one useful big area to keep your books and stuff. The laptop zip can fit a 15.6 inch laptop (Mine is a 15.6 Lenovo Ideapad). But anything bigger than that will not fit. It has a very convenient welcrove supported holder for the laptop. I have used this bag to overload it with items while I was relocating, so having a smartscan zip was very convenient in the airport. Whatever is grey in front, glows in the dark, so it works as a reflector if you use a bike to commute. Overall, I am very happy with the bag and the load it can take.

I have only been using this backpack for a few months but already I can tell it is the best backpack I have owned. Cavernous on the inside. Fits my work laptop Dell M4800 (a large laptop for a 15) with plenty of extra room. Not too bulky. Comfortable to carry even with heavy laptop and charger. Lots of thoughtful gizmos like sunglasses holder, adjustable bottle pockets, carabiner hook for keys etc. Looking forward to many years of service. I noticed that lots of people commented on the ScanSmart feature. Its my experience that the TSA agents are not familiar with or dont care about the rule that you can fold your bag open and put the computer through the scanner. I have tried this with a TSA-friendly briefcase and been told Nope. many times until I gave up. So my $.02 is dont worry about the ScanSmart feature but do get this backpack for its capacity, comfort, creature features, and build quality.

I bought this backpack in the hopes that it would be able to protect my macbook air and keep my college supplies (notebooks, pens/pencils, chargers, calculator....etc) and food containers safe. In terms of space, I would say that it is more than sufficient for that purpose. However, this is actually what I didnt like. I know that the backpack is meant for 15.6 and higher, but that really wasnt the biggest issue at hand. The main issue was that I noticed there wasnt enough padding for the laptop and the space was too big to properly house the computer. What I mean is that the laptop was noticeably shifting from left to right inside the backpack while I would walk because the Velcro strap was too wide to keep the laptop from shifting. Another thing I noticed is that the netting that allows for an easier scan in airport compromises the safety of the laptop if you were to put anything else beside it in the adjacent space. I also noticed that the zippers felt slightly flimsy for a SwissGear backpack. I also had a 32oz Thermos container on one side and on the other side I had a 25oz Camelbak Chute on the other so I could gauge the backpacks capacity. It was able to hold everything I threw at it, but it felt like I was running the risk of damaging my items in the long run. So, I opted to try out the SwissGear SHERPA Backpack. I was not dissatisfied in the least. The straps were more cushioned, the laptop padding was amazing, the space was for supplies was more than adequate, and the zippers even felt more durable than the scansmart. Overall, if you are a college student that needs something to hold two ~32oz containers, a laptop, kindle/tablet, supplies and some food. I would highly recommend getting the SwissGear The SHERPA Laptop Notebook Computer Backpack - Red/Black. You can get one from amazon, but if you want a better deal I would check Macmall because they are selling it for *25$ at the time of this review. * You must have 35$ worth of items to be eligible for free shipping.

Im on my second of these backpacks, the first lasted 3 years before a zipper started to give out - see my only gripe below. The biggest attraction of these backpacks is the Scansmart feature. This allows you to leave your laptop in the dedicated compartment during TSA screening. The whole bag clam-shells open so that the laptop portion is by itself with the top portion being a see through mesh. There are plenty of compartments in this bag - plenty of room for just about anything you might need as carryon. I typically travel with a laptop and a netbook (the netbook has to come out, unfortunately), both power supplies (the laptop one is *huge*) a special control surface, cables, mice and all the typical kipple of a business traveler. It typically runs 30-35 pounds loaded, which is the main source of my single complaint. My laptop is 17.3 desktop replacement type and it barely fits. This ends up with a stress point on the zipper in the upper corner, which is only made worse by the excess weight. The zipper teeth finally developed a problem with letting loose in that area, so I replaced the bag. If you dont push the limits like this, this bag should last you indefinitely. Even if you do, its still a good choice - it took 3 solid years of abuse before it started to fail. I cant decide whether to order my next bag now and mothball it, or hope they come out with a slightly larger one in the next 3 years.

Im writing this review from the airport now having just gone through security. First off, the bag is solid. Feels it, looks it and should hold up no problem to my travels. Lots of pockets for storage and organizing. Fit my dress shoes, three shirts and some other assorted clothing items as well as my usual travel electronics and accessories. The reason I bought it, though, was for my laptop on business trips. I asked the TSA agent monitoring our line if the bag folding flat was acceptable. He said yes so long as nothing obscures the laptop. The way this bag is constructed has the laptop in a pocket closest to your back and when opened flat, the only thing on that side of the bag. Theres even a little mesh window for security to see through. All your other stuff is separate. Got to the x ray machine and unzipped the bag, no agent gave it a second glance. Went through the scanner and grabbed the bag and my shoes then I was on my way. Its a simple thing, removing your laptop, but this actually made things faster and easier because there was no need to fight off people around me as everything I had was already contained. I could snag everything and get out of the way. Very happy.

I purchased this backpack for travel. After coming back from five weeks overseas, I really put the backpack through its paces. I used it for packing through the airport, to-and-fro the office, as well as a few side hikes without electronics. So far, no signs of stress on the seams or other stitched parts. First, the SmartScan feature is amazing. This is definitely a time saver in the security line where a few extra seconds can alleviate some serious headache in the masses. Even through international security lines, no one ever said anything and the pack went straight through the scanner. The side-load of the laptop is definitely something I am not used to or have seen before, but it actually worked great. This is one of those dont knock it til you try it type things. The backpack has plenty of storage and organization, overall. The mesh pocket inside is great for passports/documents and the mp3 player pocket is great for packing along an external hard drive. The lower front pocket has plenty of space for pens, documents, phone(s), business cards, and includes a nifty keychain that you can snap your keys to. The tall, zippered side pockets are perfect for a glasses case or something like that. I also slipped my mouse in there too. Heres the problem - the mesh pockets are fairly tight and not prone to stretching as far as other SwissGear packs of the past. So, if you load up the zippered pocket, you may not have room for a water bottle; maybe some gum or throat lozenges. If that zippered pocket is empty, dont even consider a Nalgene. You can hold a 20oz water/coke bottle at best. Lastly, on the storage parts, the main compartment is very well thought out. There are some complaints about how access is a little tight, but I had no issues. The good part about this is that the sides of that main compartment create a good shroud around everything you have in there. Heres that bad news - two parts. If you have read other reviews about padding on the bottom and the zippers, those are totally accurate. SwissGear could have added something ever-so-slightly to pad the bottom of the laptop better. There is plenty of room in there to add that in, even with a 17 laptop I had stowed. Then there are the zippers - ooooh the zippers! This design is clearly a product of the economic downturn design budget there at the head office! They look somewhat rugged. The zipper tags feel rugged. However, the zippers are prone to skipping teeth and you have to be somewhat gentle with them. Basically, you have to watch it when zipping to make sure its okay. You cannot just zip it quick and run out the door. What is needed are some of those trusty YKK zippers we all love. Dont get me wrong, though. Once they are sealed, youre good to go. All that being said, I would definitely purchase this again. Overall, it worked perfect for what I needed and everything has held up well. Dont go for the $80 price this bag has sometimes. Add it to your Amazon Wish List and wait for a price drop in the $50-$60 range. An easy 4 Stars (5 if they fix the zippers).

I cant tell you how excited I am this bag is in the Gold Box on Amazon! Totally getting a new one despite trepidation to retire the old one... I travel a lot and have had a bag nearly identical to this model 1923 for a while. Its been all over the USA and throughout the World with me. It is not only incredibly durable but has easy to reach pockets for everything. The ScanSmart is great for airports who allow it. The trim is reflective which am pretty sure saved my butt when I was walking through a back alley in France last month... blasted scooters. This bag has stories, many stories. Its the most interesting bag in the world and has been the best backpack Ive ever owned. After years of severe abuse; here are my notes on this bag: Note: I give this 5 stars on account of the fact that its outlasted any other bag Ive owned: Pros: Durability: Seriously, over 150k miles Ive traveled with this bag... Its still intact. And I didnt buy it, I found it on the side of a rubbish bin full of junk from China. So yeah, dont judge me for dumpster diving when I saw something I knew would be awesome, despite its likely use in an Asian drug deal or hostage exchange! It gained a new life as my travel companion. The Small top/outer pocket: This little bugger will hold 82 Euro in change with room for train tickets and is still so easy to get to you can grab a Euro on the fly without removing the pack and the zipper prevents loss of contents. (Actual reach ability will vary on your flexibility and length of arms) Airflow: It didnt make my back all sweaty carrying it all day on a hot late spring afternoon wandering the streets in Amsterdam. Its also very comfortable to wear and didnt give me trouble despite many long walks and hikes including a 35 km jaunt around Paris holding 2 days worth of clothes, trinkets, laptop and a large camera. Pockets galore: The little pocket inside, labeled as an MP3 pocket is a flap pocket that very nicely holds anything you want to get at easily... such as headphones like I use it for. Especially useful when in tight spaces like a tiny plane seat where disturbing the large smelly man asleep next to you on an Inter-European commuter flight could result in disastrous consequences. Yet another time this bag likely saved my life. Rugged handle: The Handle at the top is not only useful for lifting the bag and easily retrieving it from overhead bins, It will save your life by providing something for someone to grab onto when you slip on a gangplank exiting a channel ferry in Belgium and prevent you from entering cold icy waters of the Rhine in mid winter. Cons: Zippers: While the actual pulls are metal and will last a million years the tracks are plastic, very durable but after an encounter with a rogue hatch on a train in Germany, the zipper on one of the pockets would stick on the track. This was abuse, not manufacturing defect. Any other bag would have be unusable at that point, I just stopped opening the pocket all the way until it finally came undone in LA leaving only one of the two pulls on the track. (Looking forward to the new one to use that pocket again!) Inside Liner: After its encounter with a garbage bin which brought this pack to me, I had to wash it. The inside lining of the bag came apart. Maybe a toss through the industrial dryer on high wasnt a good idea despite the germ/smell killing benefits. If you get dumpster residue on yours; it will take a wash, just hang it up to dry as I did on subsequent washes. (Its endured at least 3 washing machine visits since Ive had it) Bottle Pockets: The mesh pockets on the side are great but the elastic will fail eventually and cause you to lose your water bottle somewhere in Paris and leave you parched after that amazing ham and cheese street-crepe, curse you worn out elastic. The above mentioned dryer encounter likely didnt help the elasticity. Summary: Buy this bag! It will save your life several times and endure some of the most harsh beatings you could ever imagine while containing all of your vital travel items and mementos on the way and at the same time protecting your laptop. I hope the new one will accumulate as many stories and adventures as the old one has.

I purchased this bag once I started traveling for work. I have a HP ZBook - Bang & Olufsen computer (massive piece of equipment) and it fits snug. Ive used it for carrying files to and from our different locations in the US and it has several compartments that are accessible and convenient to have. Ive even used this for personal travels and was impressed by the durability, comfortability and capacity. Ive used it daily for over a year and I see no signs of wear. The zippers are all in the same condition as when I bought it. Its swiss-made! I would recommend this over other back packs. Note: Ive never actually tried to use the TSA friendly ScanSmart feature I always just take it out and put it into a separate bin but I might try it next time if I have some time!