SwissGear Maxxum Double Zipper Backpack With 16" Laptop Pocket, Black/Red

This purchase replaces a Swissgear Maxxum backpack I bought 4 years ago. It will be my 3rd one since 2011. It has seen hard, daily usage. If the average life span of the backpack is over 3 years of hard usage, I'd say it is adequately durable.As one reviewer noted, the design has had some minor changes over the years. The most important one has not changed.The best feature on this backpack is the "kangaroo pouch". In addition to the extra storage space, the straps supporting the pouch allow me to carry all kinds of other stuff like a roll of tape, OSHA lock/tag, work gloves, safety glasses case. You name it! With the pouch and associated straps, you can throw last-minute items in this bag and figure out how to arrange them later. I have yet to see the "kangaroo pouch" feature on any other computer backpack.One reviewer commented that the mesh on the side pockets are a bit tight for carrying a water bottle. I tend to concur with that observation. If you have a water bottle that has a biner-type clip, there are numerous ways to attach and secure it. You just need to be a little creative.I'm not certain what other people use their laptop backpacks for. For me, this particular model is extremely useful.

The fact that I can still find & buy a new version of this backpack - 15 years after it originally impressed me in 2006 is a testament to it's endurance. The Wenger SwissGear Maxxum 16" Laptop Backpack is a popular backpack, with literally hundreds of positive reviews here on Amazon alone - and you may find it under slightly different names. Back in 2006 - I was trying to find "The Perfect Backpack" for a lifestyle of traveling from hotel to hotel - with multiple laptops, 3 inch binders, travel speakers, and of course - clothing. This backpack came in a close 2nd Place. Now - 15 years later, I am considering replacing my faithful 1st Place Winner - and am again excited about owning this Black/Red backpack.However....Somethings have changed.....There are some velcro straps to close small interior pockets that are missing in this latest version. The top zippered "Convenience Pocket" or "Media Pocket" originally designed to hold a cassette or CD Walkman is now not as deep. The watertight port to run a pair of wired headphones into this pocket is also missing, as well as an interior velcro strap. Are people using wired headphones or CD Walkmans in 2021 ? Not so much ? Is this a deal breaker ? Probably not....Also - the smallest pocket on the front of the backpack - where you would expect to hold pens, pencils, and even the Swiss Army knife is missing some flaps, velcro and other things from older versionsThe WIDE Shock Absorbing Shoulder Straps are still here - but their thickness and padding is about half of earlier versions. I can't be 100% certain - but other fabric feels just a tiny bit thinner as well....Now - does all of this mean this is a "bad" backpack ? Not at all. The backpack is same size as the older versions, and has retained 90% of what has made this an enduring, popular classic. It is cut from the same pattern, and all the pockets are still here. The STRONG reinforced Carry Handle, the "Case Base" that flips down and stabilizes the bag when fully loaded, the centrally placed generous laptop pocket with latch closure, the Air-Flow Back Padding. This newer version is an evolution. And if I hadn't invested over a half hour comparing the differences between this new version, and an older version - I wouldn't have even noticed on a "surface" or "cosmetic" level. I would have been very happy with what I pulled it out of the packaging and taken it to the airport - and you may be too. It may even last as long as the earlier version of itself.However....You can still find the older version - that does have all the features I outlined above - through other retailers, some of whom are even here on Amazon. If the 9 or so "evolutions" or differences that I found will make a difference in your decision, enjoyment or use of this backpack, then seek out the older version and "happy hunting!" If they will not, then pull the trigger NOW - as a newly Informed Consumer - and enjoy the latest version of the ICONIC Wenger SwissGear Maxxum 16" Laptop Black/Red backpack

First: This seems very well made!...but, it was not clear from the picture or description, but the design is very weird. Usable, but a lot of valuable space is lost for my application.The front zippered pouch is sewn solid across the bottom, but it hangs at the top from two adjustable straps. This forms an open topped bag type arrangement, that stuff falls out of. Furthermore, if there is any weight in the front zippered pouch, the two straps supporting it pull on the top of the backpack, making it very difficult to operate that zipper.If I had know it had this type deigned, I would not have purchased it, but it arrived at the last minute when leaving for a trip and I had to use it.

Bought this to replace a similar Swissgear backpack that lasted 5+ years. This one was coming apart after 6 months. Burst seams, broken zippers. Wish I could re-order the one that lasted 5 years. I will probably avoind this brand for next purchase.

Really nice. I bought a Swiss Army sack about 17 years ago and I still use it. It's made out of really good material. This one's material feels much flimsier but still better than others I've found. Over all it's decent but I wouldn't pay this price again for this kind of material. The price is this one is higher than the last one so it seemed that it would be comparable to the last one but not so much. Still 4*.

This was a replacement bag. Thought it would match my previous edition identically. There were some minor differences. Good quality. Lots of pockets. Very happy and met my needs. Like the back supports. Makes it comfortable. The open pocket can be partially closed through the snaps.

This is a great backpack. It's well made.. lots of pockets and places for things. It holds the larger 17" computers. What I was not anticipating was it's depth front to back. It's very large. I took measurements of my old pack and went by that when I ordered. However the stiff flat bottom that keeps the backpack upright when on the floor (which was a draw for me in the beginning) became a problem. The bottom adds depth to the pack when it's on your back which is less attractive to me since I use the pack for carrying my computer to and from work. I made a mistake buying this one for my needs. It's a great pack, don't get me wrong and my husband now uses it for an overnight bag when traveling for a few days. Just be aware of the extra depth.

Purchased this one to replace the same model backpack I purchased new in 2006, and used heavily since 2006. I am hoping this new model is as tough as the original. Will update. Gave 5 stars based on my opinion of the one I finally had to replace, due to a broken zipper tooth. The rest of the bag was in excellent shape!

Muy cómoda para llevar mi equipo de trabajo e incluso para libros. La recomiendo