SwissGearunisex-adult Swissgear Civic Pro Laptop Backpack Laptop Backpack

I traveled for many years with a SwissGear Wenger Ibex backpack that originally had been my husband’s. It wore like steel and held a ton. But after our last international trip, I realized some things about it were frustrating me and thus began my quest for a replacement. Ask anyone who knows me well and they’ll tell you I analyze things to the nth degree before I make a decision. So yes, it was a quest. The bottom line: After much research among many brands, I narrowed it down to four backpacks that, from their online descriptions, might fit my criteria. They were SwissGear models 5698, 2789, Shield, and Civic Pro. After comparing all four at home including test packing, the Civic Pro was my clear winner.My criteria: 1) Just two main compartments (including one for laptop and files) plus front access storage, without a lot of small pockets and zipped areas. This was really important because it had dawned on me that I spent a lot of time getting frustrated as I unzipped the Wenger Ibex’s many compartments and pockets, trying to find something I was looking for. As much as I told myself while packing to pay attention to where I put things, during travel that always went out the window. There were just too many compartments and zipped pockets to keep track of. I realized I’d do much better with big, uncluttered compartments that I could fill as desired with good use of packing cubes, ziplock bags, and other containers of my choice to keep stuff organized. 2) Fit airline rules for an under-seat personal item. The Wenger Ibex didn’t always do that, especially when packed full. 3) Two bottle pockets, one for my hot beverage and one for my water bottle. 4) A durable bottom to hold up to concrete sidewalks and airport floors. 5) Desired but not dealbreakers: Key fob, well-padded straps, trolley sleeve.The Civic Pro fits all those criteria and more. The front buckle straps are an unexpected bonus, great for carrying my travel blanket, pillow, and/or my jacket, instead of having to stuff them in an internal compartment or hang them from a carabiner. I also like being able store my pens, paper clips, mini stapler, scissors, and tape all together in one laminated, zipped pocket instead of dealing with the individual open pockets that many backpacks have for desk accessories.Excellent job, SwissGear!

Love the bag, it was spot on for everything (laptop, ipad, books, headset and more). My only problem was with the starps that are getting narrow through the end and make it super uncomfortable what this bag is loaded. Unfortunately it was super uncomfortable that I had to return it. If they had made this bag with the straps the same all the way to support the weight of the bag, I would have buy it no question

This is a legit backpack—the quality feels like it’s going to last me for a long time.It’s spacious, has multiple compartments, and has a modern look to it with the “smooth” matte finish. Everything feels well-done and the straps are padded or comfortable.I will note: this feels “thinner” than I might expect for a rugged, heavy-duty backpack. I don’t have reason to believe that it is any less durable (again—it FEELS durable) but it does seem to be the trend across all bags to make them look less bulky. So, while the straps are comfortable and padded, they aren’t “thick” straps—and I might be in the minority here because I’ve always had these very thick strapped backpacks!Nonetheless, it’s a really nice backpack that almost anyone would be happy with so it’s easy to recommend it. Hope this helps!