Customer Reviews

Kensington Contour Traveler Notebook Backpack with Lumbar Support K62432US

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I received this bag in late January, and have used it three times since then. Unfortunately, while I like the look and overall design of the bag, there is a substantial design defect with respect to the back straps. The lower anchor points for both straps have torn completely away. The straps are sewn into material that could never be expected to support the weight of a bag carrying any normal laptop, destroying the utility of what might have been a rather nice bag.

I want this to be a better bag, because I love the design. Its weight distribution is the most comfortable I've ever found. It holds my laptop and all my gear very conveniently, and it has a nice sleek uncluttered look that works well in the office.

HOWEVER. We've had two of this exact model, and both of them have failed catastrophically within 4-6 weeks. Why? Because the straps are attached to the bag using the same technique you'd use to sew shoulder straps into a lightweight summer dress: they pass through and are incorporated into the single unreinforced seam that runs around the edge of the back panel. After the seam is sewn, the ends of the straps are trimmed off flush with the seam allowance. That's all! That's their entire method of attachment. As a result, a few weeks of moderate use is enough to rip the straps straight out of the bag, in the process leaving a gap in the back-panel seam.

Someone blundered badly while manufacturing this model. Ripped-out straps are the single commonest reason bags have to be replaced, yet Kensington has attached theirs using a non-load-bearing method that's guaranteed to fail. It's a technological breakthrough -- the amazing self-destructing computer backpack!

I'm not happy. My first Kensington computer backpack was great. I used it for years. My second Kensington bag still had their basic good design, but its life was cut short because they'd cheaped out on the strap attachment clasps, and they both broke. The Contour is my third bag from them, and it's a major disappointment. I won't be buying another Kensington bag.

In a photograph, it looks simple; in person, this backpack covers all the bases and shows a certain understated ""classiness."

It has four compartments.
= The front zips down fully to give access to a range of possible items, like keys, flash drives...there's even room for a full-size portable headphone in the full pocket.
= The second compartment, just behind, zips open to a small but deep compartment for miscellaneous items that are somewhat flatter and with less width - good for emergency materials.
= The main section has plenty of room for a MacBook (secured by velcro and protected by a plush lining), with an even larger space in front. Just perfect for my needs.
= Finally, there's a wide section on the bottom for pens and other smaller items.

The material is thick and quite tough, but I was surprised how relatively light it was. Given the loads it carries, the lumbar support makes it easy on your back in transit. Since it's carrying some valuable gear, the design is simple and unobtrusive - you might not think there was so much expensive gear inside. I liked how it keeps bottle-holder out of sight in its own hideaway velcro slot. At $20-something, it's an exceptional value.

A caveat: If you wear your pack on one shoulder, as I do, you may find that the lower strap may tear away from the backpack. This has been noted repeatedly. I was able to remedy the problem by sewing monofilament to reinforce the strap. It's not pretty, but this fix extends the life of a pack you might otherwise have to trash. The stitching on the lower left corner is also given to tearing; a hooking needle is your only solution here,

This pack might have profited by being a bit smaller overall. If you're looking for an all-purpose pack, something like the Wenger Synergy might prove more fully versatile - at twice the price. This Kensington does the job with panache and restraint - a real winner (if you're willing to do the mod).

I see I am not the only one to notice that the straps are tearing off. This is a design flow and not a defect on the one that I bought. It did last me about 1 year, but if I were to chose again I would select something else (probably not Kensington).

I bought this because my previous one became tired looking. The design is no fancy and just plain but good for business use. Very solid build. I normally carry 14" laptop, AC, digital SLR camera, some gadgets and documents, it becomes pretty heavy but comfortable to ware probably due to back cushion design. I hoped a little more room in the main compartment but I'm OK. It is "Highly Recommended" notebook laptop for business use.

I've had trouble finding a comfortable backpack. The lumbar support here actually works and lightens the load on my shoulders. I also appreciate the convenience of the pockets for organizing my things. A very good backpack for train-type commuting.

I ordered this notebook backpack for my boss who was looking to replace the one he had. He is very pleased with this bag--exactly what he was looking for!

I like this bag a lot. This is actually my second one. I had one for my work laptop, and got another one for my personal laptop. It is comfortable, I can fit a lot of stuff into it, and it looks simple but good.

I had this for about two weeks now and so far I can say that I made a great purchase. Good and smart design. It gives a lot of space. It's durable and it has a lot of support for carrying laptops and books.

It's a great backpack, has many services, lumbar suport and great space.
I think is very heavy, if you sum the weight of your laptop and its accesories, I'm sure you can't carry this backpack for a long time in your back.