Customer Reviews

POTOMAC from SwissGear by Wenger Computer Double Gusset Rolling Case

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw the PATRIOT, POTOMAC's bigger version, at Staples the other day and fell in love with its sleek design and SwissGear standards. However, the Patriot is much too big for my purposes (laptop + paperwork transportion to/from office, business travels, etc)... so I tried to find another SwissGear bag of similar design and smaller proportions. I came upon Potomac on Amazon and wasn't too impressed with its design compared to Patriot. However, I read the reviews, took a chance, and ordered it.

It's fantastic! It looks better than it does in the photos. It's roomy (a tiny bit too big for me still but it's all good), sturdy, and handsome. I like to remove the laptop tote and use it for everyday purposes when I don't have to lug around paperwork from the office.

Very happy with the purchase.

This is a good looking, well made case. The price is great, $40 less than the same case at Staples. My two sons are so impressed they plan to buy the same case themselves.

Because I have a 15.6 widescreen ASUS laptop, I didn't think that I would be able to use the inner case like a sleeve because the right up said it was for a 15.2 or 15.4, but to my pleasant surprise, it just fits. This means it is possible to park the rolling case and carry the computer in the very attractive computer case to a meeting, etc. The case serves the purpose of a sleeve, but it looks like a pricey brief case. Also, if I should be on a regional flight that considers the case too large for their small overhead compartment, I will just remove the inner case and carry it on board and let them stow the case elsewhere.

Beach ships the case and I got it within a couple of days of when it was ordered. Very good shipping service, and shipping was free.

I highly recommend this case.

UPDATE: Carried this bag today on two of the regional planes used by United. Although I hadn't filled the bag to overflowing, I had no trouble getting it under the seat and into the overhead bin. Did find though that when putting it into the overhead bin I had to insert it with the top forward--not wheels first or sideways--because the bin sloped toward the back and wheels prevented it from sliding in all the way. But putting front in first, bag fit as the front of the bin has more space for the wheels. Under the seat, it didn't seem to make much difference. But if under the seat on these small planes, there isn't a lot of room for your feet.

Expect no difficulty whatsoever on the big jets.

Update 1 January 2012. I have made a number of flights on big jets and regional jets since writing the review and have never had a problem. I have also found that when checking bags to see which need to be put in the cargo compartment on a regional jet that they often say this case is ok to carry on-board. Regardless of the plane, however, it is necessary--as mentioned above-- to put the part with the handle in first since the back interior of the overhead is smaller than the front so the wheels would prevent you from pushing it in far enough to permit the stewardess to close the cover of overhead compartment. Put the handle in first and there is no problem.

The reasons I picked this case:
- I wanted to be able to carry my laptop and numerous accessories (including battery, mouse, power cord, ethernet cord, wireless remote presenter, etc.).
- I wanted to save my back and shoulders... i.e. I needed a rolling case.
- But I didn't want to be stuck with a rolling case at a conference, etc. when I am not the one presenting.

This case is great: it is sturdy, holds a lot of stuff and the smaller case inside is perfect because it holds those absolute necessities you always need while you can keep the bulkier items in the car or hotel room.

The case looks nice too and has been resistant to wear and tear.

This rolling case is very high quality. I used to buy a new rolling case every 3-6 months for $20-$40, because I tend to be pretty hard on them. As a graduate student, I use my bag daily for classes as well as taking it with me everywhere to study if I have a few free moments. I finally broke down and bought this one and I am so glad. It is large, has room for alot of books, etc. and it is now 3 months old and is still in perfect condition. I am sure that it will last me at least another year! Swiss army is the bomb!

I bought this because my brother wanted his Tumi back. He had the Tumi that looks similar to this one.

This one is better than his Tumi in several ways.
-1/4 the cost.
-Does not tip over ever. The Tumi would fall backwards (toward the handle) when I took out my laptop from the middle pocket.
-The pen holder is much more accessible. The Tumi wouldn't unzip far enough to get to everything.
-More pockets.

The bad:
There are 3 pockets that hold "pens." This is more than I need, so I tried keeping CDs and DVDs in them, but they are far too deep for anything that's not at least 8" long.

Neutral:
It is a little big for small planes, but I have been lucky enough to get it in every overhead bin I've tried so far. The smallest plane I have been on had 2 seats on each side of the aisle in coach.

I'd happily get the same bag again. I didn't want a Tumi because it screams, "hey everyone, I paid $400 for something you could get for $75."

The POTOMAC from SwissGear Double Gusset Rolling Case is exactly what I was looking for. The Executive Director of our agency asked me to purchase a rolling case she could take with her to conventions and workshops. One that she could put her laptop in, and several files, plus office supplies she might need. It had to be light enough for her to use (she is only 5' 1" tall), and the wheels had to roll smoothly for her to navigate turns, hallways, etc. I ordered this, and it was better than the description on amazon.com! It is very well made, sturdy, has plenty of compartments to store items, the laptop section is nicely padded, the wheels roll very smoothly, and the handle telescopes up and down with ease. The Executive Director loves it, and she might want me to order another one for her associate.

I'm very happy with my purchase. It's a long story. I originally saw this bag in a competitor's retail store, but the salesperson wouldn't show it to me because it was "expensive" (and on the top shelf). I was window shopping anyway because I had a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com. I didn't see this one originally on line, but when I tried to buy another one, I saw this one and recognized it as the one I wasn't shown. When I saw the presentation (5 pictures) I loved it and bought it instead. After it arrived, I loved it even more! It is absolutely huge! It has enough room for files or CD's or anything I want as well as my laptop. I could even use this as an overnight bag! I love the wheels! It's super for an old woman with arthritis, or anyone for that matter.

Got it for a birthday gift over a month ago to use for work instead of carrying my tools. Open it 3-4 times a day and the zipper is still good and it rolls great. It is a great value for the price.

I had been looking at the Wegner bags for some time before purchasing. I went with the Potomac because I am a frequent flyer and if needed to store under the seat, this was as large as you can push it.
The bag is very sturdy. A good strong handle for carrying and it glides smoothly when pulling on the wheels. There are plenty of places to store all my techie cables and accessories in addition to storing a change of clothes for an overnight stay.
If I had one complaint about this bag is the absence of hooks for a shoulder strap. Sometimes I find myself in a situation where I need to be pulling other bags and the lack of a strap makes it difficult.
I would highly suggest this bag for the on-the-go person or business traveler. You will be happy with it.

The bag is a great size and even came with an extra handle bag that I didnt expect. The handle is easy to use as well. Doesnt fall over when taking it over bumps either