Customer Reviews

SwissGear Computer Backpack (Dark Gray/Light Gray)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have just purchased this Swissgear SA9715 backpack (Black/gray and also available in several other color combinations, but with the same overall design at $34.95 shipped and now $69.95!) along with the SA9735 (Royal blue at $34.95 shipped and now $79.95!) and also the Swissgear Wenger Maxxum model (available in red, blue and gray {but not currently available} at $49.95 shipped and now $70.95 + ~$10 for shipping!). By far the Maxxum is the superior backpack of these three computer laptop/notebook bags for protection of your valuable laptop computer which is after all the primary purpose of these items, but each of the other two bags also have their advantages too.

SA9715 (fits MOST 15.4 inch laptops)- Good light and long bag (~3 lbs), with an ok carrying handle and with only limited storage in two large bins (one for the laptop with velcro seals which was not a lot of protection in my opinion- you would probably benefit from a neoprene computer sleeve for better overall protection). Carrying heavy loads was far better for me with this bag than with the SA9735 discussed below even without a chest or hip belt. It doesn't stand vertically very well for packing purposes however.

SA9735 (fits MOST 15.4 inch laptops)- A better bag (~4 lbs), with a good carrying handle and with only one additional large zippered storage area, but with a better plastic snap for improved securing of your laptop). Carrying a lot of weight was definitely an issue for me with this bag however even with its 22+ pockets, but no chest or hip belt- contrary to the picture for the Maxxum/Synergy/Pegasus style laptop put there incorrectly by a laptop purchaser on Amazon! It also has some difficulty standing vertically when packed.

Swissgear Wenger Maxxum (fits MOST 15.4 inch laptops)- The best of these three by far (4 lbs, 3 ounces), but heavier/heftier. but with a very strong reinforced carrying handle placed centrally at the top of the bag for balance (and a trolley handle too at the very back of the top of the bag to boot!) and a fine heavy plastic support for your laptop (and their Comp-U-Flex support system for keeping a laptop off the bottom of the bag when it is put down or even when carried) and better placement of the computer away from your back with better back support too for carrying very heavy loads. It is quite heavy to lift, but very light to carry in my opinion. It does come with a chest belt (but not with a hip belt however) that is not placed low enough on the carrying supports, but at least the tension imposed on your chest can be readily adjusted. It has a fine base stabilizing platform and easily stands to be packed too. It also has a very large central zipped pocket, an ipod/mp3/mp4/radio pouch (zippered) and an no-zipper Kangaroo pouch for rapid storage and removal of a camera, a jacket, etc. and almost anything else that you might want in a computer laptop backpack.

Someone however desperately needs to organize all of these Swissgear products by their SA number and not by their color because you simply can't rely on either the selling price or on the MSRP (price as suggested from the manufacturer) as an indicator for the best quality bags available and for what specific purpose they are needed (size of the laptop that will definitely fit in each bag, waterproof ability, durability, dimensions of the bag itself (L X W X H), belt supports, colors available, etc.). In addition, a number of customers have posted incorrect and multiple photos with these bags which makes it equally tough to make a good decision without reading a very large number of detailed reviews for the same bag, but available only in different colors and thus which are listed in multiple and quite separate reviews! Some of these listings do not always come up in Amazon's search engine each time either depending on their current availability (by color again!) from the manufacturer and their relative sales ranking which can change hourly!

For example by reading and comparing information on Amazon with the Wengerna website you will find that the only major difference of the Maxxum as compared to the Synergy backpack model is an extra volume of 18" by 1 " and of course slightly different pocket dimensions and overall shape designs. Someone (at Swissgear/Wenger?) definitely needs to rank all these Swissgear backpack models systematically with their properties and a correct photo so that the buying public can make more informed choices without having to buy 3 bags to find one that will do the job that you want done!

This backpack is well made and really comfortable. The shape of the handles sits really well on my shoulder blades not to mention there is plenty of room.

There are some CONS about this item. I ordered this item and its dark blue/grey. I posted pictures under "Share your own customer images". Its not a major issue for me, but for some who really wanted this color it could possibly be a dealbreaker.

Also, I have a 15.4" MacBook Pro and it fits well, but I just almost wish its a .5" taller. If you're not careful and you just open the bag, you could possibly scratch the corners of your MBP, though if you put it in a sleeve, it will fit in the bag, though a very tight fit. (See pic under "Share your own customer images")

i have a 15.4" HP pavilion laptop, the laptop wont fit entirely in the laptop housing
any thing less than 15" is good

This bag makes me want to throw my previous bag away. Perfect for my 13.3' Macbook. The color is not navy as shown in the picture but "dark gray/light gray" as said in the title, which is better for me because this color goes with everything!

The backpack I received was similar in structure to the one pictured, but NOT the same colors. It has a light, silvery gray instead of the darker gray and unattractive red/orange accent colors on the bottom and (where the light gray is pictured) and on the shoulder straps. If my wife doesn't like it, I'm planning on returning it. Buyer beware.

Great quality backpack, but I was expecting what was in the picture. Still a handsome dark grey / grey.

Very nice for school bag. Lot of pockets, protect the laptop well. The only thing I'm not that satisfy is lack of back support.

Great bag for mass transit commuters. Enough pockets inside the bag to hold any item. I like bags that aren't filled with pockets everywhere outside of the bag...if you're like that...pick up this bag.

My 14'' Thinkpad fits in like a glove. The bags feels sturdy and has sufficient space for holding the laptop and quiet a few books. The only annoying thing is that the front section is too silky and uncomfortable. Otherwise a great deal.

This is an excellent backpack. My laptop (13'' with an oversized battery) fits neatly in the pocket, with enough room still in the backpack for a notebook., though I would have preferred a little more space for books. The straps and padding are great; even when my bag is full, it doesn't feel heavy (and I have to walk pretty far on my campus). Recommended!