I orignally got this pack before heading off to college because I needed one that could hold a 17 inch laptop and plenty of books, and it serves that job perfectly. There's plenty of pockets to organize your stuff, and just enough padding to make sure nothing gets broken (but let's not test it). The seperate laptop sleeve is perfect for safely transporting your computer while still having easy access. Also, its comfortable enough that I've even used it for a short day hike and it was more than up to the job.

This bag is excellent. I was really thorough in researching laptop backpacks currently on the market, both online and in local stores. (I'm in Arkansas, so we have quite a few camping gear retailers.)

This bag stood out as having the most padding, the best system of organization (for me at least -- I like the space broken up into pockets and different large compartments) and frankly, it looks really cool!

However, its appearance isn't why I chose to buy this one. It was the laptop padding. This bag has the most amount of padding for the computer compartment out of any North Face or other brand of bag I looked at in person. Trust me -- I dug through a bunch of them.

This bag is pretty large, but not too large for me to feel comfortable carrying. I'm 5'3 and female. I do have a long torso, so I like how the waist band hits me at the hips rather than at my natural waist. I did try this bag on in a store before ordering from this website it in the color I wanted (not available in the stores I visited).

I was in need of a new backpack after finally wearing out my 10 year old TNF Recon. I just got a new 14" laptop so safely carrying that was a priority. I also wanted pockets and places for carrying other assorted things like pens, portable hard drives, ipod, etc. The Surge has it all. Aside from the padded laptop slot, which fits snugly against your back, the Surge has three compartments. The main compartment is perfect for books, clothes, and any other larger items. The middle compartment has a lot of smaller pockets for organizing medium sized items and for things you need quick access to. The front pocket has even more zippered compartments and a nice padded pocket for your mp3 player. The bottom of the Surge has a small zippered pocket for carrying your laptop's power cable. The outside has two water bottle pockets and compression straps. On top of all of this, it is completely waterproof. I ride a Genuine Scooter's Stella, so this thing is subjected to ALL the elements. I ride all year round and the Surge has protected my stuff from thunder storms and even sleet.

This is the ultimate urban backpack for those needing laptop storage (up to 17") plus plenty of space for books and other electronics. I hope this pack lasts me another 10 years.

got this pack last christmas, love it. Use it everyday for transpo of my laptop, straps are comfy and the bag holds a ton. I even used it this summer on day hikes in the Andes Mountains. All around perfect pack.

Finally, an outdoor backpack that can hold my laptop... and not just hold but protect. this bag has more protection than any other pack i've ever had for a laptop. there is more than enough room for anything you want to do, i was nervous to buy it but because i thought it would be to small but it's massive, yet sits wonderfully on my back (i'm only 5"8')

if your nervous don't be, it's the best pack you could buy to take you laptop ANYWHERE rugged, did i mention there are close to a bazillion pockets in this thing. (that may or may not be an improper estimate, i haven't counted yet!)

I don't know what this last dude is talking about, this is a GREAT back for school, especially if you're looking for a laptop bag! (why else would you think the main compartment is splint into a laptop sleeve and additional LARGE compartment?!) If you don't want a split compartment, don't buy a LAPTOP backpack (go for the big shot or something totally different). I love that the laptop compartment (the perfect size for my 15" macbook pro) is separate from my heavy books and very well padded. I agonized over what bag to buy for grad school (compared osprey resource series and mountain hardwear daypacks) and this pack is definitely one of the best I've seen. It has more pockets than I know what to do with, plenty of room for a couple of text books and binder in the main compartment, a nice little pocket towards the bottom front of the pack perfectly sized for my powercord, and even room for nalgenes (altho snug fit) in the side pockets.
If you're looking for a school/ work bag that'll hold your laptop, class stuff, and pretty much anything else, get this bag. (there are also some other great colors out there...I got the zinc grey which I totally love!)

Very durable. Well made. Great stitching, zippers reinforced. Great padding for laptop. Comfortable backpack to wear. Great extra pockets. Front section expands a lot to fit excess gear/paperwork/books/clothes. Great for college, work, travel. Love North Face products! Color is excellent too. Bright blue with black accents.

Good pack. Plenty of room for my laptop in the nicely padded pouch and also plenty of room for books in the main compartment. Comfortable shoulder straps even when carrying lots of weight. I recommend this pack.

I have the previous generation (which looks a little different but is essentially the same pack) and it has worked great. I use it for college, and it holds a lot of stuff well. Laptop pocket is well padded, holds two Nalgenes. Also works well for day-hiking and travel and the outside is water-resistant. It's a keeper.

I love this backpack for school. The nicest part about tbis backpack is its excellent design, there is a purse in the front designed perfect for women to hold all of their things. There are two large compartments for textbooks and binders. I can hold two three inch text books and two binders at once in this pack. Some other night things is the rape whistle, comfort arm straps, also the two large water holders on the side, great for long days at school. Overall this is the best backpack I have ever owned, buy one if your a science person who has to carry a lot of books.

I'm 63 years old and travel a lot on business. I had 3 back operations so have been using a roller bag, problem is that you have to carry and lift it a lot. Used a cheap little back pack I got at a meeting and liked it so started looking. Tried several and the Surge was the best. Just got back from a business trip to Portugal and it met all my needs. Very good alternative to a roller briefcase.

I've put twice the weight into this backpack as I was lugging around in my briefcase, but it feels much lighter. There are so many compartments I have a hard time remembering where I put stuff. I'd like fewer, larger compartments, but this is a well-designed pack overall.

Its main compartment is split up between a Laptop sleeve and a small main compartment1 I couldn't even fit a 1/2 inch binder in it! It's better for anything but school!

Well designed. Keeps snug against your back, lots of pockets and padding, durable

excellent bag

It is a big backpack. Lots of compartments for accessories and to carry your everyday things. The laptop compartment is quite big. A lot of adjustments can be done to make it fit and not look so bulky.