almost too much space

By BHmtndog Ranked #287 - Laptop Packs and Bags November 18, 2009

I'm having to carry more than just my laptop and accessories around lately, so I thought I'd try using a laptop backpack. The pack seems well built and sturdy. Plenty of organizing pockets and slots. I'm an organization freak, and there's no way I could have used all of them. There is adequate padding and suspension for a 15.4" laptop, except there is no padding for the top. A strap holds the 'puter in place. Unlike some others I tried I didn't feel it against my back.
Even with a heavy load, the bag fit nicely against my back (I'm 5'11"). The waist strap for being as narrow as it does a pretty good job transferring some of the load. Fully loaded the pack carries the weight well. The one problem is if I pack a battery adapter, noise-cancelling headset case, external hard drive, small ditty bag, several small electronics, and a paperback in the front pockets this stuff crowds into the main compartment. That in turn makes accessing the bottom of bag a two-handed operation: one hand to push the dividing panel out of the way and the other to dig. The capacity is there, but it takes some effort to use and access it. This was a deal-breaker. Well, not entirely: I realized I'm more of messenger bag type for commuting and business travel. Just my preference, and it is not reflected in my rating. So except for having to dig in the main compartment when there's a lot gear in the front pockets, this is a capacious, high-quality laptop pack.

View Details: Mountain Hardwear Enterprise Backpack - 1850cu in

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