2013-06-29T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Well-built multi-purpose backpack
I have had terrible luck with backpacks ripping at the seams for having sticky zippers. I also will not buy a backpack without waist and chest straps because having all the weight on my shoulders gives me a headache.
No such problems with this pack so far. The waist strap is narrow and mostly unpadded, but it takes enough weight off my shoulders. The chest strap is adjustable enough to fit a short female torso (I'm 5'5" that is mostly legs) and the height of the pack fits perfectly.
The zippers glide exceptionally smoothly. all the seams, including the top of the shoulder straps, seem solid.
All internal dividers are removable. I like that the padded camera compartment in the bottom can come out so I can quickly switch between taking my camera and packing workout clothes.
My 15.6" laptop is a little thicker than normal because it is a gaming laptop. The laptop slot barely accommodates it.
The bag does not have a lot of pockets. I have not found this to be a problem. My last backpack had many more external straps and pockets that always got hooked on things as I walked past. No problem here.
The exterior elastic pockets work great for snacks and water. The interior pockets in the top half have pens, a voice recorder, wallet, cell phone, and a few other odds and ends. I use steno notepads rather than full-size ones, so they fit perfectly with a paperback or two and my laptop charger in the top half.
I had not thought about it, but other reviews I have read pointed out that a camera bag that does not look like a camera bag is safer, too. It does indeed sound like a bad idea to advertise the fact that I'm carrying thousands of dollars of electronic equipment between my camera setup and my laptop.
NJSG
