SwissGearCivic Pro Laptop Backpack, Black, 18”x13.25”x7”

I traveled for many years with a SwissGear Wenger Ibex backpack that originally had been my husband’s. It wore like steel and held a ton. But after our last international trip, I realized some things about it were frustrating me and thus began my quest for a replacement. Ask anyone who knows me well and they’ll tell you I analyze things to the nth degree before I make a decision. So yes, it was a quest. The bottom line: After much research among many brands, I narrowed it down to four backpacks that, from their online descriptions, might fit my criteria. They were SwissGear models 5698, 2789, Shield, and Civic Pro. After comparing all four at home including test packing, the Civic Pro was my clear winner.My criteria: 1) Just two main compartments (including one for laptop and files) plus front access storage, without a lot of small pockets and zipped areas. This was really important because it had dawned on me that I spent a lot of time getting frustrated as I unzipped the Wenger Ibex’s many compartments and pockets, trying to find something I was looking for. As much as I told myself while packing to pay attention to where I put things, during travel that always went out the window. There were just too many compartments and zipped pockets to keep track of. I realized I’d do much better with big, uncluttered compartments that I could fill as desired with good use of packing cubes, ziplock bags, and other containers of my choice to keep stuff organized. 2) Fit airline rules for an under-seat personal item. The Wenger Ibex didn’t always do that, especially when packed full. 3) Two bottle pockets, one for my hot beverage and one for my water bottle. 4) A durable bottom to hold up to concrete sidewalks and airport floors. 5) Desired but not dealbreakers: Key fob, well-padded straps, trolley sleeve.The Civic Pro fits all those criteria and more. The front buckle straps are an unexpected bonus, great for carrying my travel blanket, pillow, and/or my jacket, instead of having to stuff them in an internal compartment or hang them from a carabiner. I also like being able store my pens, paper clips, mini stapler, scissors, and tape all together in one laminated, zipped pocket instead of dealing with the individual open pockets that many backpacks have for desk accessories.Excellent job, SwissGear!

Very solid build quality as always with Swiss products.

It looks really beautiful, and you can tell it's build to last, the materials and the zippers are great.

The media could not be loaded. I use this as a personal item on airline and while it goes over by an inch or two, I had no problems and was able to fit my large laptop in it.

So I got this bag to replace a High Sierra backpack quickly because it was time to replace it. I saw this, looked like a lower end Swiss bag. A little skeptical at first because Swiss bags are upwards of 70-80 dollars. This was on sale for 55.The organizer pockets could have been more adequate, for pockets , and coin spaces, pencil slots etc. Instead it has 2 zippered mesh pockets in the largest compartment, and 3 in the last pocket. This could have ben solved by making the last pocket a bit shallower, or putting a shadow one.This bag is deep. It can hold a 1.5L water bottle comfortably and have about 4 inches left on top.The laptop pocket is padded on both sides which you don't see often in bags, so that's a plus. The side mesh pockets are too shadow IMO for such a large bag to inwont be using them for bottles. Overall it is as pictured.The bag straps are disappointing though, they are too close together, and they are placed at a point that will cause them to rip from the body in time. Unlike high Sierra, the straps are not curved or placed in a way that it will not hurt your shoulders.The last photo shows a comparison in strap design between HighSierra loop backpack and this Swiss gear.I will give an update once I actually start using it on a daily. The back is padded so that is a plus, there seems to be some padding on the bottom too, near the laptop pocket.The bag feels nice too, looks well constructed and no loose threads. Overall I'm satisfied. A swill bag for about $55 dollars is a great deal.A gentle reminder to everyone DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR BACKPACK. It's not a hiking bag, be kind to it.

I researched for a while and was still worried that the reviews weren’t 5/5, but I give it a 5/5 personally. It has a place for my laptop that is good quality along with a very good amount of pockets. I would buy this bag again. Definitely. If I ever needed to. I like putting my sweatshirt on the back of the backpack on the outside using the straps. It’s professional, good for the plane (which I have brought it on and also have put it on my suitcase handle when pulling that), and I have brought it to the gym. It’s stylish. I love the shape and the black metal logo. I just freaking love it.

Very good. Product is lightweight and holds what I need on the go.Wish the main compartment was lastly larger and front pocket slightly smaller. But that's my own needs.

I'm getting ready to do an epic trip to Mexico traveling throughout the Yucatan peninsula on the Tren Maya! We will be visiting beautiful interior cities, rain forests, ruins, and the beach. This pack appears to be well made, I like all the different compartments to keep clothes and snacks, and tech separate. I will let you know how it goes,