The Swiss Gear Urban Pack is a great addition to my mobile kit. This is the first backpack computer case I’ve had and it really does fit the needs of a mobile worker. This is a 5 compartment pack with additional expandable mesh pockets and multiple tie-down/anchor points for additional gear.
I happened to find mine at Target, though I can’t find it on the Wenger website at all. Since I picked it up in May and had been eyeing it up for a few months before that, I’m betting that the new line of packs is out in time for “back to school” season.
The pack has a great padded back with an airflow system that helps keep you cool, even when carrying a full load. The pack has room for all 15″ laptops, even the widescreen units (like mine), and is fully padded with a nylon & Velcro strap to secure the computer in place. there is a huge center section that has room for books, notepads, cables, and other hardware you might want to bring with. It also has a zippered compartment here that can keep cables or thin items separate from the main compartment.
In the center compartment there is also a separate padded holder to keep a CD or MP3 player protected and safe. Along with this feature, is an external port to allow your headphones to pass through, but keep rain and such out.
The front compartment has the requisite sections for pens, keys, laser pointers, small connectors, cables, pocket change, and more. Pretty much very flexible for anything you need at hand. Other things it has room for: paperback book, plane tickets, conference/press passes, other essentials that you need when running from place to place.
Each side features a deep but narrow pocket which I use for the power adapter and cord. Also, I put the AC/DC USB charging adapter in these pockets – very handy. The left-hand pocket even has a sleeve for a 2-cell AA flashlight (such as a MiniMAG) that works very well. Also on each side are adjustable straps for tying down any number of things. This could work in conjunction with the two expandable mesh pockets on each side. Just the right size for a water bottle, but could hold longer items as well – and use the straps to secure it along the side of the bag.
On the top-front of the bag is a solid patch of nylon where the logo is, and it also has adjustable straps that could secure more gear – like a rain poncho or such. Underneath that are several heavy nylon loops that you can also use to secure additional gear if need be.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with this bag and will be using it for some time. I can fit all my gear, including my DV camera import adapter, mic, and cables for doing video blogging work. Really cool.
Thanx Rick.
I got one as a gift & it came w/ super-minimal documentation.
I was searching for a manual online, discovered your blog, & pretty well had all my questions answered.
Succinctly, as well.
I appreciate it!