8.4.2011

This so far has been the best backpack I have ever purchased. And this particular brand of backpack has a small following at my local college.My friend had purchased the "pegasus" version of this backpack, which is intended for 17" laptops and is almost identical to this one.I really liked the design styles on the backpack. I appreciate when something I use every day is built with quality because the last thing I need is for it to break down. I like that the handle on the top of the bag is actually a steel cable that is bolted to the material of the bag. It's covered in a plastic sleeve and a padded handle so that it's also comfortable to lift the bag from that durable handle.That has to be the most durable handle I've ever seen. A steel cable is overkill, but I like overkill.There are pockets out the wazoo on this thing and I'm not sure if that's a bonus to you, but it's a bonus to me. Lets see if I can recount all the pockets.There's the back-most pocket which is intended for storing the laptop. There is a padded sleeve inside the backpack to which you slide your laptop into, you can then strap the laptop more securely into the sleeve using an elastic Velcro strap. This brings me to my first and only gripe about the backpack. An acquaintance of mine has an older model of this backpack and the strap for securing the laptop in the sleeve actually has a very durable plastic clip. This model uses Velcro instead of a clip. Personally I would prefer the clip since Velcro only has a limited lifetime and also likes to cling to dust and other debris, and that bothers me. Even still, I could care less. If the Velcro strap becomes a problem I'll just cut it off and do without. There is an additional mesh pocket in the rear-most laptop pocket which is seems like it's intended for pencils or something but I use it to store my full-size desktop mouse as well as a USB flash drive for use with my laptop. There is a small amount of extra room in that pocket which can be utilized for a small - medium folder or perhaps 1 large textbook or two small textbooks. It's really up to you. I use it to hold a single small textbook which I actually keep inside of a bubble-wrap envelope to protect the edges.The next pocket as you move forward is a very small ( yet cozy ) pocket. The fabric inside that pocket is a red color and it also appears padded. This pocket is intended for an mp3 player but since it's about 7 inches deep you could even put a small cdplayer in there with extra cd's. I mainly use this pocket to hold my business cards, I put them inside the small sleeve intended for the mp3 player. I also store various drugs in there for easy access (OTC). P.S. this pocket is usually very skinny when your backpack is filled to capacity since there's no room for it to expand.The next pocket as you move forward to the front of the bag is the main pocket. This pocket is massive and this is pretty much the only pocket you have for storing your school supplies other than that rearmost laptop pocket. There's a small padded flap in there that you can either put up ( to make the bag appear slimmer ) or put it down ( to widen the pocket and provide a more stable base to keep it from toppling over ) I personally cram my backpack to capacity so this flap is always down. I keep 4 1" folders in there and 3 small manilla envelops filled with paperwork. Those three together come to about 1/2 inch. And I still have room for a large textbook. If I were to put in a large textbook,( for example a biology textbook ) I would expect that this pocket would no longer be able to fit any more stuff. However inside this pocket there is a rather large mesh pocket. I have no idea what you're supposed to store in it. I leave it empty, and if your backpack was stuffed to capacity it probably wouldn't be of much use. But if your a slim backpack type student I'm sure you can make use of it for something. There is also a sleeve in the back of the main pocket which I use to hold my three manilla envelopes separate from the rest of the cavity.Moving forward from the main pocket there is a smaller sized ( cozy pocket ) I say it's cozy since I love sliding my hand into it and filling the smooth cold fabric which is thick so it appears padded. I'm not sure what you could store in this pocket. Some spare papers or another manilla envelope type object. It's a very thin pocket. More like a sleeve with a zipper top. I use this pocket to store additional drugs (OTC).Moving forward from that there's the "main utility/pencil/calculator" pouch. I'm not sure what to call it but that's where I keep my pencils erasers and whiteout. Inside of that pouch theres a zippered sleeve in which I keep my spare erasers, three-hole-punch-paper-reinforcing-stickers, and also all the warranty cards for the backpack. I use the mesh sleeve to hold my pencils and pens. (Note: there are no pencil sleeves. You know, the kind that hold like a single pencil or pen. Personally I'm kind of happy about that since I usually carry like 5 pens and two pencils.) The mesh sleeve is ideal for it since it provides room for about a dozen pen/pencils and they can all clip onto it and stay put very well. There's a clip in there you can use to store your keys, so they don't stab your leg through your inferior pocket. There's a couple of knife-holder pockets in here as well. One of them I use to store a utility-knife/needle-nose-plier. Another I use to store 4 of the fate dry-erase markers. Most the other tiny sleeves in there I leave empty since they seem to be meant for business/credit cards/ids and I don't need those since I have a wallet. P.S. this is a padded pocket as well.Moving forward one last time there's another smaller pocket which is also padded which I don't use for anything.Now on each side right and left there are two sleeve pockets. 1 zippered sleeve pocket and then over that one there's a mesh sleeve. I don't use the mesh sleeves for anything except sometimes those travel-size kleenix pouches. The zippered sleeve on the right I use to store my laptops charging cable. And the zippered sleeve on the left I use to store my Ti-84 Graphic calculator.So all in all there's 9 zippered pockets if you don't count the mesh ones and there are 11 zippered pockets if you do count the zippered mesh pockets. and many more than that if you count all the sleeves.I use to carry 2 backpacks. Now I carry 1 backpack!This purchase was extremely worth it for that reason alone.Padding out the wazoo. Pockets out the wazoo. Durable to last to... the wazoo.Highly recommended.

11.10.2012

I bought this backpack in February 2007 when I was in school doing my Masters. I needed a bag which can hold my 15.4" Vaio with extended battery (total weight ~ 6 lb), 1-2 textbooks and 1-2 notebooks. And also some stationary and all stuff. I did not have any other gadgets at that time. :(First Impression:- When I received this backpack I was completely amazed by the build quality. There are gazillion pockets and each of them are designed and placed very thoughtfully.- Separate compartment for laptops has sturdy pocket to protect the laptop and there is a small pocket to hold all the power cables of the laptop. The strap on the laptop pocket holds laptop securely in place.- The back side of the backpack is designed very well for the air ventilation when you are carrying it.The cushions on the back are so comforting and will never make you feel like you are carrying so much of weight.- The shoulder straps are fully adjustable and also has cushion on them.- The main compartment can hold a big (really big!!) book (or 2 medium books). It has a pocket to hold some loose papers or notebooks.- Then there are on big, one medium and one small compartment for stationary and stuff. In the medium compartment there are again a few pockets and compartments to keep things organized.- There are two side pockets to hold water bottles, coffee cups, etc.- Right beneath the handle of the bag there is one compartment for MP3 player or smartphone. You can leave your phone, player inside and run the headphones through the designated headphone hole. It was amazing thing in 2007 :)How I used it for over 5 years:- I was doing my masters when I bought this and my primary use of this was to carry books and laptop.- As I started using it, I realized how much this backpack can hold. After a few months I saw myself stuffing it with all kinds of things. On a typical school day you would find: Textbooks, laptop, a notebook, a lot of stationary (around 25 pens and pencils ;) ), 2 flash drives, a diary, a water bottle, a soda bottle, some snack (chips or something), hot chocolate powder and few other things. I can say this: If I were to lost in a jungle, I would easily survive few days there. You get the point.- My current use excludes some food items and textbooks but includes few other gadgets like tablet, hard drive, headphones, etc.- Overall after 5 years it's still going solid. This backpack is the sturdiest from every angle and at every inch of it. The zippers are same as they were in 2007. Not a single thread or anything has come off of the backpack. It looks as if I have just bought it. (Well I take care of my stuff pretty well so that counts too)Only thing I wish I could change:- The only thing I wish I could change is the look when I am carrying it. Because it's able to hold these many things, the backpack has a wide base. So that it stands on its base. So when I am carrying it, it won't look too cool like some other backpacks. It's simply designed that way so that one can stuff whatever is needed. So unless you are looking for a cool looking backpack this is the BESTEST backpack you will ever buy.Price:- When I was thinking of buying a good backpack I researched for 1-2 months and decided to buy this backpack. Then I watched its price for another 2 months and it never fluctuated a bit. I bought it for 60 bucks in 2007 and I was watching the price even all these years. It is always varying between 50 - 60. So trust me on this one. Price is not going to go down dramatically one morning even if it has a newer model.Conclusion:- If you are like me who needs a backpack which is solid in design, holds a small studio inside and lasts forever in commute, I have two words for you: BUY IT!!

17.5.2012

EDIT - Well here we are after 7 years after this review was written. Shortly after I wrote this review customer service called me back apologizing saying the bag had actually been returned as undeliverable. To make up for it they shipped it 2-Day Airmail to me for no extra cost.I still have this bag and it has been across the country with me and back again. The only issue I have with it now is that one gromet fell out about 2 years ago. This bag is still awesome.OLD REVIEW -I bought this product August 14, 2011 and I received it on August 17th. After reading the nearly 400 positive reviews I figured that I had bought the perfect backpack. After two months the metal grommets on the front of the backpack starting falling off.I thought nothing of this because I was using the pack everyday from both school and work. The grommets have nothing to do with the functionality of the bag, they just make it look good. In month three the stitching started to unravel in the laptop compartment. It was slow at first, so I thought nothing of it and continued on my merry way. The pack did just fine for the next two months until one day, inexplicably the plastic strap adjustment on the left side of the pack broke into multiple pieces. The break and subsequent motion of the pack falling away from my should caused it to slip off my right shoulder and on to the ground before I could catch the bag. The bag fell base first onto the concrete sidewalk with a pretty loud crack. Upon opening the pack I noticed that the laptop carrier had completely separated from the rest of the bag and my laptop hit the concrete with the full force of a four-foot drop. This drop damaged the cdrom in my computer to the point of complete loss of functionality. Luckily, my computer was under warranty and the repairs were speedy.The same day the strap broke I submitted a claim to the SwissGear Warranty department. They offered to replace the bag free of charge if I A. Promised to destroy my old bag and B. Paid a $10 shipping and handling fee. I paid the fee and waited for my bag to arrive. After two months of waiting (I was originally informed that it would take some time to get my bag), I contacted the warranty department to notify them I had not received my replacement bag. In response to my phone message, I received a curt email stating that the Warranty Department had shipped my bag in Early March, that FedEx had marked it as delivered, and that the fault was on my end for not receiving the bag. I replied to the email asking if the Warranty Department could do something to replace my broken bag. They responded that a claim had been filed with FedEx and as soon as FedEx determined what happened to the bag they could possibly replace my bag for another shipping and handling fee. It has now been two weeks and I have yet to hear back about the state of my replacement bag.Usually, Swiss Gear makes a great product. In fact, I have been using their bags for years. However, in light of my current situation, I am sure that I will never buy another Wenger SwissGear Product ever again. I am no longer convinced that the company produces a quality product or provides quality service.

30.9.2010

I travel for the odd 2 days and when I do I carry my laptop (and the usual collections of wires and plugs) along with a neat shirt folder (got from smartpack) and a sponge bag. To do this I use a back pack into which I can fit everything. Having had my last Samsonite one stolen (they don't make it anymore) I was looking for something that I could use for this purpose. My HP 15.6" laptop needed to fit in.This back pack is perfect. My laptop fits (but only just). The laptop section is raised off the base inside so the bag dimensions are not a good guide. My laptop is 37.9cm wide and it fits but anything larger that 38cm won't. It is 25cm deep and there is plenty of room.It is 4cm high and you could easily fit one in that was deeper.I sometimes have to carry two laptops and I can fit a second one in the same section at the back of the bag. There or a couple of day books etc. There is a netting section at the top of this area that takes the power brick and leads well. It sits above any day books/papers you might have in here.Next there is a really neat pocket in the top for quick access. This pocket is quite large and is useful when flying to put in passport or anything you want easy access to on the flight. It is 18cm deep and about 25 cm wide. So you could fit a portable DVD player in there. There is a pocket for an ipod with an exit whole for the leads.Next is the main storage section. A big open area that is at least 15cm deep. It has a pocket on the back to put paper in (about 1/3 of the overall depth but if you don't use it it collapses flat. This section has a stiffened floor that gives the bag its stand-up behaviour. It can be raised to allow the bag to collapse more.I can fit my shirt packer and my sponge bag in here with papers easily.next comes a smaller and slender general purpose pocket (about 2/3 of the depth of the bag). The a smaller pocket for pens, and all manner of things. There is even a swiss army knife pocket (not much use on a plane these days). I put my passport pens, boarding pass, etc in here.Finally there is a further small pouch on the front.As if this wasn't enough behind the netting pouches for water bottles etc on each side, are 2 small vertical zip top pockets. Again I can fit a power brick in one of these if I am carrying more than one laptop.Overall the storage is very well thought out and useful. The zips run very smooth.But comfort has been considered as well. The main carry handle is a steel cable riveted to the bag and it does withstand the bag being loaded up.The main shoulder straps are wide and padded very well. This with the padded back, the lumber padding, the air gap down the back to ensure you stay cool and the perfect weight distribution makes this a very comfortable bag to wear, even on top of a suit.When you stand it down is stays upright, even with pockets hanging open.As I use this for business I didn't want it to look like I was about to climb a mountain and this bag doesn't have draw strings and clips all over it.I have not yet found anything that is bad about this bag.

23.12.2010

I'll admit, I was skeptical about buying another "laptop backpack" after my old Northface backpack nearly crushed my laptop. But after scrolling past a dozen or so glowing reviews on this site, all praising this bag for its functionality and, not to mention, adequate padding, I knew I had to give it a shot. I purchased it in early august of this year, and all I can say is that it DELIVERS. I can't express how much I love this bag- but since there are already 326 reviews here, I'd assume that most of what I will say has already been said. So to avoid redundancy, I'll just mention several features of this bag that I absolutely cannot live without.1.The sexy top pouch.This is the most easily accessible pocket located on the very top of the bag,and it has saved me from having to search my bag every time for things that I frequently use. I keep a small moleskin notebook to record assignments, and in the past I've always dumped the notebook into my old north face bag along with all my other textbooks, and I've lost count of how many times I've had to completely unload my entire bag just to find the damn thing. I also use a wireless mouse for my laptop, so before I got the synergy backpack, I couldn't really put it anywhere except my coat pockets without crushing it. Now, I just drop it into the pouch along with my pens, notebooks, and everything else that I need easy access to. I love it.2.Laptop compartmentI look for two things in a bag. If it's a backpack, it sure has hell better be able to hold on to my 14.5 inch HP pavilion, and it better be able to do so without crushing it under the full weight of my business law textbooks. Sadly, I discovered one morning that my old northface backpack could only do the holding part, when I found my laptop screen flickering black and white. I had the bag all throughout highschool(without a laptop), so it was tough to let it go. But I did it, and it was the best decision I've ever made.The Synergy backpack has a elevated laptop compartment, so you can be sure that your laptop is safe even if you happen to accidentally drop your bag on the ground. Also, I found out that when you're wearing the backpack, there is a good amount of space between the laptop compartment and the back of the backpack. Why does this matter? Because I like leaning on places- walls, trees, bros, chicks. So unless there's some room between your back and the location of your laptop, leaning on anything can guarantee guarantee you a cracked screen. But because there's room, and a slight "tilt" on the bag that creates a nice separation between your back and your laptop,anytime you're leaning against the wall with your bag it pushes against your BOOKS first(or anything in the front compartment) before that force has a chance of reaching your precious PC or MAC. Finally, a bag I can trust in.Thanks Swiss!

22.4.2011

I've been surfing for months off and on for a good combination computer + general use backpack. I never seemed to find the right combination of features I wanted. The ones that had all the cool pockets and extra storage areas I like were backpacking models that lacked the good, well-padded computer compartments I needed... and vice versa. This one has it all, and at a very attractive price.PROS:- Good pull straps.- Outside pockets mesh on the bottom on both sides for water bottles, etc.- Extra low-silhouette deep outside pockets molded into both sides.- Hidden, half-height red-lined storage compartment up top for those little things you need fast.- Solid,

21.10.2013

This is a great general purpose rucksack that I've had for over a year now, and is so far showing no signs of wear despite fairly frequent use and quite large loads. I bought it primarily for use on handbaggage only flights to carry my laptop, accessories, some books, and clothes - you can pack an impressive amount in to it so that for flying the concern is more likely to be weight than space. The three pockets on the front are fab for keeping stuff you need to access quickly in even when the main two sections are stuffed full. The carry handle at the top is strong, well-made and comfortable to hold, and doesn't have any trouble holding up a full,

6.9.2012

I've just received this bag and although it's very good (lookswise, etc) it would have a problem being carried for long distances with a heavy load. And the reason...? It has no chest strap. (When I bought it, the technical details said that it did have an adjustable chest strap, no doubt they'll change that detail soon enough.)I've just spoken to the UK suppliers and they say this was removed 3 years ago due to complaints that it was too near the neckline, and since it was sewn into place (and therefore not adjustable either, at least not vertically) people were cutting it off. To me this was v. annoying as I researched a new laptop rucksack for more time than I should have and a chest strap was one of my main criteria.

30.7.2011

I desperately needed a laptop backpack that could fit my widescreen 15.6". I checked everywhere for the EXACT specifications of this backpack, whether it could fit my laptop or not. And it does, with ease!! The day it arrived, I had to leave for NYC after 2 days, and this handled all the loads (laptop, its accessories, few clothes etc. etc.) and every other punishment i could give it without any trouble at all.First, the shoulder straps are absolutely comfortable, with their shock absorbers in the form of sponge, and easily adjustable so that the bag doesnt keep bouncing irritatingly.Second, this has so many compartments, I could lose stuff in there... ONE for the regular stationary stuff (with individual slots for pens,

25.2.2013

This is simply the best backpack for regular airline travellers.Build: sturdy, thick nylon case. Easy to use, heavy-duty zippers with big clasps. A steel cable carrying handle, and wide, easy-on-the-shoulders straps.Comfort: excellent, especially with the width of the straps, their padding, and the design of the rear, which minimises the contact area with your back, thus making it cooler to carry for longer periods. The bag itself is not very heavy so does not contribute to the overall mass on your back.Storage: I am still finding pockets, to the point where I can forget where I put everything. I do not travel with a laptop, so I do not use the rear-most compartment save for extra clothing.

30.8.2010

I have been searching for a long time a backpack to suit my needs. I am a biker and use my motorbike all year to commute, usually carrying around my laptop, and for some extended weekend when possible. Also, for my work I often have to travel by air. Therefore, my backpack had to be confortable to wear, allow the arms to move freely, be of a sturdy fabric (to avoid 'flapping' at high speeds and to resist tear), keep the laptop protected from impact and rain, and be spacious enough to carry the occasional change of clothes and first-necessity supplies. It also had to have many pockets, to organize stuff, and (if possible) a reasonable cost.Does the Swissgear Synergy meet all these requirements?

31.8.2014

This thing is difficult NOT to gush about. I just bought my 3rd, but these are getting difficult to find.I have been using one of these for my work laptop for about 18 months now, 5 days a week to and from work. It's still in excellent shape and because of injuries (to myself) I pretty much toss it into the passenger seat before getting in my car, twice a day, every workday.I have started to use these for my home computers.I'm not going to go into too much detail, but there is a large and well-padded place in the back for laptops up to 15.4". In the case of my personal machines, which have a protruding battery, it won't fit in the designated pouch; but no problem because I can put it in the same compartment,

12.6.2015

I've been using this for a few days. The bag has a very premium feel and is comfortable to wear. I needed a new bag after my previous broke that can carry a laptop and can be used for overnight stays.The laptop pocket fits my 15.6 inch laptop nicely, and has space for paper documents as well.The main pocket is a good size. There is a divider inside of it which goes up about two thirds of the height of the pocket. This feels a little cheap, but is not essential.There is then a pocket for an tablet. My ipad air in a case fits nicely inside with plenty of space to spare.There is a small pocket between the handle and the laptop pocket, although once you put a laptop in this pocket is a little restricted.There is an organiser pocket on the front,

13.11.2010

Beyond being the most sturdy bag I have ever owned, the SYNERGY from SwissGear is well laid out and balanced for travel. With it's many useful compartments you are able to put everything want in it's place and still have room for the kitchen sink. And when you are traveling light it can be compressed and made less bulky to accommodate that weight class of traveler.As far a comfort goes this back can easily pace 25 pounds and up and still feel light and puts no strain on your back. While delayed at the airport for hours it was a breeze to walk around in search of food while the airline decided to put us on the next plane hours later. Most of the time it felt like an extension of myself rather than a backpack with a Nikon D700,

10.6.2019

First off, I bought mine from a retail outlet and not from Amazon.I was quiet surprised to read some of the reviews regarding the quality of the bag.I did check all the zips, stitching, webbing, and straps thoroughly before I bought the bag... as I do with any backpack I buy.The first 3 days I had the bag, was spent trudging through London. Had the bag loaded with various camera equipment and every-day items to get me through days of sight seeing. All told, I walked about 50km (30 miles) over the 3 days, not to mention relentlessly throwing the bag on and off the tubes. The bag held up perfectly!Very comfortable.Loads of spaces.Lots of decent, usable pockets.Great layout.Has a fold-down base,

Wenger Synergy - Reviews

Info

Analysis

Detail