Thule - EnRoute 27L Escort 2 Backpack for 15.6" Laptop w/ 10.1" Padded Tablet Sleeve, Crushproof SafeZone, & Water Bottle Holder - Black

This is the second time I purchase this backpack. First one was 2016 and it has taken a beating. It's been my commuter bag, hiking bag & travel bag. It still works but it's looking a bit like it's 10 years old so I purchased a new one. This bag does everything well, it's lightweight and sturdy. Has two quick access pockets that one can be used for glasses and is crush proof which is very convenient. The laptop pocket is well padded and designed and it has an extra pocket for a tablet. The only thing that failed on my old bag after hitting the 10 year mark was the bottom stitching of the pocket that holds the computer and in the main compartment failed. If you want a quality bag that just keeps up with everything you throw at it and is reliable look no further this is it. Btw I still have the old bag and plan to keep using it for hiking because it still works and all the essentials are functional is more like I am replacing the bag for esthetics than functionality.

I picked up the Thule EnRoute 27L (Escort 2) about three weeks ago, and after putting it through its paces, I absolutely love this bag. The standout feature for me is the compression strap system. It gives the bag incredible adaptability because you can crank the straps down to keep the profile tight and small for daily use, or let them all the way out to open up a massive amount of cargo space. We actually just took it on a Disney vacation, using it as our primary travel bag for a 4-night cruise, resort hopping, and even a day at a Disney water park. Through all of that walking, the shoulder straps remained extremely comfortable and sat exactly where they needed to on my frame. Thule clearly put some thought into the details here. I love that they included elastic bands to keep the excess slack from dangling around. Another huge plus is the ability to strap down and compress the main compartment from the bottom section as well, which really helps balance the load when it’s fully packed. Speaking of packing, the tech compartment is stellar. It easily swallows a 16" M5 MacBook Pro, an iPad, and a ton of extra gear and cables, all while comfortably fitting into an airplane's overhead carry-on bin without a struggle. My only real complaint is with the side water bottle pockets. Because of how the compression straps run, it can sometimes be a bit clunky to slide a drink in. If you aren't careful, the bottom of a travel tumbler can catch on the strap fabric, creating a false bottom effect where you think the cup is secure when it's actually just caught. It takes a little bit of refiguring and maneuvering to get it seated properly. Aside from that minor design quirk, this is easily one of the best, most versatile daily travel backpacks I’ve owned. Highly recommended if you need to haul heavy tech and want a bag that expands or shrinks on demand.

This backpack is the magic bag of holding I've been looking for. I travel a lot for work, anywhere from across town to across the country. For me, this bag comfortably holds two computers and an iPad, and still has room for a bunch of other goodies (maybe my Switch, maybe my folder of work paperwork, etc.) Plenty of pockets for pens, mints and such as well. And as someone who wears prescription glasses, the hardshell sunglass compartment is a lifesaver (but still use a case; there's room.) The double drink holders are great when I take trips to the Southeast in the dead heat of summer; I need all the refreshment I can get. The stitching is good, the zippers are good, and while I'd buy another one if anything happened to this one, I don't think I'll ever have to.

The overall quality is durable. I like how its waterproof. Also, there are 3 seperate compartments. Most backpacks ONLY have 1 or 2. It can support up to 55 lbs. + the support strap helps. I really like the breathable mesh, it cools me down. For the price you paid, its worth the money. You get all this technology for a few extra bucks; instead, of the standard backpacks with no weather proofing capability nor durability. Of course, it always helps to buy accessories.

There is no comparison for what the Swede’s do in making backpacks. The leader of the pack is Thule! You can tell from the engineering and the thought process that goes into putting this type of backpack together. I’m a firm believer you get what you pay for.