Customer Ratings & Reviews

Purchased this backpack to carry a HP 8730w 17" laptop. I already owned a Swiss Gear backpack that I purchased to carry a digitial SLR and a smaller laptop at the same time. Durability of that backpack was impressive, and I liked the number of compartments available to organize cords, batteries, gear, etc. Based on my experience with that pack, I zeroed in on the IBEX for my larger laptop. Compartment layout is similar to my old one, and is large enough to carry my laptop with 2nd battery attached and my SLR. The only thing I would change in the design is extending the zippers on the main compartment to the bottom of the pack- this would allow opening that compartment wide opn if needed. Seems to be on sale for around $80 online fairly often- that is what I paid for it, although with the durability and size I'd have paid full price if I had to.

I have had this backpack for 5 years. It replaced another school bag that I liked and had lots of pockets but did not have a laptop compartment. That bag was a cheapo, under 25$ from WM. This Swiss gear had a laptop compartment and LOTS of compartments. Sometimes I forget where I put something, but if you are consistent about where you put your car keys, for instance, this shouldn't be a problem. There are only two issues that I've had in the last 5 years. The strap adjustor clip got caught under a rolling chair numerous times, like 1-2 times daily, while I was at work because I had it tucked under my desk and was always going inside to get stuff. Eventually it cracked, but this has not affected it's performance. I can tell you that there were times that I'd be yanking at it to get it unstuck. If you keep it away from rolling chairs and tuck the straps you'll be ok. The other issue is that one of the decorative - or do they serve a purpose? - grommets on the front popped off. No big deal, the bag still looks great and works like a dream. I have pockets for everything, the laptop in the back, the power cord in the little pocket at the top, and also a divider for maybe a mouse pad, folders, anything thing really. There's a compartment for your media items and you can feed your headphone jack through it. This pocket is HUGE for what it's intended purpose is, and that's a good thing. I was able to hold a 2-3 generation ipod, behind the ear headphones, cell phone, car keys, random things, and still had space. Nothing was ever cramped. There is a divider inside the other large compartment, which is where I carry my school books and folders. There is a mesh zip pocket in the 3rd largest section and I usually carry my lunch in this pocket. I can fit a few apples, bottle of honest tea, 32 oz stainless steel water bottle, sandwich, 2 bags of chips and other goodies. I am at school for a large part of the day, meaning I eat 2 meals there and I'm a grazer, so I like having lots of small snacks throughout the day. The smallest pocket has a zipper compartment where I keep highlighters and pens/pencils, a mesh pocket for little catchalls, a other divider pockets. I have no use for these, but I'm sure they serve a purpose. I have a tendency to have pockets withing pockets because I love having things I can just grab and not have to sort through, so I also carry a Mead pencil pouch that has two expandable pockets for my drawing pens and markers. This also holds my pencil sharpener and lip gloss - because who can work with chapped lips? (This next thing is for the ladies. There are two small zippered pockets on the side. These are the perfect size for those little tampon bags so you can be discreet.) There are two mesh pockets on the side for water bottles, too, and I have used these. They are at a diagonal and since my water bottle is 32 oz stainless steel, it's a snug fit, but a standard water bottle fits well. The padding on the bag is a dream. I have been loaded down with about 20 lbs and sometimes what feels like 50 lbs of stuff - college textbooks are heavy. I have never once felt like what I was putting in the bag was going to break it. Now, that said, you can tell this bag has been used. The hand grip at the top is a steel braided wire wrapped in clear plastic and this feels super sturdy and I can easily lift the bag from there even at it's heaviest weight. The clear plastic has a black plastic covering and it shows wear and is cracked because it flexes as you lift the bag up. Again, this is to be expected with use and over time. The front has a little fuzz from where I literally get home and drop it anywhere - I take the laptop out first and I WOULD NOT recommend tossing ANY bag around with a laptop inside, no matter what anyone says. I love everything about this bag. I was sad when I didn't need to use it anymore, but now that I am back in school my first thought was, I get to use my backpack again. It is a joy to have and use. It's such an appealing bag that 2 men that I work with have purchased their own. One of them has used his everyday for the last 4 years, and has the same wear mine does, they can stand up for so much. I will be honest and say that when I was done with my first part of school, the bag did get tucked away for about 2 years and I would only use it when I traveled, a few times a year. I know I will get years of use out of this bag and my friend at work says the same. My son even said he wants one when he goes to high school in a few years. Please keep making these, otherwise he might ask for mine and I don't think I'd be willing to share it, even with my son. I'd also like to mention that the bad reviews - and those are 3 stars - are all because the bag wouldn't fit the user's laptop. That's not really the bags fault because it specifies what size laptop it fits. I'd even recommend this to someone without a laptop, it's just that awesome and worth the price even when it's not on sale.

ok I been searching for a long time for a notebook bag that will carry my G72 ( Asus ) notebook, it has the 17.3 screen. It has been a adventure trying to find one that fits it. I seen this backpack online and I seen someone else buy it for there G72 as well. So I went out and bought it. After a pain in the rump trying to pick up my online order, I got the bag home. The laptop will fit in, but the corners will barly zip over the laptop. I have to have the screen part of the laptop toward the back to get it to fit. This bag is the closes bag i could find tto fit this massive laptop. I love the bag, it has like 8 zipped compartments. Which sometime i think its to many..lol But if your like me, I carry everything in my bag. I have my external hard drive in one compartment, then my Razor headphones, power cable, hdmi cable, 6 games, wireless mouse, keyboard, books for school...etc My point is you can carry alot of stuff in this bag. It feels nice on you even when you pack it to the gills. If you have a G72 or a 17.3" laptop, I would get this bag.

Got this pack to fit my hp Pavillion laptop and my many other electronic gadgets when traveling. Very well built, sturdy and attractive. It really is amazing all it can hold. Love the many pockets and the versitility. Great Bag..!! Got mine at a steal...under 30.00!!

If we ever get to a point where the homeless are carrying laptops in addition to cell phones, then the days of toting around old shopping carts are over because this bag can hold everything!! I own a Dell m6400 17" laptop that I carry around in this bag and it has definitely earned it's keep (the bag, that is - albeit the laptop too, but that's another review). I have had this bag for just over a year and it looks as good as it did the day I bought it. It has survived *almost* all the abuse I have thrown at it, including a very sudden maneuver and stop with my car which sent this laptop flying from the back seat up to my front passenger seat, into the dash, and onto the floorboard. The padding completely protected the laptop and everything that was inside stayed intact and in its place. Needless to say, I now strap in my bag with a seatbelt and throw the kid's carseat (with my kid in it) on the floorboard. JUST KIDDING!!! Jeez, I'm not that shallow!! :) The only "chink" I found in the armor of this bag is when one day I precariously set it on the edge of my desk and walked away. The bag tipped and fell end over end and landed upside down with the corner of the laptop crushing the zipper to the concrete floor. That zipper is the only spot where there is no padding and thus the zipper bent and was irrepairable (by mere mortals like myself) so I had to go get another bag. The lesson here is don't perch your bag in precarious positions with a laptop and 600 lbs of "stuff" in it because Murphy's Law will indeed kick in. By the way, the laptop is just fine. A minor cosmetic scratch where it crushed the zipper, but it still runs like a dream.

This laptop backpack was too small for my new laptop computer. Don't buy it if your screen is 15" or bigger.

After purchasing a Gateway P6860FX 17" laptop the old bag just wouldn't do. I needed something that could hold my new laptop and my work laptop with room to spare. This bag certainly fit the bill! I can get those into it plus all accessories, my old laptop (which I am trying to sell), my work portfolio, and I still have a ton of room for other things like cameras and lenses. It is very well padded and does a great job of keeping everything tight and secure. It took me a day or so to finally decide to buy this bag as I felt it was a little much to pay. But, after looking around, it's about the middle of the road in price when considering a solid, good looking bag that was designed for what I need. I was also hoping to find something that could roll as I travel quite a bit and it's nice not having to lug 20-30 pounds around on my back when running from terminal to terminal. Fortunately, the fit is awesome and very comfortable. Plus it has air ducts that keep your back from getting too wet when really exerting yourself. Overall, this is a good, solid bag that will hold everything and more and it looks great. If you're like me and a little apprehensive about the cost, think of it as a good investment. I am glad that I bought it.

After trying to find a bag that would fit my new 17" HP I had trouble finding one that was tall enough, but not so big that the laptop got lost in it. This was perfect. I thought I wanted to step up to a "nicer" bag but they all were unpractical as I travel so much I need pockets to store the little things for security lines and such. Laptop fits well. slides in & out easily. LOVE the shallow nylon lined pocket at the top for things like phone and wallet while going through the security line. Could not ask for more storage in a bag that doesn't break your back. Lots of zip up pockets inside each compartment to separate important items from the bulk stuff. Great pocket for paperwork so it doesn't get wrinkled in transport. And we all know the durability is above reproach. I have had the 15" version for 5 years and it still looks new after 750+ flights. I think this one may be even tougher.

My son's private HSchool recently converted to laptop only teacher/student use. They also still use textbooks for info/assignments. We needed a backpack that would protect laptop with daily classroom use as well as hold large textbooks he may need to bring home. This had it all. Great inner sleeve for laptop with addl textbook space and 2 addl compartments for textbooks/folders (He uses smaller one for lunchbox) Addl top compartments store phone, powercords/charger, calculater and iPod. Very sturdy wide bottom, but still lightweight. Checked out many other pricy brands (Oakley etc) as well as popular (Janzen). This was hands down the best. Reasonly priced but also got it on sale ($30 less) shortly after purchased and recd price adjustment. Recommend 100%! Should be great for college too, although space for textbooks prob won't be needed as much.

A little overpriced but still worth it for the best. Fits a large laptop easily and safely and still provides plenty of room in several other pockets. I love Swiss Gear backpacks and will continue to buy them.

Very solid bag. lots of storage space. I use this for school and keep a voice recorder in the little pocket on the strap. the side pockets are perfect for water bottles and other stuff and it will confortably hold by 17.5 inch laptop. I have only had it for a month now but the duribility so far seams to be there. The sholder straps have elastic strain reliefs that are very supportive. on aveage i carry about 50 lbs of books and other items and so far it has not had any issues.

This bag is loaded with features and pockets..and pockets inside of pockets for storage and organizing everything you need to carry. The bag seems to be durable and the zippers are of a very nice quality with a very smooth action. The shoulder straps are comfortable and the oversized handle is nice for carrying the bag. I really like that there are 4 sections to this bag so you can separate your laptop from a tablet and from cables and chargers. I use this daily as my bag to carry everything I need to and from work and so far it is working out great. Highly recommended if you want the most features and several pockets to store everything. Even inside of each section there are other pockets with zippers or sleeves to help keep everything in its place. The bag also stands on end very easily and is pretty stable, which is a great feature as it isn't flopping all over the floor.

When I first got my laptop, I knew I would be needed a case to take it to and from school, and also carry books/other stuff. My first choice was Ogio's Epic backpack, which failed to hold my Epic laptop (Gateway FX, also sold at best buy). Since that plan failed, I found this Swiss bag (I always liked SwissGear) and decided to try it out. Not only did this bag swallow my laptop (though it did stretch a little the first time), it takes on 2 textbooks and a notebook, my charger, 4 novels, and an iPod with relative easy. The comfort, especially with all this weight, is another great quality of this backpack. It feels sturdy, always, and the straps never cut into your shoulders like some cheaper bags. In short, this bag can hold any 17 in. laptop that I can name, and then some. It also manages to be comfy and stylish at the same time, a feat that not all can do. Take my advice, get this bag if you have the cash.

I have had many Swiss bag, and not one has failed me. This one has so many pockets, Im not sure what to put in them. I had a swiss bag, but needed a bigger one for my school books, instead of using a bag for work, and a bag for school. This bag does the trick!!

This bag has plenty of storage space and holds all of my computer accessories when I travel. The storage pocket fits my Dell 17" computer perfectly and protects it well. Pricy bag however is very durable, stylish and overall worth the money.

Highly functional bag with a multitude of compartments, including well-padded electric pockets. It is put together well and is highly sturdy. It survived a three week trek to East and Southeast Asia, providing comfort in carrying throughout.

As a service member who has spent a lot of time flying overseas and who is rough on equipment, I have learned to appreciate a well designed pack that can not only take abuse but is also versatile and keeps your stuff well organized. The problem is that my favorite work packs scream, "I'm in the military!!" This pack is a great blend of the features of a good military pack in a smaller, more low-key package for when you don't want to stand out. The laptop pocket is great for navigating airport security, and the front pockets work well with an iPad. The top pocket is very convenient for the security line pocket emptying. I also appreciate the super beefy cable reenforced top handle. Now for my only suggested improvements: 1) The top pocket would be even nicer with a soft cloth lining to cushion and prevent scratches to electronics, sunglasses or anything delicate that you have to stash quickly while doing the TSA drill. 2) The side pockets could be bigger to accommodate watches, keys, etc. The water bottle side pockets could be a little larger to fit bigger bottles. Lastly, I would add side straps with standard plastic quick release buckles to allow the main pockets to be open while carrying the bag so you can stash your computer, iPad, etc back in the back while doing the fast walk to your airplane gate, as well as a place to hook on a ballcap or light jacket when you aren't wearing it. I had the previous version of this pack for years and loved it. It served my needs wonderfully and looked new the whole time. I only replaced it now because the cat decided to claim it for his own and the smell wouldn't come out no matter how I washed it. Bottom Line: If you are hard on equipment, expect it to be well designed, and are looking for a bag to maximize your efficiency while navigating TSA and the rest of the airline system, this pack is for you.

All I have to say is Pockets! I bought this backpack to carry my HP Pavillion dv7 17" widescreen computer and it fits perfect. After buying this backpack I didnt realize how many pockets this thing had until I brought it home. It's got plenty of organization for pencils, power cords, calculators, water bottles, and the main thing the computer, you name it and it will fit. The overall size and design of the backpack is appealing, the fabric is appears strong and well made, the shoulder straps are soft and very comfortable. I like the fact that the back is vented, and has a cable for a handle. The only thing is this backpack is expensive!! I paid $100 for it but for a well built bag im willing to pay for it.

Had this for four years. Yes, it will show some wear but it has never failed me and always fits everything I need and safely protects my laptop.

I am very glad I purchased this bag. My friend recommended it and it has solved every issue I could have imagined. You can fit so much in these bags I forget what all is actually in there. Most importantly it is all organized to your discretion. Swiss makes expensive but TOP QUALITY BAGS!!!!