Targus - DrifterTrek Laptop Backpack - Gray/Black

Other bags which look like this one at face value are actually black holes from which nothing escapes. In other bags this large, keys, phones, wallets, cords, and important things are way too easily lost within the cavernous belly and overzealous compartments. This bag is designed with true usability and common sense in mind. Internal sections and pockets are strong and do not collapse; nothing falling out into a black bottomless pit. Pockets and compartments are sized correctly -- not too big or small. The computer section is very cushy and makes you feel safe your laptop wont get cracked. It has a nice fold over "lid" and the padding is thick but light. The handle is awesome and very strong and the back straps are comfortable and distribute weight well. My neck and my back back know the difference between a well designed backpack in terms of weight distribution and a piece of shhhhh.... You generally cannot go wrong with the higher end Targus backpacks, especially any Drifter model, so snatch it up while it is on sale. Bravo! After a year of tolerating a Swiss whatever bag which was a pain in my last nerve's nerve this backpack feels like it was sent from some sort of very loving God.

I liked it so much after a month I bought a 2nd since it was 50% off. High quality. Good organization. Makes getting through TSA a breeze with the zipper laptop separator.

I bought this bag a little over a year ago now (as a work bag so it gets a lot of use) and there is enough wear and tear (more tear than wear) that I now need to replace it. If I knew how to sew or knew someone that could I could no doubt get my bag repaired with ease and use it for several more years but I don’t so that’s not an option for me. I don’t want to get too long winded with this review but I’ll try and hit all the main points. #1 Large freaking bag. Tons of usable space. Great use of mini inner pockets (usually at the top of main pockets) to take advantage of those wasted upper areas that usually just holds air. Best combination of laptop compartment, main compartment, front compartments that I’ve found in any bag thus far. #2 Comfortable to carry. Good straps (although that’s where the ‘tear’ eventually took place). The elastic actually really helps to keep them from ‘digging’ into your shoulders. The handle is tough and well anchored. I have used the handle to move my bag around, fully loaded, and for over a year it’s held nicely, just a little cracking in the plastic. For future improvements on this I’d suggest going to a more malleable rubber with cable reinforcement or a sturdier metal handle. #3 It looks good. At the least it is not an ugly bag. #4 My only con is the middle pocket. The pocket between the main compartment and the front ‘pen’ pocket. I’ve found this pocket to be fairly worthless since it directly competes for the space used by the main compartment. It would almost serve better to cut the material out between the two pockets and use the zipper as a smaller access for the main compartment…or just do what I have and not use it. Either way. I guess if you want to add to the con pile I’ll talk about the wear and tear. So, on my bag the stitching on the shoulder straps is giving up the goose. The fabric is fine and if I can find someone that knows how to do it I’ll see if they’ll stitch this bad boy up again. One of the metal eye hole grommets has popped out, big deal. The picture of the circle of melt is due to a stovetop accident….don’t ask. It didn’t go all the way through and that was about 2 months after I got the back so it’s still plenty sturdy. All that said, I took some pictures to try and give a good idea of all the freaking pockets this bag has and some idea of where the wear and tear is likely to occur over time. Oh, and one picture to the Drifter II next to the Oakley Kitchen Sink and all the stuff I put in each to compare. I ultimately sent the Oakley back and ordered another Drifter II. Enjoy

Great travel laptop bag. Fits a 15.6" larger laptop plus alot of extra storage for paperwork, tools and some extra clothes if using as an overnight bag.

This accompanied a brand new Asus Zephyrus G14. It is perfect. There is a badded sleeve in the back specifically for laptops. I did scavenge the padding out of an old backpack to pad out the sleeve but only because the G14 is a 14" laptop. I am also a little overbearing with protecting my electronics. Most won't ever need any extra padding. Multiple compartments. I carry my laptop, charger, switch, controller, multiple power cords, my lunch, also my locks and small set of tools for work. I could still fit more, if I needed to. The padding on the straps and the back are excellent. I can feel the weight of the backpack in my hand by using the handle but it is very nicely supported on my back. I highly recommend this backpack for laptop owners.

Straps are strong with this one. Used on a motorcycle ride a few times and the zippers/straps etc did not move and felt great on the back with a full load.

I was hesitant at first because it was on sale, but it’s a great bag. 2 things it’s missing & 1 complaint, but has tons of other pockets and accessories. Wish it had a top pocket, like by the handle, my last bag had it and loved it. Side pockets are small, i usually like to hold a big water bottle in there, not big enough for it. And would’ve like a chest strap, doesn’t come with it. The bag has tons of room & a separate nice area for laptop and iPad and opens up for airport use.

I went into the store to buy this to make sure it wasn't too big for my body--I'm only 5' 2" tall. And, it's OK. I'll need it for travel. I love all the many different compartments, so I can keep things organized. Also, now that I have it home, I can confirm that my 15.6" Lenovo ThinkPad fits perfectly into the secure, padded computer compartment--so happy. I've owned a Targus backpack before and loved it. When I travel, I use the different compartments for my purse, my iPad, appointment book, pens, scratchpads, etc., etc. Very happy with it.