Wenger SwissGear MAXXUM

Wenger SwissGear Maxxum Laptop Backpack

By C.  Sep 7, 2006

Pros: COMFORT, Size, Functions, Versatility

Cons: Permanent laptop section, Zipper system can be problematic

I got this bag at Best Buy over 18 months ago to carry my laptop (Averatec 3200). The laptop is on the compact side, not a small one but not a big one either. I tried Targus bags and others and found that this one is best suited for many laptop sizes.... The others let my laptop move around too much. The padding and support are great, the back allows space between my back and the bag. The straps also have small elastic sections, and the handles are great, too. It stands up by itself, and has a large central pocket for anything from college books to changes of clothes to groceries. I have used this bag in college, extensive traveling, and "backpacking", and it is my staple bag, great carry-on. The only downsides are the laptop-specific rear pocket cannot be used for much else other than magazines and papers, but it is a thin section anyway. Also the straps that allow the bag to be tightened in on itself make it difficult to zip unless you unclip or untighten them. I have also found that the rear laptop pocket can unzip completely (when running) if the zippers are joined in the top center. But I would highly reccomend this bag for the functionality of the various compartments. It has a very convenient small pocket on the top that can hold quite a lot, and it has a pass-through for a headphone wire, should you want to carry a cd- or mp3-player in that pocket. And the bag has been complimented by flight attendants, so that must mean something. Read more Less