Eva—January 12, 2026
If you are looking for a backpack that offers utility and ample storage, while also being sturdy and well-made, this is it. I was initially looking at a sleek all-black Swissgear backpack, but upon reading its reviews found that the craftmanship was lacking. This backpack definitely outranks most of the sleeker designs you are finding right now, I assure you. Perhaps it doesn't exactly fit the aesthetic you are going for, but if you are someone like me who values quality and longevity, this is the correct choice. Aesthetics be d*mned, I just want something that is going to LAST. So far, this is living up to that expectation. Read more
Joe A.—September 12, 2025
After 17 years of daily use, mostly in a marine environment, it was time to replace my trusty Targus Drifter II laptop backpack. I couldn’t be happier to find an exact replacement here on Amazon. Sturdy would be an understatement in describing this backpack. It has so many pockets, you will probably forget a few of them. Thick padding on the back and shoulder straps make it extremely comfortable. The computer pocket is nicely padded and is a full pocket, not just a padded divider like in most packs. The padded hidden pocket at the small of the back is perfect for your most valued items. I doubt a thief could access it while worn. A plush lined pocket at the top of the back is great for delicate items. I keep a hard drive, flash drives, and card readers in mine. The reinforced carry handle is bullet proof. I’ve had handles tear off in days on other backpacks. This one is vinyl covered aircraft cable and never failed. I hope to retire in less than 17 years and not need another laptop bag or I would buy another one for backup. I highly recommend this pack and that you get one before they are gone. From their website, I don’t believe Targus makes the Drifter II anymore. This maybe the last backpack you need. I know it will be mine Read more
Diremutt—February 14, 2014
I live out of my backpack, I ride a street bike so a good bag is a must. So where I go, it goes along with about 30lbs of gear from a 17" laptop to fingernail clippers. So, having a good quality bag is very important to me. The thing is, bags that can take a 17" machine are hard to find so I ended up ordering this one on line taking a risk that I would like it and the quality. When it showed I was extremely pleased in every regard. Where to start; Like the headline says this bag is made to last and designed by people who know what bag dwellers like myself never knew we needed. The handle is actually a metal cable imbedded in silicone, backed with a nylon strap with a large comfortable soft handle that is anchored to the bag with large rivets into a double layered section of the bag body. Impressed? You should be. I'm an engineer and that amount of design consideration just going into the handle was the first thing I noticed when I cracked open the box and it put a big grin on my face. The bottom is cushioned, reinforced, and made of a heavy rubber material providing ample shock protection, wear resistance, and protection from setting the bag on something wet or something getting spilled. Plus it will clean up easier that nylon mesh. There are two main compartments that are each divided in two, and the laptop sleeve is cushioned full around and has a second layer of cushion for the base, and there are mesh pockets in both. Then there is another large pouch, good for a large tablet or the like. The small pouch is loaded with compartments and pockets and slots for all manner of smalls. With a cushioned cell phone pocket on the outside. There is a large eyeglass pocket up top that is lined with soft material, no case needed. And there is another compartment built into the lumbar padding like a money belt. Finally, zippered large side pockets with mesh pockets outside of them. Zippers are stout with large... grabbers, what do you call those... and the ends of the zipper tracks are stitched in with double layered fabric to strengthen that weak spot. Straps are wide, padded well and comfortable with D-rings for carabineers. My sole complaint about the bag is that the thumb loops on the pull straps are sewn straight across the strap making it near impossible to get your thumbs in with gloves on. The padding on the back plain is ample and comfortable. So there you have it pack hounds, according to this guy, this bag is awesome, and Targus is my new brand. Read more
