Best laptop backpack: High Sierra or Swiss Gear?

I started school and need a large laptop backpack to accommodate my Dell laptop and lots of textbooks/folders. I am deciding between the High Sierra Access and one of the Swiss Gear laptop backpacks. Which do you recommend, and if you recommend a Swiss Gear backpack, which one? (Please keep in mind I need a LARGE backpack). Thanks!

 

Hey there,

Swiss Gear is nice I like the Synergy...have you checked this one? Nice and roomy

Here is a review that Tim did on it:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=116476

Hope it helps!

Cin

 

Thanks for the quick reply! Is the Synergy larger than the Pegasus or Maxxum? I can't seem to find capacity specs for all 3....

 

Hey, I found some info for you!

Here is some detailed info on the Pegasus:
http://www.buy.com/prod/wenger-pega...s-up-to-17-screens/q/loc/16234/202719436.html

Here is the Maxxum:
http://www.buy.com/prod/maxxum-comp...ear-r-maker-of-the/q/loc/16234/202031972.html

Note: You can find these both cheaper (Amazon) etc..but this had some great spec' details

Hope that helps!

Cin

 

If you want a bag which is comfortable and one which will last, go to a military supply store, and you will find great backpacks, which are extremely comfortable to wear. They may not be all that stylistic, but their backpacks are really built to last.
I have a military grade pack for my laptop, and I usually carry my 26 lb laptop, and about 8 lbs of books all of the time, and it feels like their is nothing on my back. This is because military bags have really padded shoulder straps. My bag is made of very thick canvas, and has a rubber lined interior, so the bag is completely waterproof.
If you can find a military supply shop, I would call them or stop buy and see if they have anything for you.
I picked my bag up for $30, and it is really made well. No laptop bag I have ever had was as comfortable or durable.

If buying online is what you are looking for, than get what Cin recommends.

K-TRON

 

I have both the Synergy and the Pegasus...purchased both at the same time for two different sized laptops. Both have the same great Swiss Gear quality. LOTS of room...very comfortable...easy to carry...awesome products.

You cannot go wrong with Swissgear.

 

Wowsa! 1 for each lappy! Sweet! I haven't checked out the Pegasus, just perused it ~ and it's a nice backpack

But, I really like the Synergy! : )


Cin

 

I can vouch for the SwissGear Synergy. I use one for my Latitude. Great backpack with awesome protection and room for a ton of gear.

I dont know much about the Pegasus, but I guarantee you would be happy with the Synergy.

 

Sweet! You have it also! How long have you had it????


Cin

 

Well, actually I have two. The first I've had three or four years and currently use as a technician bag to hold all my gear. The second is two years old and used as a daily backpack - general computing, books, and general gear depending on the situation (hiking, biking, traveling, etc.)

The Synergy can definitely handle a lot of use!!

 

Sweet! A nice investment for biking, then! A friend has one..but doesn't use it for biking....
The Targus I have..is getting old.

Yours really have held up well!


Cin

 

For sure... and if I remember correctly, they come with a good warranty - though, its doubtful you would ever need to take advantage of it.

 

Yes for sure! I have a sweet Messenger Bag for my 1530...but wouldn't even think a split-second of using that when on my bike ~ That's where the Targus comes into play.

Good warranties....are a bonus!

Cin

 

Absolutely! The Synergy rocks!

 

HaHa! It certainly does..and I just found a pretty good deal on it!


Cin

 

Did you buy one? If so... you wont be disappointed

 

Yeps! Either Monday or Tuesday!
And, thanks!

Cin

 

Congrats! Enjoy it!

 

I surely will! Will let you know once I get it, and have used it!


Cin

 

NICE!

You will LOVE it!

 

Thanks!!! I'm sure I will, all this time I've been recommending it....(and secretly wanting it) And, now I'm actually going to get it!

That's a good thing!


Cin

 

I think the Synergy is the bag that I am going to buy. Where did you get a good deal on it? How much was it with shipping? The best price I can find right now is from buy.com. It is $45 w/shipping after using a coupon. Did you find a better deal?

 

That is a great price! Very worth it...actually, worth twice as much, easily.

Mine was 55.20 under my Dell EPP, including shipping.

 

If you want the real quality Swiss Army stuff, take a look at the backpacks from Victorinox. SwissGear is by Wenger, they produce much lower quality products. Of course, Victorinox products are a lot more expensive, but you get what you pay for. If you put both products side by side, you can really see how big of a difference there is in terms of build quality and finishing.

http://www.swissarmy.com/travelgear/Pages/SubCategory.aspx?category=backpacksmessengerslaptopready&

Wenger abused the Swiss Army name and made a lot of people confused about Swiss Army products. Both companies produce knives for the Swiss military, but the high quality ones are by Victorinox. It's kinda like Toyota and Lexus. In 2005, Victorinox acquired Wenger, but they kept both brands separated and intact, Wenger continues to make the lower quality stuff. Victorinox has been producing high quality travel gear and accessories for many years, way before they acquired Wenger.

 

I'm glad your getting the Synergy! You will, surely like it!

I'm getting mine thru there now, also! I need to revisit buy.com, cuz that is cheaper than my EPP thru Dell! WoOT!

Let us know when you receive it...I'm ordering this afternoon for sure!



Cin!

Look's like I'm getting it thru buy.com, that's where I get alot of my things from = Great deals!


Cin

 

It actually ended up being $45.99 w/shipping. The $5 off coupon worked when I applied it but it didn't work to go to checkout since it was for $50 or more, and my order was for $49.99, argh! I then found an 8% off coupon which did work, hence the $45.99 price.

I hope I like the backpack. I had a hard time deciding between the Ogio Politan and the Synergy.

 

Awesome! Whens your delivery date? Just curious...as I will be ordering shortly! That's still an awesome deal!

And, I'm sure you will like the Synergy!


Cin

 

I purchased the Swiss Gear Synergy backpack for school, and it's quite nice. A ton of room, but things are a -bit- heavy (I bike to school). I can't complain though as I got the backpack for $50 off (BBY Discount). I'd get it.

 

It doesn't have an est. delivery date yet. It says item will be shipped within 1-2 days. Where I live I sometimes get things from Buy.com next day even with the free shipping.

 

Nice Polarix, that's great to hear....

Coolio! I'm ordering in about a half hour! Thanks for the information


Cin

 

anybody know where i can see the warranty info for swissgear backpacks? ive tried looking all over the internet but cant find anything (the compressor strap on mine is tearing). i need the strap to hold my stuff together so it doesnt move around, esp with the laptop in there.

 

Between OGIO and SwissGear, definitely go with OGIO. Find a local store and see their products in person and you will see what I mean.

 

I tried out the Ogio, and just wasn't feeling it. The ones I saw were the Politan, the Metro and the Epic.

I DEFINITELY prefer Swiss Gear.

 

Well, OGIO is not exactly a high end brand, but overall I'd rate their quality higher than SwissGear. Sorry, not trying to bash what you have on purpose, it's just that I know some of the people who produce for Wenger, so I know what kind of quality standard they follow. Like I said before, if you want the real Swiss Army stuff, try something from Victorinox, there is a reason why they cost 3 times the price, and it's not only because of the name.

 

Nah, I get you, dude...Don't worry about it. Didn't take it personally.

While I like to pay for quality, and the Victorinox sounds great, I just can't see paying over 100 for a backpack. Just me...but I'll enjoy the Swiss Gear as long as they last.

Peace!

 

Hey Stewie! Thanks to your recommendation, though, I was checking out some Victorinox products and found a clearance on lumbar packs at ebags.com. I don't wear a lumbar, or fanny pack, but it is the perfect thing to keep my wallet in, etc. inside my backpack or gymbag, and have a Kipling one which I use all the time.

This looks like the same size as the Kipling lumbar pack, and it is really hard to find one this size...so I think I am going to order it.

Thanks! I guess I will become a Victorinox fan after all.

Too bad they only have red, though.

Oops...Luggagepros.com has it in BLACK for 24.00. Think I am going to go for it.

 

I ordered my Synergy this afternoon from buy.com....can't wait til it gets here in a few days!!!! WoOT!!! Now, if my bike is fixed before then



Cin )

 

Don't laugh...I just ordered an IBEX. So I will have a Synergy, IBEX and Pegasus.

 

HA! Nice....I'm not laughing laugh <<< that was the smiley laughing!!!

Congrat's on your Ibex....Do you have a linky, so it can be looked at?


Cin

 

Here you go...

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Carrying_Cases/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=A1304159

It's for carrying my other Toshiba around...the P305D...a 17.1 inch widescreen (though it usually never leaves my coffeetable...you never know).

 

get the dakine campus lg. best f'in backpack

 

I'm so glad I found this thread?

I really want a laptop that will provide excellent back support while I lug a 17' laptop around. However I want it to also look decent. So far all the backpacks I've seen look ugly.

I looked into the IBEX. It looks okay...just okay but I"m not quite sold on it. Anyone have anything to say about it.

Looking into OGIO from an eariler post. Their backpacks seem better. However I sorta hate that hole in the top of the backpack.

 

Oh that's nice looking Looks sturdy, has nice padding, materials...etc...and looks to be able to hold alot.

I'm sure your Toshiba will like it alot, also! kidding!


Cin

 

Here check this thread....(also located at the top of this accessories page):
(lots of good info in here):
Links to Notebook Bag Makers, Dealers and Reviews
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=50734

and, of course www.ebags.com, is a great resource!

Cin!

 

With all these great links and recommendations, we are all going to be experts on backpacks before long.

 

ha ha! Yes... Not only are we all becoming experts learning about our lappy's, but also the many accessories to go along!


Cin

 

Ohhh, yet another Swiss Gear thread.

I had been looking at it for around 5 months and still haven't decided (well, actually because i can't buy it in my country , only in UK, but the thing is that I spent 3 weeks in the UK in July, and I totally forgot about it)

Anyway, I know I won't decide, but Cin' (or anyone with a Synergy). Can I ask you a favour? Could you please post any "real" pictures of the backpack? Looking at the review's pictures I can't really know if it's too big/bulky

Thanks in advance (yet again)

 

I just got the Synergy, and I am sending it back. Once seeing it in person I decided it was just to big/bulky. Once you fill it up it looks really wide and bulky IMO. I don't really like the square look at the bottom. I am looking into the new North Face packs that came out for fall of 2008. If anyone has any of the new North Face ones I would love to know what you think about them.

 

Yes another one! And, I remember how you like the Synergy, and the related threads!

Once, I receive it...I will surely post pic's for yah!


Cin

I'm sorry didn't work out for you! ....Well, there are plenty of bags out there, and you will find the right one, for sure!

I still can't wait for mine to be delivered!

Cin

 

Yeah, way to many bags out there. You would think it would be a lot easier than it is to find just one that you really like