Great laptop 17" laptop bag with extra large capacity for college student?

Hi there!

So, I've been using the Obus Forme Laptek Daypack 40, which I've grown an extreme hatred for because it barely fits my notebook and my 1, average sized notebook. I also have my electrical engineering toolkit (roughly the size of my 17" notebook in terms of length and width, but a little thicker, as well as various 1000+ page textbooks that I can't carry around because this bag barely fits the notebook and charger.

Anyway, I've been looking at the Swissgear Pegasus as a replacement. Can anyone tell me if the bag would be suitable for my needs? The compartments seriously need to have an extra large capacity so that I can fit everything I need for school and still have extra room leftover. Problem is, I can't find this backpack for sale anywhere in Canada and I'd rather not have to order from the US or Overseas (to avoid shipping and import fees because the bag is expensive enough on its own). Any recommendations for alternatives are also appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

-Zayne

 

Not really though my present Case Logic VNB-217 17-Inch does have potential. The biggest issue with it is that even though my 17" Precision does fit, its a tight fit as I can barely get the zipper over the edge. Although to be fair, that is with the sleeve on the laptop.

This is the third laptop case I've had to purchase since getting the laptop in Feb. The briefcase from Slappa broke and the backpack shoulder straps are showing clear signs of wear. I decided to move on before they broke like the briefcase strap.

Which leads to my next greatest complaint about poorly designed laptop packs. Their lack of padding particularly on the bottom. It is not padded enough. I have had to place towels and/or socks in the bottom to protect my investment. That's unacceptable. I give the Case Logic a 3 of 5, but that's only because of its well padded shoulder and back pads.

As for the Xl size, the problem with that is that it temps you to over pack it. Which in turn will weigh it down.

Which lead to any manufactures that's listening. No 17" backpack should be without a waist and/or sternum stop. These bags are just too big to be comfortable for more than a few minutes without them. Good luck and keep us informed if you find the perfect laptop backpack.

 

Targus XL City Top Load Notebook Case for 17 inch Notebooks Laptops 5024442943508 | eBay

I have one on these ordered unsure how it will be though looks like it has plenty of storage.

 

Thanks, but I'm actually looking for a backpack, not a messenger bag. If anyone else can provide some suggestions for a backpack that will meet my needs, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

Targus TXL617 XL Notebook Backpack Bag Fits Up to 17" Laptops New | eBay

 

Yes, I actually saw this one and was very unimpressed with it. While it does have fairly decent capacity, I found the quality and design to be sub-par. I really dislike the front most pouch and the inner design is something to be had.

I'm looking for something more high-end with extra large capacity (I'm willing to pay $70-$100 CAD for it). There's multiple bags from SwissGear (Wegner) that look interesting, but I can't find any of their high-end ones in any local stores here in Canada to actually look at them in person and judge/test them for myself. Other than that, it's hard to know what's suits my needs and what doesn't by looking at online photos.

-Zayne

 

I've been using an Everki backpack for my 17 inch laptop for the past couple of years. I average about 50% travel throughout the year (international and domestic) and regularly carry at least twenty pounds of gear with me. I would strongly recommend one of their backpacks if they meet your storage requirements. The one problem I've had with this backpack is that if you've got loose heavy gear (like backup drives and power bricks) in the main bag, you'll have issues putting your laptop in if it's pretty thick (I travel with an ASUS G7JH). The fix is to put the laptop in before everything else or if you can't (like when you collect your gear after TSA inspection) then pull up on the that "carry" strap and slide the laptop in with the free hand. There is also padding where the laptop meets your back.

Specifically, the one I use is the Beacon. The console sleeve is removable and frankly is sitting somewhere in my closet : 18.4" Laptop Bags : Beacon Laptop Backpack w/Gaming Console Sleeve, fits up to 18"