Tenba, Patagonia, and Orion Backpack Review (HP ENVY 17 & Asus G53)

I know how painful the process of choosing a laptop backpack can be, considering its usually a purchase that you keep for years. Since I also know first hand how much a review can greatly assist in the process, I've decided to put up a short review of my experience with the aforementioned bags.

Unfortunately for the G53 this will be a short review since the Orion is the only bag of the three that could hold it. I originally planned on keeping the G53, hence the purchase of the Orion, but once a coupon brought the Envy into my price range I knew the G53 would eventually be returned. I planned to do the review with just the Envy, but the G53 was just sitting there so I figured I would include it just for reference.

Once I received the Envy, and everything checked out, thats when my search began for the perfect backpack to haul around the Envy along with college text books and such. I could have just kept the Orion since it would obviously carry the Envy however, since the Envy has a much smaller footprint, I decided to search for a bag the would hold the Envy tighter.

As you can see, the Orion is the biggest of all but it also holds the most. I especially liked how much cushion there is in the straps and back area, making it that much more comfortable when carrying a heavy load. I also prefer the second full size compartment great for keeping the laptop and my text books separate. If I was keeping the G53 I would have stopped my search for a backpack here.

The Patagonia on paper seemed like the perfect fit for the Envy, it provides a laptop compartment, is water resistant, lightweight, comfortable, and comes in funky colors. Once I noticed zappos offers a 365day no questions asked 100% return policy, I placed my order that night and received the bag in 3 days. The Envy turned out fitting just perfectly.

It has just enough room for the Envy and 3 of my text books, and yet it still doesn't look too bulky. All in all a great backpack for my needs.

Since I've recently purchased a DSLR I also needed a safe way of trasporting it around, and thats when my search brought me to Tenba. It's bottom half has a well padded DSLR pocket which is also removable.

The pocket is padded from all sides, and without a doubt will keep my camera safe. The very bottom of the bag is heavily reinforced with padding such that, if you were ever to place your bag down on a wet surface, it will not seep through to the insides of the bag. As luck would have it the laptop compartment had just enough room for the Envy.

Also being well padded from all sides my Envy sits perfectly safe inside. The Tenba is perfect for my needs, providing a safe way to transport my Envy and DSLR. So theres is my quick run through of the bags. If you have any specific questions LMK.

 

How long have you used each of these bags? I would love to see comments on their long-term durability. Most bags function well at first, but I've had numerous problems in the past with bags coming unstitched or tearing at the seams after taking a few months of everyday abuse.

 

Ill update the thread with my impressions in a few months.