Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Travel-Friendly Backpack

I have been a fan of Timnuk2 brand for a long time but could not really afford one. I got the bag because I just started my MBA. The books that were given were in the 4 to 6.5 pound range. I wanted to get a backpack that could handle that carrying weight comfortably, that allowed me to pack my laptop with with all my gadgets, had dedicated compartments for organization, and MUST have a bottle holder (previous bag did not, and I regret it every day!).This bag did not disappoint on these points, but it didn't quite meet 100% of my expectations either.On to the good things:- Great large(but not huge) bag for commuters.- great compartment for laptop, and tablet (not pictured in amazon or timbuk2's website), located opposite of laptop in back pocket.- Mid-back compartment is the large compartment where my books and notebook goes. large and roomy, about 5" to 6" of capacity there!- Mid-front compartment is great for organizing cables and tech devices (it's a plus because it exists, but it also has it minuses).- Front "pen" pocket is deep and has a useful zipped pocket for things like USB's and/or erasers.- Napoleon pocket in front is very large and deep as well.- Water bottle holder holds litter bottles without any strain. EXCELLENT!!!On to the bad things:- In mid-front compartment, there is a pocket that is about 6" deep (right below the mesh pockets) but it does not go all the way down. IT's good for a few things, but not file folders for example. The compartment is pretty deep, and here is where I store my 1TB Ext. HDD with case, my calculator, mouse, earphones, and power supply's to laptop and cell phone. It is roomy, but lack just a bit more organization.- The "pen" organizer, while it's large and has many compartments, these are rather tight, so it's not like you can really store things int he pocket behind the pens for example. Also there is some lost real state inside that front pocket, as the organizer does not span the width of the pocket.My cons are really nit picking. I am always looking for an OCD packers dream, and while it may not deliver on that respect it DOES deliver on other much more important ones such as:COMFORT!!!! This bag fully loaded (20.5 lbs) was still comfortable to lug around on my back with either one or both straps. It just rests on my back in a manner that does not add any strain (under normal applications of course).STYLE!! This bag is very modern and stylish. It commands admiration as one does not look foolish walking into a meeting with it, nor walking into a coffee shop in flip flops and shorts. Very versatile.WEIGHT!!! This thing is light about 2+ pounds, and yet the material seems to be very strong. I read some reviews about exposed edges, and I can say that this bag has NO exposed edges.DETAIL!!! There is an enormous amount of detail that went into making this bag and it can be seen easily on the seems, zippers, and materials.Overall I am very happy with the bag. I allows me to pack to my heart's content and still manage to be comfortable with all my stuff. Timbuk2 is reputable name with quality products (lifetime warranty...who does that anymore???)Since got into photography I finally understood the importance of a good bag....As a hobbyist photographer carrying thousands of dollars in equipment in a cheap bag is a risk that I am not willing to take. Buying this bag gave me the same sense of security for my laptop and gadgets as does my camera bag.100% recommended!!!

This backpack is awesome. I owned the same backpack previously and had it stolen and got this again. I call it my mobile command center because it has just the right amount of pockets and is just the right size for an every day backpack. In fact, they even improved on it from the previous version. What can you expect that is great here?1 - The TSA friendly laptop section is amazing, you never have to pull your laptop out of your overstuffed bag and then have to try to shove it back in and you never hold up the line. makes packing easier too as it's such easy access.2 - The compartments are just the right size for a weekend bag where you can bring a change of clothes or two and another pair of shoes - as well as all the little items.3 - The mini sections are great for storing everything you need. I bring along a 24,000 mAh battery in the upper section of the second largest section - with various charging cords in a nice zipper section to keep it organized, a few granola bars in the mini-pockets and some vitamin/emergency packs in another small pocket. easy quick access and convenient storage. and of course the water bottle pocket on the side is there.4 - The front section is great for keys, headphones, etc. that you want immediate access to and the second smallest section is the essential pens/notecards/cards, etc.with also a hide-away zipper section where you can store more personal items.5 - the fit of the backpack is great. the shoulder straps are all double stitched and they fit more comfortably and flexibly than the standard straps as they have a slight gap between the strap and the bag of a mini strap - which also makes for loading/unloading the laptop easier.Bonus: This version has improved lining over the last version as well as a felt lined glasses pocket on the outside that is convenient and practical.What I use it for?Primarily this is my day-to-day work backpack bringing laptop, files, and personal items to and from work.Secondarily this is a weekend travel bag. Big enough for small trips. Not large enough for 4 day trips or trips where you need fancy clothes/multiple sets of clothes, etc.Third this is a great little festival/park backpack as it's large enough to bring a blanket or two, drinks, snacks, foods, etc. for a small group of people.Fourth, I bring this as my carry-on on any trip. With a battery pack, my laptop and/or tablet, snacks, drink carrier, etc. it fits all your little needs while traveling in a compact package and I don't even mind not stowing it away and keeping it at my feet and I'm 6'2".All-in-all I love this backpack and would buy it again and again - but let's hope no more bags are stolen.