This Belkin Dash Backpack was more expensive than some other bags I was looking at, but once I got it in the mail, I knew I made the right choice. This bag looks great and is made really, really well.
The backpack is pretty simple in styling, it's deep gray and black with -thankfully-no ugly logos or netted fabric. It's got a non-skid black rubberized bottom which is very cool. I love that I can get away with using this for work, as well as hiking around town. This bag is seriously stylish.
I live in a rainy place, so real weather protection of my laptop is paramount. This backpack has kept everything inside perfectly protected, even at the zippers and seams. It is made very well, such quality.
The storage in this backpack is a huge draw. I can carry so much besides my laptop, like my papers, books and a lunch. I can put my wallet pocket in the zippered top pocket for easy access, or if I'm feeling paranoid, I can hide it in one of the inside security pockets. A bonus is that it's got a MP3 player holder in the backpack strap (w/ a magnet for ear buds). The straps are padded and wide, so they're comfortable and don't dig into my shoulders. Highly recommended to anyone looking for something like this.
I even got a 17" laptop in here, even though it's made for 16", though it was tight. The bag has so much space & pockets, you can't go wrong. It's expensive but think about what you're lugging around. This backpack is so nice I even use it when I'm not carrying around my laptop.
This backpack is pretty well designed for traveling use with a larger size laptop.
What I like about this product :
Padded laptop holder which could easily fit a larger sized 14" to 15" laptop
Extra padding on the back for added comfort and better protection of the laptop
Spacious front compartment which can hold 4-5 books
Lots of extra zippered pockets (3 on the outside and 2 inside) for holding smaller items
True water resistant which is great for traveling in all weather conditions
What could be better :
The shoulder strap could use more padding for comfort
Lack of water bottle holder
Even though the product stated that it can hold a 16" laptop. It would be a very tight fit particularly for laptops with protruded extended-life battery,
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I just took this backpack on an international trip and am more than impressed with it. I have 3 or 4 others that don't have the simple organization or comfort of this one. It actually held 2 laptops, kindle, iPad, iPod, 2 cell phones, some snacks, a change of clothes, and a ziplock of toiletries.
The design is made with tech products in mind. There are several padded dividers so that items are protected from each other. There is also a handy credit card and pen section, as well as multiple little pockets to stow your cell phone and iPod. The iPod pocket features a convenient opening to pass your earbud wires through, as well as a nearby magnetic strip to hold the earbuds when not in use.
The straps are well-padded and sturdy enough to carry a very heavy load for long periods, both on my back, as well as on my front (in crowded airports where theft was a concern.)
I will continue to use this one for travel in the coming months and hopefully years. Thoroughly impressed.
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Wow, I really love this backpack. It's replaced all over my other backpacks (yes, when we were two law students in the family, we managed to collect a bunch). It has an incredibly well padded compartment in the back for the laptop. It will fit most laptop sizes. This same section is where you would keep textbooks or other flat items like binders or papers.
I love that there's an incredibly spacious front compartment that's wedge shaped. I fit huge 1/2 gallon sized water bottles in there as well as all the wires, large headphones, power plugs, etc. in that section. It also has little pockets for credit cards, business cards, pencils and pens, etc. I can put my lunch bag in there too. This is the first bag I've had that managed to meld spacious compartments for bulky items with a separate compartment for all my flat textbooks and laptop.
Then, there's two little outer pockets that you can't fit too much bulky stuff into, but has easy access -this is where I stored my admission papers for my bar exam! And then there's a top zipped compartment that is good for keys, phone, etc. Also easy access.
The straps are well padded and I like how they come together to form a carrying handle at the top. I feel that it's more ergonomic that way and I've had no back strain with it, even when fully stocked.
There's a little pocket on one of the straps that can fit your cell phone. I thought it was too narrow for my iphone, but you really have to pull on the elastic and the phone really will slip in. I think in hindsight, that it's better that way, so that your phone won't fall out.
I highly recommend this bag. Now I only wish that it came in more exciting, girly colors.
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As a working adult who attend grad school at night, I was delighted by this bag. It is just the right size to take along all I need for school, also having enough room for my laptop and a few accessories.
This by no means will replace a full computer bag, but if all you need is room for the computer and a few accessories such as a power cord this will do the trick.
It has handy pockets to place your books, pencils, etc. I like the small top bag, great for things such as mints, your keys, wallet, etc.
The padded back is great and is easy on your shoulders, and the magnetized straps are perfect for your ear buds, as described.
This is my fifth Gregory pack, but one of my least favorite. I bought the Z35 to replace my 1992 Mountainsmith Bugaboo. That pack cost $235 when adjusted for inflation, and has been repurposed as a canyoneering pack. Thanks to the wonders of globalization and the outsourcing of labor and materials, the Z35 was half the cost. I've found it to be a relatively decent enough pack, but have (as always) some nitpicks that knock a few stars off my rating.
