Targus Drifter II 16" Laptop Backpack (Black/Grey)

UPDATE: Original review below. I've now owned and carried this bag for about 2 years. It has gone everywhere with me, 6-7 days a weeks, taken falls and been thoroughly abused. At one point it weighed over 30 pounds for several months and it is finally time to replace it. The rear pocket has ripped into the pocket in front of it, and a hole to the outside has formed just above the zipper. I believe all the flaws it now shows are a result of too much weight and rough treatment. Considering it lasted two years in the conditions I demanded of it, I came here to order another and was shocked to learn I can get the blacked out version for half of what I originally paid. It was a great deal the first time, and now I'm getting a new one for half that cost. I have not regretted this purchase once. Great bag, love the size and number of pockets. I carry it to work daily with my laptop, mouse pad, mouse, and charger. My bag also carries a phone charger, 2 pocket knives, ear buds, my beard comb and balm, vape juice and extra batteries, several pens and markers, bottle of Aleve, and an extra pair of socks. Occasionally I pack a change of clothes and my gaming headset, and it all fits with room to spare. It's comfortable to wear around for long periods, and has more storage space than I know what to do with. I couldn't be happier with my purchase, and it gets compliments from time to time. I will recommend this brand to anyone that asks. I've only had to for a couple months, but so far it looks brand new. My laptop is 15.6" gaming MSI, and it fits easily. Has a strap to secure it inside the padded sleeve, and my laptop hasn't taken any damage, despite dropping the bag a couple times. For the price, you'd be hard pressed to find a better laptop backpack.

I just received the Targus Drifter II Backpack. The Targus Drifter II feels like it might be of a lower quality construction, but I'll update this review after I've had the chance to use it on the road. My previous backpack is the SwissGear Computer Backpack , which I love, since I'm an IT guy and I travel a lot for work. I need storage for the laptop, it's charger, mouse, Nexus 7 and it's charger, a backup power battery for the nexus and my phone, medicines (vitamins, ibuprofen, peptobismol, etc), pens, usb 2.5" hard drive, flash drives, The reason I bought the Targus Drifter II was to find a similar backpack, with the same amount of pockets but that doesn't make me look like a turtle. The Drifter is considerately slimmer in profile (See my side by side comparison, in the customer images). The Targus Drifter II Backpack is an almost identical copy of the SwissGear Computer Backpack . It has exactly the same pockets (minor difference in organizational layout in 2nd zippered compartment from the front), and does have 1 additional pocket, almost hidden in the lumbar region that touches your back when you wear the pack. Pocket 1 - small zipper in the very front, good for small items, like earbuds, flash drives, business cards, gum Pocket 2 - 2nd Zipper from the front, small pocket with organizing pockets and pouches inside Pocket 3 - 3rd zipper from front, thin pocket, good for a tablet, or a small notepad. Pocket 4 - 4th zipper from the front, the work horse of the pockets, it is divided into 2 section and has a zippered mesh pocket that lives here (I keep meds here), this is where I keep my spare hat, water bottles, bandana. If I had a larger laptop power supply (brick) it would also go here. You could stuff a couple days worth of rolled up clothing in here if needed. Pocket 5 - 5th zipper from front. My quick stash pocket. This is a great spot for items you need to stow or grab quickly. I use this in the TSA security line to stash my wallet, phone and watch before going through the metal detector, so I can grab them quickly after I make it through. Pocket 6 - 6th zipper from front. Laptop sleeve and small zippered mesh (this zippered mesh is great for Macbook air power supply and a wireless mouse, plus a few other smaller items. Pocket 7 - lumbar pocket. Haven't figure this one out yet, but will find it out next time I'm at airport. Side pockets (2) - spacious, I keep chargers and usb cables here for phone and nexus 7 tablet. Also battery backup for phone and tablet, mifi router, playing cards outer mesh side pockets (2), corporate badge, sunscreen / umbrella, harmonica This is a great bag and I hope that my concerns about ruggedness and quality prove to be unfounded. I will update if any issues or cool findings develop!

With the dreaded reminder of College exams and papers due every time I see a backpack I never thought I could love it. Targus somehow makes me. Aside from being just a good looking pack with the solid black and contrasting dark greys the backpack functions to a level I'd never had with any others. The size is perfect and the very adjustable straps let you really adjust how it sits on your back. The mesh backing also really prevent it from heating up quickly. It still does when I'm using it on hot days and walking a long distance, but no where near as bad as most packs. I bought this mainly for a laptop I own. The back compartment is for a laptop with a padding slot that easily fits your PC and a Velcro strap that you can fasten to prevent it from moving. The same compartment has a pocket of mesh that I use for cables, my mouse sometimes etc and a lot of extra room. The handle (which completely caught me by surprise) is solid plastic with a metal wire inside and a rubberized grip over top. This plastic does not move at all! The handle itself moves but the the construction is not going to let weight affect it. In short (because there is so many) there is a large main pocket with another mesh inside pocket, a smaller pocket in the front that leads further down and another lower pocket at the bottom with many different compartment for cellphones etc. I store anything from calculators, erasers, sharpeners etc in this.There is also two side pockets right above the double water bottle mesh holders. On top of the laptop section, there is two pockets that I love. Absolute genius by Targus's part, it really is the small things that make the pack. There is a small pocket in between the handle and the laptop pocket. It isn't overly large but it is fully lined with a extremely soft material, I want to say cotton but I have no clue with fabrics. Sorry. I store my cellphone and any electronics in this pocket. Because it's so high up nothing ever bumps the devices and the material is so soft I don't even find it leaving scratches on anything. It is very clever. The second is a long almost hidden pocket that opens up behind one of the mesh backings at the bottom of the backside of the pack. At first I really couldn't think of any reason to use the pocket until I thought of storing your wallet, passports or any documents/items you want kept safe in it. Why? Because the pocket is against your back at all times. The only way someone behind you could potentially steal something would be physically taking the entire pack off you. A very nice feature I found in case your carrying any valuables. Overall an outstanding backpack. I've warn it for an entire semester since purchase carrying textbooks, my laptop and multiple other things and there isn't even a slight showing of wear on any section. As well as even with everything I'm carrying it does start to get a decent weight but I really don't feel any strain on my back. I was originally skeptical on paying $60 for a backpack but the way Targus makes them, I'd pay even more for the Drifter II if I had too.

I really like this backpack because of the design, its size and the number of pockets. I bought mine 5 years ago. Unfortunately now 2 large holes have developed near the sipper of the large pocket, one on each side. For this reason I bought a new Drifter backpack. The holes developed because I ofter used the backpack for grocery shopping filling it to the top with heavy stuff e.g. cans etc. and then carried it by the handle. That was too much stress on the fabric. So, my recommendation for upgrades of this backpack would be to strengthen the support for the handle. The handle itself is extra strong, but the backpack fabric supporting the handle is weak. I subtract one star because of this weakness. For buyers of this backpack I recommend not to use the handle if the backpack is heavy.

This bag was much bigger than expected. It would be great if you need a bag with plenty of room (perhaps for a overnight stay) but I found it was a bit too big for the daily commute.

I have had Targus bags for the last 10 years, they have never disappointed. Great quality and how many pockets :)

Estaba buscando una mochila de este tamaño para mis viajes y que pueda cargar todo lo necesario, además para la escuela. La mochila denota calidad, espero que me dure bastante tiempo.

Very good