Drifter II Laptop Backpack

So... I originally purchased this backpack for a trip I was taking. You see, I'm a freelance developer and, as a result, I spend a significant amount of time on the road. Particularly at conferences. On my feet. For extended periods of time. I've always had (and loved) a leather messenger bag, but it suffered from one fatal flaw. Try carrying a lot of stuff in a messenger bag for any real amount of time... It's not fun. So, I decided that a pack would be a more comfortable and efficient solution, and the research began!I looked through hundreds of packs, read thousands of reviews, and redefined my personal requirements dozens of times, to the point that it was almost too late to buy something before my last trip. Exactly a week before I left, I finally bit the proverbial bullet and bought the Drifter II. In all my research, it was the one pack I kept coming back to, and I finally decided to give it a chance. Boy am I glad I did!!!For starters... this pack is absolutely enormous (on the inside). I mean, it's deceptively large. Let's break down the overall pack, shall we?Main pocket: What I'm denoting as the 'main' pocket really isn't by any normal standard. It's actually NOT the largest pocket in the pack, but it's definitely the most important one. This pocket features an integrated notebook sleeve which easily holds my 16" notebook. Additionally, by integrating the sleeve, it also provides a second protected pocket which can easily carry a second laptop, tablet, or whatever... I use it for an external keyboard. Additionally, the main pocket has a smaller mesh pocket (about 3" deep and the width of the pack) sewn into it. Ideal for small stuff like cleaning cloths, USB cables, or whatever else you want to keep close.Top pocket: The 'top' pocket is what probably my second most-used pocket. It's admittedly small, but it's well padded and provides quick access to commonly used accessories. In my case, this means it gets to hold my wireless mouse, phone charger, and my emergency phone battery charger. I usually end up throwing my keys and wallet in it at airports to expedite the TSA checkpoints... it's plenty large enough for it.Secondary Pocket: This is really the largest pocket in the pack, and is the closest to what you'd expect in a traditional backpack. It's enormous! On my last trip, I fit two full changes of clothes and two boxes of 100 business cards in it with plenty of room to spare. Additionally, like the 'main' pocket, this has a small (roughly 4") mesh pocket in it.Tertiary Pocket: This is roughly half the size of the secondary pocket in width, but is the full depth of the pack. For reference purposes, it's about 1/3 wider than a carton of cigarettes. Don't really use it myself, but too much space is better than not enough!Equipment Pocket: The smallish pocket on the front of the pack is divided into numerous smaller pockets to facilitate storing pens, pencils, and other assorted supplies. I generally throw my laptop power cord in it, and a handful of USB thumb drives in one of the smaller pockets.Mini Pocket: There's also a REALLY small pocket on the outside of the 'equipment' pocket, which I haven't found a use for, but whatever!Each side of the pack also features a zipper pocket and a mesh pocket that are sized to fit a water bottle. Worked GREAT for lugging water during a conference in Miami! And... special bonus... there's a hidden pocket on the BACK of the pack which provides safe storage for things you don't want to 'disappear'... in my case, airport boarding passes and passport!All in all, it's an epic pack that has (so far) proved to be extremely durable and versatile. For those who might be wondering... YES! It's TSA friendly!!!

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.