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

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!!!

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, gumPocket 2 - 2nd Zipper from the front, small pocket with organizing pockets and pouches insidePocket 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 cardsouter mesh side pockets (2), corporate badge, sunscreen / umbrella, harmonicaThis 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!