eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack

"I was delighted a few weeks back to see that eBags finally offered a slim backpack that avoided the slouching problem so common with large backpacks. I have the TLS Workstation backpack and love it for long trips overseas, but for daily walks to work, the TLS Professional Slim is much better. The organizing compartment has all the hallmarks of a TLS backpack with exquisite organizing pockets. I like the increased use of zippered mesh pockets rather than open pockets. Things are more secure. One of the main reasons I bought the TLS Workstation was the "overhead" removable compartment for all my Mac accessories and power brick. That they moved that to the bottom AND made it zipper accessible makes this bag even better. The laptop compartment is large and can easily hold a 15in laptop. I have a ultraportable and I can fit it easily with some papers and a small umbrella. The storage compartment is large enough to hold papers, lunch, etc, but not overly large. But the most significant and welcome improvement is the addition of a dedicated iPad/tablet pocket. I use my iPad more than any other device and love having it so accessible yet isolated in its own space, where it is protected. One improvement that could be added is a sternum strap. I added one from Timbuk2 for three bucks. Even though the bag isn't designed to hold heavy things, a sternum strap is great to have to keep the straps from riding up under one's underarms while walking. Overall it is an excellent bag. I still use my Workstation on long-haul travel, but this is excellent for daily use. Designer Note: Sternum straps are now included thanks to this customer's comment. If you own the backpack from the initial production run, contact Customer Care and they will send you sternum straps at no charge."

"Buyer Beware: I've had this bag for just over 4 months, and use it under light conditions - carrying my Macbook Air and assorted papers/notebook and doodads (charger, plugs, etc) - to and from work. I'm a commuter, so that really means its on my shoulder from my car to my desk - 500 meters twice a day. I love the bag itself - the slim profile, the side-entry design, the spaciousness - are all perfect for my needs. Frankly, I was in LOVE with this bag for the first 3 months I had it. But in the last 30 days or so, its started to come apart. Specifically, where the left shoulder strap meets the top of the bag, its coming loose and fraying. Now... I get this is the primary pressure point on a backpack, as its where the load-bearing shoulder strap meets the bag itself - but in a quality, well designed and manufactured bag, that should NEVER come unstitched or apart. And especially not after barely 4 months of light use..."

"Very frequent traveler 50-80 business travel on avg. so use of my bags are normally very intense. I was sold on this bag by the video. It did, however, appear larger in the video than it really is in hand, so the camera must add 10 lbs. The video was very accurate and what you see is what you get. I have always used Incase brand bags, and a very big fan of their design, but they quit making some of my favorite styles, and the last bag I purchased from Incase was not able to hold up to my travel demands and the organization that I need. I eyed the Tumi Network bag, but just could not bring myself to drop the $$$ on a bag I may replace every year or two. So, I shopped around and found this one. PROS: **doesn't slouch - stiff bag, very thick outer shell, very tough exterior **zippers are great - you can tell the quality **light - bag much lighter than expected **cord garage - best invention ever, perfect catch **all..would like to see it slightly larger **easy - SUPER easy access to laptop section (I use a Lenovo T510 - pretty large pc) **pretty decent overall storage **very well made bag - you can tell the high quality **handles - retract, very cool, comfy and tough CONS: **tablet storage compartment just a bit too small - does not zip open wide enough. I have my iPad in a case, so it's a bit tough to get in / out...an extra 1" on the zipper would have been enough **storage on front is too flat. There needs to be deeper storage pockets for plugs / cords **to elaborate on above - the storage garage could be larger to fit more cables and misc **water bottle side zipper - just too small, tried to use once...needs to be several inches "higher" or deeper pocket **a couple more small zipper pockets, maybe on back under padding...always nice to have a small additional easy accessible storage to throw expense receipts and misc while traveling **shoulder straps could be better design, thicker Overall, nice, well made bag would recommend 9 out of 10"