Kenneth Cole Reaction Brooklyn Commuter 16", Charcoal Polyester, Polyester Backpack

This may be the holy grail of backpacks. I've been searching for some time. I give it 5 stars despite it not being total perfection. I'm an average sized lady who commutes daily by bus. I also plan on using this for air travel. I got the gray bag. My must have criteria (and love!): -Great price. Got a good deal at around $50 (similar bags run around $80+ ) -TSA screening "clam shell" design" You simply unzip and fold the bag out in half and the laptop side is now flat and separated from the rest of the bag contents and can pass it through TSA screening without removing the laptop from the bag. Coolest invention ever! Too bad you still have to pull out your damn liquids. Some day... -The big fat soft and comfy grab handle on top- Great for carrying your bag down the bus aisle so you don't smack the crap out of your fellow bus passengers heads and shoulders wearing your backpack and turning about. (I hate when that happens... Getting smacked by people's backpacks. Be courteous, darn it! Take it off your back when you get on the bus/train/airplane, people!) -Luggage handle pass through strap thingy for your wheeled bag handle. Additional love: -Great pocket organization- Your usual stuff, pens, cards, etc. but well thought out and placed. Also the pockets don't assume you have a tiny cell phone that you don't have in a case. They are wide, so can hold any variety of things. I use the tablet pocket for bigger things like my LG bluetooth headset.... Wow, I just found two more pockets I didn't see before while writing this review. -Special pockets- Hidden pocket on the inside of the luggage handle pass through strap, great for wallet or passport as it sits against your back when wearing. Take that, pick-pocketers! Bwha ha ha! Pockets that are revealed when you open the "clam shell" for TSA screening where you can quick stow your passport and boarding pass or valuables. They have zips, so items stay secured. For general commuting to work, I keep my computer accessories, like flash drive, headphones, gemalto token, etc. here. -Back of backpack is padded, which is nice. -It stands up on it's own. Which makes that top grab handle even lovelier. Grab and go! Don't love: -The grey pin dot kind of makes my eyes go wonky. -Overall, boring to look at. Looks like a typical, boring backpack. Not stylish. Meh. I suppose though it is in line with the Reaction men's bags look. -Wish it was slightly lighter in color, true charcoal color. It's really dark gray, closer to black. (I'm so sick of black backpacks. Bleh.) Maybe a textile-like design vs. the teeny eye-crossing dots would be cooler. But alas. I will definitely have to put some kind of easy to identify tag on it if I use it for travel so someone doesn't mistake it for theirs. -Wish the "cargo" section was a little bigger/fatter. This is the big main area. I carry a lot to commute. Lunch, heels, hat, scarf, a book to read and maybe some knitting for the commute. It's pretty slim which I guess is great for folks who don't carry a lot. But for me, it's a tight fit. Which leads to... -The zippers can be kind of sticky if you have the bag packed really full. But they are still zippable one handed. -The "fabric" inside of the sections make an odd rustling plastic bag sound. Weird and kind of creepy. It hasn't alarmed my cats, so that's good. I can't speak to weather proof or anything like that as I just received it and have only used it for one work day. It's just I thought it was so great I couldn't wait to review it. I also haven't tried to put in a water bottle. I see the pocket. It's stretchy and also has some ventilation which would also be good for umbrellas too, but I live in Seattle and only tourists use umbrellas here. Not sure what the side pocket on the other side is even for. It unzips and is long and skinny. Huh. This backpack rocks. You should get it.

I've been using this backpack for a about a month now at work. It has the perfect organization. The front pocket works well for pens/pencils, office items, keys, an iPad, and a folder holding documents. The middle section is larger and is where I store a lunch box and umbrella with plenty room for more if needed.(Like an extra pair of shoes). The rear pocket is perfect for a laptop. The top pocket for a pair of sunglasses. The sidepocket I don't use but would be large enough for sunglasses, a phone, or any other item of similar size. When traveling on flights the middle pocket holds 2-3 days worth of clothes and a pair of shoes. The quick access zip lets me send it through security without removing my laptop (Huge +) and the bag slides neatly over a carry-on. All around the backpack works perfect for professional use as a regular day pack at the office and for short business trips. This weekend I am using it to travel and I'm not going to bring a carry-on. Just this bag is enough for a quick weekend trip. Looks very nice. Very sturdy. No complaints so far.

I bought this backpack 8 years ago and it's in a surprisingly great shape. I don't use it daily but I go carry it regularly. It has gone through months of traveling (great for TSA), multiple washes, regular day to day carry on long trips. Very spacious and compartmentalized. Favorite features: - Compartmentalization! Has a TSA easy access for laptop with proper cushion and front pockets, best part, these pockets don't interfere with the main compartment because the sewing is separate for each one - Strong zippers and handles. I've loaded it with up to 65 pounds, about to burst, and zippers are just fine. Can't emphasize enough on how strong the zippers are - Shoulder straps are strong. It has a tiny tear on one of them for ove a year and its still holding strong - Back cushion is still cushioned which allows room for breathing - Color hasn't worn out after numerous hand and machine washes "Would like" features: - More cushion on the shoulder straps and add a chest strap for better weight distribution. I bought a separate cushioned shoulder and chest straps - Just 1 TSA compartment, it has 2 and the second one its just noise, can't really use for much storage - Full open main compartment - Water resistant, at least the bottom - More color options