Targus 17" Drifter II Laptop Backpack Black/Gray

Over the last nearly 20 years, I've used a Targus pack daily, in commuting to work and also as a carry-on when I fly. They've lasted a bit shy of 10 years each. On the first one, it was the zipper that gave out. The more recent one, purchased in 2015, was the Targus Drifter II, 17". At the time, I read that it could be too big to use as a carry on, and once in a while I manage to make it too thick to fit below the seat in front or into the bit, but taking a few things out has always done the trick. Basically, I like this pack, but when I see that they are selling pretty much the identical thing to 10 years ago, I'm surprised they haven't shored up a few flaws. The first is the rubber handle. 20 years ago, the handle at the top of the pack was a good, thick rubber. But for the Drifter II, there were a lot of gaps in the rubber, and after about two years, the rubber started to rip, and it just got bigger and bigger. In the end, I wrapped black duct tape around the handle, so that it is functional, but doesn't showcase so well. The Drifter II is one of the few packs with O-rings on the front part of the shoulder straps. These are really handy if you want to drape a second pack, or perhaps hook in dry cleaning. Unfortunately, it seems to be that these rings are made out of plastic and not something sturdier, which I discovered when one ring broke when I hung a secondary pack onto it. Ultimately, the reason that I'll have to get a new pack in the near future is that the zipper and fabric at the top of the pack is being destroyed from the inside! The velcro fastener in the main compartment seems to like the top of the compartment, and little by little, the seams and fabric holding the zipper in the top compartment seem to be degrading (the zipper itself has kept working like a trooper the whole time), so that zipping the main compartment is becoming moot. More duct tape on the inside of the pack held this at bay for a while, but I think these three issues are something that Targus ought to attend to.

I replaced my Drtifter II that I had owned and used daily for nearly 10 years. Everything about the bag was perfect, it was durable, comfortable, had plenty of storage, and never had any problems until the last year of its life. This new drifter II is NOT the same bag. I have had the new one for about 6 months and within the first week, the zippers on the main compartment and laptop compartment failed. The bag also feels inferior to the one I previously owned due to the fact that the material does not seem as stiff or durable. I am stuck with the bag as I am traveling internationally but I am looking out for a replacement. No more Targus brand for me.

I have had this pack since 12/21/2019 and I still use it. I have taken it to work, hikes, traveling you name it and I love it. I will buy another one:-).

One of the best backpacks in the market! We purchased 4 for our non-profit organization. It has a variety of pockets to keep your life organized! More than enough pockets to keep documents where they need to go. The lifetime warranty is fantastic!! We had to warranty out the backpack a few times due to stitching and zipper failures, and we received a new replacement. We only had to pay for shipping to return the backpack.

I have this backpack for 7 years. The backpack is good quality and durable. Some minor issues with the zipper, but I abuse it and still working. One of the next products in the market espeacilly for 17 ich laptops. Great protection. Even I backpack Everest with this backpack .........just great.

The backpack is a solid choice for those seeking durability and organization. Its quality construction ensures it can handle daily wear and tear effortlessly. What really impressed me were the numerous pockets—perfect for keeping everything neatly organized. Admittedly, it leans towards the heavier side, yet surprisingly, it remains comfortable even when fully loaded. Overall, it's a reliable companion for anyone needing a sturdy and well-organized backpack.

This is the best backpack I have ever owned. It is the only backpack that has the zippered compartment at the back of the backpack under the straps that is perfect for putting your wallet, keys, phone, etc when you are going thru airport security. The backpack has a nice selection of compartments. Well-made and TARGUS has the best warranty and the easiest customer service of any company, better than REI. I wished that a larger size was sold, say 60-65 L. The current size of 42L is about the largest size of any backpack sold, today.

I have had this backpack for 7 years and it has finally had it. The zippers don't close and the top has ripped open. Overall, this backpack has been rugged and has seen extensive use. I have not had another laptop backpack that has lasted as long as this one.

I bought this bag July 25, 2023 and the plastic handle is already splitting apart. Also, I'm noticing that a couple of stitches are starting to come apart. I have owned a few Swiss gear laptops backpacks for many years and it took more than 3 years before the handle showed signs of wear. I do love all of the storage on this backpack; but, not the handle!

Nice Backpack for price. Too soon to tell how it will hold up during travel

My son had this backpack and the straps started to fray. He liked it so much that he wanted another one. So I bought it as a Christmas present for him.

I bought this backpack just over 2 years ago and really liked it. But now the zipper on the laptop area isn't holding up. I'll be walking and and it just rips open. After a couple tries it zips back together, but now I don't trust putting anything in that compartment.

The backpack is fantastic for traveling because it can fit so much stuff. If wanting to use the bag for airplane travel, it is a little big to fit under the seat.

I ordered a new one to replace the one I had for several years. It served me extremely well, but one of the most frequently-used zippers became problematic. I couldn't find any other backpacks with such good organization with pockets for both laptops and tablets, so I figured I might as well get what I knew I liked. Unfortunately, my newer backpack was not up to the same standards (by a long shot). It's been a few weeks, and two zippers are already inconsistent, plus an inside pocket has torn. It's not completely useless, but it's nowhere near as easy to rely on as my old one.

Great bag lots of pockets. Well weighted. Carries all my carry on when traveling

It is perfect for school holding laptop and many other items nicely organized. My 14 year old son loves it. This is the second one purchased, same model/style and color.

In look8ng for a bag, I initially went to a competitor. I settled on this bag because of the size and description. When it was back in stock I received a notice that and decided to try it. I've never owbed on of their bags before and was curious. The bag has two major issues. 1. If items are left in the front pocket and you remove your computer from the back pocket the bag becomes front heavy abd tips forward. This seems to be an issue with the design since my previous bag did not. 2. Every bag I have ever owned sits well on my shoulder, using a single strap, without wanting to slide off. This bag requires constant repositioning, or the 2nd strap, to prevent it from sliding off your shoulder

Great bag with many pockets. Like the color. Wish you had more color options and like some other reviews, I am concerned that the bag won't do well with the weight of my laptop and such. Otherwise, a wonderful bag!

I purchased this bag a week prior to my scheduled travels. Just alone actually loading the bag as my carry on. Granted I did inspect the bag and the zippers prior to my purchase, all seemed well. I did not overload my bag by no means. But yet the stitching for the outside top pocket had already began to fail me.

Impressive backpack, I hope Targus will redo the small bag, or, is my hand too big... Well, whatever it may be, in the meantime I'll give them only 4 stars, once they improve this product they will have 5 stars of excellence.