How well does the Monsoon handle textbooks?Right now I am using a Lunada, which is perfect as a (netbook) computer and EDC incidentals bag, but I am finding myself wanting just a bit more room. I've also started taking some night classes and find it bothersome to carry both a book bag and my EDC bag to class. If the Monsoon could fit a standard textbook or two, even it it's not an ideal book bag (it's not), I think that would meet my needs. How well does the Monsoon handle textbooks?Right now I am using a Lunada, which is perfect as a (netbook) computer and EDC incidentals bag, but I am finding myself wanting just a bit... » Read More How well does the Monsoon handle textbooks?Right now I am using a Lunada, which is perfect as a (netbook) computer and EDC incidentals bag, but I am finding myself wanting just a bit more room. I've also started taking some night classes and find it bothersome to carry both a book bag and my EDC bag to class. If the Monsoon could fit a standard textbook or two, even it it's not an ideal book bag (it's not), I think that would meet my needs. « Show Less
1695605
This bag will easily handle some textbooks.....this is my "airport" bag and I carry 2 days of clothing, scuba reg, dive computer,dive mask, snacks, books and personal items in it when I am traveling to dive sites.
1813989
Depends on size of books. Monsoon internal compartment is can fit a magazine size book comfortably. The zipper compartment on the back can as well. so measure your books to a mag and ask yourself will you be needing to carry anything else because it might be a tight fit even with loosening the compression straps.Note I not sure how but i punctured the bottom so be careful I thought it would be tougher .
1813990
I've never used mine for this because I prefer to have heavier loads suspended across both shoulders for everyday use, but I just tried it out & found that my Monsoon can hold three textbooks & my netbook in a sleeve at its upper limit of carrying capacity.
1813991
This would handle a few books well. It'd be a bit trying with let's say a Intro to Biology/ Chemistry book. THat'd just be one heavy load out for one arm. It would hold them, but you would just murder your shoulder. I usually kept a folder, notebook and 1 textbook (Medium size).
1813992
I just bought a 15.6 inch laptop and it actually fit in there with the charger. you could possibly fit a couple of books on top of that but not much more. Maxpedition also sells a small EDC bag that fits in a couple of the compartments. Theres also a hidden compartment in the back for concealed carry. Maxpedition sells a holster that velcros into the spot.
1813993
Though I don't regularly carry text books I do think that Monsoon would accommodate at least one full size text book and a notebook anything more than that would be pushing it to be honest. The tear drop shape restricts the number of large rectangular objects that in can carry.
123451
Another question for the "better informed." Has anyone gotten a laptop bag that fits? I need one that also will haul the mouse and ac adapter. I think the 12" are for the 11.6 netbooks. Any suggestions?
1910558
I find it perfect for college students. However, I think it might be too big for high schoolers. Too big is better than too small though right? I must say though, most of my class-mates have smaller bags. It really just depends on you personal preference. If you have monster textbooks, a computer, and more, this bag has the space. It's really heavy as a result, but that's just going to happen. You can't really get around that.
941565
Yeah, I got a random email saying someone replied to this. Did a slight double take. =) It certainly would have helped me before I bought it. I'm actually alternating between this bag and a 15" Swissgear Maxxum backpack I modified to fit my HP dv7 depending on how much I'm carrying. When I've got several heavy textbooks, a backpack is so much more comfortable than a messenger.
1783400
I think so. It really depends on how many books a student would need to carry. If they carry a lot of books (for example if they carry all their books for a full day of classes) or if the books are really big and thick, then they might want something a bit bigger. It's definitely great for carrying a laptop plus iPad (or other tablet). However, the pockets can be used for folders/papers also. I normally carry only a laptop, so I often will put a folder or a papers into the pocket designed for the iPad. The front pockets are great for carrying all sorts of pens/pencils and markers and the side pockets are perfect for water bottles. I think so. It really depends on how many books a student would need to carry. If they carry a lot of books (for example if they carry all their books for a full day of classes) or if the books are really big and thick, then they might want something a bit bigger. It's definitely great for carrying a laptop plus iPad (or other tablet). However, the pockets can be used for folders/papers also. I normally carry only a laptop, so I often will put a folder or a papers into the pocket designed for the iPad. The front pockets are great for carrying all sorts of pens/pencils and markers and the... » Read More I think so. It really depends on how many books a student would need to carry. If they carry a lot of books (for example if they carry all their books for a full day of classes) or if the books are really big and thick, then they might want something a bit bigger. It's definitely great for carrying a laptop plus iPad (or other tablet). However, the pockets can be used for folders/papers also. I normally carry only a laptop, so I often will put a folder or a papers into the pocket designed for the iPad. The front pockets are great for carrying all sorts of pens/pencils and markers and the side pockets are perfect for water bottles. « Show Less
825980
I purchased this bag and I am very happy with it. Handles are very comfortable. To answer your question. I carry laptop (HP255), I pad, makeup small pouch, scarf, and sometimes shoes (as i bike in the city). I have even put a helmet without a problem. I am petite, this bag doesn't appear big but when you need to make things fit its wonderful. Hope this helps. :)
2236
As far as pocket folders go, it is on the larger end of the spectrum in both size and weight but not so bad as compared to 300 line. It is a cool looking knife but, more importantly, it is incredibly durable and is one of the best performing folders I have ever had. I've always been wary of liner locking mechanisms but haven't had any complaints with this one. To answer your question, I don't think it would be an issue if carried in your purse. I have to wear slacks and suits every day to work yet I still carry my knife clipped in my pocket without any issues or annoyances. I would look into the partially serrated version for uses you are describing though. As far as pocket folders go, it is on the larger end of the spectrum in both size and weight but not so bad as compared to 300 line. It is a cool looking knife but, more importantly, it is incredibly durable and is one of the best performing folders I have ever had. I've always been wary of liner locking mechanisms but haven't had any complaints with this one. To answer your question, I don't think it would be an issue if carried in your purse. I have to wear slacks and suits every day to work yet I still carry my knife clipped in my pocket without any issues or annoyances. I would look... » Read More As far as pocket folders go, it is on the larger end of the spectrum in both size and weight but not so bad as compared to 300 line. It is a cool looking knife but, more importantly, it is incredibly durable and is one of the best performing folders I have ever had. I've always been wary of liner locking mechanisms but haven't had any complaints with this one. To answer your question, I don't think it would be an issue if carried in your purse. I have to wear slacks and suits every day to work yet I still carry my knife clipped in my pocket without any issues or annoyances. I would look into the partially serrated version for uses you are describing though. « Show Less
1699284
I carry two bodies with lenses attached as well as one extra lens, flash and accessories without any trouble. A lot depends on what lenses you want to carry. It would be difficult to get a large zoom in the bag with two bodies and two other lenses but it depends on what you do and don't carry. I don't carry a laptop so can't offer any feedback there except to say I don't think it would fit as space is tight. I have the larger Airport bag as we'll and no problem getting everything in that.
311985
*EDIT* I have this bag: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007528LF2?cache=df1f4e0f59c6f5e0a3ec62f45fb4a320#ref=pd_aw_sim_pc_5 ... And not the one not in the question. I ordered both and found the one I kept (linked) fit more camera gear better. I packed a 17" MBP, 5D, 70-200, and 17-40 in this to carry on to a trip out west! It was a very snug fit (the laptop is the source of snugness... and a bit of discomfort) but it works if you're not planning on toting the laptop on long hikes into the field. Without the laptop the bag is very comfortable and has a very nice "not expensive" look to it. *EDIT* I have this bag: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007528LF2?cache=df1f4e0f59c6f5e0a3ec62f45fb4a320#ref=pd_aw_sim_pc_5 ... And not the one not in the question. I ordered both and found the one I kept (linked) fit more camera gear better. I packed a 17" MBP, 5D, 70-200, and 17-40 in this to carry on to a trip out west! It was a very snug fit (the laptop is the source of snugness... and a bit of discomfort) but it works if you're not planning on toting the laptop on... » Read More *EDIT* I have this bag: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007528LF2?cache=df1f4e0f59c6f5e0a3ec62f45fb4a320#ref=pd_aw_sim_pc_5 ... And not the one not in the question. I ordered both and found the one I kept (linked) fit more camera gear better. I packed a 17" MBP, 5D, 70-200, and 17-40 in this to carry on to a trip out west! It was a very snug fit (the laptop is the source of snugness... and a bit of discomfort) but it works if you're not planning on toting the laptop on long hikes into the field. Without the laptop the bag is very comfortable and has a very nice "not expensive" look to it. « Show Less
317028
It would definitely be big enough, perfect if you need to carry some books also. The pack is a great value with lots space. I carry only a 10" tablet so I now mostly use a smaller pack for EDC but keep this one in reserve for when I need more space. The hydration pocket is where I would put the laptop since it would be protected.
523116
I don't have any large textbooks this semester, but to give you an idea of what it can hold: I can fit my chromebook 11, a five subject notebook, one of those plastic binders and 3 medium sized textbooks. It meets my needs just fine.
1954603
My son has a 17 inch laptop and he does not put textbooks in the bag because that would be heavy for him, but he says that you can fit one medium size and maybe a few smaller textbooks in the bag. There is not enough room for one large textbook. The bag is wonderful. He loves it. And he tends to charge his electronics at school and his friends' electronics, too. :)
418602
I use this bag for hauling a heavy binder for work as well as papers, and it has worked really well. There are interior pockets that are not zippered but that work well for separating papers from other items, as well as pockets for carrying pens, a tablet, and other miscellaneous items. The bag sits upright well when there are items inside, otherwise it's a little top-heavy from the heavy duty strap when it's empty. Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this bag and it's ergonomic, across-the-shoulder strap. It's sturdy but not overly bulky and also holds up well in the rain. I wish that it had a zipper closure and a snap (it only snaps), but I would buy this bag all over again and recommend it highly. I use this bag for hauling a heavy binder for work as well as papers, and it has worked really well. There are interior pockets that are not zippered but that work well for separating papers from other items, as well as pockets for carrying pens, a tablet, and other miscellaneous items. The bag sits upright well when there are items inside, otherwise it's a little top-heavy from the heavy duty strap when it's empty. Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this bag and it's ergonomic, across-the-shoulder strap. It's sturdy but not overly bulky and also holds up well in the rain. I wish that it... » Read More I use this bag for hauling a heavy binder for work as well as papers, and it has worked really well. There are interior pockets that are not zippered but that work well for separating papers from other items, as well as pockets for carrying pens, a tablet, and other miscellaneous items. The bag sits upright well when there are items inside, otherwise it's a little top-heavy from the heavy duty strap when it's empty. Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this bag and it's ergonomic, across-the-shoulder strap. It's sturdy but not overly bulky and also holds up well in the rain. I wish that it had a zipper closure and a snap (it only snaps), but I would buy this bag all over again and recommend it highly. « Show Less
1340709
We had the same problem you mentioned with backpacks over the years. My son carries a heavy load of school books, binder and a computer on a daily basis. He carries this gear all day, from class to class and through a long commute. Before we bought this backpack, he regularly went through more than one backpack per school year. But this backpack is actually quite strong. My son is currently using his second SwissGear Sherpa backpack because the first one dramatically outperformed every other backpack he had ever owned, lasting several years. When it finally did give out - it was the zipper, but it had done such a great job, we searched for (and bought) another just like it. We had the same problem you mentioned with backpacks over the years. My son carries a heavy load of school books, binder and a computer on a daily basis. He carries this gear all day, from class to class and through a long commute. Before we bought this backpack, he regularly went through more than one backpack per school year. But this backpack is actually quite strong. My son is currently using his second SwissGear Sherpa backpack because the first one dramatically outperformed every other backpack he had ever owned, lasting several years. When it finally did give out - it was the zipper,... » Read More We had the same problem you mentioned with backpacks over the years. My son carries a heavy load of school books, binder and a computer on a daily basis. He carries this gear all day, from class to class and through a long commute. Before we bought this backpack, he regularly went through more than one backpack per school year. But this backpack is actually quite strong. My son is currently using his second SwissGear Sherpa backpack because the first one dramatically outperformed every other backpack he had ever owned, lasting several years. When it finally did give out - it was the zipper, but it had done such a great job, we searched for (and bought) another just like it. « Show Less
418603
The interior of bag is padded to protect laptop and ipad, you can put in both at the same time, it's quite roomy for books. The interior also design to hold keys and phones. If you have enough books inside, it can sits upright ok, this bag is much solid than that the BUILT NY shopping bag version (I have both), but a bit less space due to padding. It also tends to be a bit heavy as it has a stripe with real solid metal part. If you are looking for something durable, this is it, but if you are looking for a bag which is lighter, the shopping bag version is better.
1736798
I purchased the 5.11 All Hazards Prime Bag for my laptop and EDC. It is absolutely perfect. I suspect the 3 Day Rush would be a bit big for EDC to the office.
520656
This has plenty of room inside....you could carry books and possibly a few binders within....however...the bag is really set up for shooting equipment. There are labels for eyeglasses, ear plugs, binoculars, etc, so not really set up for books.