This a great commuter backpack
595791
This a great commuter backpack, it's strong and well made. I had this for a couple of months and it's just great.
578528
For a student who commutes via mass transit this is a perfect buy! The bag is built durable and looks great, with more room than I need. I have a 17 inch MacBook that fits perfectly in the padded main zipper with plenty of room for my textbooks in the rest of the main pouch. The 2 front pockets hold my chargers and a bunch of other small items such as keys, pens, flash drives, ect. The zipper pocket on the side is perfect for loose change and my wallet. The open pocket on the opposite side fits a water bottle or other items of the same size. There isn't much strech in the pockets so don't expect to cram that little extra in there. I've read reviews about the 2 clasps being rough to deal with or hurting owners hands, but I don't have a problem with them. The main flap stays down without a problem if you choose to not use the clasps. It is a great buy for the price, and I don't see this bag breaking or running out of room any time soon!
1010531
this pack is great. Looks great, wears great, has convenient stash space inside the front flap and two side pockets. The useful compression straps can also be tucked away when not in use. I forget the cubic inches of space but I think it's in the product description or just google but, it is an ideal size for daily use or travel. Again, a really nice backpack and a great price here on amazon.
1587435
I've been wearing this backpack for several months without much problem. It's a TIGHT FIT for 15.6 inch laptops, as the zipper needs to 'jump' over the protruding corners of my laptop in order to fully close.

Although it looks like it can't hold much, the pockets are designed in a way such that they are very spacious inside, especially the second pocket. This can't be used to carry textbooks in addition to your computer, notebooks, and binder, but if you don't have much to carry, then this is a great backpack to have.

Ergonomically, it feels great. It doesn't hurt the back or shoulders at all, and there is a lot of cushioning on the back and the straps.

The backpack looks very cool. Definitely better than those childish Jansport backpacks that everyone rocks in high school.

The third pocket, which I use for pencils and supplies, should have a full length zipper. It has mini zipper pockets inside it that are VERY hard to use because you have to stuff your entire hand into the third pocket, as it is not a full size zipper.

Overall, a great backpack for the price. I'd give it 4.5 stars because of some functional flaws, but for its merits, I'll give it a 5.

Recommended, but you should raise your price range a little more for a North Face backpack.
2978124
This has been a great backpack for me.  I travel a lot for work and carrying a shoulder bag gets a bit old because of the weight on my shoulder.  The backpack has helped me to stabilize the load.  There is plenty of room to carry my larger laptop and plenty of files etc and my tablet.  I love that it is weatherproof as I am in rainy climate a lot and this keeps everything protected.  The look and quality is great and I have received many compliments on it.  The only downside is I would actually like it to be a little smaller as I am a shorter person 5'2" and the pack is larger then my torso.  But is it very comfortable and is everything I need in a pack - stylish, durable and can carry everything I need!  Great pack!
4239482
This is a great backpack.  Perfect size for the light commuter. I typically cary a laptop, iPad along with cables, a backup mophie charger along pens and papers for work.  Very well built.  Easy to store on lap or at feet on the train.  I have had the pack for about 3 months and has shown no wear while commuting back and fort to NY by train and subway everyday.
3315937
I say this because every pocket is nicely padded, and I feel very comfortable about placing my laptop and/or iPad into this bag without it getting bonked/scratched/crushed by something in another pocket.  There are ample pockets, and each one (inside and outside) is padded.  The zippers are solid, and nothing about the bag seems cheap.  There are holes for headphone cords, and pockets to hold your phone (though I wouldnt want something like that on my back instead of my pocket!)

Additionally, though it isn't advertised as such, the design of the straps of the backpack are made to prevent someone from stealing anything in the two large pockets.  With a laptop, this is a good deal.  There are travel backpacks made especially this way for use overseas, and this one is the same style.

What is the advantage? You cannot easily open the pockets with the backpack on your back, so the likelihood of someone grabbing anything from your pockets while you are looking the other way is lower.  (This, therefore, might be useful for someone riding a bike in a city, with a lot of nearby foot traffic, or, better yet, someone who has to ride the subway for commuting every day.)

What is the disadvantage? When you take the backpack off you have to pull the straps around to the other side before you can open the pockets yourself not a big deal for the protection it provides expensive equipment, but a hassle for things that have a high likelihood of NOT being stolen.  i.e. I wouldnt want this backpack to carry only books around a college campus Nor would I want to go on a hike with this backpack because I wouldnt be able to turn to my neighbor and ask that something be removed from a pocket; Id have to take the whole thing off and flip it around just to open it.

So, consider your core needs when considering this backpack.  More security for you means a little more hassle, too.  If you want easy access to all pockets consider another style or brand of backpack, but if padding and theft prevention is high on your list, then I recommend it.
652412
I live in the Northwest where it has just rained 22 of the last 23 days and I ride to work most days.  I have found the rain cover and backpack work very well.  I can carry all my clothes, the tools I need and keep everything dry, even in some heavy rains.  I have mounted lights to the straps on the backpack and cover so I remain visible,  The fit of the backpack is very good and I find it comfortable to ride with.  The number of pockets and straps make it a great commuter pack.  The quality is very good, for me this was a great purchase, I highly recommend it.
323959
My previous dakine backpack lasted 8 years, and I was thinking about trying another brand. I ended up buying this backpack because of the usability, comfort, look+style, price, and brand. It easily met all these criteria and I've loved this as a commuter backpack. Easily fits my Macbook Air 13" and does fit my Macbook Pro 15", albeit a little big. Love the three pockets, as I feel it's just enough to pack all of my necessities. The mesh pockets for water bottles is a crucial aspect for me, as well. Highly recommend to anyone considering.
641848
This is a pretty awesome backpack. I wanted something that could carry a lot. It's very large on the inside. It's durably made and very comfortable to wear.

I haven't tested the waterproof aspect of it yet, but it feels like it's been made of very durable and thick dry bag material.

I've noticed some minor thread fraying where some of the layers of material and sown together. I'll update this review if the bag has any issues, but after having this for a month or so and commuting with it 3 days a week, I'm pretty optimistic about the longevity of the bag.
44736
Awesome backpack! I use it for my daily commute and it has a lot of space for holding things which is awesome. There is enough organization for me and I really like layout of the bag as well as being able to lock the side pouches.
1603820
I have to admit I think this is one of the best backpacks ever.  I mostly bought it for the TSA Checkpoint Friendly attribute.  However, I realized that was just 1 of its good attributes.  Its started to work wonderfully for me since I started commuting with my bike.  It doesn't weight me down like the other backpack I had.

1.  Its TSA checkpoint friendly - Not have to remove you laptop from the bag.
2.  Its very light.  This pack is only 2 lbs.  While others tend to be 3 pounds at minimum
3.  Waterproof
4.  Very well organized.
5.  Well Organized, especially the 2 side pockets that are dual purpose, hold water bottles or anything else since they have zippers.
2524280
I've been commuting to work for a few months and got tired of trying to shove my work clothes, shoes, shower kit, etc, into a normal-sized day pack.  I set out to find a larger pack that was comfortable to ride with, and I have found what I was looking for with this Pacific Outdoor Equipment Crank Commuter Pack.

First I must say, it looks pretty dorky.  the top flap that just flaps over (rather than anything zipping) is not a cool look.  But do I care?  Heck no I don't care.  Because guess why I don't care?  Because this bag is ROOOMMMYY.  That's right, I can fit everything I need to in this bag, and then some.  My helmet even goes inside it if I have to take the bus home.  It's great that way. Also, it self-adjusts its size, based on how full it is.  The flap can come way over if it's half full, which is a nice feature.

It's also pretty comfortable-- as comfortable as a pack can be when you're hunched over your handbars, anyway.  I've learned to pack a little lighter because any kind of pack while bicycling is annoying.  Fortunately this bag does a good job of minimizing that annoyance.

I can only give this bag 4 stars because of the mysterious lack of outside pockets.  There's one on the side, but it's so small I can barely squeeze my wallet into it.  How about a pocket that fits a wallet, a cell phone, a bike computer, and a set of keys?  I don't think that's unreasonable.  There are, fortunately, a couple of inside pockets you can put small stuff in, but having to undo the main compartment just to get at my keys is a nuisance.
3150487
This has been really useful for my husband who commutes to work on the train across town. For years he's worn a backpack, but sometimes he feels odd carrying it when he's dressed up for something at work. The slimmer profile, when compared to a backpack, is also good for evenings after work.
The flap has two clips to secure it to the body with the two decorative buckles on top. The inside has one large pocket - perfect for laptops and books - and a few smaller pockets up front for odds and ends. The strap is well constructed and comfortable and has a wide range of adjustment.
One issue I did have with this is that it does scuff easily. It came with a scuff on it and with just a light fingernail scratch you'll mar the surface. To help, get a leather protector like mink oil to help with this and protect the leather.
3846534
This is a really nice bag overall and I would recommend it to anyone who commutes to school or work using public transportation. The straps on the side took some getting used to for me because they were not easy to adjust.
2300056
I bought this bag about six months ago. I have found it to be super waterproof and comfortable, and it fits loads of stuff. It's perfect if you commute by bike. The roll top was a little weird to get used to at first, but now I find it much faster and more convenient than a zipper.

2 cons- the front pocket is very snug and small, which is kind of annoying. I usually just leave it unzipped though, so I can fit more weird shaped things in it like scissors etc. and it is snug enough that nothing has ever fallen out of it even though i typically don't zip it. Also, along the edges of the fabric where I roll the top down, it is starting to get a little worn. No fraying yet, but I expect that in another six months or so it will start to fray and develop holes along those creases.

Otherwise, though, the bag is as sturdy as you could ask for and a much better value than other bike commuter backpacks. I have taken it out in the pouring rain numerous times and my stuff always stays dry. I highly recommend this bag.
4681349
I travel by air quite a bit. This backpack has enough room for my 17" laptop and accessories,  with 2 days of change of clothes. I like the fact that it it built to handle it. Other packs I have owned begin to break down when I load to capacity. I would say it has design to hold up - heavy zippers, structural stability, and good looks. The only thing I can think that would be nicer is if the wheels were more silent rolling over rough walks and concrete.  They are durable, but hard plastic is a bit noisy if trying to visit with others. Of course it is not an issue if on my back. Overall, it is the best combination backpack / pull around that you will find.