Review on SwissGear® Maxxum Double Zipper Backpack by Angel Brown

The fact that I can still find and buy a new version of this backpack is 15 years after it impressed me in 2006 has is a testimony of his perseverance. The Wenger SwissGear Maxxum 16" laptop backpack is a popular backpack that has literally hundreds of positive reviews on Revain alone - and you can find it under slightly different names. Back in 2006 I was trying to find the "perfect backpack" for Finding the travel lifestyle from hotel to hotel - with multiple laptops, 3" binders, travel speakers and of course clothes. This backpack came in second place. Now - 15 years later - I'm pondering my stalwart 1st place winner to replace - and I'm happily again owning this black and red backpack. However. Something has changed. There are several velcro straps to cover the small internal pockets that are missing on this latest version. The top "convenient pocket" or "Media Pocket" with zipper is originally designed to hold cassette or walkman CD no longer so deep, in addition, this bag lacks a waterproof connection for a cable bound headphones and an internal Velcro fastener. wired headphones or walkman CDs in 2021? Not as much ? Is that a deal breaker? Probably not. Also - the smallest pocket on the front of the pack - where you would expect to store pens, pencils and even a Swiss army knife, is missing some flaps, Velcro and other stuff from older versions. WIDE padded shoulder straps are still there - but their thickness and padding is about twice as light as in previous versions. I'm not 100% sure, but other fabrics seem to be a bit thinner as well. Does all this mean it's a "bad" backpack? Not at all. The backpack is the same size as the older versions and retains 90% of what has made it an enduring and popular classic. It is cut to the same pattern and all pockets are present. Reinforced STRONG carry handle, "body bottom” that folds out to stabilize the bag when fully loaded, roomy central zippered laptop pocket, Air-Flow back padding. This new version is a further development. And if I hadn't spent over half an hour comparing the differences between this newer version and the older version, I wouldn't have even noticed them on a "superficial" or "cosmetic" level. I'd love to unpack it and take it to the airport - and you could too. It can even last as long as its earlier version. However, you can still find an older version with all of the above features at other retailers, some of which are even listed here at Revain. If the 9 or so "evolutions" or differences I've found make a difference in your decision, enjoyment, or use of this backpack, then look for an older version and "bon hunt!" If this isn't the one If so, pull the trigger NOW - as a newly informed consumer - and enjoy the latest Wenger SwissGear Maxxum 16" ICON Black/Red Laptop Backpack.