Review on Everki Checkpoint Friendly Backpack EKP119 by Melissa White

My first trip with this bag was between Chicago and Minneapolis. Returning through Minneapolis was very difficult to get to the airport and gate. It helped not being able to use the trash can. The real beauty was on the other side of the security line - I just closed my backpack, grabbed my shoes and walked to my gate. Maybe it just saved me a few minutes, but sometimes those minutes are crucial, and they were. My old bag would cost me some time or make me run through the airport with my laptop. For now, this review is based on first impressions, so I can't comment on some of the durability issues others have. Firstly, there is a lot to love about this bag. I love the dedicated tablet case (the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 fits perfectly) so I finally have a case that doesn't rub against anything. There are plenty of pockets and ways to organize everything so it's easy to find. In the end there is enough space for everything I carry with me and the backpack is quite comfortable when walking. I feel like the money I spent on this bag was pretty well spent as it serves its purpose very well of making life easier walking through the airport and managing it like you do things on the plane in and out of your pocket. So why almost perfect and 4 instead of 5 stars? There are two qualities I would like to see in this bag that I have seen in others that I think would make it perfect. First is the lack of a raincoat. I have a North Face bag that has a small zipped compartment on the side that contains a custom made rain cover for the bag and has been used many times. Second, there are two things you inevitably need access to while waiting in line at security: a cell phone/smartphone and travel documents (passport, driver's license, boarding pass, etc.) and side pockets - not the easiest of places. take that out. I had another bag that had a dedicated pocket on the chest strap for this purpose. This keeps everything in a very accessible position and you can quickly clean up the queue. Add these two features to this bag and I think I finally have the perfect bag! However, for me this is the closest thing to a perfect duffel bag and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone!