Swiss Army Gears

Outdoor Products Sea-Tac Rolling Backpack

I received this backpack about a month ago, and it has saved my back!

I purchased this backpack because I have several very heavy books to carry with me to classes, and my college does not have a commuter's area for storing them in between classes. It has been great! I can fit four 1" binders plus 3 books (combined depth about 6") in the storage areas. I also carry my purse, some personal toiletries, and a lunch bag with no problems. On days when I only have a few classes, I can also bring along gym clothes & shoes - everything fits in the backpack.

The wheels roll very smoothly - the only time I have a hiccup with them is over rough sidewalks because they catch on the seams. Otherwise, they glide with almost no resistance down hallways.

I have a little difficulty taking it up stairs, mostly because I fill it to the brim and it's heavy for me to lift. The handle on the top of the pack is strong, though, because I have to lift it when I take it up the stairs to my apartment.

It does not have a padded compartment for laptops, but my laptop fits easily into the backpack - I don't have a case for it, so I usually pad it with a notebook or a sweatshirt.

Overall, this backpack is worth the investment. -- Great for long days at school!

I purchased this backpack about 1.5 years ago for my then 8 year old at his doctor's recommendation. His normal, over the sholder strap backpack, was putting too much stress on his back given all the books he had to carry home each day. The back pack arrived and my son promptly put it into use and has used it each day for the past 1.5 years. Unfortunately, it did not stand the test of time, as he would not always pick it up going up curbs so eventually the bottom part has ripped out. I would recommend the manufacturer put a plastic shield over the back part (between the wheels and continuing up several inches) to handle this use case--as my son's friends have done the same thing to their back packs. I have now purchased the JanSport Superbreak Wheeled Backpack and hope that it will be more durable as it has a plastic shield for "people to pull it over the curb and not just pick it up." At this price point, I'd like to see more than 1.5 years worth of use (hence the 3 star rating).

Pros:
--Very large, incredible number of different pockets to store gear.
--Rolls well, over different terrain (side walks, grass, etc).
--Handle is very sturdy
--Will reduce back strain as the adjustable handle will allow kids and adults to find the right place (provides 2 different adjustments)

Cons:
--Heavy even when empty, therefore never used the attached straps
--Handle difficult to put down (in fact we had to return it and get a replacement immediately after purchasing as the handle would not retract without putting your arm down the back pack and finding the small button to push in)
--No plastic shield between the wheels to prevent tearing to the fabric when pulled up curbs
--Falls forward when loaded so need to store it against a wall -- Not durable enough for a 9 year old

This book bag is just what I was looking for! I am a nursing student and this rolling bag easily fits all of my heavy text books and notebooks!I have had my bag for 6 months now and there are still no signs of wear or tear! There are so many smaller pockets I still haven't found a use for everything yet! -- Every thing I wanted and More!!!

My first impression of this bag was GREAT. It doesn't have as many little nick nack pockets as I would like, but it was definately big and roomy so the lack of little pockets was easy to over look.

Now, the problem was that after 10 minutes of rolling it on the first day of use it started to get wear holes along the bottom edges. The holes came from it scrapping the ground when being rolled.

I immediately packed it up and mailed it back. I had just assumed that this bag came with the corner guards or plastic lower half on the back and bottom like my previous rolling back packs. I was wrong.

If you're just looking for a big backpack this is defiantely it. If you're looking for more, don't get this bag. -- Bottom & 1/3 of lower back & side should be some type of hard surface!

The backpack is sturdy and I expect it to last a long time. There are 3 features that I do not like and they are as follows:
1) There is a protective piece that covers the wheels & supports when it is used as a backpack (so that the wheels/support will not dirty your shirt while using it as a backpack). The piece needs to be bigger - it now barely covers the wheels/supports so the edge of the wheels/support still will dirty your shirt when using as a backpack.
2) The front pocket has 2 peep holes that has no purpose other than just for looks. However, this causes rain or water to sip into the pocket wetting the contents.
3) The top of the second pocket also has a slit that will let water or liquid to get into that pocket.
Otherwise it is a study backpack
-- sturdy backpack but need some improvements