I chose this bag because it’s a bit smaller than the other ones I tested this week and it could be good for a younger person or a svelte, slim lady/man about town. It is a fairly standard backpack but is nicely outfitted with a number of useful features including, but not limited to, a bottle opener, a side zipper to access your laptop, a bottle opener, and a bottle opener.
I’m starting to love bags with bottle openers.
Timbuk2 Swig Backpack
Type: Backpack
Dimensions: 12″ x 17” x 5”
Pockets: Three inside pockets, one for a laptop, one zippered outside pocket, another slip-in pocket.
Features: Bottle opener, side zipper for laptop access
MSRP: $89
Product Page
Style
Made of rip-stop nylon, the Swig is a handsome, weatherproof backpack that comes in multiple colors. At $89 it’s a bit pricey but it’s a solid bag and did I mention it had a bottle opener on it? It comes in multiple bold colors.
Who is it for?
This bag is for smaller folks, to be sure. It’s a smaller backpack, on par with your standard Jansport, but the quality is higher and you have more padding and features (see “bottle opener”, ibid.). A standard laptop will fit into the laptop cosy and it has some excellent expandability for overnight items. Rather than say it’s “for girls,” I’ll say it’s smaller than I’d like.
Do you want it?
At $89, the Swig is a mid- to high-end alternative to the high-end standard bookbag. However, Timbuk2 is known for quality so I’m loath not to recommend it to students on the run or folks who just want to carry a laptop and a few other things. If you’re a big, round fellow like me, this is a bit small. Otherwise, give it a go.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our Bag Week 2011 reviews.
