I loved the 15-inch MacBook Pro Thule knapsack I bought two or three years ago. Unfortunately, one of the heavy-duty blue zippers broke on it and I never got around to figuring out about sending it back to Thule for a replacement zipper (theoretically it should be under warranty). Instead, I bought a much cheaper knapsack from a university bookstore, which proved to be nowhere near as good as the Thule product, developing rips and hard on my back with the thin, flimsy straps.
So I decided to order another Thule knapsack, the one for the 17-inch MacBook Pro this time, and it's even better than the one I had before (for 15-inch MBP). It's a little larger than the one I had before, almost too large for public transportation, although it still works when I'm seated and I turn it sideways and put it on my lap. I actually like that it is a little larger than the 15-inch model, since I sometimes ran out of room with the 15-inch one after buying too many groceries.
The "Safe Zone" compartment in the 17-inch model is significantly bigger than in the 15-inch model, so even a large smartphone or large case for glasses can go in there. Thus far, the Safe Zone appears to be water proof. The thick, heavy-duty straps can make you a bit sweaty around the shoulders on a hot day and sometime seem a bit awkward, but are so much better overall than the thins straps you see on most knapsacks. Incredibly, you can actually run with this knapsack on without holding on to the straps (which I can't say for any non-Thule knapsack I've ever had), although I usually do end up holding on to the straps. My point is that it doesn't bounce around like other knapsacks do when you're running.
It's also much easier on my back than cheap knapsacks are. It stays up relatively high on your back and doesn't slide way out and down and strain your lower back as takes place when you have a load of groceries in a cheap knapsack. This is really something to consider if you are at all concerned about back issues. If you're loading yourself down with books all the time, are you doing yourself a favor by buying a cheap knapsack that is hard on your back?
The Thule compartments are very well padded for your electronic devices. All the little zippers and compartments really help me stay organized, giving me a place for batteries, pens, keys, and so on. Since my knapsack is like my command center, this is important to me and it's especially important when I'm traveling by air.
Yes, it's about twice as expensive as your typical knapsack from a university bookstore and so you need to be careful with it to make sure it lasts. But, all things considered, this is the best knapsack I've ever had. I still hope to get the zipper fixed on my old one, but all I can say is, Thule is the Volvo of knapsacks, expensive yes but durable and well engineered.
| Product Dimensions | 29.97 x 10.92 x 54.1 cm; 1.2 kg |
|---|---|
| Item model number | TCBP217 |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Age Range | Kid |
| Colour | Black |
| Size | 11.8 X 4.3 X 21.3 in. |
| Style | Backpack |
| Display Size | 17 Inches |
| Height | 20 inches |
| Length | 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.71 Kilograms |
| Width | 8.5 inches |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Outer Material | Nylon |
| Special Features | Laptop Compartment |
| Sport | Travelling, Hiking |
| Included Components | backpack |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Brand | Thule |
| Item Weight | 1.2 kg |
