It is an OK bag, but it is expensive, and it did not work for me. My 17" laptop barely fit and it was awkward to put in and take out. I did not like the way compartments were set up. I returned the bag within the trial period.

I just completed a three-month trip to Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. The bag traveled really well and was easy to pack and organize. It went on 12 flights and in and out of many cars, taxis, buses, and ferries. It was really durable; yet it still looks new. The only problem I had with it was that when it was full, it was hard to close the middle section zipper near the top ( see photo below). And I sometimes had difficulty getting it on and off my carry-on bag handle.

Put this bad boy to the test three days after I got it. Rain while training and documenting Marines at Quantico, this bag took it all like a champ. Travels well too. It fit my 16 inch and 14 inch MacBooks (both with rugged cases), my boxed Magic Keyboard, my Magic Mouse, my Canon Camera, a 28mm lens with case, my flash, my Joby mini tripod, 2 sets of news crew lav mics, a rode mic, and a toiletries bag. Anddddddd it wasnt even remotely full! I only filled up the front pockets and not the clam shell portion. The water bottle pocket was nice and fit my 18 oz. Brita waterbottle.

My only little whine is that it really should come with a waist belt and a thicker chest strap.

Gifted this bag to my husband and he absolutely loves it. Well made! Will purchase one for myself!

Very well made, looks terrific, the inside bright fabric makes it easy to find things and it's very comfortable. Loved mine so much I bought one for my husband for Christmas.

Well made, but rather small and many exterior pockets are too easily accessible to pick-pockets/thieves.

I had specific needs when I was shopping for a new backpack: since I'd be carrying it to the office and on business trips, I didn't want it to look like I was heading out on a campaign trip. I wanted it to have enough space to carry my gym clothes or one change of clothes and toiletries for an international flight. I wanted to be able to easily reach small objects without having to completely remove the whole pack and put it down somewhere. I wanted it to be able to easily carry a water bottle securely. And as a short woman (5'0"), I wanted the bag to sit comfortably on my hips.

This bag hits all those marks and then some! In addition: the space for storing cords and chargers is a thing I didn't know I was looking for. The small top pocket for storing sunglasses is also perfect for storing my my ear buds.

My one small request for improvement: when I travel and go to the toilet in bathrooms in airports in a variety of countries, the carry handle on top isn't well situated for hanging the bag on a bag hook in a toilet cubicle. Since we use the bottom of the bag for the cord storage, I'd rather not be putting it down on strange bathroom floors. Just a suggestion to keep in mind for future design! :-D

I have become obsessed with my Knackpack Series 1!!! And NO, this is not a paid review. I saw an Instagram ad for this Knackpack when I was in the market 6 months ago for a laptop backpack that would hold my personal Macbook + work laptop + coffee tumbler + a few personal effects, without looking too bulky or masculine (I have a small frame at 5' and 100 lbs). Price was not too much of an issue, but I wanted to stay under $500, so TUMI was out of the question. I took a chance and ordered the Series 1 in Medium (black), cautious that I may have to exchange for a size up bec in the website photos, it looks a bit small... I didn't want to get the Series 2 bec I like all the pockets and organization far more in the Series 1, and Series 2 looked a lot bigger (vertically) in the photos. Do NOT let the size of the Series 1 Medium fool you. I have been absolutely blown away at the quality of this company!! Not only was the packaging so carefully thought of, it arrived quickly, and for a backpack that looks so small, it fits soooo much and never ever looks bulky. When traveling, it slides very easily under the seat in front of you. Oftentimes, I grab the essentials from my purse or tote and toss them in my Knackpack to be completely hands-free. One thing I really appreciate (besides all the pockets and org) is that the pocket for the tumbler is hidden away. I HATE those backpacks that expose the water bottle or tumbler and it's just floppin around as you're frantically running to catch a connecting flight lol. I'm a forever customer as long the quality remains this way!!

Note to the company: You guys are doing some really great work - thank you for this gem. :)

I'm almost 2 years in my knack pack journey. After extensive research, I reluctantly purchased this bag for work travel. 30-40 trips a year. This bag needed to hold 2/3 days worth as well as all my work gear and supplies. Not only does it still look brand new, I have never needed anything on the road as it has a place for everything. It's so good, I use 2 compression cubes and have ditched my suitcase all together. You'll never need another bag.

Perfect

I began traveling a lot for a new job and my wife bought me the large expandable pack. I can carry a laptop, charging cords, and 4 days' worth of clothes (including a spare pair of shoes). The construction of this pack is incredible, and the convenience of not having to carry an additional roller bag is a gamechanger for me. This is one of those instances where you get what you pay for. Definitely recommend this product.

Perfect product for gym and work. More than enough room for overnight stays

I bought two backpacks, one for my daughter (Series 2) and one for her boyfriend (Series 1) when they graduated from college. Both of them have used the bags as they have traveled. She took it to Europe and found it very easy to travel with as her carry on-it contained all of her essentials for the flight and even the first few days of traveling. Her boyfriend used his on a trip to DC, where he shared that it had plenty of room for the days he was there.

The bags are sturdy, attractive and way roomier than seems possible. These bags are well worth the price, I would recommend this product and will be buying them for future gifts.

Ok
Material and ease of use could be better

LOVE love love this backpack! It is exactly what I was looking for; something to stay small and streamlined so I am not lugging this massive empty backpack around daily but expands into a legit suitcase-like storage should I need it. It has already saved my butt during travel as carry-on overflow. So many storage pockets and zippers and places to put this for maximum organization and also looks sleek, stylish and 'businessy' for meetings.

Lots of space for items and love how it becomes compact when don’t need the space!

I was looking for a travel backpack that could be well organized and not embarrassing to use for work when I reached my destination. For years I have been traveling with an additional nicer-looking tote to use while at meetings, but this takes up space in my luggage and I wanted to consolidate these functions. This backpack does the trick! Very well organized, light, and not ugly/utilitarian looking while at meetings. My only issue on the first trip was that it was difficult to take off of my wheeled luggage handle when using the sleeve for this purpose on the Knack, so I stopped trying to do that (maybe my skill at this will improve - presently, it is difficult to wrangle off of my luggage handle). I am glad that I purchased this bag.

Very nice backpack that doubles as a weekend suitcase. Lightweight, roomy and expandable. It looks very sleek and quality and would work great for business travel or an everyday carry bag

I like it i don’t have any complaints does everything I wanted it to lifes good

I like the pockets and expandability, but the straps tend to be a wee bit uncomfortable. The upper parts doesn’t lay flat on the shoulders and the lower part constrains and digs into my armpits. I haven’t tried it yet on a trip but I like the fact that I can dump the checked bag and go one bag.

Would have been a perfect solution for ODC and one bag travel except there is no quick access pocket which makes travel difficult on the plane, bus, etc when out of the country. Having to pull out the bag to open the main compartment is too inconvenient. Add that and you will certainly have close to the perfect bag!

Wonderful bag. This duffel was highly recommended by my two sisters who each have one also. I’m using it for the first time on my vacation and very impressed with how much I can pack in all the convenient places. Perfect under the seat carry on with all you need readily available for your in flight trip.

Carefully planned and designed, this goes everywhere with me. Even fully expanded, it fits under the seat of every plane I've had it on. Love the "secret" zippered compartment! Carries quite comfortably in backpack mode and clamshell style makes for easy access to items. Proven durability too. For me, this was by far the best value out there.

Pros:
• the ability to switch from laptop duffel bag to everyday laptop backpack is amazing.
• I love that I don't look like a hiker. style of the bag is very streamlined.
• Expandable option keeps me from carrying another bag for souvenirs coming home.
Cons:
• I wish the inside pockets was oriented more like a messenger bag than a backpack
• the inside pocket divider should be secured where the buckles are located. it was not very convenient when I had to stuff more items when the middle divider is already secured.
• I would like to have more pockets in the front zipper flap for quick access to important items.

I liked the multiple ways to carry this item, and its size will be helpful on future flights!