Samsonite Guardit 2.0 Laptop Backpack Review

Want to know more about Samsonite’s Guardit 2.0 laptop backpack? You’re certainly in the right place! In this detailed review, you can find out everything about this backpack, from the type of fabric it is made from, to the exact number of its pockets.

I will talk you through the durability, accessibility, and versatility of this pack so that you can figure out if it is a good fit for you. And it most likely is, if you’re looking for a good travel/EDC laptop pack – it can fit laptops of all sizes, and it has plenty of pockets for all the necessary accessories.

Read on to learn more about the Guardit 2.0 backpack by Samsonite!

Durability, Size And Laptop Compatibility

All three packs have the exact same features – the dimensions and capacities are the main areas where they differ. I will focus on the largest of the three backpacks, since that is the only one that can accommodate all laptop sizes.

The 17” Guardit 2.0 has a capacity of 27 liters, which is great for shorter trips and everyday commute. It is enough to fit your laptop, tablet, phone, and all of the accessories you might need with those, as well as a few extra items like a change of clothes, books, or lunch.

If you were expecting an amazing carry-on backpack that could replace a suitcase, I am sorry to disappoint you. In terms of travel features, this pack is great to have in addition to something that will hold all your clothes – not as a replacement for a proper travel duffel bag or carry-on suitcase.

Materials And Durability

This backpack is made from a mixture of two types of polyester. The end result is a very durable fabric, with good overall water resistance. But it is not entirely waterproof, so you should stay out of the rain as much as possible with this backpack.

The polyester fabric is sturdy and durable, and it has great tear and abrasion resistance. It is pretty thick, so it won’t get ripped or damaged easily. And it has a really nice feel to it like you would expect from a premium Samsonite backpack.

On top of that, all of the compartments of the backpack are lined – some with plain nylon fabric, and others with a soft lining that keeps the more sensitive items a little extra protected.

Laptop Compatibility

The Guardit backpack by Samsonite is actually available in three different sizes, which are designed around the laptop compartment. We’re focusing on the largest one here since it is the only pack that can fit 17.3” devices. But, if you own a smaller laptop and don’t really need a big backpack, you can go with one of the smaller Guardit backpacks.

The actual laptop compartment is the same on all three packs – it is not entirely TSA friendly, but it is really easy to get your device out when you’re going through the scanner. Additionally, one thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t a laptop sleeve inside this compartment.

All of the walls are padded, but there’s nothing to ensure that your device stays put when you unzip it. There is a smaller sleeve that can fit a tablet though, which is pretty convenient. I would recommend that you put your laptop in a thin sleeve first, just to be on the safe side.

In terms of how protected your laptop is going to be, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. This compartment features thick padding all around, which guarantees excellent shock absorption. And the padding on the bottom is even thicker so that the laptop doesn’t absorb any impact when you put the backpack down on a hard surface.

Carry On Size

All of the three versions of the Guardit 2.0 are carry-on sized, which makes the backpack a great option for travel. It actually has several travel-friendly features that I will tell you more about later, but for now, we will focus on its size.

The smallest of the three packs is actually so small that it will easily fit under the seat of most airlines. But only that one – the other two packs are a little too big to be under-seat bags.

One thing to note is that, even though this is a carry-on-sized pack, it is not necessarily the best carry-on item. All three versions are well under the maximum carry-on requirements, so it is a bit of a waste to have the backpack as your only carry-on item. Mostly because it can’t fit a lot of clothes, and you would definitely need an extra suitcase for an overnight trip.

However, if you’re mostly looking for a bag that can safely store your electronic devices and all of their accessories, then the Guardit 2.0 is exactly what you need. It is an excellent laptop backpack with great organizational features, and it is perfect for the tech-loving traveler.

Carrying Comfort

A great backpack won’t just be functional – it will also be comfortable to carry around, even when you fill it with some really heavy items.

In this section, we will talk about the features that make the Guardit 2.0 (un)comfortable to wear. I will tell you about the things that are great about it, and the ones that could be significantly improved.

Padded Backpanel

This Samsonite backpack has a backpanel with thick padding. It will feel really comfortable against your back, and most importantly, you won’t be able to feel the contents of the backpack. Nothing is going to poke you in the back, which is crucial for your carrying comfort – nobody likes actually feeling the laptop in their backpack.

The padded ridges are somewhat spaced out, so the backpanel is kind of breathable. But not enough to guarantee that there won’t be a sweaty stain in the form of your backpack if you wear it on a hot July day. There is no breathable mesh on the backpanel – just polyester, which doesn’t have the best breathability.

That is the main reason for the lower score of the backpack in this area. But the poor ventilation isn’t really a deal-breaker – that feature is much more important on outdoor and sporty backpacks, which will be on your back for hours at a time. It is not something you find in (most) packs that are designed to be mounted on top of your suitcase.

Adjustable Shoulder Straps

The Guardit 2.0 features padded and adjustable shoulder straps, which are covered with breathable mesh. They will feel comfortable against your body, and they will keep you dry during really hot days, which is awesome.

Just keep in mind that there is no sternum strap, so there’s nothing to ensure that the shoulder straps will stay in place while you’re moving around. But since it is a small capacity backpack that’s okay – most of you will just sling it over one shoulder anyway.

Organization And Accessibility

We gave the Guardit 2.0 a perfect score for organizational features because it has three separate compartments and a couple of smaller external pockets, which is great for a travel bag.

The main compartment is spacious, the laptop compartment is heavily padded and the front compartment has a handy organizer panel. You can read more about each of those below!

Main Compartment

This backpack has a surprisingly spacious main compartment. It is large enough to fit a couple of books in the large internal pocket, a pair of shoes, a change of clothes, and even a water bottle.

The total capacity of the backpack is 27 liters, so it’s not a huge surprise that you can fit quite a bit of an item inside it. But bear in mind that I’m talking about the largest Guardit 2.0 pack – the other two versions have a much smaller capacity, and will not be able to fit nearly as many items like this one.

The main compartment of this backpack is top-loading, and it features a very basic zipper closure. It doesn’t have waterproof zippers though, so keep that in mind if you get caught in the rain – there’s nothing to stop the water from seeping inside the backpack through the zips, so always seek shelter in heavy downpours if you want to keep the contents of your backpack dry.

Front Compartment

In addition to a roomy main compartment and a padded laptop compartment, the Guardit 2.0 pack also has a front compartment with an organizer panel. And the important thing here is that the panel was redesigned not too long ago, to ensure that it is suitable for the technology of our day.

This basically means a wide smartphone pocket, which can fit even the biggest plus-sized phone. And I think this is one of the best features of the backpack – what good is a dedicated phone pocket if it can only fit a Nokia from the times of yore?

Anyway, the front compartment features several other slip pockets, so there’s enough room to put a passport, wallet, boarding pass, and even a couple of cables and chargers. The actual compartment is roomy enough to fit a magazine or a book, and there are also a couple of pen slots on the organizer panel.

Scratch-Free Top Pocket

This pack has a small zippered pocket on the top. It is between the zippers of the main compartment and laptop compartment, and it can fit maybe a pair of sunglasses or a phone, and not much else.

The great thing about it is that it is a scratch-free pocket – it has a soft lining, which ensures that any delicate items you put in it will stay protected.

Hidden Zippered Pocket

I love hidden zippered pockets on any backpack, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that Guardit has one of those! And the only reason I was surprised is that the pocket is so well hidden that you can’t tell it is there unless you know.

It is located on the front panel, and the zipper is hidden inside the stitch that looks like nothing more than a cute detail. This pocket features a soft lining, so it’s actually great for stuff you don’t want to get scratches (sunglasses or phone), or just for items that you don’t want to slip to the bottom of the pocket – boarding pass, passport.

And since it’s a hidden pocket, it’s perfect for all those things you want to keep extra secure, like your wallet or cards.

Stretchy Side Pockets

There are two stretchy side pockets on the Samsonite Guardit 2.0, which is pretty standard. This is a feature we see on most backpacks, so no surprises here.

However, it is important to note that, even though the pockets are stretchy, they are pretty shallow and they will only fit smaller water bottles. You won’t be able to get anything thick and bulky inside these, especially not a tripod or an umbrella – there are no compression straps to ensure that longer items would stay put in these pockets. And they are too shallow to hold anything larger than a 17-ounce water bottle.

Versatility

This is a laptop backpack, but what exactly does that mean? Is it a laptop bag for travel, work, commute, or school?

It’s actually all of the above; the Guardit 2.0 is a great option for carrying your laptop anywhere. But, it is mostly a travel backpack, with some really versatile features that make it a great fit for all those other scenarios.

EDC/Travel Backpack

This Samsonite pack is primarily designed as a laptop bag, which means it is really good for two things – travel and everyday commute. It has all the makings of a great travel bag, including a comfortable harness, plenty of pockets for easy organization, and a dedicated laptop compartment.

All of these features are something you also want to have in EDC backpacks. There are enough separate pockets and compartments that you can easily organize all your EDC items, plus some extra room for all the other items you might deem necessary (sunglasses, chargers, water bottles, etc.).

But, that’s not even the reason why this is a great everyday backpack. It’s actually because of the sturdy materials, sleek design, and lightweight construction that the Guardit 2.0 is a pack you could take to work or to school, and be entirely satisfied. The simple exterior fits into any office, while the durable materials ensure that you can use this bag daily, without it falling apart in the first few months.

Luggage Strap

The Guardit 2.0 collection by Samsonite features three backpacks, a wheeled backpack, and several briefcases. And all of those bags have one thing in common – they have a luggage strap in the back. This lets you mount the small bag on top of a suitcase, so it is really easy to move around with multiple pieces of luggage.

It’s a feature that is pretty common in great carry-ons, and it just proves that the Guardit is an excellent travel backpack.

Value For Money

Samsonite is a great brand known for premium luggage options, but also for their hefty price tags. But that’s not the case with this particular Samsonite backpack – the Guardit 2.0 is actually a really affordable pack, with a reasonable price tag. Especially considering the overall quality of the bag, and all of the different features that it is equipped with.

So, it’s safe to say that this pack is definitely worth the money. Yes, there are something that could be improved, as the lack of ventilation on the backpanel and the not-so-great water resistance. But it is a 17” laptop backpack with three separate compartments, four external pockets, and great organizer panels. Its current price point is more than fair, especially since it’s a Samsonite bag.

Samsonite Guardit 2.0: Final Thoughts

When all is said and done, is the Guardit 2.0 a backpack you should get for yourself?

It mostly depends on what you’re looking for – if all you want is a laptop backpack with multiple compartments and external pockets, then it’s definitely a great bag for you.

The carry-on size means you can take it anywhere, while all the different compartments and pockets will let you organize all of your everyday must-haves. And it’s not an expensive backpack, which is always an upside.

But if you were hoping for a proper carry-on that could replace a suitcase, this is just not it. Its capacity is too small, and you wouldn’t be able to fit more than a change of clothes inside this pack.

Head over to Amazon to see the prices of the Guardit 2.0, if you decided you want to get it after all!

And check out our related posts for ideas on other laptops and travel backpacks, if this one just doesn’t do it for you.

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