Samsonite Tectonic 2 Backpack Review
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Finding the perfect backpack for your next trip or just carrying all your electronics and other essentials is a challenge. With the Tectonic 2 Samsonite (Large), you might just have created your next best friend.
The key features that have me impressed with this backpack are:
- Lots of pockets for all your stuff
- Quality construction, materials, and straps
The biggest problem I find when traveling is finding a spot for all the little things. The cables, chargers, pens, notepads, laptop or tablet, etc.
Pros
- Dedicated laptop padded pocket can easily fit a 15.6" laptop
- Front organizer for tablet, cables, phone, pens, etc
- Lots of other pockets for everything else (including water, umbrella, glasses, etc)
- Well made with solid materials that will last
Cons
- No hip or sternum straps making it not ideal for carrying for long periods
- May not fit larger laptops (around 17" or more)
The Samsonite Tectonic 2 Features
Ok, so this backpack is full of great features, but let’s break them down one by one so you can see each in detail.
Laptop Sleeve
Most of us travel with a laptop and finding somewhere protected and easy to access to put it is crucial.
That is where this backpack has a great solution:
A dedicated zippered compartment at the back. (see the white laptop in the image here, right at the back).
This is great for two reasons:
- Easy to get to for airport security, work, or class
- Separated from everything else to help protect the laptop
On top of that, the pocket is padded and can comfortably fit up to a 15.6″ laptop (possibly larger as the full length is more than 17″).
Main Internal Compartment
The main internal compartment has loads of space for your stuff, as well as a nice elastic mesh pocket at the back for anything you want to separate (even a tablet, although there is space in the front for that :>).
You can get a feel for the space in the image here as well.
Front Pocket and Organizer
Ok, so you have your laptop stored and the other big stuff you are carrying. But, what about all the smaller stuff? That is where the front pocket organizer comes in very handy.
There is lots of dedicated space for things like:
- A tablet and phone
- Credit cards or passport
- Pens
- Cables and other accessories
Exactly how you use it is up to you. There are plenty of spots for almost anything.
Other Handy Pockets
Above the front pocket is a smaller zippered pocket you could use for glasses, sunglasses, or even your phone. It’s right on top, so super handy to access at any time.
On the side are two of those all too familiar water bottle-sized elastic mesh pockets. So, plenty of space for bottles or even an umbrella.
And last but not least, is the front elastic pocket on the organizer pocket where you could store papers, small clothing (rain jacket?), or other things you want easy access to or can’t find a space for. It is probably the least useful of the pockets, but honestly, I always find a use for these things once I use the pack a few times and think “hey, where should I stick this?”.
Shoulder Straps, Carryon Strap & Padding
Ok, let’s talk comfort now. After all, you are going to have to carry this puppy!
Samsonite has made quite an effort with the well-padded adjustable shoulder straps. No problem there. However, there is no hip strap, so carrying this backpack for a long time (ie. an hour or hours) is going to weigh on your shoulders, especially if it is loaded (ie. laptop, gear, books, etc).
To be fair, this is not a hiking backpack, so I don’t expect such things, but sometimes they come in handy.
The back of the pack is well-padded too, so it is certainly well-designed in that area too.
And, since the Tectonic 2 version came out, they have added the carry-on strap too (see image), so you can easily sling it over your telescopic handle on your spinner luggage. Great for business or leisure travelers who have more than just the pack with them.
A Few More Things
Just before I forget, there is also a nice molded carry handle at the top, and a hook there too for hanging at home or in the hotel room.
Although not waterproof as such, a lot of reviewers on Amazon have found this to be water-resistant too. Also handy to know if you get caught in the rain!
It is also designed to sit upright when placed on the floor, as long as it is packed evenly, of course, :>
The Tectonic 2 backpack also has two color options. All black, or black with orange accenting (as seen in this review).
NOTE: There is also a slightly smaller model – Samsonite Tectonic 2 Medium you may want to check out.
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