Samsonite Detour Travel Backpack Black

I would describe the detour as a backpack briefcase. It fully opens lengthwise (19"x12.5") allowing full access to the contents with minimal "digging". I am deducting a star because the website has an error. The tag on the pack states 19"x12.5"x5". The website lists the 5" depth as 8" making the back almost 40% smaller than advertised. This isn't a deal breaker for me since some international flights have lifejacket storage that limits the height of underseat bags, but think briefcase vs underseater. The item appears well made. The laptop compartment and lid copartments access from the 12.5" side like a backpack. The lid has three outer compartments suitable for flat items (phone, passport, papers) and one inner compartment (file folder/envelopes). Depth of the main ... MoreI would describe the detour as a backpack briefcase. It fully opens lengthwise (19"x12.5") allowing full access to the contents with minimal "digging". I am deducting a star because the website has an error. The tag on the pack states 19"x12.5"x5". The website lists the 5" depth as 8" making the back almost 40% smaller than advertised. This isn't a deal breaker for me since some international flights have lifejacket storage that limits the height of underseat bags, but think briefcase vs underseater. The item appears well made. The laptop compartment and lid copartments access from the 12.5" side like a backpack. The lid has three outer compartments suitable for flat items (phone, passport, papers) and one inner compartment (file folder/envelopes). Depth of the main compartment is about 4". Numerous grab handles, one water bottle flap, and a place on each shoulder strap to clip something. I haven't used it yet, but am optimistic.

I have hunted far and wide for a perfect international carry on bag. This one is almost perfect, but I would have made some minor adjustments.The fully opening center pocket is great for access and easy packing. It is shallow, but holds a lot of flatter things and there is an interior zipper pocket in the bottom of the main compartment (great for storing my extra masks for COVID). It would have been good to have some kind of strap or mesh in the middle section so when you open it at security for a full scan (my bad luck) the stuff stays strapped in. I had to be careful when I opened it to make sure nothing fell out of that side.I found the front pockets nice, but a little hard to use because of the narrow openings (they are deep, but tight when the center is ... MoreI have hunted far and wide for a perfect international carry on bag. This one is almost perfect, but I would have made some minor adjustments.The fully opening center pocket is great for access and easy packing. It is shallow, but holds a lot of flatter things and there is an interior zipper pocket in the bottom of the main compartment (great for storing my extra masks for COVID). It would have been good to have some kind of strap or mesh in the middle section so when you open it at security for a full scan (my bad luck) the stuff stays strapped in. I had to be careful when I opened it to make sure nothing fell out of that side.I found the front pockets nice, but a little hard to use because of the narrow openings (they are deep, but tight when the center is pretty full). Packing them before filling the center helps, but it still is hard to get things out once the bag is full. There isn't a dedicated key leash, so I used the loop inside the laptop compartment. There isn't a place to stow a pen, so had to just let it float in one of the front pockets.For my international trip, the bag held a change of clothes (including some flat sandals), dopkits and liquid baggie, clutch, 15" laptop with charger and flight essentials such as my earbuds, chargers for various devices, eye mask, hand lotion, kindle, passport and iphone 8. I also had my metal water bottle, it fit easily in the dedicated pocket with room to spare.The bag was comfortable to wear, but I mostly towed it on my roll aboard luggage - the strap fits a standard handle, but it was close fit so may not work for all bags. There is not a waist or chest strap on the bag if you are wearing it as a backpack so might get heavy if it is fully loaded.Overall a good bag, it holds the change of clothes and laptop as I wanted along with room for my normal in flight necessities. Just needs a few minor changes to make it perfect, but think its the best one I have found to date.

I make quite a few trips each year am required to carry my work laptop wherever I go. Hence I need my carry on bag to have a dedicated laptop compartment separate from the clothing section. Also , since a few of these trips are for business, I need my shirts to remain well pressed once I get down the flight. This bag fits the bill perfectly. Being an organized person myself, I really appreciate how well designed this bag is. 3 tiers of zippers on the front provide space for quick access to travel documents / phones/chargers that need to be available without having to disturb the clothing section. The clothing section opens up completely like a suitcase and has multiple different zippered area for storing the innerwear and such stuff. There is also a separation where ... MoreI make quite a few trips each year am required to carry my work laptop wherever I go. Hence I need my carry on bag to have a dedicated laptop compartment separate from the clothing section. Also , since a few of these trips are for business, I need my shirts to remain well pressed once I get down the flight. This bag fits the bill perfectly. Being an organized person myself, I really appreciate how well designed this bag is. 3 tiers of zippers on the front provide space for quick access to travel documents / phones/chargers that need to be available without having to disturb the clothing section. The clothing section opens up completely like a suitcase and has multiple different zippered area for storing the innerwear and such stuff. There is also a separation where you can just throw in just about anything which does not need to stay pressed. A separate shirt sized area is available where you can store 3-4 dress shirts without the risk of them getting crumpled. The laptop area is well padded and easily accomodates my 15' laptop with room to spare.This pocket is also separated from the base of the bag so you arent hitting your laptop each time you are placing the bag on the floor. The shoulder straps are well padded but can get a bit uncomfortable if there is a lot stashed into the backpack. And it is easy to overfill the backpack - it has so much room. There is also a belt at the back to be able to be mounted on the handle of your check in luggage. It fits easily below the seat and is very durable. Did I mentioned the handles? There are so many handles on it. One on top, like regular backpack, one on the side so it can be held like a briefcase and 2 in the front for when it gets too heavy to be lifted with one handle. Excellent, well designed and durable backpack perfect for travel.