There are numerous ways to carry around
a laptop such as cases, messenger bags, briefcases and back packs.
Wenger, the maker of the genuine Swiss Army Knife makes the Swiss
Gear line of backpacks. Their latest model is the Ibex which is a
backpack designed to carry up to 17” widescreen laptops.

The Ibex features a reinforced
ergonomic handle, a casebase stabilizer platform, shock absorbing
straps, air flow back padding and a quick access phone pocket. In
addition, Wenger offers a limited lifetime warranty.

Today we will look at the Ibex and
explore its multitude of features. So let’s get a bunch of our
things and stuff this bag to the hilt! Let’s get started…..

Wenger Swiss Gear IBEX Computer
Backpack Review

Reviewed by: Tomas Ratas

Sponsor: http://www.wengerna.com/

Tech Specs,Features or the
Basic Info:

Wenger
Swiss Gear IBEX Computer Backpack

From Swiss Gear by Wenger Maker of
the Genuine Swiss Army Knife

Full of spacious compartments,
and accessory pockets, the IBEX computer backpack is sure to fit
everything you need, including a 17″ laptop.

Size: 10”
D x 15” W x 19” H
Material: Poly, Nylon
Color:
Blue/Black

Features:
• Fits most 17″ widescreen
laptops
• Comp-u-Flex computer pocket keeps your 17″
widescreen snugly protected
• Quick pocket for easy access to
items such as your cell phone, airplane tickets, etc.
• Side
zippered and mesh pockets
• Air-Flow Back padding keeps your
back cool even with a full pack
• Shock Absorb Shoulder straps
distribute weight evenly and keep you comfortable
• Rear
hanging handle doubles as trolley strap
• Reinforced ergonomic
carrying handle
• Three main compartments provide space for all
of your belongings
• Essentials Organizer in front pocket has
pockets and slot for all of your accessories and gadgets
•
iPod/MP3 Music Player Pocket lets you enjoy your favorite music while
on the go
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Price: $80.00 (approx)

A Better Look at Things

:

The Ibex backpack arrives in a clear
plastic bag. The backpack is predominantly black with navy blue,
dark grey and maroon accents.

It stands 19” high, 15” wide and
10” deep. The total volume of the backpack is 1525 cubic inches.
Most importantly, the computer pocket measures 1.75” deep, 12”
wide and 16” high. The Ibex is constructed with polyester and nylon
material.

The front of the bag has three zippered
sections; each one bigger than the one in front of it. These three
sections are opened and closed by two sets of zippers.

The front section, which is the
smallest, has a large pocket inside that is made of red nylon with
another zipper. In front of this red pocket is a set of smaller
pockets for storing small items. Two sets of pockets are composed of
grey nylon with multiple slots for business cards, pens, etc. A
Velcro strap is found over the second column of pockets to secure
smaller items. Finally, there is a larger pocket is composed of a
netting material.

The middle section reveals another
large area for storage and has a zippered mesh pocket.

The last section that sits in the front
part of the Ibex is composed of grey nylon and has a divider for
storing books and other larger materials. The smaller pocket in this
section keeps items within this zone, but the larger space allows
material to travel to the farthest section of the Ibex, where the
laptop sits.

This section also holds the case
stabilization base, which is a reinforced nylon component that sits
on the bottom of the backpack giving it a flat configuration. This
allows the Ibex to stand at attention!

At the very top of the backpack, we
find the reinforced ergonomic handle. When they say reinforced, they
mean reinforced! This is a thick piece of metal cable, reminiscent
of the types used in bicycle locks. The handle is composed a thick
black plastic with a shaped grip for comfort. Surrounding the metal
cable is a black nylon material.

Just posterior to this handle is the
quick access pocket. Opening the zipper reveals a red nylon pocket
with a second smaller pocket with a Velcro closure for cell phone or
mp3 player stabilization. In this pocket is a tunneled area that
leads to the outside of the Ibex for using headphones.

On the sides of the Ibex, we find a
small mesh pocket on each side, which are perfect for carrying 12-16
ounce water bottles or other beverages. Above each of these mesh
pockets are small zippered pockets which are convenient for carrying
small items that need to be easily accessed while traveling. On the
right side of the bag, just above these pockets, we find an opening
for passing the headphones to the quick access pocket.

At the very rear of the Ibex, we find
the largest size compartment. Here lays the Comp-U-Flex pocket that
accommodates up to a 17” laptop. The Comp-U-Flex pocket has a
strap, which helps keep the laptop flush against the heavily padded
backpack’s interior. Opposite this pocket is another pocket for
papers and folders. Directly above this paper pocket is another mesh
pocket with a zipper. Finally, the space between the Comp-U-Flex and
the paper pocket can hold larger items, such as books, etc.

The Ibex provides padded straps which
helps absorb shocks and provide comfort when wearing the backpack.
The part of the Ibex that rests on ones back has four extra padded
zones for comfort. In addition, these pads provide open spaces for
airflow, to keep the Ibex comfortable on even the hottest days. In
the center of this area, one finds the SwissGear logo sewn onto the
bag.

{mospagebreak title=Usage and Testing}

Usage and Testing:

To field test the Ibex, I spent a week
with it, carrying my laptop and other various items, such as books,
tech components, iPod, gym clothes, etc. My laptop is a 15”
MacBook Pro and it fit easily in the Comp-U-Flex pocket with plenty
of room to spare. I tested the capacity with one of my colleagues
17” MacBook Pro and it was easily accommodated by the Ibex.

Space is definitely not an issue with
the Ibex. In fact, it is almost too spacious, as there were times
that I was unable to find items that I had stored in the backpack
until I scoured the whole bag.

Even at times, when I had a lot of
heavy items, the Ibex was not uncomfortable to carry around. The
padding was comfortable and the straps soft. The quick access pocket
is wonderful for storing keys, wallet, etc. Small items that need
to be retrieved quickly and easily can be stored in this location.

When there is a laptop in the backpack,
it does add a measure of stiffness to the Ibex. Thanks to all the
padding and the fact that the laptop does not rest against the
wearer’s back, the Ibex remains very comfortable.

The Ibex is well padded and made of a
durable nylon and polyester material. The outside is fairly water
resistant.

Although the Ibex has become my
backpack of choice, I do have one quibble. The side pockets on my
previous SwissGear Maxxum were much more spacious, allowing storage
of headphones or other smaller items on the sides of the back pack.

Summary and Comments

The Wenger SwissGear Ibex is a nearly
perfect backpack for the technophile with lots of stuff to carry
around. The bag is incredibly roomy and very comfortable. It is
well constructed and appears that it will endure punishment for a
long time. I know I will be using this backpack for years to come.

DragonSteelMods gives the Wenger
SwissGear Ibex a 5 out of 5 score.

Pros:

-Incredibly Spacious

-Comfortable to wear

-Padded notebook pocket for extra protection

-Accommodates up to 17” notebooks

-Rugged, sturdy design

Cons:

-Needs bigger side pockets

-Unable to access mp3 player controls when device sits in quick
access pocket

I would like to thank Wenger
SwissGear for the chance to review the Ibex and for
their support of DSM.

review#509