STM dux 30L 17" Versatile Tech Backpack

I went down a deep, dark rabbit hole of researching laptop backpacks before making the decision to get this one. I have been really happy with it - here's why: - The layout is different to most backpacks - you access the main storage from the side and the laptops and everyday items from the top. That layout is terrific. - The protected zone is super protected. I can leave anything fragile in that part with full confidence that it will be safe. - It can take my 17" Thinkpad and my 13" Macbook without it being a squeeze. Also, I've had other STM bags before and the customer support for them was world class, so I know I'll get a lot of years of use out of this bag.

This is the best backpack, I went through many cheap and much more expensive than this one and after 3 months the stitching goes or some issue occurs, this has dividers that hold, handle being stretched to squeeze items in, handle more than 20kgs and after three months of abuse it shows zero wear and tear. Plenty of room, the zippers never get stuck, very comfortable and is water proof, I have tested it in heavy rain. Do not let the price discourage you, IT IS WORTH EVERY CENT.

This is a really interesting pack that offers a much different look than other 30L competitors I've seen on the market. I'll comment on some of the features - Baffled padding: Looks a little like a puffer jacket, and adds some extra padding if you have tech materials. - Curved bottom: The molded design looks kinda cool, but the bag won't sit flat. It also would be better made of a rubber or tarpaulin material as it is a dust magnet and may be difficult to clean off dirt. - Side access panels: I like this design, and it's something similar to the Peak Design Everyday pack. However, this one only has one zipper. I'd like to see one at each end for flexibility in opening it. - Zippers: At this price point I'd really like to see YKK, but I don't see any branding. They're not the most robust zippers I've seen. - Quick access top area: I like it! more bags could use this type of design for phones, chargers, and snacks. - Zip-out water bottle holders: Reasonably large and deep. Pretty flexible. I generally don't need two, so one would've been fine to make the other side a fully sealed pocket. Some of the best designed bags also have TPU linings and drains for water bottle holders. - Harness and back: Chunky, good airflow. The webbing on the top of the strap could use a few more stitch points to give better options for carabiners and other latch-on items. Lacks chest strap for longer hauls. - Laptop compartment: Large and soft, false bottom gives the laptop additonal protection. Tablet sleeve Overall, I like many aspects of this bag. I'd rather see some adjustments to the dimensions. Perhaps an inch narrower and an inch taller might make it easier to manage as an EDC. If one of the side water bottle holders was sacrificed for a small pocket, I'd like it built out with space for pens, business card area, thumb drives, etc. Beware that STM will only support the lifetime warranty for approved resellers, so you might check with them before buying from an Amazon 3rd party seller.

There is sooo much to like about this backpack, except the handle. Yeah the handle is sturdy and well fastened, but it’s almost like carrying a bag of bricks on a shipping carton strap…you know…those plastic straps that practically cut your fingers when you’re dragging that package into the house and there’s no other way to carry it? Okay…rant done. So why the 5 stars?! The backpack is that good. I travel a lot! I always carry two laptops and a thin portable monitor…and those fit perfectly in the back zip section. The build and materials are so high quality, fit on my shoulders and back are so amazing, luggage strap that securely hold it to my luggage handle is so useful, the many ways to access the main storage cavity are so perfectly practical. This is the best backpack…no…the last backpack I will ever own. One mare thing…it’s kind of a pain to pull the backpack off my luggage handle, but that’s because there is a clunky grip with square edges that always catches as I try to pull it off…I need different luggage. But…because it’s a snug fit (that’s great!) it’s not constantly flopping around and falling off the luggage when I’m running around the airport. I’d rather it be that way…and some day I’ll find luggage with a smoother handle edge.

The main appealing factor about this backpack was definitely the storage options, which I will admit were very convenient most of the time during travel. The one issue I've had though is the comfort, it feels like I'm wearing straps attached to a luggage item rather than wearing a backpack. Coming from an older North Face Borealis backpack, the comfort was much lower than my expectation. Will probably only use it again for trips that require the extra space.