Wenger SwissGear Synergy Backpack Review

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by Tim Utecht

What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Switzerland?  Most likely you thought of Swiss cheese, the Alps, or a Swiss Army Knife.  Sadly, a lot of people have not heard about the amazing notebook products made by Wenger (who also makes the Swiss Army Knife).  I got the SwissGear Synergy backpack which can hold a 15” - 15.4” widescreen notebook.  This rugged backpack also has plenty of room for all your text books as well as notebook accessories.

My new backpack! (view large image)

Specifications and Features:

• Material: Poly, Nylon
• Size: 9&quot;D x 14&quot;W x 17&quot;H
• Fits Most 15&quot;/15.4&quot; Widescreens
• COMP-U-FLEX Computer Pocket
• Shock Absorbing Shoulder Straps
• iPod/Music Player Pocket
• Air Flow Back Padding
• Quick Pocket
• Essentials Organizer
• Adjustable Chest Strap

When I first got the Synergy the first word that came to my mind was “durable”.  From the reinforced handle, to the oversized zipper, this backpack appears to be built like a tank.  Thankfully, all this toughness doesn’t compromise the SwissGear Synergy’s comfort.  This backpack comes with shock absorbing shoulder straps, air flow back padding and a feature that I have never seen before called the CaseBase stabilizer platform.

This handle is VERY tough.  Also notice the durable oversized zippers! (view large image)

I use the Synergy daily to carry my books around at school.  Normally I pack around 28 pounds of gear – including a laptop and textbooks.  If that wasn’t enough, I have to trek up 66 stairs twice a day.  With most other backpacks I would be sore at the end of the week, especially on the shoulders.  However, the SwissGear Synergy backpack is extremely comfy.  It has shock absorbing shoulder straps which help when walking up and down all of those steps.  There is also some very nice padding on the back which helps with air flow.

The Synergy is large but comfortable (view large image)

The very first compartment has some assorted pockets.  You can keep some business cards in this section, and of course Wenger included a knife pocket (Swiss Army Knife not included though).

Very nice knife pocket (view large image)

The largest partition holds all my text books for all four of my classes.  My previous backpack had trouble fitting everything in there; however the SwissGear Synergy backpack can hold it all (and probably more if I tried).  This section also contains the CaseBase stabilizer platform which you can flip up or down to help conserve space when you are not using this area.

Unbelievably large compartment (view large image)

The Synergy can hold some folders, a Chemistry textbook and Human Anatomy textbook and lab manual! (view large image)

The iPod/Music player pocket (as in other backpacks) lacks in functionality.  Unless you are double jointed you won’t be able to get at the iPod while wearing the Synergy.  If you have a playlist and you don’t need to adjust the volume then the pocket will be fine.  At the very least you can use it to hold your portable music player in place.

iPod pocket (view large image)

The notebook pocket on the Synergy is slightly different than my previous backpack.  The notebook is held in place by an elastic strap that runs down the middle of the padding.  A clip holds the laptop in place.  The clip is made out of a plastic but it seems strong enough to withstand some abuse. 

Elastic strap is connected with a plastic clip (view large image)

Unlike other backpacks that I have seen, the Synergy holds the notebook against the center wall of the backpack and not against the wearers back.  This adds another layer of padding between your notebook and the outside world.  However, I was slightly disappointed that the Synergy didn’t have padding running down the middle elastic strap of the notebook pocket.  They called this feature COMP-U_FLEX, but I am not sure why you would want that pocket to expand.  In my opinion this loss of padding shouldn’t affect your notebook since it is more in the center of the Synergy backpack.

The notebook is centered towards the middle of the Synergy (view large image)

Another view of the notebook pocket (view large image)

In conclusion, the Wenger SwissGear Synergy backpack is an extremely durable product.  Thankfully they didn’t skimp on comfort.  Although it has a couple of quirks, it is a really nice backpack.  The Synergy will be a backpack that I will enjoy for many years to come.

Pros:

• Heavy duty zipper and handle
• Comfortable shock absorbing shoulder straps
• Huge amount of storage room
• CaseBase stabilizer that can help conserve space
• Notebook pocket attached to the center wall for added protection

Cons:

• Can not access iPod with the backpack on
• No padding in the middle of the notebook pocket because of elastic strap

 

I own an older version of this backpack, and "comfy" definitely describes it. I didn't find the air-flow thing to be too effective back then, but it sounds like they've improved it in your unit!

Nice review!

P.S.: Does one of your straps have a cell phone holder?

 

Awsome review, I found my backpack for next year!
By the way, have you tried placing your notebook with a sleeve? I heard that's a great way to get the extra protection thats missing in the middle pocket.

 

I'm groaning just looking at that load of books you have in your backpack there, holy moly, and to think there's a 15.4" screen laptop in there as well.

The design is nice and sleek, I can just imagine how stylish you are with that and the iPod all on display.

 

These Swissgear bags are the best notebook backpacks I've every bought. I've got both the Swissgear "Star" GA-7309-13
and the Swissgear "Rival" GA-7308-09. The "Star" has only one big pocket so it won't take such a big load and I was using it for commuting on a bike. The "Rival" is very similar to the reviewed Synergy bag and has two very big pockets.

One good feature about my two Swissgear bags is that they have some coloured parts and don't look like the average black computer bag. Storage for the smaller accessories is very good.

I attach a photo of my two Swissgear bags (centre = Star and right = Rival) plus a smaller Samsonite (branded "American Tourister") bag) which hold up to 14" machines and definitely doesn't look like a typical computer bag.

John

John

 

Yeah...that's the typical college loaded backpack.

 

IMO, i don't find swiss gear packbacks very appealing, so what, they make army knifes, now they make mediocre backpacks and put thier cross brand on it, it just looks so tacky, but i guess you get what you pay for

 

Yep the padding is really nice. I would say about 1.5 inches. There is no cell phone pocket, but since I don't have a cell phone I didn't even notice it's absence. lol

Yeah I think a sleeve would probably work. I don't have a sleeve to test it out with. In fact that isn't even a working laptop. LOL

I try to keep stylish. Notice the plaid shirt. lol

I guess it all depends on your taste. I didn't find the Synergy to be very tacky. I agree it is different having the re-enforced handle and the larger zippers but they really don't seem that out of place.
Tim

 

I use a Swiss Army backpack too! It's really well made and has endured many trips and still looks brand new. The padding definitely helps. Sorry, I can't say the same about the Victorinox luggage though.

Swiss Army Backpack - yes
Swiss Army Luggage - no

 

well the whole point of a notebook backpack is to protect the notebook. sure the wenger's backpack look kinda fugly but it really does the trick in terms of protecting the laptop.

i have another version of the wenger backpack and i love it. it can hold a ton of stuff (it can hold my 17 inch laptop, along with a 15 inch lapop and both with all its accessories) and it really feel secure when i put my laptop in there.

personally i slipped on ice and fell on my butt when i had my laptop in the bag once. i was scared ****less when i went back to my room but the laptop wasn't even damaged when i checked.

 

thats what happned to me this one time in school after chem lab i had laptop and lab book in my backpack so it was pretty much my laptop fell on the stairs ass on the steps and backpack both hitting the stairs but lappy was just fine :

 

Nice review, I find the Wenger line of bags pretty tackey as well but to eaches own. Wenger actually makes the cheap low quality Swiss Army Knives, the real quality knives are made by Victorinox and there is a HUGE difference between the two in terms of quality and durability. It seems that Wenger is trying to squeeze every penny of of the Swiss Army name which is unfortunate and makes most people think that all Swiss Army items will be low quality. My brother had one of these backpacks and the bottom tore from the weight of his books within 2 months, thats just lame for a $50 backpack. Buy Victorinox and do your research if your just buying something for the name because if you buy a Wenger item chances are you will be pretty disappointed. Victorinox introduced travel gear as well and there is a pretty big difference between the two. Theres a reason that Walmart sells Wenger Swiss Army gear and not Victorinox.

You can check it out for yourself:

Wenger: http://www.wenger-knife.ch/

Victorinox: http://www.swissarmy.com/

 

Wow that would suck. The backpack that I reviewed came with a lifetime warranty so I wouldn't have to worry about defects in workmanship.

Those two links you posted we also very interesting. I learn something new every day. lol
Tim

 

Hi,

Nice review. I actually ordered the same backpack from Amazon.com around 2 weeks ago. There are, however, some minor differences:

-The zippers for the main compartment do not unzip all the way down to the bottom part of the bag; they stop around 5-6" above the base
-The laptop compartment is actually secured by a velcro strap rather than a plastic buckle.

This last point concerned me until I went to Office Depot to inspect their version of the Synergy--the one like yours--and found out that there is no cushion behind the plastic buckle; the buckle acts like a sensitive pressure point against the laptop case and any jolt against that buckle may cause damage to the case.

In my backpack, however, there is solid cushion all the way around the laptop compartment (there is no cushionless flex strip down the middle like yours).

I'm thinking this may have been a revision with the newer backpacks, but I'm not sure. At any rate, I'm sticking with my backpack. It's definitely a keeper.

-g

 

I'm liking this backpack, great review. What are your opinions on the backpack's waterproofing? I can get some pretty bad rain here . I'm guessing it's well waterproofed, but just checking.

 

Tim, thanks for the review. Do you have the dimensions of the bag when it is fully loaded with the CaseBase down? I need to take the bag on a plane and have to know if it meets the requirements.

 

Yep it is about 16"D x 14"W x 17"H. I am pretty sure this bag would meet the requirements for airline travel. It really just depends how much you put in it.
Tim

 

Thank you so much!

 

Tim, are you sure it is 16" deep? That would make it deeper than it is wide, and HUGE.

I am also a bit worried about the plastic bit on the strap that could damage the laptop. Anyone else have experience with this pack?

 

I bought mine from Play.com (March 08) and I think the change to Velcro is a new revision. It makes sense as the plastic buckle can damage a laptop if the laptops weight is pushed against it. Additionally, plastic clasps wear out with random movement. Velcro is more adjustable and safer for a laptop. I also notive that the laptop is cushoined from every side with thick padding.

I would recommend getting the version with the velcro strap if possible. Other than that, it is identical in storage and design.

The amount of space is amazing. I can fit in a larger than standard size ring binder like these
http://www.keyproductsinc.com/Images/binders_large/VB_Stock_Binders-01(kmhbx1).jpg

and loads of books and computer accessories. If I empty the workbook section, I can even squeeze in my Gigaworks T20 speakers with room to spare!! Amazing purchase.

 

What version of wenger backpack do you have? i need a large backpack...

 

oops, i meant to respond to your post...what version of wenger backpack do you have? i need a large backpack...

 

Can the synergy fit my 16.4" sony vaio while it is also in a sleeve???

Also in which retail stores (canadian) can i find the synergy ??

thanks,
Ahsan

 

i was wondering if g51vx fits this backpack, cause i need to get one home by airplane. so a case is recommended.

 

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I'm wondering if anyone has the dimensions for the laptop compartment in this bag.

My work laptop (Dell M4400) has a 9-cell battery (I presume...) that sticks out an extra inch >.< It's 14.1" x 11.25" x 1.0-1.3"... anyone know if this would fit in the laptop compartment?

 

I have a Dell E5500 with a 9-cell battery pack and if fits just fine.

(14" x 11.25" x 1.3"). Better late than never!

 

Thank you!! I still haven't found a good price for it, so I haven't purchased yet But now I know I will!

 

Try Buy.com. That's were I got mine. $65.00 Shipped.

 

This sounds like a good backpack, so I'll bump this thread one more time. Will it be able to fit a laptop with the following dimension: 15.4" x 10.2" x 1"? The laptop in question is the ASUS UL50AG and is very long.

Thanks!
-Gnimble