I researched a lot before I purchased this backpack. Originally, I went to Targus, but their backpacks fell short and they charged me to return their defective backpack, which was disappointing. I was replacing a 3 year old High Sierra backpack that I absolutely loved. I definitely put it through abuse and it would have made it another couple of years, so I was looking at something that could top it.
Pros:
-Side pockets provide a great way to organize your chargers, powerbanks and even keys. - The crush-proof compartment works well for my reading glasses and sunglasses. -The organizational panel is ideal for someone who loves to keep everything in the right spot. - I really enjoy the pocket in the straps. My phone is a bit big to fit in the zipper, but I carry a credit card whenever I am on my motorcycle for easy access. -The laptop storage area is the best I have ever seen. It's sturdy and easy to slip my 15 inch Dell XPS 15 into its compartment. I love the red interior as well. -The look of the backpack is unique and has a beautiful design.
Cons:
-Main compartment could be a bit bigger to fit all my school books. -My backpack came with a lot of stray threads, which I haven't addressed since I needed this immediately for school. But it brings up a lot of concern if this Renegade is going to meet the test of time. I expect the backpack to be pristine, for its price. -Straps seem very thin compared to my HS backpack and seem to dig into my shoulders a bit with a heavy load. -No actual water bottle holder. Most people I know carry a hydroflask around. I carry around a 40 oz water bottle which fit with no problem in my other backpacks but will not fit into the side holders. And that's a bit of a disappointment because hydration is important, especially for long trips.
Overall,
I really enjoy the backpack. I was looking for something that would protect my laptop on trips and at school and this definitely meets the mark. I recommend this backpack. If you need something with a larger compartment, I might go somewhere else. But the extra pockets are ideal for small gadgets to keep in the right spot. However, I do wish Ogio paid a little bit more attention to the construction of the backpack. Hopefully the strays are not too big of an issue.
This backpack I bought for my wife. While she did not like the hard shell back, I thought it was fine and perhaps it was a personal thing. There are many compartments and it is a great way to hold all the things you may need.
I have 3 boys. Mine are destructive probably like everyone else's. I usually go buy them new book bags for school every year because the old ones look so bad. My senior actually went through 3 book bags in one year. He had to carry so many books that the straps kept breaking and the books tore through the bottoms. I bought one of these for him 2 years ago and it still looks brand new! No broken straps, no holes and no worn material that looks fuzzy like all the others! All 3 of my boys have one now. Can't go wrong with this brand! Oh and it has so many pockets and sleeves that everything is separated and easy to find! Worth every penny.