Dakine Prom Laptop Backpack, 25 Liter

This is a versatile and sturdy backpack that I will be using until the straps fall off because I paid good money for it, it frees up my hands, and it looks nice. The reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5? The reviews made it sound big enough to handle several college textbooks, and that isn't really the case. It can easily handle two textbooks and a binder, but I don't think it could really hold much more. I routinely carry a textbook (large-ish), a 1.5 inch binder, a thin notebook. To that, I sometimes add a paperback, my wallet (one of the large ones only women seem to need), and a 1 liter bottle of water (it's a tall bottle and I don't trust the outside pocket for that), and very little else is going to fit unless I stack it on top. This is probably not so much of an issue for high schoolers, maybe more so for college students who don't want to run back to the car between classes or carry a second bag with their gym gear. As a nursing student, when I have multiple textbooks and the Davis Drug Guide, the size can be problematic. However, I can second previous reviewers who said the backpack does not look awkwardly large on small framed girls/women.The second reason I won't give this 5 stars is because of the thermal pocket. I was really excited about that, since it meant that I wouldn't always have to run home for lunch on longer days. No such luck. This is a nice pocket for small, flat snacks (I hope you like your apples cut up) but I don't think it would fit even the smallest lunch containers or boxed frozen lunches. Nor would it keep them particularly cold if they would fit. By midday, my fruit is not so warm that it gets mushy, but it is not noticeably cold.I would not repurchase this particular model based on my needs. If I were to do it over, I'd go for something bigger (Dakine has the 33L Campus) and I'd ignore the siren's call of the thermal pocket. However, I would not hesitate to recommend the brand, or even this model, to friends whose needs are different than mine.

I really, really like this backpack. It is holding up well so far and is pretty good at toting around all the crap I carry around to classes. For some background information, I am currently attending college(a small residence only institution), so I walk mostly everywhere. My backpack is on my back most of the day and holds most of my books along with binders and supplies. There is a handy sun glass pouch at the top which I use for note cards and miscellaneous items. Inside I am able to fit at least 4 1" binders, 2 textbooks, a normal book and my agenda(which is about the size of a 1 subject notebook). One of the first things I noticed out of the package was the padding on the straps. It was very nice and comfortable. If the bag is to high the little handle part may hit the back of your neck. But that is negligible. Also I sometime struggle getting my arms in the straps, but that might be a lack of flexibility on my part. There is also an adjustable water bottle pouch, which I liked. The pattern is about as vibrant as the picture(I got the black and blue version). Obviously the retailer used some lighting and such but over all it was true to the product. I gave this a 5 out of 5 because I really like the backpack! I plan on getting a laptop next near so I am excited for the pouch. The last test will be traveling with it in the next few months as I fly home. But I really have no worries about that!

I was looking for a backpack with cooler that I could use when I went to the park, hiking, or amusement parks with my young girls. They little ones are in 2 and 4 years and this works perfectly for our needs. Another bonus, my husband doesn't mind putting this on too! The top pocket for sunglasses I use for my cell phone, keys, chapstick or anything small that I need immediate access to. The cooler pocket I sometimes add a freezer/ ice pack to keep that slot and the front pocket cool. The main pocket fits lots of items! I took my oldest to an amusement park and we both had a change of clothes, shoes, and a towel in there. The slot that can be used for a laptop works great for diapers, wipes, or anything that is flat and something you may need to get quickly or you need kept away from other items. The side pockets fit snacks and my water bottle perfectly. The only thing that I would love to see designed differently, is for Dakine to add a double zipper to the pocket where you may add pens, wallet, and other items of importance on the second pocket (a clasp to hold keys would be great too!). I sometimes worry that something will accidentally slip out when I'm trying to grab a thing or two on-the-go. Overall, I would highly recommend for any parent to use this style backpack for your outdoor, on-the-go needs!

I just love DaKine backpacks! They are so well made, and comfortable on my back. This one has a small pocket right on the front that you can slip anything in for fast access, right behind that pocket is an insulated pocket, I have not tried stuffing it yet, but it does fit at least a sandwich tupperware in there, behind that is a half pocket that can hold pens, your phone (fleece lined pocket) and a zippered back section for keys maybe. The main compartment is behind that and it can fit a bunch of stuff!!! There is a laptop pocket that I haven't used for a laptop yet, but it is very well padded. I love that most DaKine backpacks come with a sunglass pocket that is fleece lined so your lens do not get scratched. There are two side pockets that have zipper closures. One you can put a bottle of water/juice/soda in - it has a bungee type holder to keep the bottle/can secure. The other side pocket is just a pocket, but with the zipper closure I feel secure in putting my keys or something small in here and not worry about it falling out. This backpack does not have a sternum strap and I was a little worried it might be a problem, but the bag is made well and sits perfectly without it. I use this as a work bag - it can carry all of my folders, electronic gadgets, snacks and more.

Great backpack

My daughter love it!

I've had this bag for almost two years and it still works amazingly,carring all 15 of my school books

A*********

Excellent quality and price.