Spire USA Zoom Pack
From Michelle Godfrey:
Last month I bought what is probably the heaviest and largest notebook computer available, a Dell Inspiron 7000 with a 15" monitor. When it arrived, I found that sophisticated carrying equipment was an immediate need. My primary concerns were camouflage (i.e., insurance against theft), size accommodation (both mine and the computer's) and weight distribution. The computer shipped with a fabulous standard Dell carrying case (which will make a good flight bag), but it is terribly obvious, bulky, and "briefcase" style (one shoulder strap) that nearly pulled my arm right out of its socket just walking to the train and back.
Now I'm a rather large, height deficient woman (5'4" and 180 lbs.), so I'm confident of my strength, but concerned about dimensions of many packs that seem to be made for skinny six-footers. But the Zoom fits me beautifully and is adjustable in every conceivable way. The shoulder straps are ergonomic, curving inward to sit squarely on the chest instead of the shoulder blades. Spire also puts a snap-buckle on the shoulder straps to keep the straps in place, and which is adjustable to any position between your neck and waist -- a thoughtful consideration for women. The straps themselves are very easily adjusted "on the fly" -- to tighten, simply pull down on the cords; to loosen, lift up on the buckle tabs and *zip* you're out. There's a separate, thicker waist belt to keep the pack from bouncing -- not for daily use (too much to unbuckle), but I had the occasion to use it on a trip through O'Hare and Denver airports recently and felt the wisdom of the feature. (I had the belt nearly all the way extended, so if you're thicker than me, you may not be able to use the belt.) There are two buckles on each side of the pack itself as insurance for the zippered compartments, helping to cinch in contents. I find I leave these loose or unfastened in my daily routine, but they were really helpful in keeping the pack tight when going through security checkpoints at the airports.
The pack's construction seems suited to years of weight-throwing and wear and comfort. I'm impressed with the heavily padded and stitched straps, and the fabric is the same as that I've seen on quality outdoor gear. I'm a hobby seamstress and can see that this is a well made bag with superior thread, double stitched compartments and heavy-duty seam bindings.
The special "floating" pocket of the Zoom fits my 13" wide computer like a glove (the pocket has a drawstring to snug against smaller models). Padding is significant but not bulky. I appreciate this floating design which prevents the weight from thwapping against my spine during a typical brisk Chicago walking pace. I also appreciate the mesh lining against my back which breathes and feels comfortable against thinner summer clothing.
The compartments are roomier than I expected... with my computer, I can also pack a desk-size DayTimer AND a large hardcover book in the back of the pack, plus my pouch containing cords and mouse fits on top of all that. It would have been nice if Spire included or sold separately a special pouch to stow cords neatly... I use the zippered tube that was included in the case that came with my computer, but I suppose any dime store pouch would work. The front compartment has slots for pens and two slots for disks or papers (my cell phone fits in one of those), a stretchy mesh pouch, and a large zippered pouch inside the flap. The zippered pouch holds contents of a decent-sized purse, including my large checkbook wallet. With all the pouches full, you can still throw stuff loosely in the compartment such as a paperback, magazines, CD wallet, tape player, etc. And the double zipper lets you unravel it without spilling stuff everywhere. (I'm living up to the old adage -- give a woman a bag of any size and she'll stuff it to the gills!) There's a mesh pouch on the outside of the pack which will hold your boarding passes, reading material, etc. that you want to access without getting inside the pack.
I ordered Spire's gray color to be neutral with my backpack 'fashion statement,' and was disappointed that it looks more army-green than gray. But in context, I could care less. The thing could be purple with pink polka dots and I'd wear it with joy. It's that comfortable, and that functional. And worth every bit of the $100 I paid for it -- in chiropractor bills alone.
Michelle D. Godfrey, Chicago, IL