New Balance Commuter V2 Backpack, One Size, Pacific Blue

I purchased this bag to replace a beloved North Face pack that finally had to be put out to pasture at the age of 15. Big shoes to fill in my book.This pack has very sturdy construction with high quality fabric and stitching. The zippers operate smoothly and have easy to grip rubber tabs. My impression after a month of use is that this bag is of much better quality & design than my North Face which served me for 15 years.The fit is snug but comfortable. There is a mesh back and padded spacer which allows breathable space between the pack and my back. Living in a hot and humid area this time of year (NC), this has helped me to avoid dreaded back sweat saturation while wearing the pack. There is a useful carry handle designed in to the shoulder straps. I was happy to see that the waist belt is detachable, so I was able to remove it as I rarely use one.The compartments are more than adequate, but not overwhelming in number. The laptop compartment handily secures my old 11x16 Gateway. The large storage compartment expands enough to easily hold plenty of clothes for a weekend trip. There is a large mesh internal zippered compartment which allows whatever items you store in it to be plainly visible. You will not be “blindly digging” for your belongings with this thoughtful design. There are three external compartments for easy access. One of which holds a provided rain cover for the pack and could also easily store a pair of clean or dirty shoes. There are two smaller zippered compartments for cell phones, wallets, journals, passports, etc. Expandable but firm water bottle holders are on each side of the pack.This is a great product at a very reasonable price point. You get a lot for your money. After a month of use, I can firmly give this pack a definitive two thumbs up.

Updated 6/20 I still really like the bag, but the seam on the strap is coming undone. I haven't had the bag a month so this is a big problem if it happens again. Amazon is sending me a new bag. I am hoping this is just a lemon and it won't happen again. I will update when I get the new bag.First off the bag is more impressive in person, the blue is bright and looks great and the material is sturdy. The laptop slot is really big and would fit a 15” sized laptop with ease. I like all the pockets, there are five total, two smaller on the outside could be for sunglasses, wallet, snacks, or whatever your fancy is, one for laptop section, one with mesh zippered pocket, and the other one is the lower section where you could put shoes, jacket, or lunch.. I like that there are reflectors on all sides of the bag making it visible at night. The shoulder straps are padded and have a sternum and waist belt as well, the bag feels nice and snug on your back. The bottom section contains the rain cover and is a separate partition from the rest of the bag andhas a lot of room for shoes, clothes, lunch, or whatever you want to put there. It is perfect for commuting, but could be used for trips, hiking, and any activity you need a bag. I am very happy with the quality and construction of the bag

One of my new favorite backpacks! I assume from the New Balance shoe folks. Sturdy construction, available in a variety of colors, good quality construction, holds alot.waterproof exteriors. Poured water inside, very little if any, leaked out. I put my light rain jacket folded in the bottom pouch (aka shoe compartment) along with snacks and cables in bags. The upper section (backpack) is further subdivided into sections. A tablet and notebook computer along with a Vinsic 20,000mAH power bank fit inside. I also fit in the larger inside pocket, a Goal Zero or Suaoki solar panel along with a PowerFilm rollup solar panel. My lunch (bagged) fits inside the medium pocket or section. There's smaller pockets for batteries, pagers, etc. A very functional backpack for the price. Ventilated eyelets (I push my headphones through). Rain flap that can be stored away. Reflective lettering and stripes. RECOMMEND: Buy!

Seam on shoulder strap started to come undone after 3.5 months of use. Other than that a good bad for commuting and the waist straps are perfect for running.

Awesome backpack. Works well for all my needs. I use it for the gym, son's wrestling tournaments, take on vacation.

I am really disappointed with the fit of this bag. It is made for a very tall man. I have a hard time imagining this fitting any woman. I'm 5' 3" and the bag was huge on me even when I tightened all of the straps as tight as possible as you can see in the photos. The design of storage is really cool, so I just wish it wasn't so tall so it could fit on the back of a smaller person. I am looking for a backpack to run commute to work but I will have to keep looking. I'm disappointed. It's a real challenge to find a commuter pack designed for women.

Had this less than 2 1/2 months and the shoulder strap is coming apart. Poor quality

This is a great back pack, but it's enormous. I bought it thinking I could use it for run commuting, but I couldn't get the straps anywhere near tight enough where it would be comfortable. That said, it's incredibly useful and I use it for overnight trips, or days where I have to bring a lot of stuff to work (but not running). It's super functional and I love all the compartments. I just wish it said more about the sizing.For reference, I'm a 5'4" woman, generally wear a size medium in clothes. I bet this would be a fine running backpack (or generally active) pack for someone a few inches taller and broader than I am.

Excellent

The bag itself is functional and with good quality IF you are tall.I am 160cm petite female.It is HUGE on my back.It is so unfortunate because overall I liked the bag but can't quite use it.