swissgear 1900 travel laptop backpack

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Buy new: #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-whole { font-size: 28px !important; } #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-fraction, #buybox .a-accordion .a-accordion-active .a-price[data-a-size=l].reinventPriceAccordionT2 .a-price-symbol { top: -0.75em; font-size: 13px; } $89.99 $ 89 . 99 FREE delivery: Thursday, April 18 Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

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SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17 Laptop Backpack, Black, 19-Inch

Purchase options and add-ons

• Tech Backpack: Pack all your essentials in the 1900 ScanSmart 17-inch laptop backpack specifically designed to speed you through airport security by allowing laptop-in-case scanning
• Secure Storage: This laptop backpack for men and women features an enhanced laptop compartment with zippered access for a 17-inch laptop and a padded TabletSafe tablet pocket
• Effortless Organization: Computer bag includes a main compartment with an accordion file holder and a RFID-protected organizer compartment with a removable key/fob clip and multiple divider pockets
• Multiple Pockets: Add-a-bag trolley strap slides over telescopic handles, 1 front and 2 side quick-access pocket secure essentials, and 2 mesh side pockets accommodate water bottles and umbrellas
• Comfortable To Carry: Lay-flat laptop bag includes ergonomically contoured, padded shoulder straps, adjustable compression straps, airflow back padding, and a reinforced, molded top handle
• Compartment Dimensions: Laptop compartment - 14.5" x 11" x 1.5"; Tablet Pocket Capacity - 10" x 7"; Bag volume - 31 L

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Product information

Warranty & support, product description.

Pack all of your gear and then some in this extra-roomy, full-featured laptop backpack. The SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is made from durable 1200D ballistic polyester fabric and is equipped with a large opening main compartment with rugged oversize zippers, adjustable side compression straps, a heavily padded back panel with Airflow ventilation technology, padded contour shaped shoulder straps with mesh fabric and built-in suspension as well as ScanSmart lay-flat technology for the ultimate in laptop-in-case TSA scanning for most portable computers up to 17” in size. Other features built into the case include a dedicated floating TabletSafe tablet pocket, an accordion file holder, an organizer compartment, multiple internal accessory pockets, side accessory and water bottle pockets, a padded media pocket with headphone cord port, a molded top handle, a webbing daisy chain and carabiner to attach gear to when you’re on the go, a front quick-access pocket and reflective accent material built into the shoulder straps for added safety when out at night.

From the brand

Life is always in motion. Everything from technology to lifestyle essentials should be able to go where you go. We continue to ensure whatever you need travels easily, safely, and stylishly with you.

Often imitated but never equaled, Wenger is the authentic Swiss brand that comes from genuine Swiss roots. A true commitment to embrace innovation, uphold Swiss principles of design, and tirelessly enforce the highest standards of quality.

SwissGear's backpacks are durable, recognizable, and made from high-quality materials. Our backpacks will last you a lifetime.

Whether you choose our hardside or softside luggage, SwissGear is sleek and ready for adventure.

Bags & Cases

Always designed with purpose, SwissGear's bags & cases provide storage and protection for all your personal items.

Accessories

Don't forget to compliment your travel gear with SwissGear's accessories. We check every box when it comes to travel essentials.

Our Quality

We believe in quality with zero compromise. With over 25 tests performed during development and again with every production lot, we measure and analyze every component to determine its performance under intentionally severe conditions.

Combine this process with meticulously selecting only the best raw materials and manufacturing craftsmanship, we ensure that we deliver consistent and reliable products.

Our Lifestyle

SwissGear's goal is to provide travelers with the best gear for their adventure. No matter what distance you are going, SwissGear will be there every part of the way.

We want to make sure you are living your ideal lifestyle. That's why we create a range of high-quality travel products that are designed to withstand the rigors of travel.

From the manufacturer

1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

Pack all of your gear and then some in this extra-roomy, full-featured laptop backpack. The Swissgear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is made from durable 1200D ballistic polyester fabric and is equipped with a large opening main compartment with rugged oversize zippers, adjustable side compression straps, a heavily padded back panel with Airflow ventilation technology, padded contour shaped shoulder straps with mesh fabric and built-in suspension as well as ScanSmart lay-flat technology for the ultimate in laptop-in-case TSA scanning for most portable computers up to 17” in size.

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Review - SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17 Laptop Backpack

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the value, comfort, pockets, quality and appearance of the backpack. For example, they mention it's well worth the price, has comfortable straps and padded back, and has plenty of room in the center compartment for all sorts of accessories and adapters. They also like the durability. That said, some disagree on size and zipper.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the durability of the backpack. They say it's well built, holds up great to travel, and has good quality. Customers also mention that the zippers are well made and the metal zippers have chunky handles.

"...Seriously is not only looks good, but is very well designed and made , has plenty of room and compartments, is very durable and the hardware and..." Read more

"Excellent quality. Very durable . It takes a lot of rough handling and does not get marked up. Nice red color. Lots of well designed compartments...." Read more

"...The material is very high quality and heavy duty as are the zippers and clips. It's a well thought out bag...." Read more

"...The backpack is sturdy and very well made. So why 4 stars? Two reasons. First the trade off for all that sturdiness is weight...." Read more

Customers like the pockets in the backpack. They say it has plenty of room and compartments. Some mention that the compartments are endless and accessible for travel documents. They also say it holds a large water container and has zippers, access, capacity, straps, comfort, weight, and that it can carry a good amount of kilos in it.

"...only looks good, but is very well designed and made, has plenty of room and compartments , is very durable and the hardware and materials used, is..." Read more

"...This backpack comfortably holds every bit of it , keeps it organized, and protects it...." Read more

"...Nice red color. Lots of well designed compartments . Lightweight. Holds 17 inch laptop without a problem. A++. Highly recommended." Read more

"...There are two side pockets for water bottles or a travel umbrella as well as another pocket that lays under them which the manufacturer suggests..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They mention that it is an excellent choice for a backpack, it has plenty of compartments, and is well made. Some say that it's suitable adequate and a fantastic travel backpack. Overall, most are happy with the product's quality and recommend it to others.

"... Great product , nice pockets and organizational features." Read more

"...So definitely a good bag for frequent flyers & travelers...." Read more

"...But good option if have lots of stuff to carry. Good materias and great all around backpack." Read more

" Excellent backpack . Perfect for air travel." Read more

Customers are mixed about the size of the backpack. Some mention that their personal items fit perfectly, and it's large enough to travel with. However, others say that it'd be too big for daily commuting needs and too big to fit under the aisle seat.

"...enough that even with unusually large chest and arms, the fit was both secure and comfy ...." Read more

"...The zippers are all metal, large and the zipper track itself is fairly large & the material itself is thick and seemingly well-constructed, so I..." Read more

"...this 5-stars because it is such a great backpack but beware...it is VERY large and a bit on the weighty side even when empty...." Read more

"...It holds a 17 inch laptop with ease along with it's charger. It has plenty of storage pockets and secret storage areas that I haven't even used yet...." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the backpack. They mention it looks good, has many pockets to store different things in different compartments, and has a good design. Some appreciate the trim design and the gray color. They also mention that the backpack has lots of nice touches, such as a loop on the strap to hold sunglasses.

"...Seriously is not only looks good , but is very well designed and made, has plenty of room and compartments, is very durable and the hardware and..." Read more

"...It takes a lot of rough handling and does not get marked up. Nice red color . Lots of well designed compartments. Lightweight...." Read more

"...nearly as heavy as my previous 'trim' backpack because the ScanSmart is so well designed ...." Read more

"...roomy as a school bag or an all in one short trips travel bag, is nice looking , and made of strong materials which should last." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the comfort of the backpack. They mention that it has comfortable straps, padded back, and ventilated padding on the shoulder straps. They also appreciate the perfect pocket structure and the hefty feeling of the bag.

"...It sits comfortably over one shoulder , or as it's meant to be carried. The padding on the bag and straps is enough that there's no issues at all...." Read more

"...The back straps are comfortable on the back as well, so no complaints there...." Read more

"...They hold up great to travel. Pretty comfortable and easily adjustable straps...." Read more

"...Full or empty, for hiking or office, this pack always feels great when I wear it ...." Read more

Customers like the value of the backpack. They say it's well worth the price, and a great purchase.

"...Otherwise this backpack is a great value that should serve well for many years." Read more

"...And The Price is Well Well Worth it !!..." Read more

"...It is worth the pricetag !..." Read more

"...Their products take the abuse at a decent price ...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the zipper. Some mention the various compartments, zippers, access, capacity, straps are smartly placed and very strong. However, others say that the zipper on one broke in less than a year, the zippers are big and jingly, but they are life-proof and reliable. That said, corner zipper chafe could occur.

"...has an MP3 player pocket within it at the top and a mesh zipper pocket along the front flap which is good for thin things like pens, pad, passport,..." Read more

" Zipper broke on the first one after 2 years. Keep in mind it was used by a young teen during that time. Hopefully this second one is just as good." Read more

"...I don't use the mesh pockets for my water bottles but the side zippered pockets are perfect !Very happy with my purchase!" Read more

"...My only issue is that 2 of the zipper pulls broke off after only 6 months of use...." Read more

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SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack Review

A well-priced backpack designed for the tech-savvy globe trotter

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

TripSavvy / Kimberly Holland

Multiple compartments make organizing easy

Thick polyester fabric feels sturdy and protective

High-use points reinforced with stronger materials

Shoulder straps sport extra padding for comfort

Thick metal zippers designed to last

Fits laptops up to 17 inches

Uneven weight makes bag tip sometimes

Multiple zippers make noise

Heavy for a backpack, even when empty

SWISSGEAR’s 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is a smart investment for travelers who frequently carry several electronics, need easy organization, and like the look of a more professional case.

• Portability
• Competition
• Final Verdict

We purchased the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack so our reviewer could test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

Savvy travelers have long known the benefits of using a backpack for quickly getting around airports or train stations: Most backpacks are compact enough to serve as a personal item, and they’re easy to carry around as you sightsee. Plus, you don’t have a wheeled suitcase dragging behind you while you rush to your next platform or gate. 

However, many of the best-designed backpacks don’t put a lot of thought into the materials people are carrying, which creates problems with delicate screens and laptops. SWISSGEAR, on the other hand, has given the tech-forward traveler a lot of thought with the 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack. We used this reasonably priced piece of luggage for a weekend trip recently to see how the materials, pockets, and electronic protectors performed. 

Material: Sturdy, smooth polyester

The main body of the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is constructed with 1200D ballistic polyester fabric. To the touch, we thought this fabric felt smoother and higher-quality than most other backpack fabric. The material is also lined with another layer of sleek polyester, which gives the feeling of better protection for anything inside the case.

Oversized zippers and a medium carabiner on the front of the backpack are made with thicker metal instead of plastic. The thicker zipper pulls seem like they can hold up better to the bangs and hits that travel invites on any type of luggage. However, the zippers ended up being one element we didn’t like after a few days of use. They are noisy when they hit against one another, which made storing or removing the suitcase a loud undertaking.

The oversized, padded straps are also made with a ventilated material on the sides that come into contact with the shoulders and front of the body. During our tests, that helped reduce sweating while walking several blocks in hot temperatures. One strap has a sewn-in loop labeled with an image of sunglasses. We found it snug enough to safely store shades when inside, but it’s not protective for storage, so don’t forget to remove them before putting your bag away.

The top grab handle is reinforced with a rugged easy-grip plastic cover. This made holding the backpack easier on the hand, even when it was at its heaviest. We thought it also provided a comfortable grip for pushing or pulling the backpack from a carry-on compartment.

Design: Well-considered for a techy traveler

SWISSGEAR put a great deal of thought into every inch of this bag, and it shows. We found that there were more compartments than we needed to carry a laptop, several notebooks, ink pens, chargers, headphones, and books. The location of each compartment made a great deal of sense for how travelers work in and out of their bags while on the move.

SWISSGEAR put a great deal of thought into every inch of this bag, and it shows.

For example, the laptop compartment is in its own padded cradle in the back of the backpack. It has its own zipper, and it’s designed to fit a laptop up to 17 inches. For extra movement protection, this section even has a padded arm for strapping in the computer.

A floating tablet pocket, with its own zippered entry, sits between the laptop and the main body of the backpack. A neoprene sleeve in the tablet pocket adds a layer of protection, and the suspended nature of the pocket (it sits about 4 inches from any of the backpack’s zippered sides) helps guard against damage from drops or slams.

The tablet and laptop compartments open into a lay-flat position; simply unzip and pass through TSA screening without removing the devices from the bag. (However, you should still abide by the agents’ request if they ask you to remove all electronic devices from your bags.)

Two side compartments are ventilated and zippered and the just-right size for water bottles. At the base of these pockets are mesh pockets with an elastic top. We found these were ideal for quickly stashing change or stowing a phone in a hurry.

A large center pocket has two divided sections for storing papers. A wide bottom is broad enough for notebooks or hefty books. Inside that pocket, at the top of the flap, the brand also included a webbed, zippered pouch for yet another place to stash items such as cords and cables. Directly across from this pound sits a petite padded pouch. It’s the just-right size for an audio device or a cell phone, and we were able to thread a pair of headphones through the opening in the lining of the backpack for easy listening while standing in line.

The tablet and laptop compartments open into a lay-flat position; simply unzip and pass through TSA screening without removing the devices from the bag.

Lastly, the front of the backpack features two zippered pockets. The one at the bottom of the pack includes one large compartment, two medium ones, three writing utensil spots, and a webbed pocket. At the top of this pocket hangs a key ring that can be quickly removed from a clip and then returned when you’re finished with the keys. The second zippered pouch sits just above this one. It’s shallow but sturdy, so we used it to store a wallet that we didn’t want to risk dropping while rifling through the lower pocket for keys.

Portability: Heavier than most, but tough

The company lists the bag’s dimensions as 18.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches, but when we measured the empty bag, we got 21 x 15.5 x 6 inches. Still, it’s small enough to serve as a personal item when you fly (it’ll stow easily underneath the seat in front of you on the plane). We also weighed the empty pack and found it’s more than 3 pounds without a single electronic. Many packs are well below 2 pounds. Though a pound might make little difference at first, every ounce of a pack on your back will begin to weigh on you and your shoulders.

It was difficult to distribute the weight just right, so the pack would frequently tip forward.

With that in mind, likely, the SWISSGEAR designers put great care into the padded shoulder straps. They are extra wide (about 3 inches), and at the center of each strap is an extra layer of padding. This helped mitigate pressure during our tests so we didn’t feel the need to frequently remove the pack to let our shoulders rest.

When you do set it down, keep an eye on it. We found it was difficult to distribute the weight just right, so the pack would frequently tip forward, spilling anything that might be unzippered. Once it’s heavy enough, it won’t go anywhere, but empty or mostly empty bags appear to be front heavy, and they tumble forward.

Color: Great selection for varied tastes

This SWISSGEAR laptop backpack comes in eight colors. The primary color in each is black, but they have a few heather-gray options as well. The black backpacks are paired with red, blue, and heather-gray. The brand also offers an all-heather gray backpack. The all-heather gray backpack feels a touch more sophisticated, at least in our opinion, and could easily be carried as a work bag because of its overall sleek aesthetic. The shoulder straps feature a reflective accent material for safety when traveling at night.

Price: More than most, but a good bargain

This isn’t your average backpack, so you won’t be paying a typical price. At this median price point ($69.99), you’re getting a great deal of smart design and careful craftsmanship. Plus, SWISSGEAR offers a limited warranty—three years if you buy in other stores; 10 years if you buy on the brand’s site.

SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack vs. Rockland Luggage Melbourne Carry-On

Rockland, like SWISSGEAR, has an expansive line of suitcases. It’s also considered one of the more affordable brands, with much of the items costing well under $100. We tested Rockland Luggage’s 20-inch expandable Melbourne carry-on ( view on Amazon ), which costs just a bit more than the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack—or about the same if you get it on sale.

Both are made with sturdy materials, designed to protect what’s on the inside, but the right one for you will depend largely on what you’re planning to carry with you on the plane. For techy-travelers, the handy backpack is a no-brainer. However, if you can keep busy with a book while the pilot flies you to your destination, make the most of your carry-on space with the mini rolling suitcase. Plus, the Rockland luggage comes in 33 different colors.

Buy it if you travel with a lot of electronics.

If you don’t leave home without your laptop, tablet, two phones, and a multitude of chargers and cords, the highly organized SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is worth the money—and the time it will take to decide where you want to store everything.

• Product Name 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack
• Product Brand SWISSGEAR
• MPN 1900202418
• Price $69.99
• Weight 3.3 lbs.
• Product Dimensions 21 x 15.5 x 6 in.
• Color Black, Black/Red, Blue, Gray, Heather Gray, Urban Heather
• Volume 31 L
• Material Polyester
• Warranty 3 years limited; 10 years if purchased on swissgear.com

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Take It From a Travel Writer: These Are the 5 Essentials I Never Vacation Without — Plus, What I’m Buying Next

Prices start at just $8.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

As a travel writer, I take great pride in my collection of in-flight and vacation packing must-haves that I refuse to leave my house without in the name of prioritizing comfort. I believe that even the shortest trips should still be as enjoyable as possible, and although I’m at a point where I feel both safe and relaxed while traveling, there’s always room to improve. 

Since I don’t believe in gatekeeping, I’ve rounded up the five Amazon essentials that have transformed my travels for the better now that I have thousands of frequent flier miles under my belt — plus, the five items I can’t wait to buy next. From solo trips to vacations with friends, these products are guaranteed to make you feel more prepared for whatever may come — with prices starting as low as $8.

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

Whether I’m enjoying my day-to-day life in New York City or traveling internationally on a solo trip to Portugal, I will never leave the house without this portable safety device firmly clipped to my keychain. The simple mechanism is designed to emit a blaring alarm once the pin is pulled, and after testing it on a number of occasions (never in an emergency, thankfully), I can confirm that it’s loud enough to draw attention from passersby for peace of mind if I’m in a compromising situation and need help. It’s great for travel — even by plane — and the device is secure enough that in my three years of owning it, I’ve never had the alarm go off by accident. 

AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch 

Last year, I went on my first solo trip to Portugal , which left me in the unique predicament of figuring out how to enjoy my time splashing around in the surf without getting my gear stolen. Enter: the AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch. This entirely waterproof pouch was perfect for keeping my phone and wallet safe during boat rides and dips in the ocean, so I never had to worry about returning to the shore only to find myself stranded without my essentials. I can confidently say that even when I’m traveling with friends, I’ll never leave my house for a beach vacation without this bag again — and right now, a two-pack is on sale at Amazon for a mere $13. 

Anker Portable Charger

After a debacle last year during which my AirPods died ahead of my flight with no access to an outlet, I promptly ordered the top-selling Anker Portable Charger upon my arrival home and will never travel without it again. It’s not a given that you’ll be able to charge your phone or devices during a flight (or even at the airport), and whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, it’s always important to have access to your phone for safety purposes. This long-lasting charger boasts the capacity for more than two full charges and is designed with three ports so I can provide power to my phone and headphones at the same time.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

I’ve been using this spacious laptop backpack since 2015, so it’s safe to say that it has stood the test of time throughout adventures across dozens of states and countries. The large main compartment has more than enough space for everything from a spare outfit to a ski helmet (it didn’t fit in my suitcase!), and a padded laptop compartment ensures that I never have to worry about damaging my electronics while I’m on the go. Plus, the variety of additional pockets on the sides and front of this comfortable backpack have proven to be the ideal spots to store my toiletries, medications, and other items for maximum organization and accessibility.

Hian Motion Sickness Glasses

Ever since my childhood, I’ve been plagued with motion sickness, and over the years it’s become nearly impossible for me to get into a car without the accompanying nausea and dizziness. However, that all changed when I discovered these glasses from Hian last year, and since then there hasn’t been a single trip I’ve taken without them. From a long, stop-and-go ride up to Breckenridge in Colorado, to a quick trip to Jones Beach in New York, these glasses stopped my reliance on Dramamine in its tracks. Plus, they’re only $8.

What I’m Buying Next

Cabeau tne s3 travel neck pillow.

One of my hidden talents is that I can fall asleep nearly anywhere: plane, train, car, you name it. However, the catch is that while I may be soundly sleeping, my head continues to bob around, often resulting in a stiff neck upon arrival at my destination (not to mention it’s embarrassing). So, when I recently stumbled upon a neck pillow that attaches to the airplane headrest to firmly secure me in place, I knew I needed to add it to my shopping list ahead of my next flight. This incredibly supportive pillow from Cabeau is the solution I’ve been searching for when it comes to keeping my head propped up, and it’s adjustable for a wide range of travelers. It may be $50, but that’s a small price to pay for feeling well-rested after a red-eye.

Jisulife Handheld Mini 3-in-1 Fan

This best-selling 3-in-1 fan from Jisulife has been sitting in my Amazon cart for months now, but before I head to the beach this summer — or even the wedding I’m attending in August — I’ll be sure to finally make the purchase. Not only is this compact device a high-powered fan that easily fits into a back pocket, purse, or carry-on, but it also functions as a portable phone charger and flashlight. It offers up to 19 hours of cooling on a single charge, a fact which I can attest to since my friend brought it along with us on an unbearably hot trip to Italy several years ago. With two settings to choose from, it’s great even if you just need a light breeze.

Soundcore Anker Life Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones

More often than not, I find myself drawn into conversations with my seatmates on planes — and not always by choice. I will blame this in part on my friendly face, but also my lack of noise-canceling headphones. So while my AirPods will also be my go-to earbuds, I’m ready to make the investment in these Soundcore over-ear headphones while they’re on sale for just $50 at Amazon. Memory foam ear cups promise to provide unending comfort during even the longest flights, while 40 hours of play time on a single charge means there’s one less charger I’ll need to pack while on vacation. I can already sense that my most peaceful flight to date is right around the corner. 

BleedStop First Aid Powder for Blood Clotting

I’m a relatively neurotic traveler, and after reading a recent article on Travel + Leisure touting this blood clotting powder as a must-pack according to a retired doctor, I immediately added the $15 formula to my cart. While it’s highly improbable that I’ll ever need to use it, this powder works to get bleeding under control in mere minutes, making it incredibly useful if I, or anyone around me, incurs a potentially life-threatening wound while hiking or in another scenario where medical aid isn’t readily available. Better safe than sorry. 

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

With the amount that I’ve been traveling recently, it feels worthwhile to invest in this audio transmitter that will allow me to wear my AirPods while enjoying the in-flight entertainment, so I can say farewell to airline-issued headphones for good. The AirFly simply plugs into the screen on your airplane seatback, connecting to up to two pairs of headphones at the same time. I’m especially excited to use this device because it’s entirely cord-free, so I won’t become tangled with any of my seatmates if they need to head to the bathroom during the flight. 

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Swissgear 1900 Black Series ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

For the ultimate traveling companion, pack all your digital necessities and business essentials in the Swissgear 1900 Black Series ScanSmart™ Laptop Backpack. Made from durable 1200D polyester fabric, its solid construct embeds functional features, such as a large main pocket with rugged oversize zippers, an easy-to-reach front pocket, and an external pocket that embeds an RFID-protected lined organizer panel to organize pins, notebooks, and pads while safeguarding credit cards, ID and other valuables from identity theft. Its tech-savvy enhancements include a dedicated floating TabletSafe™ tablet pocket, a padded media port, a 17” padded laptop compartment with a horizontal latch strap for added cradling, and built-in ScanSmart™ lay-flat technology for quicker, more convenient security processing at airports.

Providing exceptional carrying comfort, its body features two side water bottle pockets, large side accessory pockets, a molded top grab handle, an airflow ventilated back panel with an add-a-bag trolley strap to glide over carry-on’s handle, adjustable compression straps, and padded contoured shoulder straps with mesh fabric and built-in suspension. Its mesh padded panels, accordion file holder, multiple pockets, reflective accent materials on its shoulder straps, and webbed daisy chain and carabiner make it a sturdy pack for day and night commuting.

• Unobstructive ScanSmart lay-flat design helps speed through airport security by allowing laptop-in-case scanning through TSA X-ray machines
• Dedicated laptop compartment with zippered access designed to fit most portable computers up to 17" in size and a padded TabletSafe™ tablet pocket
• Ergonomically contoured, padded shoulder straps with built-in suspension, breathable mesh fabric, sunglasses holder loop and thumb ring adjuster pulls for carrying comfort and functionality
• Padded, Airflow back panel with mesh fabric for superior back ventilation and support
• RFID-protected organizer compartment with removable key/fob clip and multiple divider pockets for pens, smartphones, ID card and memory stick
• Adjustable compression straps to help secure bags contents
• Add-a-bag trolley strap on back panel to easily glide over carry-on’s telescopic handle
• Quick-access, front zippered pocket for frequently needed items
• Main Compartment has accordion file holder
• Two side water bottle pockets
• Two side quick access pockets
• Padded media pocket
• Reinforced, molded top handle
• Reflective accent material built into shoulder straps for added safety
• Front carabiner and web daisy chain

Black - 1900202418

Black/White - 1900204418

Black with White dots - 1900200418

18.5 x 13.25 x 9 in

LAPTOP COMPARTMENT DIMENSIONS

14.25 x 11.5 x 1.5 in

TABLET POCKET CAPACITY

Durable 1200D Polyester

Enjoy the preferred, first class treatment as a SWISSGEAR.com customer. All past and future purchases made on this website are automatically upgraded to a 10 year extended warranty, free of charge.

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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Swissgear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack - Sleathe Black

Pack all your gear with space to spare in this extra-roomy, fully-equipped SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack.

• ScanSmart lay-flat design makes it possible to leave devices inside and save time at airport security checkpoints
• High-protection computer compartment with adjustable divider fits most laptops up to 17-inches
• TabletSafe floating tablet sleeve provides superior protection for your device

Description

Specifications.

Pack all your gear with space to spare in this extra-roomy, fully-equipped SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack. Handsomely crafted from durable 1200D ballistic polyester fabric, it features a large main compartment with sturdy oversized zippers that includes an accordion file holder and a padded media pocket with an external headphone-cord port. The computer compartment – which includes a dedicated zippered computer pocket for laptops up to 17 inches, as well as a highly-protective TabletSafe floating tablet pocket – is equipped with ScanSmart lay-flat technology that makes it possible to go through TSA airport scans without removing your devices. Additional built-in features include an organizer compartment with multiple internal accessory pockets, zippered side pockets for small items and mesh side pockets for water bottles, a quick-access front small-items pocket, a heavily padded back panel with Airflow ventilation technology, adjustable comfort-padded shoulder straps with dedicated sunglasses strap and reflective accents for added nighttime safety, adjustable side compression straps, a molded top grab handle, a webbing daisy chain, and carabiner to attach extra gear when you're on the go.

• Ergonomic, contour-padded shoulder straps with breathable mesh lining & integrated support, built-in sunglasses strap and thumb-ring adjustment bands for superior comfort and functionality.
• Padded Airflow back panel with mesh lining for better back ventilation and dorsal support
• Built-in organizer with removable key fob and multiple slots and sleeves for mobile phone, pens, ID and memory stick
• Adjustable side compression straps to help firm up contents
• Side pockets for water bottles
• Large zippered side pockets for sundries
• Accordion file holder
• Easy-access front zippered pocket for readily available essentials
• Reflective accents on shoulder straps for added nighttime safety
• Padded device pocket with integrated headphone cord port
• Front carabiner and webbed daisy chain
• Reinforced moulded grab handle

Sleathe Black - SA1900-009

13.5" x 9" x 18.5"

Any purchases made on our website (Swissgear.ca) are covered by our 10-year warranty.

KEY FEATURES

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