A backpack that's good for your back?
Written: Mar 30 '02 (Updated Mar 30 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: the only backpack endorsed by World Chiropractic Association, many pockets
Cons: almost 4 pounds, too many pockets to lose your stuff in
The Bottom Line: Great, durable, quality backpack that is good for the back although it weighs almost 4 pounds. A healthy alternative to the traditional computer bag.
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| maceyr's Full Review: Targus Rakgear Deluxe for Notebook RBND16 |
First of all, I'd like to thank patsyv for providing the link to the correct category. I originally posted it under the standard notebook Rakgear backpack (RBNS10) but got an earfull from many members. So, here's the review in the correct category. It's funny how it doesn't show up under Rakgear or any other search words related to this product. That shows how horrible the Epinions' search works at this site. And, besides, this product is listed under the incorrect category anyways. This is a computer bag, not a removable storage, which is usually associated with zip drives, etc. Anyways, thanks again, patsyv to allow me to post this review in its correct place. Back to the review.
For those of us who prefer to carry backpacks rather than lug the obvious laptop or notebook cases, the Targus Rakgear Deluxe notebook backpack may be for you. But mind you, this is not just like the regular backpacks you see out there with the Targus name slapped on it. The Rakgear backpacks has an innovative and patented "Rak System" technology and is the first and only backpack endorsed by the World Chiropractic Alliance. Each backpack comes with a removable frame ("racks") or shelves to hold books, binders, papers, etc and sloped to help distribute weight evenly to alleviate back strain. This is an important feature as many backpack wearers suffer from back strain due to carrying heavy backpacks that unevenly distribute weight towards the bottom and back of the backpack, causing the wearer to adjust their posture to compensate for the weight. The Rak system shelves, as indicated, are removable and collapsible, and thus if removed, can transform it into the traditional backpack for extra space and reduce the weight of the backpack. Also, unlike most backpacks, the Rakgear has a separate cushioned computer compartment and a regular front access compartment, which holds the Rak System shelves separated by a cushioned and padded partition.
On the outside, the backpack looks like any ordinary backpack with many mesh pockets on the front and sides.
At the top, there is a curved rubber like handle which makes carrying easier and more comfortable.
At the very front of the backpack, there is a small external compartment with a mesh pocket at the front of the flap held closed by velcro. Inside, it has a key hook, a zippable mesh pocket, a nylon pocket, and another zippable mesh pocket on the back of the flap. The sides of the backpack have similar velcro held mesh pockets in front of an open pocket. Behind the pocket are zip closure compartments to hold additional articles. Inside one of the side compartments is a padded cell phone holder (holster). The sides also has a pair of adjustable cinch straps which can adjust the size of the backpack.
The main front compartment on the outside has an external harness and a reflective strap. Via a pair of zippers, it opens up to reveal the main compartment with the Rak System shelves, which are held to the pack via several elastic and velcro loops. The shelves are designed to hold books, binders, and other heavy articles. They can be easily removed and collapsed flat for storage. On the back of the main compartment flap is a mesh pocket to hold small articles such a paperback book.
Behind the front compartment, at the back, there is a padded compartment to hold a notebook computer. Within the compartment, there is an additional padded enclosure which holds the notebook computer and can be held in place by a velcro strap. Thus, in the same compartment, you can safely store your notebook computer as well as a clipboard or paper without having to worry about damaging your notebook computer or messing up the papers if you put them in the same compartment. The backpack has wide, contoured and padded shoulder straps with mesh underside and ample back padded mesh cushioning to aid in carrying comfort. The mesh material provides ventilation for those users who may carry the pack for long hours or journeys.
The bottom or base of the backpack has a durable, rugged material to prevent wear and tear, and is also well padded and cushioned to provide protection on any surface.
The backpack is made with a heavy duty nylon which makes it durable and spill resistant. As well, there is an adjustable waist strap, which further helps reduce the stress of the pack's weight on the back and shoulders.
The backpack comes in three colors: black (RBND01), black and navy (RBND05) and black and olive (RBND16). The exterior dimension is 9" x 15" x 17". The notebook compartment dimension is 2.5" x 11.5" x 15". The weight of the backpack is 3 lbs 12.5 oz. Targus carries a lifetime warranty on the Rakgear backpack although I can't imagine that I will need it.
This can easily be seen as a quality backpack due to the WCA endorsement, the quality of the material, the extra padding and cushioning provided and for the abundance of pockets. One problem that some users may have is the number of pockets the backpack holds and how easily things could get lost in any one of the pockets located all over the backpack. But for me, I love pockets because I always have so much things to carry around so I have no complaints. The backpack, with the Rak system, weighs almost 4 pounds, which may be something to consider. You could always remove the shelves and use it as a regular backpack but then, you would have spent way too much for a regular backpack. For me, I much prefer the Rak system although it means more weight for me because I believe that it's much better for my back. I did find that my posture was improved with it and I hardly noticed the extra weight. I mainly wanted a backpack that I could carry my backpack in without worrying about damaging it and was thrilled to find that it had the Rak system which was endorsed by the WCA. The backpack is a bit bigger than the usual backpacks which may also be a consideration be ponder over.
In closing, this is a quality backpack which may not be for everyone. It is a bit pricey and can be bigger and heavier than most backpacks. You would have to weigh the pros and cons to make your consideration.
Thank you for taking the time to read and rate my review.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
maceyr
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Location: Canada
Reviews written: 129
Trusted by: 150 members
About Me:
I hardly have time for Epinions anymore but do try to read and rate.
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