10 Best SwissGear Backpacks in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

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SwissGear is a popular maker of backpacks and outdoor equipment. They are a very old Switzerland company that started in 1893. They are famous for their Swiss Army Knives and even make practical backpacks for daily use and travel. The best SwissGear backpacks offer quality, versatility, and longevity. If you need a backpack for school or going to work, you can find one that best suits your needs. The protection of your equipment is always their top priority.

With the variety of available SwissGear backpacks, you’ll quickly find the best match for you, whether it’s their laptop backpack to place your laptop on your commute or something larger to stash all of your stuff on your next day travel across the globe. Instead of making only one form of a backpack for one purpose, SwissGear has an incredibly flexible collection. They’ll always keep your things secure with their backpacks, lined compartments and pockets to hold your valuables.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research

Best SwissGear Backpacks – Overview

Are you looking for a backpack to take to your daily commute? Perhaps what you can use as a carry-on that has space for your devices? How about a business trip, do you need a suitable item to bring into a meeting? SwissGear backpacks are the best choice for travelers of any kind. They’ve got a wide variety available and you can choose the best one for you. What is the catch? The only thing is that they have too many fantastic backpacks to pick from! This is why we’ve scoured the market for the best SwissGear backpacks and lay it all out here for you so you can be prepared for your next journey.

SwissGear Backpacks Reviews

1. SWISSGEAR 5505 Laptop Backpack for Men and Women

The SWISSGEAR 5505 Laptop Backpack for Men and Women is a daily driver that has the features you are looking for and is great for commuters or students who are always on the move. Crafted from tough 600D Ripstop Polyester, this pack integrates built-in durability via materials and modern functionality.

Each backpack is fitted with three different compartments, two of which will hold a 15 “laptop and a tablet. Stay cool by sticking a water bottle or cold drink in either of the two flexible mesh side pockets and walk tall with the aid of the ergonomically shaped shoulder straps and breathable padded back panel. Our handy guide to the best tech backpacks features more great products like this.

Key Features:

• 600D Ripstop Polyester
• 15” laptop compartment
• Side stretch pockets
• Contoured, padded shoulder straps

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Capacity: 27.3L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 13″ W x 6″ D
• Weight: 0.65 lbs

2. SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

Pack all your stuff and then a few in this extra-roomy, fully-functional laptop backpack. The SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is made of durable 1200D ballistic polyester fabric and is equipped with a large opening main compartment with robust over-sized zippers, adjustable side compression straps, heavily padded back panel with Airflow ventilation technology, padded shoulder straps with mesh fabric and integrated suspension, as well as ScanSmart lay-flat technology.

Other features included in the case include a dedicated floating TabletSafe tablet pocket, an accordion file holder, an organizer pocket, several internal storage pockets, side accessories and water bottle pockets, a padded media pocket with a headphone cord port, a molded top handle, a webbing daisy chain and a carabiner for adding gear to while you’re on the go, a quick-access front pocket and a retractor.

Key Features:

• 1200D ballistic polyester
• ScanSmart lay-flat technology
• Front organizational pocket
• Contoured shoulder straps with mesh fabric

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Capacity: 31L
• Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 3.22 lbs

3. SWISSGEAR Getaway Weekend Padded Premium Hybrid Laptop Backpack – Best for Travel

This ultra-stylish, sleek SWISSGEAR Getaway Weekend Padded Premium Hybrid Laptop Backpack, expertly made with carefully built compartments to fit your main packing and multimedia necessities, effortlessly elevates your travel and separates you from the rest of the crowd. A dedicated 15″ padded laptop compartment for added security, an integrated add-a-bag panel, and a separate mesh interior pocket for clothing in the main compartment with an external organizing compartment.

A multi-pocket interior has a wide packing pocket on one side and slips pockets on the other side to hold important clothes, shoes, and travel. Quickly search for items tucked away inside pockets of external organizers by using the flexibility of the top and side handles as a briefcase tote.

Key Features:

• Hybrid backpack/luggage construction
• 15″ laptop compartment
• Exterior organization pockets
• Adjustable shoulder straps and side compression straps

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Capacity: 24.6L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 11″ W x 8″ D
• Weight: 2.1 lbs

4. SwissGear 5358 USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack – Best for Laptop

When you’re about to step into a new organizational league in a backpack, the Swissgear 5358 USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is the one you want to strap on for size. Enclosed in sturdy, abrasion-resistant polyester fabric, there’s a surprise around every corner of this bag,

This SwissGear 5358 USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack, a smart and futuristic build, incorporates a signature lay-flat tech pocket that scans your 15 “laptop and tablet via TSA checkpoints without removing them from the pack. Furthermore, an integrated USB port allows you to charge on-the-go all of your gadgets and a side collapsible shoe pocket provides additional space for shoes, laundry, and other light fabrics.

Key Features:

• Designated side shoe pocket
• Crush-resistant sunglasses compartment
• Padded, Airflow back panel with mesh fabric 
• Mesh side pocket

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Capacity: 31.4L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 11.5″ W x 7″ D
• Weight: 3 lbs

5. SwissGear SA1908 Black TSA Friendly ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

This SwissGear SA1908 Black TSA Friendly ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is designed for comfort and versatility and is filled with apps to protect your phone like a special bag. The main pocket offers several binders, computer peripherals, and other items with a secure box. The build is designed with extra padding anywhere you like it, for your convenience. The multi-panel ventilation system offers added comfort and back support while the specially contoured shoulder pads are ergonomically built for comfort and stability with additional padding. And the robust, rugged mesh fabric makes this long-lasting SwissGear backpack.

Certain advanced features include a removable key fob which will help you keep track of your keys. The organizer on the internal pocket includes divider pockets for pens, pencils, a mobile phone, and everything else that you need. The external dual pockets are made of elasticated fabric, which extends to protect water bottles of different sizes. The shoulder strap also has an elastic tab that keeps sunglasses secure and easily available.

Key Features:

• Open viewing compartment
• Multi-panel airflow design
• Interior organizer 
• Adjustable padded laptop straps

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Capacity: 31L
• Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 3.3 lbs

6. SwissGear SA3183 Black with Red Laptop Backpack

The SwissGear SA3183 Black with Red Laptop Backpack is fully loaded with features that make you stand out from the crowd for the busy business traveler or college student while also offering good looks and Swiss Gear fashion. This comes with a small lined notebook case with a Velcro strap cover, an extra-wide main case with an e-reader/tablet shell, and a zippered pocket for organizers.

The Airflow back system, heavy-duty carry handle and adjustable padded shoulder straps will keep you comfortable even with a fully loaded pack. This bag will fit most 15″ laptops and tablets.

Key Features:

• Zippered organizer pocket
• Laptop pocket
• Sunglass holder
• 2 side water bottle pockets

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Capacity: 31L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 13″ W x 6.5″ D
• Weight: 2 lbs

7. SwissGear Bungee Backpack

The SwissGear Bungee Backpack contains plenty of space to store large textbooks, supplies, and electronics with a sleek, everyday silhouette. Within this package, consolidate and organize your everyday carry from spacious compartments to water bottle pockets and individual organizer pockets. Through built-in reflective accent material, the front bungee-cord system not only protects extra items but also keeps you safe on a road ride or evening walk home.

Stowaway classroom or office supplies such as pens, pencils, a calculator, and your ID, in the pocket of the front organizer and easily look for items inside a narrow external compartment and from two side water bottle pockets. The thumb-ring adjusters of the shoulder straps help you to adjust and easily hoist the pack on your back while a padded top handle is ideal to grab-and-go out the door.

Key Features:

• Front bungee-cord system
• Front organizer pocket
• Contoured, padded shoulder straps
• Airflow back panel

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Capacity: 26L
• Dimensions: 17.75″ H x 13″ W x 7″ D
• Weight: 1.63 lbs

8. SWISSGEAR 3598 Backpack

This small, SWISSGEAR 3598 Backpack provides just the right amount of room for your daily items. Inside its slimline interior, pack things like your tablet and campus or office supplies and minimize your daily carry. The main compartment features a padded tablet pocket to secure your tablet during a long ride or travel.

The front organizer panel includes slip dividers and mesh pockets for notebooks, IDs, pens, pencils, and cords. This compartment opens up into a lay-flat bar, making it easy for you to store important things and view them. To keep all in place, add a side zip pocket, an external water bottle pocket, and compression straps and you’re ready to take everything on the day. Slender, padded shoulder straps incorporate air mesh padding for improved air ventilation while breathability by padded mesh panels is supported by an Airflow back panel. You may also be interested in some of the best north face backpacks from our list, so check them out.

Key Features:

• Padded tablet pocket
• Front organizer pocket
• Opens lay flat
• Slender, padded shoulder straps

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Capacity: 15.9L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 9″ W x 7″ D
• Weight: 1.4 lbs

9. SWISSGEAR 3576 Laptop Backpack

The SWISSGEAR 3576 Laptop Backpack endorses durability with its vintage-inspired doctor bag silhouette, which defies the expectations of traditional daily backpacks. Whether it’s on-the-go from classroom to after-school events or from workplace to side hustle, opt to wear it as a stylish backpack or chic tote bag. Yet its true convenience lies in its innovative, unhinged opening designed to mimic the rapid opening of traditional doctor’s bags.

Open your key compartment quickly and immediately reach your 13″ tablet, snugly tucked inside a padded laptop sleeve; your cables in the side pocket; or your necessities, nestled inside a mini organizer stand. Featuring a zippered front compartment, twin water bottle pockets, and a fully lined, trendy interior, remove the stigma of bland bags and add modernity to your busy day.

Key Features:

• Padded shoulder straps with pull straps
• Quick access opening
• Internal organizer panel
• Front zippered pocket

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Dimensions: 16″ H x 10″ W x 6″ D
• Weight: 1.55 lbs

10. SWISSGEAR 6392 ScanSmart TSA Friendly Backpack

Use SWISSGEAR 6392 ScanSmart TSA Friendly Backpack to drive your business travel to the next level! The trademarks of this new pack are a simple, streamlined and uncluttered style. The bag features a thick, cushioned top carrying handle for easy lifting and maneuvering, a SCANSMART lay-flat laptop compartment for trouble-free TSA security checks, a large capacity center compartment, and a narrow profile pocket with a built-in padded TabletSafe tablet pocket.

The front of the bag is complete with a full organizational compartment with cell phone pocket and key clip. Other features include two side water bottle pockets, ergonomically contoured shoulder straps, and a completely lined back panel with a built-in add-a-bag panel that lets you put the bag comfortably on most wheeled luggage.

Key Features:

• TSA friendly
• Organizer compartment with key fob
• Adjustable ergonomically contoured, padded shoulder straps
• 2 Side water bottle pockets

Specifications:

• Brand: SwissGear
• Dimensions: 17″ H x 12.5″ W x 7.5″ D
• Weight: 2.8 lbs

Types of SwissGear Backpacks

Laptop Backpacks

Plenty of SwissGear backpacks are designed specifically for your laptop. That said, they aren’t like those laptop bags in briefcase form. They are in fact much like every other backpack. As well as having your laptop, you can even carry some other equipment and all your key things such as phone, pens, books, and even a change of clothing. The laptop backpacks are fitted with a different compartment, either outside or inside. Usually, this compartment is padded to ensure the laptop is protected from other things in your backpack and from falls. And if the bag reaches the concrete, the lining absorbs the shocks.

School Backpacks

School backpacks come in a variety of colors and a fair range of prices appropriate for all.  It also comes with a range of laptop compartments, so you can select according to your needs (tablet space or even 13-inch, 15-inch, or 17-inch laptops). The features are comprehensive and include features that are as basic as cord pockets and organizer panels and features that are more nuanced as TSA Friendly and ScanSmart. It also has different strap styles, e.g. contoured shoulder straps, suspension shoulder straps, and compression straps.

Tactical Backpacks

Tactical backpacks are heavier and more robust than the typical backpacks. They make use of durable materials and high duty zippers. Such backpacks, more popular for soldiers, and can also be used by those who need a sturdy to carry their clothes. When you’re into a lot of adventure activities you may like a tactical backpack. These features compartments and pockets designed to safeguard your gear. You can also pinch and hang things up. Though not as big as hiking backpacks, the strategic pockets allow it to store a lot of gear that a traditional bag wouldn’t be able to store.

Tablet Backpacks

The lined sleeve or pocket is only big enough for a tablet, but as in most SwissGear backpacks, the bag’s volume and organization are the same. These bags often come in several colors and have identical features to ScanSmart or TSA.

Buying Guide

Capacity

Most SwissGear backpacks are almost equal in size. But their capabilities can differ. You need to find out how much liters their capacity is. For, say, a weekend trip, a backpack size of over 25 liters is sufficient. It comes down to how much capacity you need for your own needs. You might not require too much space for school backpacks. But if you plan to travel with the backpack, however, you need something roomier.

Waterproof

Many backpacks have high denier polyester fabrics and heavy-duty zippers which are fully waterproof. Even if they’re waterproof, it may not mean you should plunge them into water. When a bag isn’t fully waterproof, you might still need to get a rain cover.

Zippers

Zippers are one of the top things that wear out in a backpack. Clearly, as they are the backpack’s most-used component. You want to make sure that you are having a high-quality zipper bag. The heavy-duty zippers are a must if you want anything weather-proof. Luckily, most SwissGear bags sport two zipper heads with high duty zippers.

Padded Straps

One of the most important items to make sure is that the backpack is worn comfortably. You’ll probably wear the backpack for hours on end. You wouldn’t want your shoulder and back strain. Thankfully, almost all Swiss Gear backpacks feature foam padding. These provide not only support but also air ventilation. The materials, especially for the straps, should be soft too. If it’s too abrasive you’ll just find it difficult to bring around.

Organization

Most SwissGear backpacks come with two zippers at each backpack compartment. This allows the users to put locks to protect their belongings sage. This also means that the bags will not prematurely open at airport check-ups. Also, most backpacks also come with multiple compartments that allow you to organize the belongings. This could include dedicated compartments for shoes, small items like pens, and your laptop.

Frequently Ask Questions

Does SwissGear make good backpacks?

Yes, despite there low price on their backpacks, they have proven with time that they are just as reliable as more expensive backpack brands like tumi.

Are SwissGear backpacks made in Switzerland?

No, they are not made in Switzerland despite the “Swiss” in their brand name.

Is Swiss Gear and Swiss Army the same?

Swiss Gear is a brand within Wenger’s parent company. Acquired in 2005 by Victorinox AG, Wenger is recognized as a Swiss Army manufacturer of knives, watches, cutlery and travel accessories.

Is Swiss Gear the same as Victorinox?

Wenger is one of two companies that developed Swiss Army knives . In 2005, Wenger was purchased from competitor Victorinox, located in Delémont. The Wenger Swiss Army knives have been incorporated into the Victorinox range since 2013. The Wenger name stays for watches and approved items.

Which is better Samsonite or Swiss Gear?

Swiss Gear gives you greater user-friendliness and more packing space while Samsonite gives you wheel-stability with their luggage.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best swissgear backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a swissgear backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.