
Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack, Black/Gray – Backpack for Men for Business and Travel, Durable Water-Resistant Material, Fits up to 17″ Laptops (TSB239US)
- Protect your 17-inch laptop with the rugged Targus Drifter II backpack featuring water-resistant base, padded laptop compartment, durable nylon shell, and heavy-duty zips.
- Travel in comfort with breathable mesh back panel, padded contoured straps, and hidden lumbar pocket on the Targus Drifter II. Stay organized with multiple secure compartments.
- No evidence of serious safety issues or widespread product recalls for the Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack.
- Most user concerns relate to minor durability aspects like zippers and straps, not product defects.
- Strong average rating driven by spacious compartments and rugged design for daily and travel use.
- Recommended for business travelers and students seeking ample storage and enduring performance.
- Highlights the backpack’s core materials and protective features.
- Details the rugged design meant for heavy duty use.
Product Overview: Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack
The Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack is engineered for the road warrior who demands both functionality and durability. Constructed with high-grade nylon materials and featuring a water-resistant base, this pack is built to withstand the rigors of frequent travel, daily commutes, and harsh environmental conditions. Measuring to fit up to a 17.3″ laptop, the Drifter II offers a dedicated, padded compartment that **separates** your device from other gear, ensuring secure transit and protection against bumps and jostles.
In addition to its primary laptop sleeve, the backpack includes a diverse array of storage options: a hidden front pocket for valuables, a massive main compartment for bulkier items, and a strategically placed lumbar pocket that doubles as ergonomic support. The heavy-duty zipper pulls and a rugged carry handle underscore Targus’s focus on heavy-duty use. With breathable mesh back panels and contoured shoulder straps accented by thick padding, this backpack balances protection with comfort, even when fully loaded.
- Overall customer approval stands at roughly 75% positive.
- Common praise centers on usability, with some minor quality complaints.
Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack Review: Honest Findings
Aggregate feedback from Amazon reveals that out of approximately 2,000 detailed mentions, about 75% lean positive, highlighting the Drifter II’s strong reputation as a go-to travel companion. Users often commend its spacious design and ease of organization, noting that the pack feels “deliberately built” rather than “afterthought compartmentalized.” However, a smaller cohort reports early signs of wear, such as fraying straps or weakening zipper mechanisms, which can be frustrating if encountered within the first months of use.
From a quantitative standpoint, 901 customers mention being impressed by the backpack’s roominess, while 975 discuss build quality—597 of those positively, 358 negatively. Zipper performance shows a near-even split with 98 praise versus 125 complaints. Taken together, these figures illustrate a product that excels in core design and protection, yet manifests occasional quality control variances that prospective buyers should note.
Despite these blemishes, there are no indications of serious defects posing safety hazards, nor are there circulating rumors about malicious product recalls or manufacturer negligence. Instead, the Drifter II endures as a solid contender in the rugged laptop backpack category, with most users spotting no more than typical “wear and tear” issues over extended periods of regular use.
- Commendations focus on storage capacity and organizational layout.
- Comfort is frequently lauded, even under heavy loads.
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Users consistently celebrate the Drifter II’s spacious compartments, which accommodate textbooks, gym clothes, chargers, and more in distinct pockets that prevent items from clashing. One reviewer famed that they could even fit “whole cardboard boxes” inside when necessary. The array of mesh and zippered sections offers tailored storage for electronics—tablets, cameras, headphones—with microfiber-lined pouches safeguarding delicate items like sunglasses.
Comfort emerges as another strong suit. The mesh back panel not only encourages airflow but also incorporates a padded lumbar support pocket that distributes weight more evenly across the spine. Adjustable, contoured shoulder straps—with shock-absorbing foam—reduce fatigue on journeys spanning hours, whether across an airport concourse or on a long university trek. More than 230 customers mention comfort as a key benefit, with several able to carry loads up to 70 lbs without significant strain.
Durability is frequently praised by positive reviewers: the nylon material resists abrasions, the base stays dry in light rain, and robust zipper pulls stand up to daily fuss. Even after a year of regular commuting or travel, many find their Targus pack still “looking new” and performing just as it did on day one. These attributes combine to form a quintessential everyday adventure backpack that adapts seamlessly from office to weekend hiking trip.
- Minor issues reported with strap tears and broken zippers.
- No credible rumors or serious safety concerns identified.
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
While the majority of users enjoy solid performance, a subset has experienced durability hiccups. Build quality gripes—358 negative mentions—often cite strap stitching coming undone or the bag’s fabric pulling away at stress points after several months of heavy use. The hidden zipper compartments, though a clever security feature, are occasionally cited as difficult to repair should they fail, compounding frustration when valuables get stuck.
Zipper quality stands out as the most common mechanical complaint (125 negative vs. 98 positive). A few users describe snapped zipper pulls or misaligned tracks after frequent opening and closing. Despite these issues, there is no pattern of zippers *snapping under load* in ways that could endanger electronics or personal safety. In user forums and Q&A threads, no rumors circulate about product recalls, chemical hazards, or structural failures that would warrant a safety notice.
Weight, too, garners mixed opinions. The fully packed backpack can reach nearly 70 lbs, which some find awkward—even though the ergonomic design mitigates much of the burden. Others note that the base fabric and straps add inherent heft, making the unloaded bag heavier than minimalist competitors. Still, discussions around “excessive carry weight” never escalate into serious allegations of concealment of defects or potential injury risks.
- Suited for business travelers, students, and daily commuters.
- Less ideal for those prioritizing ultra-light minimalism.
Who Should Consider the Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack?
If your routine blends office work, university lectures, and weekend getaways, the Drifter II is a compelling choice. Its multi-pocket layout is perfect for professionals juggling laptops, documents, and tech accessories simultaneously. Students benefit from the large compartments that fit binders, textbooks, and calculators with room to spare. Frequent flyers will appreciate TSA-friendly design elements that allow quick access to laptops during security checks.
However, those seeking a feather-light solution for short urban hops or who seldom carry more than a single device may find Targus’s robust build overkill. With an empty weight hovering around 3 lbs and added bulk from its padding, the Drifter II contrasts sharply with slimline messenger bags or minimalist daypacks. If portability and weight savings are your top priorities, a less padded, lighter alternative may be more suitable.
Ultimately, if you need a backpack that can handle heavy gear while maintaining organization and protection, the Drifter II remains one of the most robust options available under the $100 mark. Its few durability blemishes can often be addressed through careful use or warranty service, making it a safe bet for long-term ownership.
- Delivers robust storage and enduring protection.
- A small fraction of users experience minor quality-control issues.
Conclusion: Final Verdict on the Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack
The Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack stands out as a reliable, feature-rich pack that addresses the needs of heavy-duty commuters, travelers, and students. With its rugged materials, water-resistant base, and expansive compartments, it safeguards devices and personal items with precision. While a minority of users encounter broken zippers or strap failures, these are isolated cases rather than systemic flaws.
Importantly, there are no reported safety hazards or alarming rumors surrounding this product—no recalls, no known chemical concerns, and no credible posts alleging dangerous defects. Instead, the Drifter II’s reputation remains anchored in versatility and resilience. For those seeking a backpack that balances protection, comfort, and organization without breaking the bank, the Targus Drifter II is a solid buy. Its few durability caveats are overshadowed by widespread satisfaction, making it a top recommendation in the rugged laptop backpack category.

Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack, Black/Gray – Backpack for Men for Business and Travel, Durable Water-Resistant Material, Fits up to 17″ Laptops (TSB239US)
- Protect your 17-inch laptop with the rugged Targus Drifter II backpack featuring water-resistant base, padded laptop compartment, durable nylon shell, and heavy-duty zips.
- Travel in comfort with breathable mesh back panel, padded contoured straps, and hidden lumbar pocket on the Targus Drifter II. Stay organized with multiple secure compartments.
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