Cotopaxi Tasra 16L Backpack

I bought this to use as a commuter pack, holding my laptop, etc.

The amount of pockets are cool, but the way it opens makes it more functional as a briefcase than a backpack- it just doesn’t open right for that.

I was also confused when I opened the pack because it’s red inside, and the photos don’t show that. It’s black with a ton of red accents, which really isn’t my style.

The straps are not comfortable for long periods of time, as they are thin and not well padded. It’s not breathable at all and will make your back sweaty.

My main issue with this backpack is that it attracts hair, dust, and fuzz like nothing I’ve seen before. I have no idea where all of this lint is coming from or why it’s all sticking to this backpack.

I probably won’t use this much longer, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Got this bag as a Christmas gift for my husband. He's very particular about his things and likes the bag a lot save for two major complaints. The material used attracts dirt and lint very very easily and the shoulder straps are quite flimsy. It looked dirty almost immediately after opening the packaging, and the straps don't seem like they would hold much weight. Big letdown on an otherwise attractive bag. The size is great and all the pockets are perfect, however. Definitely glad to get it at a closeout price, otherwise it would not have been a great buy.

I like the look and features of this pack. It has a classic, durable style with modern features. It is basically a laptop bag with more pockets, storage, and backpack straps, which make it more versatile than your usual laptop bag. Fits larger, bulkier laptops, including my ancient Lenovo W520, and the backpack straps make carrying a 15-inch laptop WAY more comfortable than a shoulder bag. I like to use it when I am making a quick trip around town with my laptop and I plan to use it as an airplane personal item and day pack while traveling.

My only gripe and why I gave it 4 stars is I think the grab handles could be a durability concern. They are made from a thin strip of webbing without padding and the top handle does not seem sewn on very securely. Time will tell and Cotopaxi has a pretty solid warranty if they present an issue.

I was looking for a backpack that fit everything I needed so that I did not have to carry more than one bag during my commute, is public transit friendly (i.e., not that deep), and when put down would not topple over or need to lean against something to stay upright. So far the Tasra has meet all of those needs.

My 13.3 inch laptop slides into the laptop sleeve with room to spare. In the larger front pocket I can fit a 10 oz water bottle, compact umbrella, and three other pouches of gear plus a thin beanie and pair of gloves. In the smaller front pocket there is a mesh zip pocket for added security. The mesh flap for the large internal compartment is trimmed with material that has some stretch so there's a little bit of give when you load up the compartment. I bought the bag in black and the main compartment was red, not blue as in the picture.

I ditto the other reviewer's comment on the durability of the top and side handles, but Cotopaxi supposedly offers a great warranty so this may not be an issue. The fabric is a lint and fuzz magnet, though. I have an extra shoulder strap to carry it as a briefcase if needed, but when I do 1) it looks like I'm carrying a backpack on its side (which I am) and 2) without a laptop in it the bag doesn't really hold it's structure. The construction and materials are quality (other than maybe the handles) and I like it so much I considered buying a second one. The only thing missing is a luggage strap on the back.

So pleased with the pockets and construction of the pack. I am quite petite, and the width of the pack is very comfortable for me. It is just the right size for me to commute to work, and I bike.

Only set back is, the pack has rings installed for a cross body strap, to carry it around more like a briefcase, but it does not come with a strap.