9
After some research I found the Compurover to be an excellent choice to travel with my '' notebook at my back, given the interior space and also the ergonomically designed shoulder straps that should prevent the hazards of carrying such a huge piece of equipment and accessories. The three-volume design suits perfectly to my needs. The top front compartment is really huge and can accommodate, besides the ordinary pc accessories, such a load of equipment, magazines, clothes, you name it. The bottom front space is also huge (bigger than the top one), and if you remove the velcro attached splitter foams you can use the space to store big objects, such as shoes, clothes or even books. The foam splitters are adjustable and fit perfectly my photo equipment (DSLR and additional lens, charger, cables and battery). The back lateral access to the notebook compartment is big enough to a 17inch laptop but, for my 18,4inch laptop, it is a little tricky and I have to rotate it as it enters the space to pass the zipper size. If it were just a few millimeters longer it had been perfect (the laptop compartment can accommodate perfectly my notebook with enough extra space). Of course this huge space compartments make the backpack huge and a little heavy too, and when you load it with stuff it gets really heavy although it is very comfortable to wear at my back tough it's weight, thanks to the very well padded and ergonomically designed shoulder straps and back restraints. But hey, you asked for a roomy backpack! The general aspect is awesome and it is very well handcrafted with no loose stitches, every little detail has been taken in consideration by Lowepro, for example the waterproof pc compartment zipper, the memory card case holder, or the adjustable elastic-cord to fit the upper front compartment space. The removable belt is a good thing because it is big, obstructive and I really don't need it to my daily travels though it gives a very comfortable fit. Also, the tripod holder is a good extra although I don't quite need it. The lower front compartment zipper is also a little tricky because it tends to get stuck (until you learn how to handle it). Both front compartments can merge by removing the velcro splitter, so you get a 2 volume backpack. Considering its size and customization options, this is a very versatile backpack, allows carrying not only pc and photo gears but anything you need to throw at it and put at your back. I am very satisfied with this product and I would buy it again, so I can recommend it to anyone aware of its size and weight.
This is a pretty good back pack which I have now taken to Kenya twice. Its quite a large bag, I got it onto Virgin airlines ok but it was way over the hand luggage weight, when I weighed it fully packed it came to a shoulder straining 15 kilos! So yes it really can take a lot and you really do need the belt. Good points, very comfortable, fully adjustable, good space in the bottom section for a good sized SLR and up to 4 lenses and filters, also bottom padded section is removable - (I have taken this out and used it in a smaller standard packback), top section has good space for cables, and other junk, small packed lunch and lightweight jacket etc. Good fittings on the outside for attachments, monopods etc. Made of a durable material that I'm sure will last many years. Where it could improve; the item is made in China and I think sometimes goods manufactured there miss a bit of quality, this is evident in the zips, they are heavy duty but they don't open and close as smoothly as I would have liked, also the stitching that holds them to the bag could be better, I think they will last years but I would guess the first thing to break would be something to do with the zips. The two small pockets on the outside are almost pointless as is the side netting. The divider between the two compartments is removable and isn't quite as stiff as I would have liked. Overall a good bag but not for those with weak shoulders, loses a star due to zips and pointless pockets.
Having now used the Lowepro CompuRover AW I can report that fully loaded it is oversize for European budget airlines (Easyjet, Ryanair etc) by more than a couple of inches (7-8cm) on thickness (front-to-back). it's not obvious enough to make anyone on check-in ask but you should be aware of it.
The problem comes from the large foam "bucket" in the lower compartment when you're also carrying a laptop. Because I was travelling light (lens wise) I pulled the bucket and placed the lenses and body in seperate padded cases, using the padded waist belt for added padding bottom and sides. A good bag, but an alternate "flight bucket" would be a useful accessory for Lowepro to provide.
Other than that, it's a great day bag with plenty of storage. The straps are wide, padded and very comfortable.
Would have been rated higher, but the bag is advertised by Lowepro as being sized for airline cabin baggage.