Question 1

Does the most recent model (late 2013) still have chest straps?

Accepted Answer

I purchased this backpack in late Aug. 2013.  It does not have chest straps.  It is a high quality backpack, well balanced, and has good shock absorption.

Question 2

Hi, I just purchased a Synergy GA-7305-14 at Staples. It doesn't have the lock on the chest straps? Why would one have it and the other doesn't the  strap to keep the chest straps together. Does this one have that snap lock?

Thank you

Chuck Petrozzini

Accepted Answer

overall it is a good backpack with top quality, please be noted, I don't think it is for over-weighted traveling, it is for laptop computer up to size 16", and it has enough space for other stuff, I bring it for work everyday, it is comfortable.

there are two small straps on the bottom of chest straps, you can tie them together as a "locker", maybe that is what you want.

Question 3

Can this be used for camping, traveling aswell?, is the material strong and wont tear easily?

Accepted Answer

the material is durable and the backpack is very strong. However I would not use it for serious traveling . I used it as a carry-on on a flight couple of times and its a pain.  My lalptop, tablet and a book fit well,  but too many pockets and dividers inside get in a way of any bulkier thing. An SLR with a small lens + sweater and you can barely zip it up already, trying to get anything out of it after that is a mess.

Question 4

Does this bag expand nicely? Is there a lot of room inside (i.e., could you use it to stuff a bunch of clothes in it for traveling?)?

Accepted Answer

There is lots of room.  I love all of the extra pockets.

But on the down side, I don't like the quality.  The bottom of the bag is already worn out.  I expected this back pack to be more rugged but it is not.  I only had this for a couple of months.  My cheaper backpacks which at least a couple years old last much longer.  No wear and tear.

Question 5

In some reviews, there are concerns about the size of laptop that this pack can actually carry.  My machine is a bit on the larger size, 15"x10.3"x1.3".  Can anyone offer guidance on this?

Accepted Answer

You would be fine. My 15in fits with no issues. Measuring tape gets 11.5 wide and 16in tall. Now if you were to try to stick a 17in laptop in there you would have some issues.

Question 6

From the previous questions and answers that I a reading, to my understanding the backpack is not the same one that is shown in the second and third pictures. Which backpack is previewed in the second and third picture? The one with the strap and earplug hole?

Accepted Answer

I bought mine around  2012 and it's got an earplug hole and a strap. Hard to tell from photos which one is it

Questions & Answers