Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

In preparation for a trip to Europe, I was looking for a backpack which I could use on the plane as well as while visiting various parts of Europe. After reading all of the reviews, I settled on the Hynes Eagle 40L Flight Approved Carry on Backpack. There are other descriptions on the website of this backpack so I will not repeat them here. I did purchase the backpack in spite of some of the negative comments. I thought it might be helpful to report my experience and address some of the negative comments. The backpack worked amazingly well on the trip and was better than I anticipated. The little zip out flap in the front held my Kindle, charging plug for my Kindle and cell phone and cables. I also place the obligatory 1 quart plastic bag for liquids in this area so it would be readily available. The second zip section held my computer charger and mouse. I think there may have been some confusion concerning what computer will fit. To the best of my knowledge computer screen size is based upon diagonal measurement. Based on that measurement my computer is a 17 inch computer. It fit perfectly. My computer’s width is 15 inches. Previously there was a question about whether a 17 inch computer would fit. My answer is that if the width of the computer is 15 inches, it will fit. That is true even though it is a 17 inch screen measured on the diagonal. There is a nice Velcro strap which will hold the computer in. The computer is very easy to get out for security screening just by unzipping the top of the compartment and releasing the strap. The next compartment has a nice meshed zippered area which will hold a number of things that you do not want to fall out. I put a number of items like that in the meshed zippered area. I did not use that area to carry clothing; although, it would work very well for that purpose and has straps to hold the clothing in place. There was at least one comment that the back pack could be filled to the point where it would exceed the size for carry-ons required by the airlines. That is true. The pack has four straps on the outside which can be cinched up to reduce the size of the pack depending on its contents. That can help a lot. If one is worried about the size of the backpack when filled with your stuff, don’t fill it so full. I like the fact that it can hold more. After arriving at a destination, I may want to put more in it for days trip then I would put in it for traveling on an airplane. I think the size is great. Shoulder straps for great. There are wide. They did not cut into my shoulders. The straps are adjustable so that the pack can be carried of higher which, of course, is better there was a comment about the space on the outside for a water bottle and the water bottle falling out and being lost. Perhaps subsequent to that prior comment a change was made because there is an adjustable strap which can go over the top of the water bottle and can be cinched tight. I did not lose any of my water bottles. The ability to zipper the straps inside the pack is a great feature. If one wants to carry the pack by a handle, there are two. One of the top and one on the side. When I did not want to use the straps, I used the handles. Finally, I had no trouble with the clips on the backpack straps. They have a spring-loaded metal piece which secures the clips. The plastic making up the clips appears substantial to me and worked well. I do have a suggestion. Before using the backpack, take some time to see his features and how they work. I think trying to use it on the fly without any preparation will be stressful. If you know how it works and understand its design, I think it’s easy to use.