After using the TYLT Energi+ backpack for over a year, I recently moved to the new Targus Seoul backpack. I've always liked Targus backpacks, although never owned one before this one was sent for review. Incidentally, the trial coincided with a lot of travel – both work and leisure – so I took the Targus Seoul for a comprehensive spin for over a month.
Design
The Targus Seoul backpack is a modern, trendy rucksack-style rectangular backpack with a unique 6-shape aluminium closure on the front. It doesn't have the conventional laptop backpack look, and instead looks more like a casual backpack that is versatile enough for both casual as well as office use.
The first thing that strikes you when you pick up at Targus Seoul is its weight. Made of soft-touch nylon dobby material, the bag weighs just 630 grams (1.38lbs). Of course, that also means that it doesn't keep its boxy shape when not fully filled and cannot take rough handling or external pressures. That said, it is water-resistant (especially the rugged leather base) and should keep your stuff safe when you're out and about in light rain. The 6-shape buckle and the side straps can be adjusted if you don't need as much space and would prefer to keep it slimmer.
The top flap sports a PU leather-wrapped handle for convenient hand-carry, and another handle on the front compartment allows you to carry the backpack like a duffel bag. The fabric zippers offer a soft touch and look chic. The back panel and shoulder straps sport ventilated mesh padding for comfortable carrying. It's nothing special, and similar to what most mid-range quality backpacks offer.
The Targus Seoul is a great backpack for travel as the back panel incorporates a pass-through sleeve that allows the bag to be securely placed on a trolley when moving luggage.
Storage
The main compartment is quite large and deep, thanks to the rucksack-like topload design. It can easily accommodate a change of clothes or heavy textbooks. I carry my DSLR and usual accessories and still have space for more. The laptop pocket within the main compartment can accommodate notebooks with screen sizes up to 15.6 inches. There's a smaller pocket on top that can accommodate a smaller tablet, I use it for my Kindle. A Velcro strap over the sleeves keep the laptop and the tablet safely in place.
There's a front compartment for smaller items which opens separately. It has two pockets of the size of a smartphone and two pen sleeves. There are also two side pockets for water bottle and such, and another zippered pocket on the top flap for quick-grab items like a wallet or headset. There's a secret pocket hidden behind the back panel that opens sideways. It's pretty handy for keeping your passport and any important documents or spare cash securely when you are travelling.
Summary
The Targus Seoul backpack comes in three colors: black, khaki, and orange. It looks trendy, and at less than $100 offers thoughtful design with organized compartments that work well for a modern day professional. It also stands out in a crowd, and I've often received compliments or enquiries about the bag.
