Targus 17" Drifter II Laptop Backpack Black/Gray
$119.99
In Stock
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Return this item by mail or in store within 30 days for a full refund.
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Fit & style
- • Padded laptop compartment
- • Document compartment
- • Padded back panel
- • Reinforced handles
- Hidden zippered pocket on the back
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Guests are saying
This backpack has garnered praise for its durability, ample storage, and thoughtful design, making it a reliable choice for daily use and travel. Guests appreciate its numerous pockets for organization and the quality of materials used. While some have experienced minor issues with zippers and straps, the overall consensus is that this backpack is a solid investment for anyone needing a functional and sturdy bag for various activities.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.0 out of 5 stars with 34 reviews
5 out of 5 stars
1 April, 2026
originally posted on Targus
I love this backpack
This is the second time I have purchased this backpack. The best I've ever owned. I literally slipped on the road & slammed onto my back like a flipped over turtle, landing straight on top of my backpack - with my brand new 17" laptop in it. I booted it up in a panic as soon as I got inside...not a scratch on it. Absolutely unharmed. My last backpack lasted me over 5 years, & was in good enough shape that someone bought it off of me when I retired it. I hope they never retire this design. I'm not an AI, I write like this because I was homeschooled.
5 out of 5 stars
27 March, 2026
originally posted on Targus
Very durable
have been using mine daily at work since 2018. Travel all over the world. Very durable but is now fraying on the shoulder straps and a side pocket. All zippers still work like new.
5 out of 5 stars
21 January, 2026
originally posted on Targus
Great Product.. Replaces a 17" backpack (12/yo)
I did not think this particular backpack would have the same 'space' for errata (overnight stuff) as the last one, but it does. Different features, slightly different design but fully workable. I recommend this product because of the quality of the materials and construction. :{)
4 out of 5 stars
31 December, 2025
originally posted on Targus
Happy new owner
Bought this backpack for my boyfriend who prefers large, multi pocketed backpacks. His old Targus one from 10 plus years ago was falling apart. He is very happy with the new model. He was able to fit his laptop and his little mini computer, notebooks , etc all in it.
5 out of 5 stars
30 October, 2025
originally posted on Targus
Re-Purchase Ol' Friend
Third one of these backpacks I've purchased in 30 some years...Will purchase again if I'm still alive.
5 out of 5 stars
1 July, 2025
originally posted on Targus
Good backpack
Great backpack. Sturdy, lots of room. Worked well as a present for my husband for work.
3 out of 5 stars
28 November, 2024
originally posted on Targus
Good basics, but failure points from skimping
Over the last nearly 20 years, I've used a Targus pack daily, in commuting to work and also as a carry-on when I fly. They've lasted a bit shy of 10 years each. On the first one, it was the zipper that gave out. The more recent one, purchased in 2015, was the Targus Drifter II, 17". At the time, I read that it could be too big to use as a carry on, and once in a while I manage to make it too thick to fit below the seat in front or into the bit, but taking a few things out has always done the trick. Basically, I like this pack, but when I see that they are selling pretty much the identical thing to 10 years ago, I'm surprised they haven't shored up a few flaws. The first is the rubber handle. 20 years ago, the handle at the top of the pack was a good, thick rubber. But for the Drifter II, there were a lot of gaps in the rubber, and after about two years, the rubber started to rip, and it just got bigger and bigger. In the end, I wrapped black duct tape around the handle, so that it is functional, but doesn't showcase so well. The Drifter II is one of the few packs with O-rings on the front part of the shoulder straps. These are really handy if you want to drape a second pack, or perhaps hook in dry cleaning. Unfortunately, it seems to be that these rings are made out of plastic and not something sturdier, which I discovered when one ring broke when I hung a secondary pack onto it. Ultimately, the reason that I'll have to get a new pack in the near future is that the zipper and fabric at the top of the pack is being destroyed from the inside! The velcro fastener in the main compartment seems to like the top of the compartment, and little by little, the seams and fabric holding the zipper in the top compartment seem to be degrading (the zipper itself has kept working like a trooper the whole time), so that zipping the main compartment is becoming moot. More duct tape on the inside of the pack held this at bay for a while, but I think these three issues are something that Targus ought to attend to.
1 reply from Targus Support team - 2 years ago
We are sorry to hear about the issues you have had with the Drifter. We have passed the feedback provided about the handle and rings on the straps to our product development team. We are happy to inform you that our backpacks have a limited lifetime warranty, and our customer support team would be happy to assist you with it. Please contact them at 877-482-7487 Monday thru Friday 10 AM to 7 PM EST.
1 out of 5 stars
30 October, 2024
originally posted on Targus
Drifter II is poopoo
I replaced my Drtifter II that I had owned and used daily for nearly 10 years. Everything about the bag was perfect, it was durable, comfortable, had plenty of storage, and never had any problems until the last year of its life. This new drifter II is NOT the same bag. I have had the new one for about 6 months and within the first week, the zippers on the main compartment and laptop compartment failed. The bag also feels inferior to the one I previously owned due to the fact that the material does not seem as stiff or durable. I am stuck with the bag as I am traveling internationally but I am looking out for a replacement. No more Targus brand for me.
1 reply from Targus Support team - 2 years ago
We are sorry to hear that you are having issues with the zippers. Our backpacks have a limited lifetime warranty and our customer support team would be happy to help you with a claim. Please contact them at 877-482-7487 Monday thru Friday 10 AM to 7 AM EST
5 out of 5 stars
30 September, 2024
originally posted on Targus
Love this pack
I have had this pack since 12/21/2019 and I still use it. I have taken it to work, hikes, traveling you name it and I love it. I will buy another one:-).
5 out of 5 stars
29 March, 2024
originally posted on Targus
Amazing backpack
One of the best backpacks in the market! We purchased 4 for our non-profit organization. It has a variety of pockets to keep your life organized! More than enough pockets to keep documents where they need to go. The lifetime warranty is fantastic!! We had to warranty out the backpack a few times due to stitching and zipper failures, and we received a new replacement. We only had to pay for shipping to return the backpack.
5 out of 5 stars
1 February, 2024
originally posted on Targus
Outstanding the best 17 inch backpack
I have this backpack for 7 years. The backpack is good quality and durable. Some minor issues with the zipper, but I abuse it and still working. One of the next products in the market espeacilly for 17 ich laptops. Great protection. Even I backpack Everest with this backpack .........just great.
5 out of 5 stars
13 December, 2023
originally posted on Targus
loved it.
The backpack is a solid choice for those seeking durability and organization. Its quality construction ensures it can handle daily wear and tear effortlessly. What really impressed me were the numerous pockets—perfect for keeping everything neatly organized. Admittedly, it leans towards the heavier side, yet surprisingly, it remains comfortable even when fully loaded. Overall, it's a reliable companion for anyone needing a sturdy and well-organized backpack.
5 out of 5 stars
21 November, 2023
originally posted on Targus
Great Professional Backpack for Airport Traveling
This is the best backpack I have ever owned. It is the only backpack that has the zippered compartment at the back of the backpack under the straps that is perfect for putting your wallet, keys, phone, etc when you are going thru airport security. The backpack has a nice selection of compartments. Well-made and TARGUS has the best warranty and the easiest customer service of any company, better than REI. I wished that a larger size was sold, say 60-65 L. The current size of 42L is about the largest size of any backpack sold, today.
5 out of 5 stars
28 October, 2023
originally posted on Targus
Lasted 7 years, handled and protected tools well!
I have had this backpack for 7 years and it has finally had it. The zippers don't close and the top has ripped open. Overall, this backpack has been rugged and has seen extensive use. I have not had another laptop backpack that has lasted as long as this one.
2 out of 5 stars
23 October, 2023
originally posted on Targus
Bad handle
I bought this bag July 25, 2023 and the plastic handle is already splitting apart. Also, I'm noticing that a couple of stitches are starting to come apart. I have owned a few Swiss gear laptops backpacks for many years and it took more than 3 years before the handle showed signs of wear. I do love all of the storage on this backpack; but, not the handle!
4 out of 5 stars
3 August, 2023
originally posted on Targus
Nice Backpack
Nice Backpack for price. Too soon to tell how it will hold up during travel
5 out of 5 stars
20 December, 2022
originally posted on Targus
Laptop backpack.
My son had this backpack and the straps started to fray. He liked it so much that he wanted another one. So I bought it as a Christmas present for him.
3 out of 5 stars
11 November, 2022
originally posted on Targus
Like everything but the zippers.
I bought this backpack just over 2 years ago and really liked it. But now the zipper on the laptop area isn't holding up. I'll be walking and and it just rips open. After a couple tries it zips back together, but now I don't trust putting anything in that compartment.
1 reply from Targus Support team - 4 years ago
We are sorry to hear about the zippers on the Drifter II. However, I am pleased to inform you that this backpack does have a limited lifetime warranty. Please reach out to our customer support team at 877-482-7487 Monday thru Friday 10 AM to 7 PM EST and they will be happy to help you with a warranty claim.
4 out of 5 stars
31 October, 2022
originally posted on Targus
17" Drifter II
The backpack is fantastic for traveling because it can fit so much stuff. If wanting to use the bag for airplane travel, it is a little big to fit under the seat.
2 out of 5 stars
6 June, 2022
originally posted on Targus
Worse than my old one
I ordered a new one to replace the one I had for several years. It served me extremely well, but one of the most frequently-used zippers became problematic. I couldn't find any other backpacks with such good organization with pockets for both laptops and tablets, so I figured I might as well get what I knew I liked. Unfortunately, my newer backpack was not up to the same standards (by a long shot). It's been a few weeks, and two zippers are already inconsistent, plus an inside pocket has torn. It's not completely useless, but it's nowhere near as easy to rely on as my old one.
1 reply from Targus Support team - 4 years ago
We are sorry to hear about the zippers and torn pocket on your Drifter. Our backpacks have a limited lifetime warranty. Please contact our customer support team at 877-482-7487 Monday thru Friday 10 AM to 7 PM EST they will be happy to help you.