Ivar Zug 30, Purple, One Size

I bought this for my girlfriend who is a biology student and also has a bad back. She carries a lot of heavy textbooks around so this is something she needed. She said this backpack was a lot easier to carry than her old Jansport and, after trying this out myself, I can say that this does make what she carries easier on the back. Also, when the backpack first arrived I thought it would be too small (in comparison with the Jansport) but this thing carries quite a lot. Unlike most backpacks where most of the contents are carried at the bottom of the bag, the Ivar spaces the content out more evenly so it can carry more at the top of the bag. Another thing: there is a secure space for a laptop in the middle of the bag so you really don't even need a sleeve for your laptop when carrying it around. One thing I wish would be different is the outer front pocket. I don't really like the vertical zipper but that's just personal preference. The open side pockets are nice for carrying water bottles.

My daughter has had issues the past couple of years with getting back spasms during the first weeks of school due to carrying a backpack, resulting in her having to use a rolling backpack for the year. The Ivar Zug 30 has been great for her so far this year. She has been at school now for 2 weeks and no back spasms. The backpack looks small on the inside, but has been sufficient to hold everything she needs for her 4 classes, plus lunch. The shelving design on the inside helps distribute the weight of the contents in such a way to be easier on the back than a conventional backpack. It is also the right size for her smaller frame (Freshman in high school). She says it feels better on her back than the backpacks she has had in the past. I highly recommend this product for those that want to save their back muscles!

We really loved our Ivar Urban but it was just a little too small. The Zug still has the great weight redistribution that makes it feel half as heavy as a conventional pack, and keeps the back more upright, but the outside vertical zip pocket is awkward and the lack of interior organizing pockets in the top shelf are missed! We really want the Urban but in the Zug size! Alas. And to top it off the interior Velcro strap is off-center..poor quality control! Very disappointing. Really questioning the quality. My daughter has opted to continue using her Urban but just carry the books that don't fit ...which has already resulted in one lost book ☹️

It was a good, well-constructed bag but I exchanged it for Ivar Urban 20 for two reasons: 1. This bag is a bit large for my skinny frame (5'5", 110 lbs). If I were a student and needed to carry lots of books I would have kept it. But I was looking for something to transport my computer, lunch, jacket, etc. This would be an overkill. 2. There are no small pockets inside the bag to compartmentalize. Urban 20 on the other hand had many small zipped pockets for loose things like earphones, chapstick, keys, etc, and it's easier to keep things organized.

Ivar packs are the best out there for back care. We have had out old model for almost 7 years and it's still going strong! I also just ordered the Ivar Urban 20 at the suggestion of the company owner (yup - he emailed me right away to answer my fit questions) and will give this larger pack to a male friend. A good pack is essential - especially when you have back and neck herniations as I do. Ivar is simply the best there is!