Targus

The r/BuyItForLife community has a strong fondness for Targus, particularly older laptop backpacks and bags bought in the late 1990s through mid-2000s, with many users reporting 15–25+ years of daily use with minimal wear. However, a recurring concern is that newer Targus products may not match the build quality of older models, suggesting the brand has undergone some degree of quality decline over time. Overall, Targus is viewed as an excellent value proposition for a functional, durable laptop bag, even if it lacks the prestige of premium alternatives.

Older Targus bags (pre-2010) have an exceptional track record of decades-long durability at low cost, but credible reports of declining build quality in newer models mean buyers should seek out older stock or verify current quality before purchasing.

Users consistently praise the longevity and durability of Targus bags, with many reporting decades of heavy daily and travel use at a very affordable price point. Organization, weather resistance, and laptop protection are also frequently highlighted.

• Many users report 15–25+ years of near-daily use with minimal damage
• Excellent value for money, often priced between $20–$80
• Good weather resistance, keeping laptops dry in harsh conditions
• Well-organized with multiple compartments, pockets, and padded laptop sections
• Lifetime warranty offered on some models
• Reliable enough for international travel and demanding work environments

The most significant concern is perceived quality decline in newer models compared to older ones, with some users explicitly recommending older secondhand bags over current production. Zipper wear, fake leather deterioration, and mesh pocket stretching are the most cited physical failure points.

• Newer models reportedly use lower-quality materials than older versions
• Zippers tend to weaken or fail after many years of use
• Fake leather accents degrade and look poor within a year
• Mesh side pockets prone to stretching or developing small holes
• Lifetime warranty requires original receipt, limiting practical usefulness

One user bought a Targus in 1997 and after 25 years of hauling laptops, tools, and clothing across data centers and trips, the only thing that broke was a minor component — the bag itself remained intact.

A commenter noted that Targus appears to have undergone enshittification, and recommended buying older models from eBay rather than current production, specifically citing early-2000s bags as the gold standard.

Someone who used a Targus for 17 years — through part of undergrad, all of grad school, and beyond as a carry-on — simply said 'Get a Targus,' calling it one of the best purchases they'd ever made.

A yacht delivery skipper who has crossed oceans with a Targus noted that the main maintenance issue was the zipper, which he manages with annual cleaning and silicone lubricant — keeping it in excellent shape.