Has anyone successfully stowed the 17-inch backpack underneath an airline seat?

You bet Nicole, I fly on a weekly basis and this backpack fits under all airline seat spaces I have flown since I purchased it (Airbus 300 series, Boeing 747, and even Prop Dash-8's). It may stick out an inch or two under some model of seat, but its never a hindrance and always has passed the Flight Attendant walk-by inspection of foot space.

If I have to carry this for a block in a sudden heavy rain would water enter the zippers?

Water will enter through the zippers. Learned that yesterday. Once I park my car at work, I still have to walk about 250 yards to enter in the building. Yesterday, I made the walk in middle of a heavy rain (1" in 90 mins). Papers were wet at the top and in general the contents had a damp feeling. More importantly, the entire inside shell of the bag was fairly wet, the straps had started to absorb water. The bag needed to be aired out and left to dry. Considering how hard it was raining and the time exposed, I'm satisfied and now know that my lap is at risk in heavy rain - which I don't get much of.

Does it fit a 17.3" laptop?

It did but my zippers kept un-threading - behind the zipper. TWO different Targus Drifter II packs. The second one was my back up spare that I've had for four years. And last month (April 2022) when I broke it out of storage, the threads would not stay intact - and being a four year old pack in storage, well, the return window closed long ago... I normally put in my 17" laptop (not 17.3) and the zipper fails - continually.

How good is this backpack for a casual overnight trip (laptop/change of clothes)?

Laptop and change of clothes should work just fine as an overnight bag. That was one of the reasons I bought this backpack. Center pocket is large and has a bottom that folds out to make more room. You can place the bulky clothing items at the bottom (pants, jacket, etc) and the others towards the top. It is perfect if you roll your clothes up before storing in the bag. The bottom of the center pocket is large enough to accommodate a pair of shoes neatly arranged side by side. I don't want to oversell this bag, but it is amazing how much it can hold! I travel overnight with the military and I can fit my boots and a pair of ACUs in the center pocket so I can travel in civilian clothes. I do roll my ACUs before inserting into the bag. The laptop pocket has easy access so you can easily take out the laptop for TSA inspection.

ASIN	B00507NAYQ
Age Range Description	Children
Best Sellers Rank	#272 in Laptop Backpacks
Capacity Total	34 Liters
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,495)
Department	mens
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Weight	2.8 Pounds
Item model number	TSB239US
Manufacturer	Targus
Number Of Items	1
Product Dimensions	5 x 16 x 21.5 inches
Units	1 Count

Drifter II Laptop Backpack, Black/Gray – Backpack for Men for Business and Travel, Durable Water-Resistant Material, Fits up to 17" Laptops (TSB239US)

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