Advice On Notebook Backpacks? 642
UnknowingFool writes "I'm about to go on a whirlwind trip with my laptop. Currently I'm using a generic laptop bag, but it's not really made for trips like this. I want to see if I can get a good notebook backpack and wanted to know what experiences traveling geeks here have had with notebook backpacks. My criteria: 1) Around $50 2) Functional enough to be used after my trip as a generic backpack 3) Tough enough to survive hauling through airport, yet comfortable enough to endure wearing for hours 4) Enough pockets for my chargers, cables , etc." I've been impressed with some bags from Targus; any good suggestions out there?
EBags (Score:5, Informative)
Spire (Score:3, Informative)
A little pricy, but excellent (Score:5, Informative)
Crumpler (Score:5, Informative)
Crumpler computer bags [crumpler.com.au]
RE: (Score:1, Informative)
Your main concern when picking one of their bags is your laptop fitting into it.
I have an Inspirion 9100 so I had to get the biggest backpack they had and it ran me $90.
You should also check out best buy, they sell quite a few targus bags there.
Trivial Warning (Score:2, Informative)
Targus Laptop bag (Score:2, Informative)
Brenthaven (Score:2, Informative)
Apple-cobranded versions are available at Apple retail stores; standard product line is available at fine luggage stores near you.
http://www.brenthaven.com/
--
This space for rent.
Samsonite (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Spire (Score:1, Informative)
Great stuff - probably 1.5-2x more expensive up front, but well worth it.
Arcteryx Blade 21 (Score:5, Informative)
http://www.arcteryx.com/product.aspx?group=P
and it's the best laptop backpack I've ever owned. I've owned 7.
I like the Arcteryx because:
1) It's a great backpack; the straps are conmfortable and nothing digs into your bag. Why bother wearing a backpack that's not comfortable?
2) It will generally fit any computer; there are limits, but my 15" PowerBook wasn't a problem, even if I choose to carry it (unnecessarily so) in a Neoprene sleeve
3) It has a separate pocket for carrying files etc, which is fairly cavernous. There are two additional pockets for pens/cards/cables etc.
4) It is clean looking, and doesn't look like a dorky Targus notebook bag. The pack itself doesn't really have anything hanging off of it, so it never gets caught on things.
5) It includes a handle that lets you carry the bag briefcase style; very convenient when moving short distances, or arriving at corporate offices.
6) I can use it to carry my avalanche shovel on winter expeditions, although I have another pack that does that as well.
What I don't like about it:
1) Zippers can be bad for shiny white plastic iBooks; if you're carrying one of these, you'd better get a neoprene sleeve or something to avoid scratches (or buy a PowerBook, which was my solution to the problem; the Aluminum doesn't scratch easily.) I like Marware's Neoprene sleeve
2) There is no padding on the top of the bag (the side with the handle.) This is not uncommon - in fact this bag has padding on every other side, which is rare. I blame my golf clubs for it, but I have a minor dent in a corner a of PB which might have been prevented with padding on the top of the bag.
All in all a great bag; I considered some of the Swiss Army products, but they sort of look a bit too back-packy for me in a work environment.
Tom Bihn (Score:2, Informative)
Regular backpack with water bladder sleeve (Score:5, Informative)
When I travel with my laptop I buy a bubble-wrap envelope from the post office , put the laptop in there and put the whole thing in the water bladder sleeve - takes 10 seconds to pull it out through airport security checks, and provides enough padding to keep it happy and healthy.
Re:Average bookbag laptop bag. (Score:3, Informative)
Tom Bihn (Score:1, Informative)
ObTangent - Tom Binh's bags got some press because of their French instructions. [snopes.com]
Re:EBags (Score:5, Informative)
If you're looking for something that doesn't look, feel, and act like every other bag on the market, you should definitely check out groundwear [groundwear.com]. That link goes to a good laptop bag, but they have some backpacks that would also fit the bill. My friend at work has one of their bags and I am jealous enough of it that I may shelve the JanSport except for over night trips.
Tom Bihn (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Scr
Additionally, the Snake Charmer is great for keeping your cables together and fits neatly in the space above the laptop in the rear zipper pocket.
(I don't work for these people, but I bought a bag at their Santa Cruz store before they moved up north -- I've had it for five years, taken it trans-Atlantic more than that number of times, and never had a problem with it.)
Try Samsonite. (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Crumpler (Score:2, Informative)
Re:EBags (Score:5, Informative)
Big and Little Easy Pack's from L.L. Bean. (Score:5, Informative)
Two laptap backpacks that don't look like laptop bags are the Big [llbean.com] and Little Easy Pack [llbean.com]'s from LL Bean.
They are inexpensive (around $49/$59 for little/big) and have the standard backpack straps, messenger bag (sling strap) and briefcase handle.
Re:Tom Bihn (Score:2, Informative)
I carry them inside my JanSport backpack. I much prefer backpacks to shoulder bags, and the JanSport is more anonymous than a laptop-specific bag, which hopefully reduces the temptation for theives.
Re:EBags (Score:5, Informative)
Their bags are sturdy and water tight, though. I had no qualms throwing it around with my delicate Titanium PowerBook inside, or walking with it in heavy rain.
be careful with ebags "free" opt-in offers (Score:4, Informative)
Alienware Backpack (Score:2, Informative)
[Alienware Backpack] [alienware.com]
is what I use to haul around my 9 pound laptop. Plus, cellphone, mp3 player, and pda. Plus related cables/charges and a spare battery.
It's not exactly a normal backpack, and it's not laid out to carry around books, but it's extremly confortable to wear, and hold (the top strap).
$90 dollars might be out of your price range, but I enjoy mine.
Targus Matrix backpack (Score:2, Informative)
Re:A little pricy, but excellent (Score:5, Informative)
laptop sleeves are available separately (Score:3, Informative)
For those who want to use a regular backpack, the protective sleeve that comes with Trager laptop backpacks can be purchased separately, e.g. here [altrec.com].
Re:Crumpler (Score:4, Informative)
Team Player [crumpler.com.au]
These bags are incredibly sturdy, I travelled around asia with my laptop and clothes in this baby.
mine was silver and blue.
Sumdex pack (Score:1, Informative)
Re:Spire (Score:2, Informative)
http://www.spireusa.com/products/backpacks.htm
Another great thing is that they don't look like computer bags. They don't scream "Please still me!"
Padded Sleeve in Regular Backpack (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Crumpler (Score:5, Informative)
They're both of the "camera bag" variety, and deceptively roomy inside. I have, on occasion, carried three laptops plus associated cables, bricks, & sundry drives at once in the hottub - though admittedly only one laptop got the full padded-pocket protection. The entire interior is fuzzy velcro, so velcro straps can be used to secure items on the inside; has a wealth of pockets & straps; is amazingly comfortable to wear and sturdily built.
The downside is cost - these bags aren't even close to the 50$ price point. More like $150+.
Oh, and if you move to a 17" widescreen or 16" 4:3 laptop, you'll have to get the hottub model.
Re:repeat (Score:2, Informative)
I found that thread very helpful when considering my own purchase of adequet laptop protection. I ended up getting one from here [sfbags.com] as a result.
dana design (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Just use a regular backpack (Score:2, Informative)
See it here [targus.com]. The only targus logos I can find are the ones embossed on the zippers.
Re:Brenthaven (Score:3, Informative)
Just to say.. I agree, the Brenthaven backpack I have is just awesome. It does well as a normal backpack, and I love that it isn't plastered with logos and is just a plain backpack (we joke that it looks like a parachute bag.. but anyway). The apple cobranded versions really are not apple branded, they just fit the powerbooks perfectly.
It is more than your range, but if protecting your laptop is worth it, then it's worth it.
Brenthaven bags (Score:3, Informative)
http://www.brenthaven.com/
Think about the weather... (Score:3, Informative)
If you're stuck walking around in the rain with your laptop on your back, this will protect your laptop from water getting in. Too many bag designs don't take inclement weather into account.
The only problem is that the pack is ugly as hell; black and white checked fabric, mesh waterbottle sacks for no apparent reason, and a pointless chest belt.
The good thing is that if you're wearing it, you won't have to look at it.
Tom Bihn's bags: extremely durable (Score:3, Informative)
It's huge and tough and build like a tank: It's got an enormous padded main compartment, a secondary full sized compartment big enough for another computer, a third full sized compartment with pockets for accessories, and a big zippered pocket on the outside.
After 8 years of constant abuse: All the seams are still well sewn and sealed on the inside and outside, so there are no loose threads or freys, like most backpacks develop. The fabric hasn't torn, the zippers have never broken or jammed. All top quality material and workmanship!
It's so well made, that it's still in excellent condition after 8 years. I would definitely get another one, but my old one still has years of use left in it.
Here's an article reviewing Tom Bihn's "Smart Alec" and "Monolith" bags [pcstats.com]. He has many models specifically designed for laptops, that you can order on his web site, and the prices are quite reasonable!
His web site [tombihn.com] says: "Tom Bihn has been designing and making bags for well over 20 years. The daypacks he made when he was 13 years old are still in use. And in Santa Cruz, California, where Tom grew up, his laptop cases and book bags are almost legendary."
-Don
Spire Backpacks (Score:3, Informative)
The downside is that you'll be spending more than $50. The upside is that the backpack will outlast your laptop. [Mine has been doing 50 mi of motorcycle commuting a day for the last 4 years, my wife's has been hauling schoolbooks for three years. Both have all seams, zippers, and fabric intact, if a little dirty.]
Re:EBags (Score:3, Informative)
If you look closely at the pictures you'll see that it even has a special pocket for a CD/MP3 player with a hole for the headphone cord. That way you can listen to music without even taking the MP3 player out of the backpack. There's a detachable pocket for your cell phone. It also doesn't look obviously like a laptop bag. Some of the reviewers thought it was a little small if you wanted to carry a lot of other things. I won't know until next week when I get mine! Newegg.com (where I got mine) does have a better price, they have the black version of this for $50: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?des
Re: putting laptops in the trunk (Score:5, Informative)
So you're still better off if people don't even think you're carrying a laptop when you're walking around. You never know if they're watching you put it away!
Re:EBags (Score:2, Informative)
Re:EBags (Score:5, Informative)
It holds a ton of gear and a week's worth of clothes. It can be jammed into the space under an airplane seat, would be practically impossible to remove from my person in a quick mugging scenario, and doesn't scream "geek with electronics!" Though I suppose the BlackBerry and iRiver sticking out of my pockets do that... My bag has also had plenty of beverages spilled on it without harm to anything inside.
Re: putting laptops in the trunk (Score:3, Informative)
It's probably a better idea to put things in your trunk beforehand and then go wherever the hell you're going. You can try making sure that there's nobody around, but I'm sure that the guys who do this sort of thing are probably very organized and will keep subtle watch.
Better yet, don't carry things unless you absolutely have to.
Re:EBags (Score:4, Informative)
Pick 3, You can never have it all, especially when price is one of the options. Its always to low
I don't think I would trust any bag that cost $50 to protect my laptop, its one area that i spent a bunch of money and got a nice setup.
Re:Padded Sleeve in Regular Backpack (Score:3, Informative)
The thing I liked the most about the sfbags stuff was the fact that they size the bags to fit laptops, Ever other company makes a laptop bag for 15" boats, but a good well-fit case for smaller laptops is hard to find. the case for the X31 is perfect, it was snug at first, but after a month of use, it streched to perfect fit.
I keep my slipcase in my North Face: Yavapai. Good sturdy backpack, with a nice organized front pouch for pens, tools, checkbook, business cards, etc etc. It has a great elastic pocket on the inside that keeps the slipcase from floping around inside the bag.
Re:EBags (Score:5, Informative)
However, if you want a computer bag, you really don't want a bike messenger bag. These bags are usually designed for papers and small packages--not heavy laptops. You're better off with a real laptop backpack. I love my JanSport pack--I think it's the "Firewire" model. I bought mine at the mall and probably paid about $100 than I would have paid at eBags. I carried a heavy Apple TiBook, along with books and cables, on a business trip to New Zealand. My laptop survived six flights, five hotels, and countless bus rides without a scratch.
Chris
Re:repeat (Score:2, Informative)
anyway, this is my favorite. looks good too.
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=
Like the Jansport. (Score:3, Informative)
With that and a folding bag for clothes and books, I've got enough for days on the road. The laptop rides in front of me and the clothes ride behind me so that the straps go over my head and cross each other.
Re:EBags-- My RakGear bagh holds some 29-32lbs... (Score:4, Informative)
http://www.login.co.th/cgi-bin/cs?asset=21&id= 747
Closer, or actually it is (except mine is black with olive or deep green, not blue, trim):
http://shopper.cnet.com/RAKGEAR_DELUXE_NOTEBOOK_ BA CKPACK_BLACK_NAVY/4014-6459_9-5979339.html?q=
Model RBND05. The only thing I could recommend to Targus if they care to resurrect the bag is to flatten the internal rack's feet and widen them, and reinforce the bottom. I loaded my rack's shelves with color magazines, papers and even my BJC-85 bubblejet alternately. Over time, the weight ruined the leather on the outside, although on the inside the damage is invisible because the nylon/whatever material is resilient. But, dragging the bag or repeatedly pushing it along by foot on a bus or on another floor WILL damage it after about 2 years.
I don't like that Targus bought up my bag's style and then seems to have killed it off. It's a nice bag.
This bag:
http://homeworktips.about.com/cs/productreviews/ gr
seems less "backpack-bomberish" in that they removed the lower side and back pouches that I stuck batteries and toiletries and even a surge strip into, but I don't think it will carry the weight of stuff I can carry in mine. It is WELL worth the US $70.00
Also, check epinions:
http://www.epinions.com/content_60065943172
This bag clearly shows the removable star-shaped/4-point accessory strap which could tie down a number of things...
Also, read:
http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/news/ra kg ear.htm
http://www.shentech.com/tarakiba.html
------------
The rest of this is from my attachment to "Do yourself a favor", at:
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=124854&cid=1 04 72989
It seems they and SONY both benefit, as the best features of the Rack Gear bag are now labelled with those two names, but they dispensed with the book/notes rack inside. I use my rack, since it lets me organize things. Fully loaded, I've marched, ahem, walked 14 miles (from 1245 AM to 0515 AM) from Mountain View (El Camino & Castro) to San Jose (Winchester & Stevens Creek) once with some 28 to 32 pounds of laptop, accessories, paper, a 5-or 6-plug surge strip and thick 6-foot cable by Fellowes on once side, and my toiletries (toothpaste, brush, mouthwash, toilet seat covers, and other things) on the other side, and such inside it. The worst part of the walk was my shoes, but that RACK GEAR bag was not too uncomfortable. A military friend of mine said that much weight on my 150-lb body frame, in the context of that walk on concrete would more than be sufficient to meet some beyond-normal fitness tests...
Depending on my needs, I can remove some papers or a book and insert my pair of 2-inch thick add-on speakers, the audio converter wire, a small 5-port switch, two 5-foot lengths of Cat-5, 2 or 3 thinwire RJ-45-wired pieces, it's OWN power supply, in addition to the screw drivers and tools. I basically have a 35-lb computer office on my back. Why the hell? I felt I needed a laptop to show the SBA/SCORE my business plan spreadsheets in action rather than on paper. I also stuck inside the bag my Canon BJC-85, 2 or 4 spare or redundant laptop disks, the PCMCIA adaptor for them, and some floppies as well, plus several CDs/DVDs of Mandrake. Yep, talk about ROAD WARRIOR. AND, on the strap side, where the laptop is padded and against my back, there is a section to stick yet MORE paper, between the LT and the racked area of the backpack. I've only seen maybe 3 in use, one in Oregon and maybe 2 in Calif.
The DOWNside of this pack is if you use yours like I do mine, the shelf feet will, after a year of lifting/dragging on bus floors and running to chase buses, wear out the leather bot
Tough? You Want Filson. (Score:5, Informative)
I always recommend Filson [www.filson].
I use the briefcase/laptop bag [filson.com], but they offer several backpack models that would do the trick. Filson was founded during the Gold Rush. Their bags aren't stylish, but they're old-fashioned and tough. You want durable? Filson's duffle bag will carry a 1968 1500 c.c. Single Port Volkswagen engine. You'll pay for lasting quality.
Order a catalog. It's the ultimate guys' company, and the catalog is filled with stories like, "Your pants protected my leg from a chainsaw," and, "Your coat saved me from a bear attack." Truly chest-puffing masculinity. It's not a catalog your wife will be interested in stealing.
Seriously, Filson's among my favorite companies. The craftsmanship is unmatched. You won't worry about anything being stolen from your secure bag -- and you won't ever, ever worry about it ripping or tearing. Most of Filson's luggage carries the disclaimer, "Clean by wiping or brushing only. Gains character with use." This stuff is made to last.
Last Christmas, I bought a Filson blanket [filson.com]. $200 is damn expensive for a wool blanket, but (a) it's the warmest blanket I've ever owned, and (b) I have every expectation that I'll be able to hand it down to my grandchildren. Filson is never cheap, but it's always money well spent.
crib
Re:EBags (Score:3, Informative)
Swiss Gear Maxxum [bestbuy.com]
Re:Regular backpack with water bladder sleeve (Score:2, Informative)
Re:EBags (Score:5, Informative)
the bag has pockets all over the place and would be ideal for travel. it has two large compartments. the one closest to you back is the laptop sleeve with padding and a few pockets for CDs and other stuff. You can fit more flat stuff in this compartment as well. The second large compartment is a deep bathtub that can take a bunch of books, clothes, etc. if this compartment had some velcro strips so you could add dividers for camera and other gear it would be ideal.
there is also a zippered back section with organizer pockets inside for business cards, key clip, and other stuff. Between the two large compartments is a small pouch for CD/MP3 player with earphone cord port. along the sides are two tall narrow zippered pockets that can fit cords, mice, chargers, small tripodds, etc.
on the sides are two generously sized mesh pockets that can hold water bottles or umbrellas or a rolled up newspaper or magazine. Finally, there is a open compartment held by straps on the very back that you can shove shoes or other weird shape stuff and pull the straps tight to hold it on. The bottom of the pack is flat and helps keep the bag standing up when you set it on the ground.
There are two convenient handles on the top: a nice big rubber grip one, and another one that is just a strap. The shoulder straps are very padded and use a elastic mount, which is comfortable, but i'd rather have solid straps rather than the bouncy feel of these suspension systems. The flat black is very thickly padded with airflow channels. I find this very comfortable, but the padding tends to rub against your back in a way that rides the back of your shirt upwards as you walk. There is also a waist strap which helps keep things stable. when you are running or walking. I wish it had a sternum strap though.
Overall, a great bag, although a bit large for everyday use. I got another smaller swiss gear bag for daily use going to class.
Re:Padded Sleeve in Regular Backpack (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Targus backpack.. Beware! (Score:3, Informative)
Robbers increasingly look for high-potential targets, like people with the tell-tale white Ipod earphones. If you get a Targus bag, remove the brand labels.
STM (Score:2, Informative)
I vaguely remember a US supplier being publicised, but you can get them everywhere in Australia
Try Spire bags (Score:2, Informative)
I bought a bag of them (the Zoom) and it has a laptop compartment with extra padding that can be removed and used as a laptop sleeve with its own handle. I have nothing but praise for these bags - you feed in your laptop model and it tells you which pouch will best fit the laptop. My laptop survived a 6ft drop from a train overhead luggage rack (pausing to bounce off my head:-( ) and it was unharmed. Their bags don't scream LAPTOP either. But at $120, probably a bit more than you want to spend though.
Similar question on engadget.com (Score:2, Informative)
Try Eastpak (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Hard-shell? (Score:3, Informative)
I got my Metropolis on closeout at an outdoor outfitter store (think local mom-n-pop version of REI) for about $120. Retail on that pack is somewhere around $200, I think, but IMO it's still worth it. My biggest complaint is that the pack is fairly small, so you can carry a laptop, your power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a notebook or two, but not much else. I wouldn't want to have it as my *only* backpack, but it works fairly well as my only computer case.
p
ULTIMATE Laptop Backpack/Attache (Score:2, Informative)
Shaun Jackson, an architecture professor at the University of Michigan, has designed a series of totally unique laptop bags. They can even be layed on your lap to function as a portable desk. I have been using the 15" BackOffice model for almost a year now and I will never switch to anything else. It does everything. My favorite features include:
Here's a link to his website: http://www.sjdesign.com/ [sjdesign.com]
NOTE: I am in no way related to Shaun or his company. I'm simply an extremely satisfied customer who believes in the quality and design of his products.
Army Issue Rucksack (Score:3, Informative)
These systems are tough - and having them for over 10 years now, they appear to be brand new.
This was discussed on /. last december (Score:2, Informative)
Some 824 comments
Airline advice (Score:2, Informative)
As a ... hmmm.... how does the populace brand me.... a "savage baggage handler" for an air carrier I handle those wimpy cordura backpacks/computer cases daily. TRUST ME ... If it ain't HARDSIDE it ain't guaranteed to make it. Sure, 99.9% do but.....
Granted, you plan to carry the said case/bag on board as you have been totally assured that is your right. /cough..hack..gag/ sorry... 'All overhead space is filled and that bag is too big for under the seat on this (previously unknown) express aircraft.' At that point you surrender your computer in whatever wimpy covering to ME... mwuhahahahahaa!.
Look, I'm just a guy doing the same ole job every day. I handle several hundred bags a shift. Yours is one of .. say twenty "carry-ons" to be loaded in the cargo bin. I may handle bags carefully but another ramprat may not. Also, your single precious bag has now become the cohabitant of an area that contains at least 50 other bags (average on an express jet). /friendly stewardess voice/ "Cargo can shift slightly during takeoff and landing"
Now... /me whipping out his handy sliderule.. let's figure the force of the corner of one HARDSIDE bag (could be a metal case actually) weighing in the range of 70 pounds falling from a height of 2 feet (conservative) on your SOFTSIDE computer case. Kiddies, try this experiment at home!
Sooo... I would recommend a hard side case. An old-fashioned briefcase (reinforced with foam padding) or better yet a Pelican case http://www.pelican.com/cases/cases.html [pelican.com] . Ohhh yeah!! /Tim Allen: grunt grunt grunt!!/ The 1490 looks good. Yes, they're expensive but compare them to the replacement cost of your notebook.
Personally I can find very little justification for a notebook computer unless you are on-the-job/in-the-field with need to connect daily for work. Otherwise it's a toy. True, I loved my Compaq 386/25 but it passed away and I have learned that my notepad/pen/brain combo is eminently more reliable and hardy. But then again I have yet to submit to a cellphone. Does that make me a Luddite?
Jagd
:: Better to be slain by a dragon than never to have seen one at all.