What kinds of backpacks do you guys have for carrying your laptop/work home with you?

I want something that would be good to travel (fly) with as well.

Basically I need something for:

Laptop
Power cords
External HDD
Camera (when traveling)
Flash drives
iPod
Misc. cables
Portfolio

My current backpack is a Swissgear Synergy, but it's far too stiff and big, even when there's nothing in it.

9/16/2009 3:23:47 PM

I've been using a Dell XPS backpack that work gave me.

It's a piece of shit.

9/16/2009 3:26:01 PM

I bought this from REI



probably overkill for most people, but I wanted something with hip straps for the days that I take my bike into work, and there's enough room for a change of clothes.

plenty of random pockets and slots for cables, accessories, etc.
not very stiff at all. it's pretty flat when empty.
and it is meant to be a laptop bag, not just a daypack that i'm using for a laptop.

My only complaint is that the laptop pocket is not padded. but I just bought this which fits nicely in the bag's laptop pocket.

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 3:33 PM. Reason : asdf]

9/16/2009 3:28:54 PM

^but does it offer laptop protection? ah, you were in editing while i was posting.


tnezami, i have the same Swissgear backpack. I don't carry it to work, only for my laptop whenever i have to move it or take it somewhere local. I agree, its way too stiff and I use it more for storage/protection than travel.

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 3:32 PM. Reason : add]

9/16/2009 3:31:40 PM

i use the targus matrix and have for years...i got it when i was still in undergrad and riding my bike to class every day, but didn't want to go back and get a change of clothes or textbooks or whatever...it's probably bigger than you'd be interested in

and, honestly, i think i need to look around for something a bit less...BIG

9/16/2009 3:38:30 PM

I have a Samsonite Unbanite Laptop backpack that I bought a couple of years back when my more traditional laptop bag just stopped cutting it. I can't say that I have any complaints about it. It has plenty of different pouches and slots to keep things organized. And I don't know your definition of big and bulky, but it's never been what I consider to be too big. It does look like it's gone up a bit in price since I got it however.

9/16/2009 3:41:54 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Dvd-Case-Espresso-Dark/dp/B002526MGM

Fits my netbook, AC adapter, notepad, and book.

9/16/2009 3:43:08 PM

i have a jansport with the laptop sleeve that isn't very stiff. since my last jansport lasted my through a decade of abuse i decided to stick with the brand.
http://www.jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=41&pid=TQK1

9/16/2009 3:46:11 PM

http://www.wengerna.com/computer-backpacks

I use this Wenger bag, it's sufficient for my laptop and cords, but needs more room.

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 3:52 PM. Reason : -]

9/16/2009 3:49:37 PM

backpacks are for school.

get a messenger bag, so much better, and dare i say, a lot more professional
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/laptop-messenger-style/

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 3:59 PM. Reason : .]

9/16/2009 3:59:08 PM

Function>form.

9/16/2009 4:02:30 PM

^

9/16/2009 4:06:20 PM

^^

9/16/2009 4:10:50 PM

I, too, use a backpack at work. But its an inCase for a 17" laptop. not my first choice but it was a last minute purchase before i went on a trip (since my dog ate the straps off of my swiss army bag)

9/16/2009 4:13:20 PM

I too am looking for a good backpack for work, what BobbyDigital suggested would be great for me as I too am looking to ride my bicycle and carry a change of clothes to work

9/16/2009 4:28:31 PM

Quote :

"backpacks are for school. get a messenger bag, so much better, and dare i say, a lot more professional http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/laptop-messenger-style/"

damn you for posting that... haha...looks really cool and i like the customized options

9/16/2009 4:30:37 PM

messenger bag has the same function as a backpack, unless you feel like you need extra shoulder support to carry your 20lb. desktop-replacement type laptop around.

personally i can carry a HELLUVA lot more in my messenger bag (because it's nearly open ended) than i EVER could in my backpack. it's the reason why messengers use messenger bags rather than backpacks, they're MORE functional.

only geeks say function>form
only designers say form>function
i believe in having the best of both worlds.

i too, also bike to work and travel a lot. i love my messenger bag.

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 4:43 PM. Reason : .]

9/16/2009 4:37:57 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Canvas-Nato-Style-Rucksack-LARGE/dp/B000AB5HWK

Olive green rucksack, NATO style. One big central pocket big enough for my laptop and whatever else I need to cram in there, two side pockets big enough for 20 ounce soda bottles, and one wide front pocket for miscellany.

Plus lots of little places to hook things onto, but I doubt I'll ever use those parts.

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 4:44 PM. Reason : I've also got 3 messenger bags, 2 of which can actually carry my laptop, the other has magnets, eh.]

9/16/2009 4:43:39 PM

I carry a Dakine Ruksack



little cushioned laptop liner inside. It's nice and low key. Bought it at a surf shop in Wilmington.

9/16/2009 4:58:04 PM

Targus branded IBM backpack a friend gave me. Works great for the laptop, plus all my other stuff.

9/16/2009 5:22:47 PM

had this for like a year now:



they have a new version of them now though, i think it sucks.

padded laptop compartment, plenty of storage, and it's super comfortable (even on a bike... it has the waist straps). plus, it doesn't look too ridiculous to carry into work with me.

9/16/2009 5:32:21 PM

i bought an rei brand, its okay, but little too stiff. i got tired of lugging messenger bag style around airports, so i got the backpack style.

9/16/2009 6:24:45 PM

Honestly, I dont mind the looks of messenger bags, and I realize you can fit a shitload of stuff in them.

I DONT however like walking with a messenger bag constantly slapping me on the backside.

9/16/2009 6:41:15 PM

i have the top backpack and love it - i never have it empty so i'm not worried about the empty bag scenario - i travel pretty frequently and it's been great

9/16/2009 6:42:32 PM

Quote :

"constantly slapping me on the backside"

thats what she said.

9/16/2009 6:43:55 PM

Quote :

"messenger bag"

fagtacular
I carry a backpack but its pretty generic. I have a microsoft laptop sleeve I got on sale from circuit city for $10 years ago

9/16/2009 6:54:16 PM

i have one of the timbuk2 messenger bags... i like it a lot, especially now since i have trouble keeping the straps on with a regular backpack.

9/16/2009 7:04:50 PM

messenger bags don't allow me to carry everything i need in an organized fashion...yes, i could just piled a bunch of crap into the one large opening and then dig around for stuff, but that's retarded

if you're just carrying a laptop, power cord, maybe a mouse...yeah, a messenger bag is more than sufficient

if you're like me and carry more (laptop, power cord, mouse, book for reading, some files for work, external hard drive, 32oz nalgene bottle, deck of cards, miscellaneous A/V and computer cabling, some small tools, etc.), a messenger bag is pretty useless

that said, i picked up a keen alameda at an REI garage sale for $15, thinking i would love it...i DO like it, but it simply won't carry enough of my stuff (or, rather, there aren't enough pockets)...now it just sits in my office



[Edited on September 17, 2009 at 7:38 AM. Reason : .]

9/17/2009 7:37:52 AM

I rock the Solo Urban laptop bag: http://www.solocases.com/item.aspx?id=1374



This bag is the bomb, baby. See that grommet above the zipper pocket on the flap? You zip up your media player and feed your earphones or line-out through the grommet.

There's a catch-all expanding pocket on one side that's perfect for cramming my AC adapter into when I don't take the time to wind the cord.

All my little notebooks and pens and SD cards and shit fit right into the organizer pockets just underneath the flap, so I don't have to dig to get to the stuff I'm most likely to need at a moment's notice.

There are two big pockets on the interior, right on the padded laptop pocket, where I like to keep peripherals (webcam, GPS receiver) and a fat stack of index cards.

There's also a folio-sized pocket on the inside face where I can slip folders, assorted papers, etc. without having to go in the bag.

Can't recommend this one enough. Comes in black, too.

P.S. ON SALE FOR $32: http://www.ebags.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=102015&Basketalready=yes&ModelID=102015&productID=1269871&ItemID=26021823&CartLink=View

[Edited on September 17, 2009 at 9:42 AM. Reason : ...]

9/17/2009 9:36:04 AM

Quote :

"See that grommet above the zipper pocket on the flap? You zip up your media player and feed your earphones or line-out through the grommet."

The majority of laptop bags have this feature. My back pack from 5 years ago had this.

9/17/2009 9:57:16 AM

That's a good story.

9/17/2009 10:16:44 AM

If you thought that was good, wait for the sequel.

9/17/2009 10:45:48 AM

Sometimes I use a The North Face bag with a laptop sleeve, but I also have a Tumi bag that looks much more professional. I switch back and forth.

9/17/2009 10:47:46 AM

my backpack from college
I wear it to work, don't carry it

9/17/2009 2:22:19 PM

Quote :

"if you're like me and carry more (laptop, power cord, mouse, book for reading, some files for work, external hard drive, 32oz nalgene bottle, deck of cards, miscellaneous A/V and computer cabling, some small tools, etc.), a messenger bag is pretty useless"

strange, my messenger bag has more pockets and more diverse kinds of pockets than any laptop backpack i've seen, and well it's just more versatile.

i guess it depends WIDELY upon which backpack & messenger bag you choose.

9/17/2009 5:20:57 PM

^^^^^^ that thing is big as fuck!

9/17/2009 5:39:06 PM

I like the Solo Urban, but not as a messenger bag, it looks more than big enough to be a good backpack.

Actually, it looks like the kind of backpack I was TRYING to find when I got the rucksack. Do you have any idea how hard it would be to attach some backpack straps to it?

[Edited on September 17, 2009 at 7:38 PM. Reason : at 16x13, it's really not THAT big, and wouldn't hold a 17 inch notebook]

9/17/2009 7:36:30 PM

Just bought this tonight. We'll see how it works out.

9/17/2009 8:33:51 PM

Bunch of folks at work have these things. Several pockets / plentiful space to compartmentalize as needed. I use it daily at work and also found damn useful to lug around textbooks/etc. for graduate school at the same time.

[Edited on September 17, 2009 at 9:40 PM. Reason : crappy resolution, best photo I could find]

9/17/2009 9:37:55 PM

Damn - some of you all are ready for a hiking trip to pop off right in the middle of a conference call.

9/17/2009 10:17:48 PM

I just wanted something comfortable and useful. Definitely wouldnt be opposed to taking it on weekend hiking trips either, haha.

9/17/2009 10:26:33 PM

i carry a timbuk2 customer messenger bag that i love. and as for the butt slapping, it comes with a waist strap so you can fasten it to your body if you want. i dont use it though.

personally i feel like backpacks are a bit juvenile for the workplace, but plenty of people do use them. i feel they are especially ridiculous on women in the workplace. i'd sooner use a rolly laptop bag for work than i would a backpack.

9/18/2009 2:01:03 AM

i love this. my jansport was from 10th grade hs so i figure i got my monies worth. but i ♥ this one so much more.

[Edited on September 18, 2009 at 2:05 AM. Reason : got it on slickdeals]

9/18/2009 2:04:18 AM

Quote :

"if you're like me and carry more (laptop, power cord, mouse, book for reading, some files for work, external hard drive, 32oz nalgene bottle, deck of cards, miscellaneous A/V and computer cabling, some small tools, etc.), a messenger bag is pretty useless"

Messenger bag doesn't mean no pockets. My messenger bag has more pockets than my larger Jansport backpack.







Fits my netbook, 27oz stainless steel klean kanteen, power adapters, e-book reader, DS, pens/pencils. Two outside padded zippered pockets, mesh water bottle pocket. Has shoulder strap plus side strap for when I'm biking to work. The clips compress the bag so when there's nothing in it it's thinner and when it's full of clothes or whatever it expands. Enough room for a weekends worth of clothes.

I like the timbuk2 bags but this one had more pockets and seemed more durable. Plus it's only the small version of the bag. The sentinel is the larger one.

9/18/2009 3:03:41 AM

SOMEBODY FIND ME AN UBBER COOL BAG

9/18/2009 11:17:12 AM

you need one of them wiz backpacks. circa 1990

9/18/2009 11:50:17 AM

For a lot of us, as long as the bag is just as functional as another, it doesn't really matter if it's a book bag. If you are like me, fashion and what other people think is irrelevant to function. My Swiss bag doesn't have everything, but for the price, it provides more than a messenger bag can overall, in that I can use the bag in almost any situation, including hiking. It's a global purchase, therefore far more practical, imo.

9/18/2009 11:57:48 AM

a true baller doesn't have to carry jack shit to work because it's already there

9/20/2009 2:59:41 PM