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Help recommend a laptop/messenger bag for me

post #1 of 31
10/12/09 at 3:09am
Thread Starter 
I just got a new laptop and I realized that my old cheap "laptop" carrying backpack is probably not the best place to carry it. Unfortunately I have some specific requirements and I'm having trouble finding contenders online. I know that Head-Fi is tops in the world of geeky online forum members that love to buy awesome things. Anyone have any brands or models they suggest?

Here's some info on what I'll be carrying:
- 14.1" laptop with power adapter
- 5-subject notebook
- Possibly one textbooks (but probably not)
- Several (~4) 16.9 oz water bottles. Yeah, yeah, I know I should get a SIGG or whatever to be green..
- Miscellaneous small things (e.g. wallet, iPod, a couple pens, small portable stapler, calculator, etc.)

Requirements:
- Must be very comfortable. The things I'll be carrying around will add up on weight and I don't want to have sore shoulders.
- Must be very durable. Again, with the weight I'll be carrying around the last thing I need is a broken strap or anything.
- Some sort of water-resistance. My current laptop bag will pretty much absorb any rain that falls on it but that isn't really a solution. It'd be nice to have the water mostly run off the bag.

So.. any ideas? I'm sure there are more specifications I desire but I can't think of any more right now. Thanks in advance!

edit: I should add that I'll be doing a fair amount of walking with this. Every school day I drive to the Metra (train) stop, take the train into downtown Chicago, walk from the train station to the El (local elevated mass transit) station, then get off the train and walk some more to class.
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post #2 of 31
10/12/09 at 3:14am
Timbuk2. Or, for a slightly geekier but really well made bag, Tom Bihn.

Less expensive and still functional is Manhattan Portage, which like timbuk2 comes in a whole bunch of colors.

I personally use a Chrome Mini.Metro with an incase laptop sleeve and it is my favorite bag of all time. Comfortable cross body strap, easy to pull off (just pop the buckle on the front) and lightweight when empty/expands well when loaded up. Pricey, but worth it, these things are made to last for life. Waterproof lining, durable cordura exterior. This size would likely hold all that, and the bag has two slots that can be used for water bottles if need be (I stick two small nalgene bottles in there).

(laptop bags/sleeves/etc are my business, so I spend a lot of time trying out bags. My job is pretty cool come to think of it.)
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post #3 of 31
10/12/09 at 3:47am
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f11/re...er-bag-440214/
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post #4 of 31
10/12/09 at 3:57am
Thread Starter 
kb1gra - Thanks for the info. From your Timbuk 2 suggestion I've been looking at the Commute 2.0

boomana - Very different requirements and situation, but thanks for the link! There's some good suggestions in there
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post #5 of 31
10/12/09 at 4:02am
I used an Acme Made bag for awhile. They're really nice, however, they won't carry everything you're looking to carry. Though I haven't browsed their site for awhile and they might offer larger models now.

I also came very, veryclose to buying a Tom Bihn bag. They look terrific and one migh meet your needs.

In the end, I got a great deal on a discontinued Tumi in black nylon. I really like it and doubt it'll wear out an time soon. I figure I'll get several more years from it.
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post #6 of 31
10/12/09 at 4:12am
Ordered this bag a few days ago from J. Crew. It has that "Indiana Jones" look.

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post #7 of 31
10/12/09 at 4:50am
What school? UIC?


I like Oakley's bags. This one caught my eye but it's sold out. Oakley AUGIES QUEST COMPUTER BAG available online at Oakley.com



This is the one I have now. https://secure.usstandardissue.com/P...ail.cfm?id=160
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post #8 of 31
10/12/09 at 4:57am
I currently own this backpack, It is truely amazing!! I actually felt like the more weight that was in it, the more comfortable it was. It has a great pocket for a laptop and has plenty of room for your other things.

Amazon.com: PEGASUS from SwissGear by Wenger Computer Backpack: Electronics
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post #9 of 31
10/12/09 at 6:03am
I have owned Timbuk2 messenger and laptop bags, but I prefer Crumplers.
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post #10 of 31
10/12/09 at 12:53pm
Thread Starter 
I was checking out Crumplers also, but I don't like the fact that the bags that I was considering do not have a center hand strap on top, so those are ruled out unfortunately.

I'm trying to see if there's a local place that has a Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 in stock in different sizes so I can see how my laptop fits. Apparently the sizing on the website might not be 100% accurate.
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post #11 of 31
10/12/09 at 12:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by FrozenGecko View Post
I currently own this backpack, It is truely amazing!! I actually felt like the more weight that was in it, the more comfortable it was. It has a great pocket for a laptop and has plenty of room for your other things.

Amazon.com: PEGASUS from SwissGear by Wenger Computer Backpack: Electronics
Right now I think a messenger style bag would be better for me because I am always digging around in my bag for something while on the go and it would be nice to be able to have the bag in front of me very quickly. If I were looking for a backpack that would be a good choice though!

Quote:
Originally Posted by chud View Post
What school? UIC?
DePaul Unversity, Lincoln Park
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post #12 of 31
10/12/09 at 1:51pm
Try this
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post #13 of 31
10/12/09 at 3:01pm


I've used one of these for 6 years. The first one lasted 5 years (I was carrying too much around and almost wore through the metal rings). The fabric still looked brand new though.

It's a victorianox messenger.
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post #14 of 31
10/12/09 at 3:36pm
I tend to like understated but stylish messenger bags. Banana Republic has some great ones:






Another really good brand is Jack Spade:

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post #15 of 31
10/13/09 at 2:17am
Can't go wrong with anything from WaterField Designs. I recommend this one. I've had mine for years and it's still going strong. Their bags are still made in the USA worth every penny.

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