Open Thread: Favorite Laptop Bags?
I’m in the market for a new laptop bag, so thought I’d ask you, the WWD readership, for some input. I currently use a couple of laptop bags, the first being a Crumpler Salary Sacrifice, which fits my 13-inch Macbook Pro perfectly, but doesn’t have a lot of room for much else. I also have a Lowepro CompuTrekker AW, in which fits my laptop, SLR and most of my lenses, yet still meets the carry-on luggage stipulations of most airlines (and also has a great all-weather cover — useful if out and about).
So why am I looking for a third option? The trouble is that neither of my current two bags have enough space for other stuff when I’m traveling, which means I nearly always have to take another bag, even on really short trips (the LowePro actually could have enough space, but that would mean removing its foam inserts — something I don’t want to have to do each time I go on a trip). I’d like to get something with a bit more space than the Crumpler, so I can go on shorter trips without needing to tote an extra bag.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
- A bag that fits my 13-inch MacBook Pro, accessories and my camera (but not all of my lenses — if I’m going on a photo-taking trip I’ll take the LowePro)
- It should be durable, with protection for my gadgets.
- It should also fit toiletries and a change of clothes or two — so it’ll need to be a larger bag. It must meet carry-on luggage size restrictions, though.
- Ideally, I’d like it to be a backpack, but I’d consider other styles.
- I’d like something with a little style that doesn’t scream “Steal me!” (so it shouldn’t look too much like a laptop bag).
OK, reader, over to you — what’s your favorite bag, and why should I buy it?
I have a Booq Taipan Shadow. Best bag I’ve ever owned. It’s made incredibly well, with high quality materials and good stitching. I can fit my 15in MacBook Pro, iPad, charger (with long cord attached), portable hard drive, and various other accessories with ease. I’m not a huge fan of the orange lining on the flap, but it’s a minor complaint overall. If you want something that’s going to last you, this is it.
i like my timbuk2 hal
this is the new version
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/laptop-backpacks/hal-backpack
i have friends with the q
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/laptop-backpacks/q-backpack and they also love it
Take a look at Kata’s line of photography bags, especially the 3N1, designed for laptop and netbooks. I’m considering getting the 3N1-11. It has enough space for my camera, two lenses, a compact strobe, and a few other items. It even had a pouch that will fit an iPad.
Kata 3N1-33 ~ http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?Version=photo&p_Id=19773
Review of 3N1 ~ http://reviews.photographyreview.com/blog/kata-3n1-11-3n1-22-and-3n1-33-sling-backpacks/
I love my Timbuk2 laptop bag. I also have an Undercover Stealth Laptop Case by Perpetualkid, which is a good (and funny) sleeve.
Try the Booq Boa Flow M. It has a separate collapsible compartment for a SLR:
http://www.booqbags.com/All-Products/Boa-laptop-bags/Boa-flow-M-laptop-backpack
The Timbuk2 Underground is pretty good as well, and inexpensive:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fazalmajid/2280506788/in/set-72157607139545715/
The Booq Python Blur has me salivating at the moment….
Yeah, that looks very nice!
Yeah, that looks really nice. I would get it right now if nto for the price tag.
Chris Brogan and Michael Hyatt have recently written posts on their respective blogs concerning the perfect carry-on. The following links are to their posts.
http://bit.ly/b8guAu
http://bit.ly/dBfVdy
Thanks, Cynthia. That Eagle Creek case looks great!
Rolling bags FTW! My favorite probably doesn’t meet all of your specs, but I like the Eddie Bauer rolling laptop bag. First off – it rolls! Next, I can piggy-back a carry on “personal item” on top of it if I need to. It fits my laptop + accessories and camera + accessories but it is not big enough for the toiletries and change of clothes. Then again, I am female and therefore prone to having a larger toiletries kit than a guy’s… anyhow, that’s what the “personal item” second bag would be for if it’s just a quick trip. It works for me because – did I mention this? – it ROLLS, and it is not too big/heavy for me to lift over my head into the luggage compartment above my seat.
Erin
I think you’re right — a rolling bag would be useful. Especially as I already have a couple of backpacks.
Check out eBags.com house line. I have a convertible roller/overnight/backpack and a messenger from them, and I think they make a bag exactly like you’re looking for. The quality is tremendous for the price.
This one? http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/perspective-mobile-laptop-office-vertical/88844?productid=1370247
Looks like it would be perfect, actually!
Must be doing maintenance on the site, but here’s the link: http://www.ebags.com/brand/ebags