I need a new laptop backpack for work

April 06, 2019, 07:56 PM

Bob at the Beach

Maxpedition. I have used one for going on 3 years. https://www.maxpedition.com/pr...s/malaga-gearslinger

I am not easy on things. It is well made of good materials. It shows no wear. It’s not as padded as some. I like the compartments. A place for everything like charger, sunglasses, paperwork etc.

April 07, 2019, 09:15 AM

pbramlett

I use a Vertx purchased from a member here. It’s great protection for the laptop and the laptop accessories. Also has a hidden pocket for my Sig 2022 or an SBR, perfect for the corporate world and those heated board meetings.

I’ve also flown with it. So don’t forget to unload the secret compartments. If solely for flying it’s still a good rig.

April 07, 2019, 09:25 AM

Bytes

I use this Ogio Bag. If I'm only going to be out of town for two or three days I can get all my clothes and computer gear in it. It's not a backpack but pretty handy with is shoulder strap.

April 07, 2019, 10:24 AM

Beancooker

I have a branded/logoed one from a software company I did a lot of work with, but I believe this is the same backpack. It’s pretty awesome and I highly recommend it. It’s made by Sierra.

I also have the Oakley bathroom sink, and it’s a great pack, and looks way cooler than the Sierra, but the Sierra is a more functional backpack for work.

Link to Sierra backpack

April 07, 2019, 10:26 AM

RHINOWSO

Vertex EDC bag.

April 07, 2019, 10:36 AM

P250UA5

Mid-tier SwissGear here, 3yrs of daily use & occasional flights. Tons of space and easy to overpack.

April 07, 2019, 12:13 PM

Redhookbklyn

I use the Travelpro Crew series.

Plenty of room and is durable for travel.

April 07, 2019, 12:26 PM

corsair

I like Oakley for their sunglasses but, not their backpacks. Too much extraneous findings and style points while lacking in function; the packs are simply brand image and marketshare devices.

I've used all of the ones below, all the brands are solid so, if one model doesn't suit you, there should another that may.

Timbuk2 Especial Scope

Timbuk2 Blitz

The North Face Surge I currently use this, as it's made for travel.

Tortuga Setout

Eagle Creek Global Companion

April 07, 2019, 05:29 PM

maladat

I got kind of obsessed with finding the perfect laptop-carrying work backpack for me and looked at every option I could find and tried a number of them.

My criteria were:

1. Well made.
2. Functional, with reasonable organization options.
3. Doesn't look like I'm going to high school or off to war.

My favorite bag so far, by a wide margin, is the Tech Pack by Aer. I've used it for at least a year and it has held up great and worked very well.

https://www.aersf.com/tech-pack-black

They make a slimmer version, too (basically the same bag minus the middle pocket).

You mention using it for air travel, if you want a one-bag overnight work trip solution, Aer makes a very well-reviewed travel backpack.

https://www.aersf.com/travel-pack-2-black

I haven't tried the Aer Travel Pack because when I went looking for that sort of backpack, I chose the Peak Design Travel Backpack, which is awesome. It's 35 liters and can expand to 45 or the top can fold in to make it 30. The 35 liter configuration is designed to exactly fit the maximum overhead bin carry-on specs. I haven't used it a lot yet but have used Peak Designs' messenger bag and smaller backpack and they have held up great and worked really well.

https://www.peakdesign.com/col...ucts/travel-backpack

April 07, 2019, 05:50 PM

Sig Sauer Kraut

quote:
Originally posted by maladat:
I got kind of obsessed with finding the perfect laptop-carrying work backpack for me and looked at every option I could find and tried a number of them.

My criteria were:

1. Well made.
2. Functional, with reasonable organization options.
3. Doesn't look like I'm going to high school or off to war.

My favorite bag so far, by a wide margin, is the Tech Pack by Aer. I've used it for at least a year and it has held up great and worked very well.

https://www.aersf.com/tech-pack-black

They make a slimmer version, too (basically the same bag minus the middle pocket).

You mention using it for air travel, if you want a one-bag overnight work trip solution, Aer makes a very well-reviewed travel backpack.

https://www.aersf.com/travel-pack-2-black

I haven't tried the Aer Travel Pack because when I went looking for that sort of backpack, I chose the Peak Design Travel Backpack, which is awesome. It's 35 liters and can expand to 45 or the top can fold in to make it 30. The 35 liter configuration is designed to exactly fit the maximum overhead bin carry-on specs. I haven't used it a lot yet but have used Peak Designs' messenger bag and smaller backpack and they have held up great and worked really well.

https://www.peakdesign.com/col...ucts/travel-backpack

Those look really nice. I just can’t get myself to spend that on a laptop bag. I know I get what I pay for but I’ve been happy enough with the bags I’ve used to not spend $200+.

Maybe I’ll change my mind one day and be glad I did.

April 07, 2019, 06:07 PM

Shaql

Man, it's a struggle to find a pack that fits my needs. I like the ogio renegade and the edge creek wayfinder but that seems too streamline. It's amazing how many options are out there!

April 07, 2019, 07:06 PM

corsair

quote:
Originally posted by Shaql:
Man, it's a struggle to find a pack that fits my needs. I like the ogio renegade and the edge creek wayfinder but that seems too streamline. It's amazing how many options are out there!

Backpacks, particularly laptop/school packs are exceptionally competitive, there's a massive market out there, its like shoes, the Back-to-School season June-July is the second largest 'shopping season' after the holiday season. The $100-200 marketplace is already crowded, the $65-120 market is unbelievably crowded, then there's the $25-65 market and that's ridiculous.

The cheaper you go, the more compromises are made in materials and design, in favor of variety & sales, the breakeven price for quality, value and features seem to be around $90. You go above that price and you get more features, better designs, better materials, larger capacity; below of course you get compromises in one of those aspects or, very vanilla features.
These large online retailers can give some perspective :

eBags
Zappos
Backcountry

April 07, 2019, 07:36 PM

sig2392

I have a swiss gear.

Paid about $100 for it, it has lasted for years.

I have been taking it to work daily for at least 5 years.

April 07, 2019, 07:50 PM

Rey HRH

quote:
Originally posted by LBTRS:
I have this one from ebags and really like it. Don't pay full price, you can get it for a large discount by using their codes. I have the black one with brown leather trim.

Professional Slim Laptop Backpack - LTD Edition Top Grain Leather Trim

You have great taste. I have the heather gray color for $116.

But I wouldn’t recommend it for air travel as it doesn’t lay flat for the lap top. They have a version of the same model that opens flat for laptop screening.

"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.

April 08, 2019, 12:52 AM

powermad

quote:
Originally posted by sig2392:
I have a swiss gear.

Paid about $100 for it, it has lasted for years.

I have been taking it to work daily for at least 5 years.

Same here. Been taking it to work for over 10 years. One zipper is screwy but otherwise it's held up very well. Even after lugging around an old heavy ass Toughbook.

April 08, 2019, 01:50 AM

bigdeal

quote:
Originally posted by Beancooker:
I have a branded/logoed one from a software company I did a lot of work with, but I believe this is the same backpack. It’s pretty awesome and I highly recommend it. It’s made by Sierra.

Link to Sierra backpack

Interesting. I bought what I believe is the same bag on a closeout deal at Costco a year or two ago for like $39 and really like it. Lots of storage, and nicely made. No complaints with it so far.