Again I revisit the computer bag dilemma
I have been very lucky, I have never actually had to purchase a laptop bag. I got a fancy leather one for free with my first Dell Laptop, and then I started going to conferences and got bundles of them. But conference bags (while free) are not always representative of the quality I would like to represent myself with.
At Max 2004, I saw a blog post on MXNA by Christian Cantrell. He stated the next person to grab him and tell him they saw the post got a cool Timbuk2 bag. A couple hours later while getting seated for the sneak peaks show I saw him wander by. I grabbed him and became the owner of a wonderful red timbuk2 messenger bag with the Flask MX 2004 logo on it. I was so proud of that bag, I took it every where. then it started to get dirty and fray a little. I talked to the timbuk2 folks because their bags have a lifetime guarantee. They would replace it but I would loose the embroidery that made it special. So I kept on using my precious bag.
Then the next year at Max I ended up filling in and doing a presentation. As a gift (since I had already paid for my conf pass) they gave me a targus backpack. This bag became my new special item. It has a patch on the back labeling it as Macromedia Final Edition. I have used this bag for 29 months. It has gone on every training trip, every conference (about 20 since I got it ), and to and from work everyday. And its starting to see some wear. The rubber bottom that is meant to keep everything dry has warn some wholes. The padded back has started to fray. And yesterday as I loaded into my truck, I noticed that the zipper had split. This bag is nearing its last day.
So without having received an Adobe bag for anything yet, I am at last in a position to buy a new laptop bag. In contention at this point are the Cross Commute and Classic Messenger from Timbuk2. The embarrassment bags from crumpler(their site is down so no links for them 
), and also a backpack from crumpler that is dual purpose to pack my Nikkon D70 around.
The reason that I post this, is because I need some help. 90% of my readers ( thats a rounded number meaning 5 out of the 6 of you ) are laptop carrying folk. What do you LOVE about your current (or past) bags. I don’t want to hear that you had a timbuk2 bag and it was cool. I want to know what about your bag makes it better than all the other bags. Its a laptop bag, cage match to the death. And I am perfectly willing to consider outside alternatives, I just dont know any other good ones.
15 Feb 2008 Simeon
I too have the MX2004 timbuk2 messenger bag, but the zip for the back pocket is bust. However, I can honestly say that’s the best laptop bag I’ve ever owned, and the next time I have to buy one (currently blessed with free company backpacks) it’ll be a timbuk2 cross commute.
Amen. That MX 2004 bag was the best schwag ever. I’d still be using it, but it’s looking pretty worn. I use the larger timbuk2 bag we got at Flash on the Beach now. Timbuk2 is great.
Oops, sorry. I just told you what you said you didn’t want to hear.
Ok, keith I will let it slide just this once
I am glad I am not the only one that holds my flash 2k4 bag in such high regard. I think i am leaning towards Steven’s suggestion of the Cross Commute. My only rub is it says it fits the 17″ laptop, but its only 16″ inches wide. So I dont really see that happening. I have a 15″ MacBook Pro, but was thinking of going to the 17″ later this year (holding out for LED displays). So I want to get a bag that accommodates the 17″ if I can.
I knew I should have bought one of Ted’s charity ebay bags. Need to con somebody at Adobe into making some Flex 3 bags. Actually I bet they have them, I just need to find the right person to buy beer for
Hey Keith, speaking of great schwag what did you get today?
I actually use two bags now - an everyday bag, which is a nice Adobe/swis army bag, and my latest bag for travel, a Tamrac Adventure 9 bag. The reason for the Tamrac is that I needed a business travel bag that could handle both my laptop and associated gear as well as my dSLR and a couple of spare lenses and accessories. I really like the Tamrac, although the only thing I wish it had that it doesn’t is a tripod mount system. They have a slightly bigger bag that does have that, but it was a little too big for my purposes.
http://www.tamrac.com/5549.htm
It’s not on your list, but I lovelovelove my backpack (a Yavapi by The North Face). There are three main compartments. The main one has a sleeve for the MBP (but works with less awesome laptops of course), lots of room for other goodies, and a larger zippered pocket. The middle one has room enough for books or paper work plus my power brick, two small velcro pockets and lots of little open pockets for biz cards, pens, and so on. The front (narrow) compartment is perfect for cd’s, the mail, snacks, and other little stuff that would otherwise get lost in one of the other 2 compartments. And there are two bungee’d water bottle/red bull/travel mug/hip flask pockets on the outside.
I can pack this baby heavy and full for a long travel day, or light for a busy conference day. My Nikon D40 fits perfectly (in or out of its MROCK case) in either the large or middle compartment. The shoulder straps are well padded and comfortable - and very adjustable.
Best of all… it was free. I won it at a company party. Scott has major backpack envy because it also works great for day hikes… so I need to find one for him some day too!
Hmmm… nevermind. Now I want that Tamrac bag that Rob recommends, and Scott can have my ghetto North Face bag!
Hey Jen,
I didnt know north face made laptop bags. After looking into it I have to add the Surge Daypack to the list of considerations. Its is the closest approximation to my current targus bag that I love.
http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AE5T
I so want one of these. $129 is a bit silly, though.
- max
I have 2 Ogio bags that I got when working for LoveSac. The first one I got (about 4 years ago) is a traditional style laptop bag and the one I still use regularly today. It’s very well-made and has all the things I need. The other one is back-pack style, and I use it if I’m going to be walking around alot, like at an expo or conference.
Oqio:
http://www.ogio.com/product.php?product=453
I really like Crumpler bags. I have “the considerable embarrassment”. http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=5
http://www.booqbags.com/
WOW! Dave the bar has been set. Good god those are nice (and expensive bags)!
The Python XL System is now an my wishlist. I think I will have a hard time justifying the expense to my wife
I have a cupboard full of bags. there’s always a new combo of PC/camera/trip (day, overnight, etc)/style (formal, family, etc) that just doesn’t quite fit what I’ve got so I’m hunting for something new.
If you want something to PROTECT your laptop and carry a few bits of paper, some pens and maybe a novel then I reckon the very best is a ballistic nylon PC bag with lots of padding. They are indestructable (almost); reasonably sized for planes, trains and automobiles; and OK to carry for short walks. I’ve had several but my favourite is made by Dell that I got free about a decade ago. It’s outlasted several laptops.
If you are carrying a bit more stuff - say for an overnight stop - or plan on walking further or perhaps cycling then I recommend a messenger style bag. I have one from Eagle Creek (sounds American, but I bought it in the UK from Rohan about £50-£60 I think). I’ve had it for years, and take it loads of places. It’s great for family days out with no PC as it soaks up stuff and has mesh pockets on the outside for drinks. There’s a few small pockets for pens. The bag shuts with a mix of velcro and snap fastner things (what’s their proper name?); and the shoulder strap is log with adjustable padding. The biggest drawback is that it isn’t a computer bag so the main pocket has no padding to speak of and nothing to hold the PC, notepads, etc in place so it all slides to the bottom. It’s still a firm favourite though.
When I bought my dSLR I also bought a small Crumpler (a medium sized Ben’s Pizza) that fits it snuggly. It’s got padding in the right place, is just the right size, has a great shoulder strap, accessing the camera is easy, and doesn’t scream camera bag. There’s a small front pocket for spare batteries or a polarising filter. I’ve used it loads and it still looks pristine.
The trouble with dSLRs is that very shortly after buying one, you start to acquire other bits - lenses, tripods, strobes, etc. The Eagle Creek messenger bag doesn’t work for this - just the wrong shape. I inherited another Crumpler - a Stunner - from my better half, which holds the dSLR with one lends attached and another in a pouch which is OK.
Finally, a few weeks ago I bought my third Crumpler on eBay - a Brian’s Hot Tub - which will hold twice the camera gear that I have, a 17″ laptop and much more besides. Great functional design as you would expect. Loads of clips, zips and velcro. But, it looks like you have a suitcase on your back. I’m not sure that we are going to have a long term relationship.
Used a 25 litre North Face this morning with a load of camera gear - no tripod - and a big book (Iain Bank’s latest). The usual amusements whilst my daughter went to a party. This worked well, but there’s no laptop in there, and no padding.
My search for the perfect dSLR and laptop bag continues. I have discarded (at least for now) the idea of a sling bag. I want a rucksack style bag; I want it to be adaptable; I want it to protect my stuff; and I want it to look good. I’m tempted by LowePro but the price is scary. I considered Tamrac but got the big Crumpler instead - I may look again. The Adventure 9 piqued my interest.
Finally, you obvioulsy go to a better class of conference. I’ve never received a freebie conference bag that I’d want to put a laptop or a camera in, and those that have looked good inevitably fall apart in a few months with moderate use.
I’ve been using the Swiss MAXXUM for years and love it.
http://www.amazon.com/MAXXUM-SwissGear-Wenger-Computer-Backpack/dp/B0007QCT0G
The best thing about it is the huge open pocket. It comes in handy when you need to quickly stuff something in there and go. It holds a jacket, books, papers, water bottles, lunch, whatever.
Besides that it has plenty of other pockets. Some small for organization and some large for storing lots of crap. When I went to 360Flex in SanJo this is the only backpack I took. No other luggage. I even had a small pillow in there.
Sim,
I’ve been using my swiss army laptop bag for 3 years and it shows no wear. I can fit two laptops inside of it along with various cords and books and such with no trouble.
Have a look at their line, if you are interested in a snazzy bag that will keep up with your hectic life.
Dan Wilson
+1 on Dave’s recommendation on Booq Bags…I love my Follee 2L, especially the magnetic flap on the outermost section. Great for local use and traveling, and it has the dual zippers on the back to slip over the handle on my rolling bag. I also like the “sleeve” that comes with it for taking the laptop to meetings within the building, etc. They are very expensive — $200 and up — but in this case you get what you pay for in quality and convenience.
I love Kensington Countour Products. This laptop bag is great:
http://us.kensington.com/html/4727.html
Although, it won’t fit a 17 inch without removing the inner protection pocket. I ended up giving the kensington to my GF and buying a Swiss Gear Pegasus. I just picked it up off the shelf at Circuit City:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Wenger-Pegasus-Backpack-GA730606F00/sem/rpsm/oid/184112/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
You had mentioned earlier in this thread that something was 16″ wide, so wouldn’t fit a 17″ notebook. When ‘we’ talk about a 17″ screen, that is the diagonal, and the width is probably less than 17″.
Hey Simeon,
The only way to go IMHO is with Chrome Bags.
http://www.chromebags.com
They make the original bike messenger bag, they are rugged, I’ve toted mine around for three years now just about every day and it still looks and performs like it was brand new. I carry it on my bike most of the time and have taken several good falls and my laptop and bag both emerging unscathed.
They come in a multitude of sizes and have laptop inserts to protect your precious MBP.
OK… so I caved, and bought the $129 Incase bag I posted on earlier.
This thing kicks ass. It weighs half as much as my old bag, and packs as much stuff (sans portable keyboard, which I never really carried around) with room to spare. It’s very well designed, with pockets specifically sized for Mac-cessories (power adapter, Airport Express, wireless Mighty Mouse, etc.).
Highly recommended.
- max
The SwissGear Carbon Backpack is PERFECT for the 17″ MacBook Pro. Not the Synergy or the Maxxum - the Carbon. I’ve tried all three, sleeves and a few other brands. Only the Carbon actually fits the MBP snugly and has just the right amount of space for all your other crap. also looks a lot cooler than the incase
Just as a follow up on this, I thought I would let you all know that after much deliberation I have put on order a new Timbuk2 Commute 2008 Large Bag. I saw one of these bags at REI last weekend, and was very impressed. Unlike my previous Timbuk2 messenger bags, the laptop compartment is now separated from the main cargo hold. This frees up a ton of space in the bag. I have been using my old Timbuk2 bag for the last couple weeks and I have to say, I really do like the feel of the messenger bag over the backpack.
Will it travel with me? I don’t know. But Timbuk2 has added a pass through pocket so this bag can be attached to a rollerboard suitcase, so they obviously plan on you traveling which I consider a winner of a deal. Also this bag comes with the shoulder pad, which is an add-on for most of their bags.
Serious consideration was given to the NorthFace bags, and the BooqBags. But I decided that the BooqBags where more than I wanted to spend, and after spending some time with it, I decided I wanted another messenger bag for now.
Thanks so much for all the comments. This has to be my most commented post ever. I knew I was doing the right thing by taking this to the community.
Wonderful variety of computer bags are available at Cross store with many coupons……!
Just wanted to point out that 17 inch laptops are generally not 17 inches wide, since the monitor size is diagonal. The 17″ MBP, for example, is only 15.4 inches wide.