Slim backpack for 17.3" laptop
February 28, 2016 11:00 AM   Subscribe

I'm looking for a slim, minimalist backpack for a 17.3" laptop. Degree of difficulty: laptop measures about 1" larger both width and height compared to a 17" Macbook Pro, so I think a lot of 17" bags designed to snugly fit a MBP are going to be a smidge too small.

The laptop in question measures 16.5" H x 11" W, and I'm running into the problem that manufacturers apparently think that if you're carrying around such an enormous laptop you also need to carry half your office with you. I've got a big Targus messanger bag that is probably close to 10 years old by now and is never going to die. It measures about 20x14x4.5 and weighs at least 3 lbs; I am looking for a backpack that is smaller/lighter. Durable zippers are a must. So far Amazon hasn't turned up my dream bag, but perhaps you know of an independent maker that does?
posted by drlith to Computers & Internet (7 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
I'd check out Tom Bihn's offerings. The Brain Bag is a lot bigger than what you want, but something like the Synapse 25 or the Smart Alec might suit the bill. They might also be able to make a custom sleeve (it looks like their largest Cache sleeve is just a wee bit too small).
posted by brianogilvie at 11:28 AM on February 28, 2016


The Crumpler Light Delight or Ultralight might fit.
posted by neushoorn at 11:31 AM on February 28, 2016


The ebags house brand TLS slim might be worth a look.
posted by rtha at 12:00 PM on February 28, 2016 [1 favorite]


Note that TB bags often come in two fabrics: a sturdy ballistic and a significantly lighter-weight Dyneema (may have just changed the name to Halcyon) version. That might help with the weight issue.
posted by praemunire at 12:02 PM on February 28, 2016


Timbuk2 does make a few slim bags. I don't know if your laptop will fit in the Leader backpack (as you don't give depth), but it probably will in the Q Laptop bag. The bigger Q Laptop bag is still only 2.3 lbs.

I've got one of their messenger-style bags and although I tend to stuff it right full, it's quite durable.
posted by nat at 1:25 PM on February 28, 2016


I've been using the Q bag referenced by nat for about six months with a Lenovo laptop with dimensions of 16.375" x 11.25". I have to wedge it in a *tiny* bit but once it's in the fit is not particularly snug and it zippers up without strain. I'm very happy with it.
posted by MillMan at 3:49 PM on February 28, 2016


No bag suggestions, but when I had a similar issue, I cut a rectangle of corrugated cardboard the the desired dimensions and took that around to stores. Much more convenient, and you don't look like a shop lifter.
posted by SemiSalt at 4:05 PM on February 28, 2016


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