looking for (pen)ultimate laptop bag
November 8, 2015 6:59 PM Subscribe
I say "pen" because while I'm willing to spend a fair amount, max ($200-300, if I have to), I'm not willing to go much above that. I'm hoping I can get one that will 1. last me a long time 2. looks reasonably stylish 3. is somewhat weather resistant. 4. no leather 5. no velcro 6. possibly removable strap.
I know there's many choices; my problem seems to be that while I can find bags that fulfill those requirements, the ones that are all of the aformentioned tend not to 1) hold shape (meaning, they fall over, thought I realize this may be asking a bit much) 2) have sensible compartments/pockets.
My plan is to fit 1 14" laptop inside, plus another smaller shoulder bag, plus my assorted things that I carry with me for light travel. Which usually includes some computer accessories, maybe some food items or a pair of shoes.
In my search so far, during which I've perused Amazon, Carryology, and Ebags, I purchased and tried out the Timbuk2 Command, which was the right size and built well enough - but the bag really can't stand (not tip over) much on its own, and the pockets don't seem all that well thought out (sorry timbuk2!). Obviously everyone has their own needs. I looked at stuff from Defy and Mission Workshop, but same thing there - they look great and built to defend against the elements, but things inside the bag look like they'll just slide around in there. I mean, I don't want to worry about pens, external usb hard disk, lozenges, usb sticks, etc. falling out.
My current bag lets me secure larger items inside several independent pockets, which works great. (Pic here! ) Unfortunately the current bag doesn't secure well enough to stand up to travel, isn't large enough for all the things I want to eventually jam in there, and the strap is terrible. It is pretty cool that the divider between the laptop and the other stuff is a zipped pocket that you can stick a magazine or notebook in.
I don't think I'll be doing much biking with the bag on my back anytime soon, so that's not a top priority.
Ok masters of MeFi bag shopping - whaddaya got?
Thx! : )
I know there's many choices; my problem seems to be that while I can find bags that fulfill those requirements, the ones that are all of the aformentioned tend not to 1) hold shape (meaning, they fall over, thought I realize this may be asking a bit much) 2) have sensible compartments/pockets.
My plan is to fit 1 14" laptop inside, plus another smaller shoulder bag, plus my assorted things that I carry with me for light travel. Which usually includes some computer accessories, maybe some food items or a pair of shoes.
In my search so far, during which I've perused Amazon, Carryology, and Ebags, I purchased and tried out the Timbuk2 Command, which was the right size and built well enough - but the bag really can't stand (not tip over) much on its own, and the pockets don't seem all that well thought out (sorry timbuk2!). Obviously everyone has their own needs. I looked at stuff from Defy and Mission Workshop, but same thing there - they look great and built to defend against the elements, but things inside the bag look like they'll just slide around in there. I mean, I don't want to worry about pens, external usb hard disk, lozenges, usb sticks, etc. falling out.
My current bag lets me secure larger items inside several independent pockets, which works great. (Pic here! ) Unfortunately the current bag doesn't secure well enough to stand up to travel, isn't large enough for all the things I want to eventually jam in there, and the strap is terrible. It is pretty cool that the divider between the laptop and the other stuff is a zipped pocket that you can stick a magazine or notebook in.
I don't think I'll be doing much biking with the bag on my back anytime soon, so that's not a top priority.
Ok masters of MeFi bag shopping - whaddaya got?
Thx! : )
I love Lo & Sons' OG bag, it's nylon and pleather. Hold its shape super well and is thoughtfully designed. I use it for work and as a carry-on. the Cambridge looks similar but in waxed canvas.
posted by mlo at 9:11 PM on November 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by mlo at 9:11 PM on November 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you don't mind the endless tacticool verbiage, I could happily recommend some of 5.11 Tactical's stuff. I'm not sure this is exactly the model I have, but the one I have (bought at least 5 years back and still in good shape despite daily use), but this is similar, at least. If you want to go bigger, there's this, and if you want smaller, there's this. Their whole page of different bags is here.
Their stuff, including their clothing, is generally well thought through and very high quality and durable. But it might look a bit more military than you want (and there's some velcro on some internal compartments and whatnot, but it's not essential for use). Many of their bags also feature MOLLE attachments, which let you add on stuff, but again, make they look even more military, so that might go both ways for you.
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 1:37 AM on November 9, 2015
Their stuff, including their clothing, is generally well thought through and very high quality and durable. But it might look a bit more military than you want (and there's some velcro on some internal compartments and whatnot, but it's not essential for use). Many of their bags also feature MOLLE attachments, which let you add on stuff, but again, make they look even more military, so that might go both ways for you.
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 1:37 AM on November 9, 2015
I love Lo & Sons' OG bag, it's nylon and pleather.
Lo & Sons uses real leather trim. You can verify on the materials tab: "100% Leather Trim - Handles and trim crafted from durable real leather."
I'll throw in a vote for Tom Bihn. The bags may fall over, but there are o-rings build into every bag to which you can clip zipper organizers and pouches to make sure small things don't fly out. They are within your budget (if you don't go crazy with accessories) and may be your ultimate bag, not just the penultimate--these things are indestructible. You may like the Pilot as it has some pockets and is divided in half kind of like your current bag. "Reasonably stylish" is subjective but they do have some nice colors at least.
Alternatively, they make an organizer panel that you can slip into one of their bags or any bag that will fit--and they sell a variety of sizes.
Similarly, you can buy a piece of acrylic cut to fit the bottom of any bag you buy (Google "base shaper") which will help the bag not fall over. In general I think tote bags will do better at standing upright than messenger styles. Evernote sells a messenger designed to stand on its own, but it has leather trim.
posted by mama casserole at 5:32 AM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Lo & Sons uses real leather trim. You can verify on the materials tab: "100% Leather Trim - Handles and trim crafted from durable real leather."
I'll throw in a vote for Tom Bihn. The bags may fall over, but there are o-rings build into every bag to which you can clip zipper organizers and pouches to make sure small things don't fly out. They are within your budget (if you don't go crazy with accessories) and may be your ultimate bag, not just the penultimate--these things are indestructible. You may like the Pilot as it has some pockets and is divided in half kind of like your current bag. "Reasonably stylish" is subjective but they do have some nice colors at least.
Alternatively, they make an organizer panel that you can slip into one of their bags or any bag that will fit--and they sell a variety of sizes.
Similarly, you can buy a piece of acrylic cut to fit the bottom of any bag you buy (Google "base shaper") which will help the bag not fall over. In general I think tote bags will do better at standing upright than messenger styles. Evernote sells a messenger designed to stand on its own, but it has leather trim.
posted by mama casserole at 5:32 AM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Waterfield. I'm currently carrying a Staad backpack that fits my needs perfectly but doesn't quite match your criteria. They have several designs and numerous options, and their quality and customer service are top-notch.
posted by HillbillyInBC at 7:06 AM on November 9, 2015
posted by HillbillyInBC at 7:06 AM on November 9, 2015
Briggs & Riley have come through a couple of times when we wanted a nice looking bag with enough pockets for all of the extra stuff we don't want rattling around and falling to the bottom of the bag.
posted by stefanie at 8:20 AM on November 9, 2015
posted by stefanie at 8:20 AM on November 9, 2015
Everything I have purchased from Tom Bihn is top notch. I suggest you take a look through their line.
posted by Silvertree at 11:10 AM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Silvertree at 11:10 AM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions! The only Waterfield ones that are not leather are the ballistic Cargo bags - but they are definitely in the right neighborhood. : ) Pondering whether I like the 'put the notebook computer in through the zipper top' vs. the typical open-the-flap, but that's probably just 'cause I'm paranoid about thefty things. It's on the 'almost!' list.
Pacsafe's Intasafe z400 is pretty cool, but currently only have 'slate green' anywhere in stock (which is more minty looking, if you ask me).
Tom Bihn does have many many choices! although the Pilot says it only fits a 13" laptop (mine is 14", so I would probably err the side of something that will hold a 15").
The quest continues!
posted by bitterkitten at 12:04 PM on November 9, 2015
Pacsafe's Intasafe z400 is pretty cool, but currently only have 'slate green' anywhere in stock (which is more minty looking, if you ask me).
Tom Bihn does have many many choices! although the Pilot says it only fits a 13" laptop (mine is 14", so I would probably err the side of something that will hold a 15").
The quest continues!
posted by bitterkitten at 12:04 PM on November 9, 2015
What about one of GoRuck's rucks? The GR1 has a dedicated laptop compartment inside, and those bags are seriously durable, put up with a ton of abuse, and have a solid warranty. I use a T3 ruck as my go-to bag, and it's big enough to fit a laptop, and 3 days' worth of gear inside. It's got more MOLLE than you might want, though.
posted by culfinglin at 2:24 PM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by culfinglin at 2:24 PM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
My list of desired features was pretty much the same as yours. I ended up with the Tom Bihn Empire Builder, although your definition of reasonably stylish may vary greatly from mine. It has definitely held up to travel for me.
posted by ActingTheGoat at 5:01 PM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by ActingTheGoat at 5:01 PM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
I really like the Baggalini Alfa bag. Pockets everywhere, reasonably stylish, reasonably water-resistant, removable strap, great for travel.
posted by Owlcat at 8:19 PM on November 9, 2015
posted by Owlcat at 8:19 PM on November 9, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 8:50 PM on November 8, 2015 [1 favorite]