Laptop Backpack

[Danone]

I just acquired a new laptop for grad school which will be my primary computing device.

What do you recommend as a durable and protective laptop backpack?

Anyone purchase anything recent within the last year or so?

 

Thanks for your suggestions

Edited July 7, 2014 by Danone

[Munashi]

I have one made by Patagonia that I bought at an apple store years ago (2008).  It is just fine for carrying around my 15'' laptops + other personal items/books.

[victorydance]

Any backpack with a separate area for a laptop in the main compartment or a separate one on the outside that can fit your laptop is fine.

[spectastic]

I recommend something made of duct tape

[Danone]

Duct tape is cool. I had a duct tape wallet at one point...

[spectastic]

do it. you'll accentuate from the crowd, and your cohort will respect your resourcefulness

[Danone]

You've got jokes!

[iphi]

Just want to say to check the weight of the backpacks! I just bought one (by Jansport, but not the common looking ones ... hatch something?) and I got it because it has a laptop compartment but it's still so light! When I was in the store looking at backpacks it seemed like most of the ones I would try out seemed as though you were already carrying weight when it was still empty. I figured there was no point in my getting an ultra light computer if my backpack would add on the pounds anyway.

Edited July 7, 2014 by iphi

[Sigaba]

I recommend the Arcteryx Blade 24 or Blade 15, provided you're not also carrying a lot of books. If you're hauling a lot of books, the Blade 30 may prove more convenient.

 

If you can find one on sale, the Arcteryx Khard 30 with an after-market computer sleeve is almost perfect.

 

It pains me (literally) to say that while the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is a very well designed backpack, the lack of a frame sheet makes it a poor candidate for carrying around books.

Edited July 7, 2014 by Sigaba

[Aurora15]

I bought the North Face Surge backpack last Fall for my first semester as a grad student. It has a really nice, padded area for your laptop in a completely separate zipper compartment. I highly recommend it!

[Danone]

Oh, I forgot to add. I would also be carrying books and notebooks as well.

[GeoDUDE!]

I have a goruck GR1: It's simply the best backpack on the market but comes at a steep 300 dollar price, but also well worth it.

 

The GR1 not only has a lifetime warranty (something available on cheaper backpacks) but can easily be used as a school, office backpack as well as be a weekend bag or a camping backpack. One of the reasons it functions so well is the top of the bag lets you completely zip down the main compartment, functioning more like a suitcase and less like a backpack. It also has a plastic sheet frame inserted in the back (removable) to give sturdiness when carrying loads over 20 lbs or so. 

 

you can read Jason's ( Goruck's founder) essay on it: http://news.goruck.com/gear-explained/gr1-explained-by-jason-gorucks-founder/

 

Goruck is kinda the flavor of the month in the carry enthusiast circles (yes, we exist), but its also probably the 1 bag i would own if I couldn't own anything else.

 

 

If that is out of your price range (which it is for most people, I understand that I am a freak for spending that much money) I would go to a place like REI and try out a bunch of backpacks. A good backpack should cost at least 100 dollars, and really shouldn't be skimped on. 

[Sigaba]

I have a goruck GR1: It's simply the best backpack on the market but comes at a steep 300 dollar price, but also well worth it.

 

The GR1 not only has a lifetime warranty (something available on cheaper backpacks) but can easily be used as a school, office backpack as well as be a weekend bag or a camping backpack. One of the reasons it functions so well is the top of the bag lets you completely zip down the main compartment, functioning more like a suitcase and less like a backpack. It also has a plastic sheet frame inserted in the back (removable) to give sturdiness when carrying loads over 20 lbs or so. 

 

you can read Jason's ( Goruck's founder) essay on it: http://news.goruck.com/gear-explained/gr1-explained-by-jason-gorucks-founder/

 

Goruck is kinda the flavor of the month in the carry enthusiast circles (yes, we exist), but its also probably the 1 bag i would own if I couldn't own anything else.

 

 

If that is out of your price range (which it is for most people, I understand that I am a freak for spending that much money) I would go to a place like REI and try out a bunch of backpacks. A good backpack should cost at least 100 dollars, and really shouldn't be skimped on. 

 

The following should not be taken as a criticism of GeoDUDE! What follows is merely offered #FWIW.

 

First, interested parties should be aware that Goruck's packs have been a source of great controversy in the EDC community. Potential buyers should do their due diligence so that they make an informed decision. While Goruck has addressed many of these issues through improved QC and better customer relations, a high degree of polarization remains in many circles. (By way of contrast, one rarely hears similar complaints about packs by Mystery Ranch, Kifaru, London Bridge Trading, or Arcteryx's LEAF division.)

 

Second, in evaluating what makes a pack the "best," please consider the purpose of that pack, the intended user, as well as how often one sees the pack being resold and why. The GR series are scaled down versions of packs intended for .MIL use in combat zones. Consequently, such packs are not only going to be expensive, they're also often heavier than more conventional packs.

 

My $0.02/YMMV.

[Maleficent999]

I have an Everlane twill snap backpack. The fabric is really durable and it has a separate laptop compartment. Personally, I still suggest putting your laptop in a durable case even if your backpack has a separate compartment, if only to protect from scratches or add an extra barrier.

 

https://www.everlane.com/collections/womens-backpacks/products/womens-twill-backpack-navy

[Roll Right]

I made the mistake of ordering a messenger bag with a built in laptop charger. The idea is great, but the weight of a messenger bag on, with a laptop and a few books it in, really messes up your shoulder after continual commutes to campus.

 

A backpack is definitely the way to go. I don't think a "laptop" bag is necessarily the way to go, though. I have a backpack for hiking that I use, it distributes the weight evenly on my shoulders and back, and it can carry a laptop, headphones, books, paperwork, etc., with ease.

 

I use the hiking backpack because I walk a lot during my commute, though. If you don't walk a ton then perhaps its a silly idea.

[gingin6789]

This one!!

 

http://ogio.com/soho

 

I got it, and I've taken it on a test run...I decided to spend my day at my first college, and I brought my laptop and everything I need for the day, and it all fits wonderfully in the backpack (with room for books for when I start grad school, of course!)!

 

EDIT: If you're a dude, they still have backpacks on the website.  I still say you could use these backpacks if you like/don't care about colorful polka dots on the inside.  

 

The straps are also made "for women," which just means the straps are cut in a way so that a woman's bust won't get in the way of the straps. 

Edited July 9, 2014 by gingin6789

[Danone]

Has anyone owned one of these?
http://www.brenthaven.com/macbook-cases/prostyle-bp-xf

[spectastic]

so fancy..

 

why not just get a prada purse?

[Danone]

Is this better? http://www.timbuk2.com/q-laptop-backpack/396.html?dwvar_396_size=7&dwvar_396_color=4090

[Sigaba]

Has anyone owned one of these?

http://www.brenthaven.com/macbook-cases/prostyle-bp-xf

 

Hey, Danone.

 

Do you really need a pack geared towards professionals? Yes, they tend to look great and be better made than packs geared towards students. However, they often lack the type of versatility you might want as a student: in particular, open mesh pockets for smaller items you frequently use, zippered pockets sized and placed just right for an extra layer, and larger pockets that can be STUFFED with books without raising concerns about damaging one's laptop.

 

To give you an example, the Arcteryx Blade 24 holds a lot for work and looks at home in DTLA   but it is almost useless in the library  . In contrast, the similarly-sized Arcteryx Mantis looks...a bit out of place...in the office   and it is very nifty in the stacks when I need to pull out a notebook, a jacket, or dive into a mesh pocket for an allergy pill.

[AvatarPsych]

I ordered a North Face Surge II. It has good reviews, and below the laptop sleeve a tube so that when you set your backpack down, it's cushioned.

 

I looked around online a LOT until I found "the One" and that one seemed to hold a lot of books as well as distribute the weight evenly on the back. We shall see!