Travel Products - Laptop Backpack & Carry-On Luggage: What do you use?

Hi there!

I'm looking for a new laptop backpack and/or little suitcase/duffel that will be good for making tight connections. What do you use? Any recommendations?

I was spoiled on my last project - direct flight for 4 hours in a 767. I either slept or watched a few movies and it was all gravy.

Now I need to switch airports on 2 short haul flights, going across the border. The plane compartments are smaller, my suitcase just fits but the attendants are always fussing about it before I go in, and it's annoying for both parties to always explain that it'll fit. I'm looking for a change anyway.

- PowerBag (http://www.mypowerbag.com/) was recommended, but I don't see the value in paying that when I can just get a separate, better quality charger and pop it into a nicer bag.
- I currently use a large purse to hold my laptop, but my back is not liking it, as it's monstrous

Cheers!

Erin

I use a black 19 inch super light rolling suitcase from Vera Bradley. It is light, easily fits clothes for 2-3 days and fits under seat or overhead even on most CRJs and Embraers. It does not fit the CRJ 200 or the Embraer 135-145, where I gate check it. It is even narrow enough to roll down the aisle of most planes so you don't have to carry it on, you can roll it.

I have a variety of Vera Bradley totes/handbags that I slide the laptop/netbook/IPAD (whichever I am taking) into and they ride along comfortably on top of the bag. Some styles, like the new Vera laptop tote is checkpoint friendly, though I have not used it. The Vera Metropolitan style bag fits over the handle of a rolling bag with a trolley sleeve and has a padded section to protect laptop. If interested, check dimensions and reviews on site to see if yours might fit. I mention this as you referenced how heavy your laptop seemed in your handbag.

I like the Vera pleated totes and villager style totes because I can fill them full with chargers, kindle, netbook, etc and they fit easily underseat on the little Embraer 135/145 one seat side that i often find myself using. The totes also have lots of inside pockets to keep things organized.

The Vera bags are all quilted cloth, not leather. This makes them lighter to carry, which I find an advantage. They have lots of bold colors, and busy patterns, but most of their items are available also in a few standard solid colors like black, navy and brown.

Unfortunately, the 19 inch super lite has been discontinued, but Vera does now carry at 17 inch roll along tote with laptop compartment that you might find interesting.

They have a web site of course, www.verabradley.com And Amazon carries Vera as does ebags. (But Vera runs sales that are only on its own site.
My only connection with them is that I own Vera bags and luggage.)

I have a Tumi T-Tech backpack for my laptop - my back started to hurt too much with a standard messenger-style bag.

My carryon is a 22" Kirkland (Costco) roller bag made to copy Tumi's bag at the time I bought it (12 years ago).

Please continue to follow this thread in the Travel Products Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

Hi there!

I'm looking for a new laptop backpack and/or little suitcase/duffel that will be good for making tight connections. What do you use? Any recommendations?

I was spoiled on my last project - direct flight for 4 hours in a 767. I either slept or watched a few movies and it was all gravy.

Now I need to switch airports on 2 short haul flights, going across the border. The plane compartments are smaller, my suitcase just fits but the attendants are always fussing about it before I go in, and it's annoying for both parties to always explain that it'll fit. I'm looking for a change anyway.

- PowerBag (http://www.mypowerbag.com/) was recommended, but I don't see the value in paying that when I can just get a separate, better quality charger and pop it into a nicer bag.
- I currently use a large purse to hold my laptop, but my back is not liking it, as it's monstrous

Cheers!

Erin

In rotation I have a Samsonite black label 19" that isn't sold anymore. I also have a Samonite Lift 21" that is lightweight. I have a Victorinox Avolve 20" Spinner (http://www.swissarmy.com/us/product//Travel-Gear/Category/Collections/Avolve/Avolve-20/30315001) that can hold a laptop in the front pocket. I have a Knomo Genova (http://www.knomobags.com/usa/genova-trolley-case-black-15-laptop-bag.html/) wheeled laptop case that I love. It's large enough to hold my 15" laptop, medium sized purse, iPad, portfolio pad, Kindle Fire, umbrella, gloves, gadget cords and small enough to go under nearly any seat or overhead bin of small planes. I also have a Travelon ladies checkpoint friendly laptop case (http://www.travelonbags.com/business-cases/checkpoint-friendly/checkpoint-friendly-ladies-briefcase), no wheels. This list just goes on and on, Vera Bradley, cheap laptop case from Stein Mart, a Baggallini. I am always searching for that perfect combo of purse/laptop bag/carryon bag.

I recently got a Lipault set, carryon and laptop case in chocolate brown and I thought this was it! When I got it the Lipault carryon didn't work for me so I sent the entire set back. If I ran across something I thought would be a perfect combo tomorrow it would be in the trunk of my car coming home with me. I am not sure there is a support group for luggage addicts but if there is I don't need to and won't be going to it, I don't have an issue. :)

I would STRONGLY recommend you check out the products from at tombihn.com.

As I said on my computer laptop backpack thread, I started using the Brain Bag and absolutely love it.

For carry ons in your situation, I would absolutely avoid wheeled stuff. I've got a wheeled tumi carry on and I'm looking ot replace it with either the Tom Bihn Aeronaut or Tri-Star. Their stuff is designed to allow you to travel lightly, quickly and easily.

hey! Yes, I saw that thread and the Brain Bag is on my short list. However, I'm thinking that something like

http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Medium-Executive-Clamshell-Backpack_KPC308&col=@work&cat=15%20inch%20screens

is a bit cleaner/more professional looking for my line of business.

The "Aeronaut" bag for the carry-on seems like a great option!

I know what you mean by laptops in messengers and your back hurting! I currently use a Timbuk2 laptop bag with a Samsonite 20" hardshell spinner.

The Timbuk2s laptop bags I really like and while some models look a little like urban warfare gear, hey, this is San Francisco so it fits in. Not sure about your locale since from your post, sounds like appearances may be a factor.

If you do like the Timbuk2 messenger bag, you can pay a little extra and do a totally custom design job on it. Pick your colors or patterns, pick your piping color, your inside color, stuff like that. Sure, they do look a tad urban warfare with the big strap and sizing cam, but it is a comfy carry.

I have used a Rimowa Bolero laptop bag, Lufthansa model for many years now.

It is akin to a large multi-pocketed purse, and easily holds a laptop, CD/DVD, cables, and charger, etc., and includes a laptop softcover inside. A shoulder strap was included but we have never used it. There is also ample room also for documents, books, clothes, and it attaches to the handle of most Rimowa carry-on luggage, allowing it to move as one unit quickly and smoothly.

However since 2011, I have also been experimenting with using a tablet, and this seems to be working out quite well. I've been using an IPAD 2 but like the programs and features of my wife's Asus eeeTransformer tablet. She has the clip-on keyboard, but doesn't feel she really needs it. Either of the tablets fit in a softcover, inside a Rimowa Salsa Air carry-on alone.

If one pre-loads and charges the tablet with movies and music ahead of each flight, with a few extra selections along in a flashdrive, you are set.

You can see the LH Bolero case here if you move up to EXTRAS, then select PHOTO GALLERY, then click to the second page. Photo Nr. 4. attached on top of the Rimowa Panamera carry-on case.

As far as a laptop backpack, check out Mobile Edge (mobileedge.com).

I've had one of their backpacks and briefcases now for 5 years - the things are indestructible. Not to mention, they have their scanfast system so getting through security is easy (no having to pull your laptop out and scan it separately from your bag)

For the duffel, I just picked up a new Herschel duffel which has so far been awesome.

When traveling with just a backpack with my laptop and clothing, I always use my Oakley Icon 3, hands down the best backpack/laptop bag I have ever owned.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/1295614-backpack-laptop-carry.html

If I am traveling with a bag for more than a quick overnight, then it all goes in the Red Oxx Air Boss.

If you do like the Timbuk2 messenger bag, you can pay a little extra and do a totally custom design job on it. Pick your colors or patterns, pick your piping color, your inside color, stuff like that. Sure, they do look a tad urban warfare with the big strap and sizing cam, but it is a comfy carry.

Oh yeah ... camo patches and the built in bottle opener too! I love their products in general.

Should have been clearer in my original post. I use a Timbuk2 laptop backpack now ... the messenger style was just a pain in the back.

I got tired of gate checking my bag a few months ago, when I almost missed a connection because of delays returning the gate checked stuff. I started this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/1305183-best-rolling-bag-smaller-regional-jets.html), which generated a lot of useful information as well as links to other threads asking the same question.

Do you just travel with carry-ons or do you also check? I think that will change what you might want to consider. If you want to carry everything on, I'd recommend looking at soft bags that are the maximum carry-on size (RedOxx Air Boss, Tom Binh TriStar, eBags Motherload etc.) as they will hold a large amount and still fit on a Regional jet. For the personal bag, I'd choose something on wheels. I use a Travelon Bag Bungee (http://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Bag-Bungee-Black-Size/dp/B001TR0UZI/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t) to attach a large back pack to the roller through the airport. When I go through the gate, I wear the backpack and carry the tote. The back pack holds the same volume as my 20" roller bag, rides through the airport to spare my back, and fits on the Regional jets.

Thanks for all your input! I only carry-on - my connections can be tight (~50 minutes) so I want to make things as expedient as possible.
I've narrowed down my list:

Carry-On:
http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Rolling-Cabin-Bag_TUC115&sec=travel

Combined with:
Tri-Star: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0940
*or*
Brain Bag: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0104
*or*
Mobile Edge Backpack: http://www.mobileedge.com/komen-paris-laptop-backpack.html

I see the point raised about avoiding wheeled stuff - I may be a wimp but my current shoulder-bag situation is making my back hurt so the Aeronaut seems impractical for me (until I start pumping iron or grow another foot) unless I stack it on a roller. If I end up getting the Briggs & Riley roller, it'd the Aeronaut may be bigger than necessary and I'd feel selfish for eating up more room - I like your set up with the Tri Star and the B&R roller - seems like it'd fit the tiny cabin!

I find 2 different two-bag carry on combinations are often what's called for. It depends which is heavier, work materials or clothes. If the laptop, gear, documents etc are heavier I would go with a rolling briefcase and a shoulder bag for clothes. If you like Tom Bihn, the Western Flyer (smaller than the Tri-Star) can be ordered with a rolling luggage handle sleeve instead of backpack straps so that it can ride on top of a wheeled cabin bag or briefcase. Conversely, when it's clothes and personal items that are heavier ( eg if you don't need much more than your laptop but still want a separate bag to take to client meetings), then a wheeled carry on plus shoulder carried briefcase ( or laptop backpack) can work well. In theory this approach should save your back and it should enable you to go smaller than MLC for both bags, reducing the risk of gate checking etc.

Thanks for all your input! I only carry-on - my connections can be tight (~50 minutes) so I want to make things as expedient as possible.
I've narrowed down my list:

Carry-On:
http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Rolling-Cabin-Bag_TUC115&sec=travel

Combined with:
Tri-Star: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0940
*or*
Brain Bag: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0104
*or*
Mobile Edge Backpack: http://www.mobileedge.com/komen-paris-laptop-backpack.html

I see the point raised about avoiding wheeled stuff - I may be a wimp but my current shoulder-bag situation is making my back hurt so the Aeronaut seems impractical for me (until I start pumping iron or grow another foot) unless I stack it on a roller. If I end up getting the Briggs & Riley roller, it'd the Aeronaut may be bigger than necessary and I'd feel selfish for eating up more room - I like your set up with the Tri Star and the B&R roller - seems like it'd fit the tiny cabin!

I have the very small Baseline version of that B&R bag and like it a lot. Have had it for years. It is called a wheeled cabin bag. It is the first B&R bag I have had that needed a repair but it was after 10+ years of hard use and they did repair it for free. I have talked about it on several threads including one about a RTW 5 day trip I took 2 years ago and use it as my main bag, even packed dress clothes in it. Very flexible bag that can pair with another bag easily.

For Laptop backpack(s):
The North Face: Surge - Primary backpack and I can kitchen sink pack this bag
Thinktank airport series

Rollaboard(s)
Mountainsmith Correspondent (Discontinued)
Mountainsmith Boarding Pass
Thinktank airport series

I have used these bags for years and not a problem and it has gotten me and my gear to its destination and protected even if forced to check. Any problems or repairs have been done quickly by the manufacture and at no/little cost which speaks volumes for the customer service and there products

i'll answer half of your question...

for a laptop backpack, i love the timbuk2 H.A.L.:

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/hal-backpack/1876421

the main pocket is HUGE, it has lots of pockets, and the laptop sleeve is nicely padded. i can fit a TON of stuff in it.

For the wheely one... I'm a massive fan of the Eastpak Transfer S

Never been challenged on size, compresses if needs be, double decker with BOTH compartments zipping independently, which is rare. I normally slip my laptop down the middle for quick security access.

And it comes in a whole load of colours - both serious and properly silly.

http://www.eastpak.com/uk-en/luggage/transfer-s-midnight.html

Oh, and I can pack for an entire week in one!

Caroline

I have the very small Baseline version of that B&R bag and like it a lot. Have had it for years. It is called a wheeled cabin bag. It is the first B&R bag I have had that needed a repair but it was after 10+ years of hard use and they did repair it for free. I have talked about it on several threads including one about a RTW 5 day trip I took 2 years ago and use it as my main bag, even packed dress clothes in it. Very flexible bag that can pair with another bag easily.

That's great to hear about the repair!

Took a look at the wheeled cabin bag: http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Wheeled-Cabin-Bag_U212&col=baseline

Compared to the Rolling Cabin Bag (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Rolling-Cabin-Bag_TUC115&sec=travel) it is slightly bigger.
I saw this in the review: "Only negative things I've experiences is that it's slightly too big if you go on really small regional planes, like ATR72 or CRJ200 or similar." so I'm inclined to go for the first and hope for the best!


For the wheely one... I'm a massive fan of the Eastpak Transfer S

Never been challenged on size, compresses if needs be, double decker with BOTH compartments zipping independently, which is rare. I normally slip my laptop down the middle for quick security access.

And it comes in a whole load of colours - both serious and properly silly.

http://www.eastpak.com/uk-en/luggage/transfer-s-midnight.html

Oh, and I can pack for an entire week in one!

Caroline

It looks a tad big - never challenged, even on small planes? Impressed...

@Baghoarder: My thoughts exactly!
@conejo23: Thanks for your reviews around the board, they've been really helpful :)

I ordered the Briggs & Riley wheeled cabin bag (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Wheeled-Cabin-Bag_U212&col=baseline)

In combination with the Tom Binh Tri-Star (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0940)

Looking forward to testing them out! I wanted the red tri-star so it will be awhile until it comes.


Now, for my laptop bag, I'm still debating between a black Brain Bag (strong recs!) or the 15.4 inch Exec Clamshell (looks sleeker)
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0104
http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Medium-Executive-Clamshell-Backpack_KPC308&col=@work&cat=computer%20backpacks

It's a debate between practicality vs. design. Although, I must admit that the picture on Amazon makes the Clamshell look a lot uglier (http://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Riley-Executive-Clamshell-Backpack/dp/B002JOVWMA/ref=sr_1_11?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1333220800&sr=1-11). I figure I can't go wrong either way, really!

For short trips, where I dont need need to bring a suit, and I can get by with just more or less casual clothing, I use this:

http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4209890&prodFindSrc=paramNav

I got it for a great price on eBay, it holds up very well. My main problem with duffel type bags is that they collapse, and then your clothes go every-which-way. This bag is very sturdy, and the bottom stays flat so your clothes come out the way you put them in.

You can get really good prices on it on eBay, some say its way overpriced, etc. Which, it is. However Tumi to me is the only company that makes really "cool" looking bags, while not making me look like a complete LV monogrammed duffel totting douche.

while not making me look like a complete LV monogrammed duffel totting douche.

^

I am probably on the bigger end of things, but I have a 17" MacBook to carry. The backpack is an eBags Macroloader and the roller bag is an eBags TLS Motherlode. While I might look like an eBags commercial, my buddy who works there got me a good enough deal that I figure it is fair. It might be time to look at backpacks again and see if I can get something TSA friendly, since the Mac took a fall last year while out of the bag and sent the logic board to an early grave.

Ended up with the Briggs & Riley 15.4" Medium Clamshell bag. (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Medium-Executive-Clamshell-Backpack_KPC308&col=@work)

while not as spacious as the Brain Bag, I decided that aesthetics trumped functionality for once, as this bag is still functional enough. It also has the following benefits
- TSA/Checkpoint friendly opening (no need to pull laptop out
- Sleeve in the back, to slip over my suitcase handle (B&R Rolling Cabin Bag (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Rolling-Cabin-Bag_TUC115&sec=travel))
- well thought-out compartments.

It's a bit large - this was the smallest size they had. Not an issue, would just prefer if they had a small size as well.

After using it for awhile with my new suitcase (should be rollin' my way on Sunday) I'll report back again

Thank you for your input everyone, much appreciated!!

Nuts! I had to take my laptop out of my bag @ the checkpoint. Apparently these bags are only okay'ed in the US but not Canada. Should've thought of that.
Strike 1 for my Briggs & Riley backpack.

[QUOTE=etomatoes;18347818]Ended up with the Briggs & Riley 15.4" Medium Clamshell bag. (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Medium-Executive-Clamshell-Backpack_KPC308&col=@work)


I looked at one of those Saturday. It really is a nice-looking bag, and I came close to buying it. My reservation is the lack of an external holder for a bottle of water.

[QUOTE=etomatoes;18347818]Ended up with the Briggs & Riley 15.4" Medium Clamshell bag. (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Medium-Executive-Clamshell-Backpack_KPC308&col=@work)


I looked at one of those Saturday. It really is a nice-looking bag, and I came close to buying it. My reservation is the lack of an external holder for a bottle of water.

There's one on the side =)

http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-SwissGear-WA-7654-14F00-Legacy-Laptop/dp/B002ISTP12/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1334013504&sr=1-2

I have one of these, once i figured out how to use "checkpoint friendly" correctly it's made security a breeze.

I have talked about it on several threads including one about a RTW 5 day trip I took 2 years ago and use it as my main bag, even packed dress clothes in it.

OMG! :eek: An RTW in 5 days? You must've had considerable jet-lag.

OMG! :eek: An RTW in 5 days? You must've had considerable jet-lag.

Yes. Maybe closer to 6 days actually now that I think about it. Left on Monday, arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday evening. Gave a talk Wednesday morning and went to a reception Wednesday night. Left Thursday morning NRT - FRA - DUB. Dinner meeting Thursday night in Dublin and meetings all day Friday. Then DUB-LHR-IAD-JFK on Saturday morning. I had also give talks in Hobart, Tasmania and attended another meeting in PVG within a month or two of that. Plus some UK trips. I decided to cut back on travel after that.

I have a 5 year old Timbuk2 laptop knapsack that i love, but after heavy use it is starting to show wear and I'm thinking "what's next"? This thread has been very helpful!

After years of lugging around a Tumi Garment Bag, I discovered Lat56 http://us.lat56.com/products/red-eye/

It handles 3 days of suit/shirts/pants easily and fits nicely over any roll-aboard if you need to make longer trips or have one for a laptop. It weighs 3-5 pounds (depending if you use the suit folding system) and is extremely durable.

It also gets lots of looks and "hey that looks cool" comments.

[QUOTE=bemusedv;18359775]

There's one on the side =)
I think I was confusing it with the Glide backpack. I like the smaller size of the Glide, but would miss the external pocket. IIRC, the pocket on the Clamshell was somewhat small. Does it handle a water bottle all right?

havent' had any problems. not as good as the bungee style, but this bag is a compromise between looking nice and being tricked out, functionwise.

In the future I'm looking at picking up a small STM Velo (http://www.stmbags.com/catalog/laptop-shoulder-bags/velo-small-laptop-shoulder-bag/) bag for my laptop/electronics and an MEC Supercontinent 45 (http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/TravelPacks/PRD~5024-852/mec-supercontinent-45-travel-pack.jsp) for the rest.

In the meantime, the MEC Deluxe Bookbag (http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/SchoolBags/PRD~5005-954/mec-deluxe-bookbag-daypack.jsp) is my everyday carry, followed by a small Eddie Bauer roller I bought off Kijiji. I also own both the large and small MEC duffel bags (http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/DuffleBags/PRD~4000-984/mec-duffle-bag.jsp) and they can take a beating for their simplicity.

fishferbrains, so you are happy with the Lat56 Red-Eye? I've been thinking about it but have been concerned it was a little too small.
Do you pack one or two suits?
Is there room for your shirts?
What do you do with your 3-1-1 baggy?

In response to the OP, I use everything. My favorite rolling bag is a Tumi 22021 because it take a suit and fits in the Heathrow Sizer. I use an ebags Firewall laptop case which is great but a little too big.

I used to use a TravelPro rolling bag and we have several Kirklands and a couple of High Sierra wheeled duffel bags, an MEC duffel, and a Mountain Hardwear duffel. I have used a Tumi messenger bag and a Hartmann briefcase.

None of my rolling bags do a great job with suits. I'll go to Europe for 3 or 4 days and need 2 suits. So, I've been considering the Red Eye that fishferbrains mentioned. To use that I'd also need a rolling briefcase (I don't like to lug everything as it does hurt my back). So, I have been thinking about the Powerbag Wheeled Briefcase (not the Powerbag Rolling Office). Any experience with it?

I have the 21" lift samsonite spinner bag. rolls nice and is light. two problems. 1. its 23.5" tall with the wheels and 2. the only time I checked it a wheel got chewed up. I guess i will continue to roll with it until the AA GAs make me check it too many times.

what spinner bags are less than 22" tall with the wheels?

I use an eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible, packs laptop and the kitchen sink and the Red Oxx Extra Small Aviator Bag as my personal item. It's a killer combo. The bags provide a very nice sturdiness/weight ratio, there are more pockets I ever wanted in the TLS, it can very neatly packed with the help of cubes and the XS Aviator is *huge*, it's almost half the 46L MLC size! It eats up my Kinesis keyboard with the Ascent screwed on it (that's a heavy steel stand to keep the halves vertical, thanks god it folds flat), a change of clothes, pair of shoes and still looks empty.

For Laptop backpack(s):
The North Face: Surge - Primary backpack and I can kitchen sink pack this bag


+1. North Face Surge is the best laptop backpack I've ever had.

+1. North Face Surge is the best laptop backpack I've ever had.

I also have the TNF Surge. It has a padded compartment at the rear for your laptop a pocket for clothes/food and document pockets with penholders etc.

I don't know how people take big wheely suitcases on as handbagage. As on a recent long haul trip with Virgin I had two laptops and my documents and my handbagage allowance was used up. That was without one of the laptop power chargers.

I use an eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible, packs laptop and the kitchen sink and the Red Oxx Extra Small Aviator Bag as my personal item. It's a killer combo. The bags provide a very nice sturdiness/weight ratio, there are more pockets I ever wanted in the TLS, it can very neatly packed with the help of cubes and the XS Aviator is *huge*, it's almost half the 46L MLC size! It eats up my Kinesis keyboard with the Ascent screwed on it (that's a heavy steel stand to keep the halves vertical, thanks god it folds flat), a change of clothes, pair of shoes and still looks empty.

I just got the RedOxx Extra Small a month ago and already had the Weekender Convertible, which I used for a two-week trip to Scotland last summer. I doubt I'll ever use the two together, only because I found the Weekender (combined with a soft-sided briefcase) more than adequate for my needs. In fact, I packed clothes I never used and decided after the trip to reduce my carryon to a smaller bag (I eventually settled on an Eagle Creek Quirk backpack at about 60% of the TLS's capacity).

You're absolutely correct about the Aviator bag, and I know its construction makes it easy to pack what you're carrying without concerns because of the robust construction of the bag. I bet those two bags would carry almost anything I'd ever need to carry--except, of course, for my golf clubs, which I have to check. For the gear you're carrying, though, it's great to be able to use those bags.

If you do like the Timbuk2 messenger bag, you can pay a little extra and do a totally custom design job on it. Pick your colors or patterns, pick your piping color, your inside color, stuff like that. Sure, they do look a tad urban warfare with the big strap and sizing cam, but it is a comfy carry.


And, if you are interested in a custom Timbuk2, they are on sale right now (May 3-6) for 20% off! Just got an email and wanted to share. ^

I'm starting to feel like a Timbuk2 commercial now, too...

I've got a CoPilot20 as my primary carryon. I find that, even though 21" and 22" are sometimes "approved" by airlines, they don't often *fit*. The 20 fits the right way on anything larger than an E75, and goes into the E35 through the E75 length-wise. I can also fit clothes for a 6 day business trip, including gym shoes and two suits. It's awesome.

For the laptop bag, I just switched to the Timbuk2 Commute 2.0. It's plenty large for me inside and has a luggage sleeve - I don't use the shoulder strap, typically, because it's bad for the shoulders of my suits.

Rolling the two together is light on the shoulders and back, and I just have to deal with gate checking the roller on CRJs and props.

I bought an STM Scout Laptop shoulder bag. It looks more stylish, comfortable and secure computer bags out there. I put my 15" notebook in its highly cushioned felt lined pocket. It seems to be secure there. Besides this, a compartment suitable for books and magazines. I put my small things like charger, brushes, paste in two small pouches. The small zip pocket nicely covers your iPhone or any other device. Its made from water resistance canvas with a water resistant nylon lining.

http://theblogaboutgadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DSC_0033_edit_lo_admin_large-1024x801.jpg