Travel Products - Backpack with laptop and shoe compartments + gadget pockets

Hello,

I'm in the market for a new backpack and when purchasing, I want to keep travel in mind. Today I have a very standard Ogio backpack with laptop compartment, main storage area, front pen-pocket, and top half zip. It's actually been a great backpack and I would recommend Ogio bags to anyone considering based on my experience.

That said, I'm looking for something a little different. If I put shoes in my current back, it takes up an enormous portion of the main compartment. I forsee more travel in my future, so I would like to have a travel pack, day pack, or whatever you want to call it, that:

- has a laptop compartment (or a slip inside for a laptop)
- has a shoe compartment on the bottom (preferable)
- ideally the main compartment area would be a pull string an expandable, such that if I had to stuff multiple days work of clothing inside, I could. The pull string compartment should have cover.
- ideally a front/size pocket that has sub-compartments for storing pens, power cables, and small items.
- when I'm not 'traveling', I'd like to be able to use it as my day to day backpack and not look too out of place - e.g. there's no need for a hikers backpack for my 10 minute trip to work on the train in downtown.

I briefly checked out some Deuter and other bags at REI today that nearly fit the bill, but I was in a rush and did not have time to chat with someone that worked there and look in as much detail as I'd hoped.

If anyone has recommendations, I would greatly appreciate it.

Does it need to be carry on size?

That's a great clarifying question. Yes, I would like to be able to carry this on. If it's fully loaded with crap, I can understand that I may be asked to check it, however when it's a light week and I just have my laptop, a couple gadgets, no shoes, and a book, I should be able to carry it on and (ideally) set it under my seat.

Hello,

I'm in the market for a new backpack and when purchasing, I want to keep travel in mind. Today I have a very standard Ogio backpack with laptop compartment, main storage area, front pen-pocket, and top half zip. It's actually been a great backpack and I would recommend Ogio bags to anyone considering based on my experience.

That said, I'm looking for something a little different. If I put shoes in my current back, it takes up an enormous portion of the main compartment. I forsee more travel in my future, so I would like to have a travel pack, day pack, or whatever you want to call it, that:

- has a laptop compartment (or a slip inside for a laptop)
- has a shoe compartment on the bottom (preferable)
- ideally the main compartment area would be a pull string an expandable, such that if I had to stuff multiple days work of clothing inside, I could. The pull string compartment should have cover.
- ideally a front/size pocket that has sub-compartments for storing pens, power cables, and small items.
- when I'm not 'traveling', I'd like to be able to use it as my day to day backpack and not look too out of place - e.g. there's no need for a hikers backpack for my 10 minute trip to work on the train in downtown.

I briefly checked out some Deuter and other bags at REI today that nearly fit the bill, but I was in a rush and did not have time to chat with someone that worked there and look in as much detail as I'd hoped.

If anyone has recommendations, I would greatly appreciate it.

Does it need to be carry on size?

That's a great clarifying question. Yes, I would like to be able to carry this on. If it's fully loaded with crap, I can understand that I may be asked to check it, however when it's a light week and I just have my laptop, a couple gadgets, no shoes, and a book, I should be able to carry it on and (ideally) set it under my seat.

I am a little confused. On the one hand you are talking about a day pack, and on the other that it might be large enough that it might have to be checked in.
I don't of anything that would meet your conflicting rquirements and would not be too big on a light day.
Shoes do take up a lot of room. Do you shoes have high heels?

What size laptop?
What size shoes?
What type of shoes?
How many 'Gadgets' and what size?
What is your budget?
What type of travel (International?, regional, within same country)
Who do you plan to fly with the most?

I can pack a 17" laptop, 'combat' boots, a weeks worth of clothes, 3 cellphones, a GPS, a 10" tablet, snacks/meds and all needed cables/chargers etc in my current backpack (http://www.amazon.com/5-11-Rush-72-Back-Pack/dp/B005AG3YQG)
My work place is a military base in the middle of a desert so it fits in well :D

I am a little confused. On the one hand you are talking about a day pack, and on the other that it might be large enough that it might have to be checked in.


Ideally, yes, I would like something that is normally used as a daypack but can scale to easily support up to 1 week of clothes and sneakers. I realize it may be an uncommon request.


What size laptop?
What size shoes?
What type of shoes?
How many 'Gadgets' and what size?
What is your budget?
What type of travel (International?, regional, within same country)
Who do you plan to fly with the most?


Laptop: 17"
Shoes: US size 11 M running shoes
Gadgets/things: Kindle, book, notebook, glasses case, passport, key cards, snacks, medication, watch, badge, extra cell batteries, laptop charger, power cables, various computer cables. A lot of small items that I prefer to have pockets (at least a couple protected pockets).
Budget: Quality, durability, and functionality are key.
Travel: Regional
Fly: United

Frankly, Flahusky's military pack might be a very practical solution to my problem, I was just interested to get feedback if people have strong preferences for a particular bag, brand, etc.

Have you looked at something like this:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101

It would hold all you need. It has organization, though not in the arrangement you want. Fits as a carry-on in most situations. If it was empty enough you could stuff it under the seat.

Only thing is I'm not sure I'd want to use it as a daily day pack. It's not a hiker's pack, but it is more luggage than daily use bag.

How about something like this? It's a very flexible solution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAtzN_ScKXY

How about something like this? It's a very flexible solution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAtzN_ScKXY

That's not carry on size :p

How about something like this? It's a very flexible solution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAtzN_ScKXY

Amazing! This is exactly what I was looking for. ;)

I've just started using the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 backpack. It's huge and is meant for carrying enough for 72 hours. It's somewhat military style with MOLLE nylon "ladder" tabs meant for attaching pouches onto the pack. It's large enough with MANY internal compartments. There is a section where you can put your shoes (there is a YouTube video review where someone put his helmet there.

This backpack is a bit large for just day-to-day, so I'm probably going to spring for the Rush 24. I am able to take the Rush 72 as a carry-on, and it's quite comfortable. Video reviews helped me choose it.

If you want it at a very good price, I'd suggest checking dvor.com, which is a private shopping site, with free signup. The items expire after a couple a day or so, but they do come back. The two packs are available right now (for the next 4 hours, though).

Have you looked at something like this:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101

It would hold all you need. It has organization, though not in the arrangement you want. Fits as a carry-on in most situations. If it was empty enough you could stuff it under the seat.

Only thing is I'm not sure I'd want to use it as a daily day pack. It's not a hiker's pack, but it is more luggage than daily use bag.

+1

How about something like this? It's a very flexible solution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAtzN_ScKXY

Wrong color :)

Take a look at the High Sierra Access. It has great organization and a perfectly sized compartment for shoes that is accessible from the side of the pack. I used one for several years (actually two, I wore one out). It has compression straps so you can "right size" it or pack it with an enormous amount of stuff. I stopped using it when I stopped using a wheeled carry-on and changed to a convertible suitcase. That made the Access awkward to live with on the road.
I still use the Access for a day pack and for weekend trips.

Have you looked at something like this:
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101

It would hold all you need. It has organization, though not in the arrangement you want. Fits as a carry-on in most situations. If it was empty enough you could stuff it under the seat.

Only thing is I'm not sure I'd want to use it as a daily day pack. It's not a hiker's pack, but it is more luggage than daily use bag.

Ebags have just brought out a slightly smaller version than this - the weekender junior (http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible-small/241465?productid=10209115). It's the same width and depth with all the organisation, but not as tall - so might make it more useful as a back pack (the original one is just vast).

I don't have this bag so can't say if the size requirement fits your needs but it might be an option.

http://www.tombihn.com/travel_bags/TB0950.html

I don't have this bag so can't say if the size requirement fits your needs but it might be an option.

http://www.tombihn.com/travel_bags/TB0950.html

Heh, I actually do have one and, surprise, surprise, use it for exactly what OP is looking for (laptop + gadgets + shoes). It's perfect.

I wrote a review here with photos: http://www.tombihn.com/forums/bag-reviews/5391-my-western-flyer-review-packing-list.html#post42452