Travel Technology - Recommend Me a Laptop Bag

I have a big problem with the laptop bags my employer provides. I find them too heavy, too uncomfortable on the shoulder and far to conspicuous (who wants to walk around Nairobi with a bag that has Dell or HP written all over it). So for the past few years I've used Tech Air back pack that I picked up cheap from PC World and this has been all over the world with me. Alas, this is now old and worn and the straps are in danger of breaking. So I thought I'd pop here and ask "what is the latest in laptop chic?"

My requirements are:

i) Must be a back pack type design. More importantly, must not look like something that contains £1500 worth of laptop (plus assorted other equpment and part of my DVD collection) to the casual observer.

ii) Must be roomy inside. I know most airlines will grudgingly admit to allowing one piece of hand luggage plus a laptop (even in economy) but I don't like to take the risk of getting the check in agent from hell.

iii) Must be light. The stuff I want to lug around in it is quite heavy enough.

iv) Must be comfortable to lug around an airport when fully loaded.

It may not meet the backpack requirement, but I love Mandarina Duck luggage. They have some fantastic briefcase style bags that look very sleek - and I am pretty sure I have seen a backpack too.

If you want to look inconspicious, avoid Tumi. They shout overpaid consultant all too clearly! :)

I've been using this Tumi for a year now... I will NEVER go back to anything else... BTW: The link below is for the refresh of the version I have...

http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=15389&bb_id=c13014&sub_site_id=3&TMI_PL_3_Link=Details

The top storage allows you to put a small bag with all your power cords, etc, and dump it out quick when going through the airport security (if you carry alot of stuff in your bag that always yields a bag search)

Don't buy this in the UK though as you're sure to get ripped off...

I've been using Tumi for years, the best there is, plain and simple. Because they are ballistic nylon they will also be pretty hard to cut into should someone want to steal it off you...

As nice as the Tumi bag looks, I'm not sure I'm ready to join Flyertalk's tech snob elite :D

I've had this model (or one very similar) for about a year.


http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=12927&bb_id=c13014&sub_site_id=3&TMI_PL_3_Link=Details

I'll also never go back to anything else.

Now that looks very nice indeed. If only they sold a version without the "I'm loaded, please mug me now" Tumi label :)

Yeah, like that is going to deceive anyone in Nairobi, by carrying an expensive bag around there :rolleyes:

Why not try putting some diamonds and gold while you are at it :p


My boss uses this one, and really likes it

http://www.ebags.com/ogio/metro/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15431

I don't really care for the back packs though

Now that looks the business as far as stealth goes. I do agree that back packs are not suitable for all situations though. If meeting an important customer in Western Europe, I'd prefer to carry something a bit more posh.

Check these out: http://www.crumplerusa.com/ they definitely fit your requirements, particularly #1. Well-made bags, I've heard. (No personal experience.)

Bagreview.com (http://www.bagreview.com) has great information to help select a good laptop bag. That's how I chose mine.

I can highly recommend Brenthaven - http://www.brenthaven.com. Every bit as good as Tumi, if not better, and not nearly as distinctive, which is a good thing when it comes to laptop bags IMO.

For backpacks that are on the stealthy side I would really recommend LL Bean. They have a bookpack (same thing) selector section on their web page. They have a big selection, all very good values. Different sizes styles etc. And they dont say Im rich, mug me. Some are ballistic too. Im not sure if they have backpack styles or not but you might check out www.sfbags.com. The owner is a former bike messenger. He decided there was a need for high quality bags and started the company. The quality is fantastic. Materials, workmanship etc. Some degree of customization is possible and the customer service is absolutely first rate also. I have one bag from them and it really gets attention when Ive let people use it or handle it because of the quality of the materials. Cant recommend them highly enough compared to the mass market stuff like Bean or even Tumi or Briggs and Riley (my personal favorite for luggage in general).

I have been using the Tom Bihn Brain Bag for about 2 years now, and it is great. It has 3 outside pockets for easy access, and 2 full length internal pockets for your laptop and other items. The thing I like about it is that you purchase the laptop protector as an add-on, so when purchasing a new laptop all you have to replace is the protector, and not the entire unit. You can check them out at www.tombihn.com, and I think that they also have a store in Seattle.

Adrian

This is what I have and find it to be a great concept. The APC TravelPower Case has the power inverter included, and it will not only charge your notebook (any model) it will also do the same for your mobile and PDA. It comes with the plug adapters for use around the world and since weight is something you are trying to avoid, the elimination of the chargers for all these devices should help a little. I saw PC World had two of the other models, so they may also carry the back pack..

http://makeashorterlink.com/?K3CA52208

I have used the Port 3.1 Easyroller for many years (now owned by Targus). I love the case, as it's got lots of room AND will fit in the overhead bin of an RJ...Now thats a trick!

The BEST thing is that it has a lifetime guarantee...something I have now used twice. Both times I called them, told them what had happened...and a brand new case showed up in the mail. Once a handle broke, the second time the wheels just plain wore out...but the covered it anyway. :D This alone was worth it to me as I am hard on bags.

It's a very good case for $149.

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PR700

A big thanks all who've put in suggestions here. You've given me a lot to go on.

I've been using Tumi for years, the best there is, plain and simple. Because they are ballistic nylon they will also be pretty hard to cut into should someone want to steal it off you...

If you want truly rugged nylon gear, check out Blackhawk or Eagle....they make excellent mililtary spec. gear.

http://www.blackhawkindustries.com/product_catalog.asp?cat_id=10&d=

Tumi screams "I'm rich, steal my bag". This screams "I may be a spook so don't screw with me." Just don't sew your flag on it.

If you want truly rugged nylon gear, check out Blackhawk or Eagle....they make excellent mililtary spec. gear.

http://www.blackhawkindustries.com/product_catalog.asp?cat_id=10&d=

Tumi screams "I'm rich, steal my bag". This screams "I may be a spook so don't screw with me." Just don't sew your flag on it.

In a previous life I worked for a multinational, integrated oil company. We got a memo one day from corporate security about safety while travelling. One thing it said was dont call attention to any aspect of yourself that might lead to you being singled out from the crowd in a hostage situation. They gave a few examples such as carrying a business card that said something like "Senior Manager, Air to Ground Missle Development". They didnt mention backpacks. Had they known....... ;)

I can't find a current version of it, but I've got a blue Jansport computer backpack my father got at a conference a few years ago. You wouldn't know there was a laptop in it. Comfortable as heck.

For complete, outright long lasting-ness, Filson (http://www.filson.com/vilugg.htm), a manufacturer in Seattle, makes laptop bags, in what they call Rugged Twill fabric. At one time they offered a lifetime guarantee, even against the zippers, hardware and fabric ever tearing, breaking, wearing out. Their stuff will definitely not advertise "I'm rich, steal my bag".

Patagonia (http://www.patagonia.com/store/) makes a line of travel bags, one in particular called the Stand Up Case was very nice for a laptop and files. I don't think they make that particular design anymore, but likely they have a newer equivalent. Their bags have a well-thought-out ergonometric design.

I've been using Tumi for years, the best there is, plain and simple. Because they are ballistic nylon they will also be pretty hard to cut into should someone want to steal it off you...

Ive been a 8 year Tumi veteran now... my current bag is leather and is some 5+ years in service. Its simply the best there is. Once the leather gets a little worn out and the shine goes away... the steal me factor also dissapears.

I really like McKlein (http://www.mckleinusa.com) line of luggage. Check out the "R" series, which are backpacks that have detachable wheels.

If you're a casual chap, I'd recommend something from teh Crumpler range such as the sheep scarer http://www.crumplerusa.com/products/laptop/sheep_scarer.html .

If you're a creative type and don't mind a shoulder bag, something from Gravis is a must-have e.g http://www.burton.com/Gravis/gear/products.asp?productID=1031 . Bought mine from Flight 001 in New York.

Both of these products are great but may not go down so well in a City law firm.