Laptop + backpack = struggle. Looking for assistance in finding the right one.
Dec 28, 2007, 10:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 77
Laptop + backpack = struggle. Looking for assistance in finding the right one.
I have a macbook pro 15.4" and have some international travel coming. Thought the perfect solution was available with the pacsafe daysafe 200, but its laptop sleeve is .6" too short to hold a MBP. It might "stretch" to encompass the laptop since it is only 1" thick but asking pacsafe directly has not given me a clear answer.
Has anyone else tried the daysafe 200 with a MBP? If so, I can stop my search now.
If not, anyone have any other suggestions?
I am *not* looking for a commuter bag, as they are (to me) uncomfortable in the extreme. I want something with nice shoulder straps and an ergonomic design (sternum straps, maybe a hard or shaped back) for all day wearing. Needs to hold some books and a camera, plus other electronics. You know, the standard "I wouldn't put any of this in checked baggage" stuff. Huge isn't required, but roomy is good.
Pacsafe seemed perfect as I could lock it to something that couldn't be easily removed in a room without a safe and also not worry if I am walking around in a city I don't know (or do know).
Has anyone else tried the daysafe 200 with a MBP? If so, I can stop my search now.
If not, anyone have any other suggestions?
I am *not* looking for a commuter bag, as they are (to me) uncomfortable in the extreme. I want something with nice shoulder straps and an ergonomic design (sternum straps, maybe a hard or shaped back) for all day wearing. Needs to hold some books and a camera, plus other electronics. You know, the standard "I wouldn't put any of this in checked baggage" stuff. Huge isn't required, but roomy is good.
Pacsafe seemed perfect as I could lock it to something that couldn't be easily removed in a room without a safe and also not worry if I am walking around in a city I don't know (or do know).
Dec 28, 2007, 11:17 am
#2
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
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You may want to check out the Travel Technology forum... lots of threads there on carry on luggage.
Dec 28, 2007, 11:22 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2006
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I have a huge 17" model, yet this Wenger SwissGear backpack holds it, several accessories and the power charger with room for papers and some extras no problem. Maybe try one of the packs from their line?
Dec 28, 2007, 2:19 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: Amanjunkie
Posts: 752
try www.sfbags.com
they have bags specifically made for different Mac models
I bought a bag from them when the original Mac Titanium was released, the bag still looks like new, great quality
^
they have bags specifically made for different Mac models
I bought a bag from them when the original Mac Titanium was released, the bag still looks like new, great quality
^
Dec 28, 2007, 6:24 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Jose CA
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 149
Tom Bihn
I am a huge fan of Tom Bihn's bags. You buy a sleeve to fit your specific bag and they tell you which bags will hold that sleeve. Http://www.tombihn.com
I have an MBP 15" and use the Brain Bag all over the world. It holds a ton, books, food, water, all my cords, my Bose QC2s, my pashima, an umbrella, spare batteries, etc. and I can still lift it and wear comfortably.
I have an MBP 15" and use the Brain Bag all over the world. It holds a ton, books, food, water, all my cords, my Bose QC2s, my pashima, an umbrella, spare batteries, etc. and I can still lift it and wear comfortably.
Dec 29, 2007, 1:10 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: PHL
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Posts: 173
In addition to Tom Bihn (I've got his briefcase -- Zeypher), I'd also recommend Brenthaven (http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-backpacks.html). I've used their backpack for a 15 in MacBook Pro (and for some years before that for the G4 Ti Book) with very good luck.
Dec 29, 2007, 8:56 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,639
I too have a macbook pro 15.4". I just put it in my carryon messenger bag with the laptop sleeve that came with it, although it's about a half an inch too short and won't fit it. Pick out a nice neoprene sleeve for it at the Apple Store and stick it in your backpack. The cool part is, you can put the sleeve in the bin underneath your laptop to serve as padding when you go through security.
There's also a samsonite messenger bag that I used to have that fit my macbook pro quite sungly. But after 2-3 years of abuse (rolling around in the car, dropping it all over the place, etc.) it was ripped and beyond rescuing, so I had to get a new swissgear bag that's not wide or tall enough to fit my macbook pro. It fits vertically, but the bag won't zip. I need a new messenger bag....
There's also a samsonite messenger bag that I used to have that fit my macbook pro quite sungly. But after 2-3 years of abuse (rolling around in the car, dropping it all over the place, etc.) it was ripped and beyond rescuing, so I had to get a new swissgear bag that's not wide or tall enough to fit my macbook pro. It fits vertically, but the bag won't zip. I need a new messenger bag....
Dec 30, 2007, 7:59 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2006
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I use a Jansport Odyssey 38 backpack...fabulous capacity and comfortable shoulder straps, and yet can still be squeezed into overhead locations where rollaboards can't. And for my laptop, I have an REI padded laptop sleeve that fits comfortably in the main backpack pocket, and of course can be removed to be able to thin out the backpack for storage in the smaller overheads of regional sh*tboxes, er, jets.
Have been using this combination for literally years with great results.
Have been using this combination for literally years with great results.
Dec 30, 2007, 1:19 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 237
Have you looked at Brenthaven?
http://www.brenthaven.com/#
They make bags (all types) specifically for macs.
I don't have a mac, but have had two Brenthaven bags. One backpack, which is still in great condition after 5 years of averaging 150,000 miles per year. My back gave out, so I got a wheeled bag from them.
http://www.brenthaven.com/#
They make bags (all types) specifically for macs.
I don't have a mac, but have had two Brenthaven bags. One backpack, which is still in great condition after 5 years of averaging 150,000 miles per year. My back gave out, so I got a wheeled bag from them.
Dec 30, 2007, 1:27 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Nashville, TN - BNA
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I'm also a proponent of the neoprene sleeve/backpack combo. I'm typing this on a 15" MBP, but I've also got a 13" Ibook I've hauled all over the world in a sleeve and a Kelty Redhawk REI-special backpack. Makes it easier to get the lappie in and out from the seat ahead of me without undue hassle.
Hub and I are also big fans of the Timbuk2 line...he's got a Underground Day Pack in a Speck plastic case (http://tinyurl.com/3cdclw) that'll fit a 17" MBP without any trouble. Those bags are waterproof and nearly indestructible. His is here: http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...round-day-pack
Hub and I are also big fans of the Timbuk2 line...he's got a Underground Day Pack in a Speck plastic case (http://tinyurl.com/3cdclw) that'll fit a 17" MBP without any trouble. Those bags are waterproof and nearly indestructible. His is here: http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...round-day-pack
Dec 30, 2007, 1:28 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 254
I use a Jansport Odyssey 38 backpack...fabulous capacity and comfortable shoulder straps, and yet can still be squeezed into overhead locations where rollaboards can't. And for my laptop, I have an REI padded laptop sleeve that fits comfortably in the main backpack pocket, and of course can be removed to be able to thin out the backpack for storage in the smaller overheads of regional sh*tboxes, er, jets.
Have been using this combination for literally years with great results.
Have been using this combination for literally years with great results.
Sep 19, 2008, 2:46 pm
#13
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So What is the best backpack or rucksack on the market? I need one durable, large (europeans might even think that it would be very large but that is only because I am a big person) and most importantly durable. My last swiss made one fell apart in just a few months.
suggestions....
suggestions....
Sep 19, 2008, 6:13 pm
#14
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Please follow the discussion in our Travel Products forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.
Sep 20, 2008, 4:53 am
#15
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