Ideas on a backpack that can hold 2 laptops (14”) and assorted chargers/iPad/etc for under $200? I want something that looks professional and somewhat stylish, is durable, etc.

So far I’m thinking of the North Face Surge or Timbuk2 Division. I like the idea of Tom Bihn and Nomatic, but they are a little more than I feel like spending.

I needed a rolling backpack that could fit under the seat for my family trips that could hold 2 laptops, 3 ipads, 3 headsets, chargers, and then all the other assorted carry-on stuff. Tried many bags and eventually found Eco Style and it has been the perfect bag. They have several non-rolling models: https://ecostylecases.com/collections/backpacks

Those look nice. I'd also been looking at the Tom Binh Brain bag, which is designed for two laptops and has a ton of other thoughtful features. It's about double (or more) the cost of the Eco Style but I still kinda prefer it I think.

The good thing about the brain bag is the compression straps. No matter how much stuff you put in there you can always reduce the size. I have several bags from Tom Bihn and especially like my Synapse.

In that size & price range I went with the Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop backpack.

Sorry I can't post links here.

I'm trying to figure out if it's too big. I may exchange it for the Synapse or the Synik (though at that point things are getting too expensive).

The Tortuga also looks like a possibility but there's something about its design I don't like.

I feel ya! I can never make up my mind, so I've just ended up buying many pieces of cabin/checked luggage, backpacks, duffels, you name it. Now I have something for all occasions and don't have to even think about it anymore. And it ends up being expensive, but most bags will last you a lifetime if you rotate your usage. Good luck!

OP here. For what it's worth, I went with the Bellroy Classic. It's a great bag, slightly on the minimalistic side and a tad too small on some occasions. If I could do it over, I would get the Bellroy Classic Plus.

Thanks for reporting back👍

I ordered a Brain bag and a Synik 30, both of which arrived today. The Brain is really too big. It would be a nice weekend backpack. I like the Synik but even the 30 seems big -I put all my stuff in it with plenty of room to spare. I think I’ll order the smaller Synik and see how that goes. Still, I’m struggling with the fact that it really doesn’t seem like a $300 bag.

I know. I felt the same way about all my Tom Bihn bags. But, when I purchased mine the company backed their products and you could call and speak to someone who actually worked there and not overseas. Also, it is handmade in the USA. But, I understand how you feel. All my bags are the original halcyon black/white pattern that they discontinued, so I'm happy I purchased them back when I did. My Synapse 25 is wonderful. I think the Synik is good for the clamshell option that many folks like.

I picked up a backpack at Mountain Warehouse when I was in the UK last summer for about $45. It's great; bare-bones but has all the compartments I need and a key ring holder, and it's very light. They've got a great selection of backpacks at similarly excellent prices.

I hate spending unnecessarily.

I'm looking for a new backpack that is on the larger size, but without wheels. I had a great one, but after about 6 years, it is fraying. I bought a new Targus, similar to my older one, but it just doesn't have the capacity of the old one. Suggestions?

How about "ebags motherlode"?

https://www.ebags.com/backpacks-bags...er=mother-lode

Maybe. I don't like that it doesn't seem to have a small front pocket, unless I'm missing it.