Backpacks
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 13,888
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.
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.
#17
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Programs: AAPLT 1MM, HHDmd, MBvLTPLT, PCAmb/Dmd, HYT Dis, ALL Gld
Posts: 1,539
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 13,888
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
#19
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, IHG Platinum, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,374
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.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 13,888
The Tortuga also looks like a possibility but there's something about its design I don't like.
#22
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, IHG Platinum, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,374
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!
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AA
Posts: 750
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.
#24
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, IHG Platinum, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,374
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 13,888
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.
#26
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, IHG Platinum, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,374
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.
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 25,572
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 hate spending unnecessarily.
#28
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 50,091
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?
#29
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, IHG Platinum, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,374
#30
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 50,091