Backpacks
Jan 23, 2023, 10:38 am
#16
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
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.
Jan 23, 2023, 3:51 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Santa Monica, CA
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Posts: 1,579
Jan 24, 2023, 8:59 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
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
Jan 24, 2023, 3:06 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,846
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.
Jan 25, 2023, 8:29 am
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
The Tortuga also looks like a possibility but there's something about its design I don't like.
Jan 25, 2023, 8:43 am
#22
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,846
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!
Jan 25, 2023, 8:31 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AA
Posts: 872
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.
Jan 26, 2023, 3:15 am
#24
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,846
Jan 28, 2023, 3:36 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
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.
Jan 28, 2023, 3:46 pm
#26
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 3,846
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.
Feb 4, 2023, 6:40 pm
#27
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,288
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.
Feb 5, 2023, 10:53 am
#28
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
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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?
Feb 5, 2023, 2:33 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
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Feb 5, 2023, 3:24 pm
#30
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