recommendations for a laptop backpack?
 

Does anyone have any recommendations for a laptop backpack? The one I have now is falling to pieces and I need to find a new one. I haven't been able to find any comparison reviews through a quick google search.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

I have a Wenger SYNERGY Swiss Gear Computer Backpack. I love it. Very comfortable and has lasted over a year of walking through DC and many a walks through the airport. Zippers are heavy duty which is a major plus. Plenty of compartments for stuffing things and a earphone port if you use an iPod. I think this particular bag is discontinued, but you can still find it online and I'm sure the newer version would be just as good.

Two suggestions

1. search this thread, remember discussion on same sometime back.
2. macworld magazine and/or cnet.com should both have reviews of laptop bags that would include backpacks...

There are literary a ton of them out there...the fancier/better constructed ones weight a ton whereas the more simple ones, with less pouches for other goodies are quite efficient. Matter of personal choice.

Thanks. I have searched this forum and am not finding the thread you are referencing. My google searches are also not pulling up any comparison reviews (i.e. suggesting the best out of 10). Perhaps I am using the wrong keywords, but would anyone mind pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks.

I use a Ogio Metroid backpack. It is quite comfortable and relatively lightweight for a large laptop backpack. Zippers have stood up quite well and is well constructed. The bag collapses well to stow lengthwise or widthwise on a CRJ. The all-black is less noticeable than the colored versions, if that's your thing.

http://www.ogio.com/product.php?product=128

I have a Samonsite backpack I got at at Fry's in Calif. It's pretty nice. Seperate laptop enclosure, two main pouches and a ton of ancillary ones.

Also, try to avoid Targus, that screams "LAPTOP INSIDE" and theives know it. Try something a bit more discreet.

I take it with me when I travel now and used it for a year in college. Still looks new.

Eagle Creek
 

http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_lugga...fice-ES-60170/

This pack has a lot of bells and whistles.

I love my Briggs and Riley backpack [/url=http://www.briggs-riley.com/businesscases/nonrolling/280_deluxecomputerbackpack.asp]link[/url]

Like all B&R stuff it is pricey, but very well designed and like all B&R stuff has the magic warranty (I've never had to use it for the backpack, but I suspect they are sorry I ever bought the Roll-aboard :)).

Great product that is still sold at Sams's wholesale club. In cincinnati it is $39

Search in travel technology thread: "computer bags", you'll get ton of hits. i've listed a few to help you get started

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...=computer+bags

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...=computer+bags

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...=computer+bags

Go to www.ebags.com - it seems they carry just about everything with a ton of reviews on individual products.

I don't have their laptop bag, but the ebags brand weekend convertable backpack is very well constructed, holds a ton, and inexpensive too.

alternative approach
 

As an alternative to a dedicated laptop backpack, I use a Kelty Redwing (it has a light internal frame) and a Waterfield laptop sleeve. I find this to be a fairly flexible combination -- the laptop + sleeve can go in other bags, backpack can be used for other things. If you're looking for a bag with specific compartments for various cables and peripherals, though, this probably isn't the answer.

I cannot sing the praises of Tom Bihn enough. www.tombihn.com.

Fabulous bags, so very very well thought out. I have the brain bag and it holds my Macbook Pro, my QE2s, big bag of cables and flash drives and power supplies, my pashima, a book, DVD case, a pack of clothes incase regular luggage fails to make it, my medicines, etc. It's completely wonderful top to bottom.

Awesome! I paid 64.99 at Office Max on sale down from $79.99.

I love it. If I have to walk a long way I can snap the chest strap, otherwise just leave it open.

I wish the stap that allows you to attach to a carry on (behind the main lift handel) was larger. Doesn't quite slide on my travelpro, but still works amazing. Just have to watch for slippage.

I have lugged the Wenger Sahara all over the world for about a year-and-a-half now and I'm very happy with it. It has less buckles, zippers, shackles, carabiners, pouches and straps than a lot of the other backpack-through-Europe bags.

link