Shopping for...

[elfs]

A laptop backpack. I have a regular commute bag, but it's not appropriate for the bicycle, and if I'm going to start riding more often I need a decent backpack that can carry: a laptop, two to three notebooks (plain, laboratory, and sketch), two modest textbooks, and a change of clothing. And it has to be comfortable when I ride.

Anyone have any recommendations? A bag they particularly like?

Comments

[hastings1066.livejournal.com]

I really like the Targus TXL617 (http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TXL617). It houses my work notebooks, my laptop, a couple of reference books, my japanese books, camera, and accessories. It has a nice strap system with waist clip. It is softsided, so when it is emptyish, it isn't unbalanced, and has a place you can stuff a light jacket or pullover through. The clips on the front allow for things like a waterbottle to be attached. The only downside to me is that it is unbalanced one shouldered, but I shouldn't be carrying it that way anyway ;)

[spazzkat.livejournal.com]

I have a bag made by Trager that I love. It's more for office and business trip type use but they also make backpack type computer carriers. They're local to Seattle but although I can find a million sites that sell them I can't find a web site for their company.

^_^;;

[whitiger.livejournal.com]

My backpack is made by GreatLand. It's not high-tech, but I've hauled it everywhere for the past 2+ years. I take it to work daily. I take my laptop, a couple of books, change of clothes, and my dinner. The back tag says: "Fabric made of Cordura Plus Only by DuPont" The poor thing has been put through the ringer and it is holding up exceedingly well! I find it rather comfortable also. It wasn't very exspensive, I think we found it at Target or Wal-Mart or some such place. Best $$ I spent on a backpack. The zippers have never jammed or broken. It is likely to be the last one I will have to buy for myself.

[felis-concolor.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I have one by Targus, its got a padded spot for the laptop on the bottom that velcros, and the part for your back is all padded. Does the job well, I think I got it from Best Buy or something, and I think thinkgeek.com has them too.

[rukatiger.livejournal.com]

This (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47599437&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1)
looks like the new version of my old pack I had at university. It was pretty good for walking around campus, but I don't know about on a bike.

This one (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47617888&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1) looks more ergonomic though and is cheaper (which is surprising for North Face).

[en-ki.livejournal.com]

I've worn a Rakgear for a few years now. No sign of wear despite plenty of hiking and biking and commuting, holds what I want it to hold. I've lately taken to strapping a tripod onto one side and a liter Nalgene to the back, and stuffing the side pockets with film.

[houseofsomebody.livejournal.com]

I use a RoadWired thinger for my PDA. I haven't gotten adventurous with laptop stuff, but this looks fairly interesting:

http://www.roadwired.com/store/Product.cfm?Productid=47

I highly recommend the company and the PDA stuff I have!

-D

[talisker.livejournal.com]

I have the targus sport backpack, as seen here (http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TSB212). Really well padded, everything well secured and tons of room for books and notes. I have a 15" laptop and it fits perfectly. I used to have the targus evecutive shoulder bag, but my back started complaining. This thing is uber comfortable.

[riverheart.livejournal.com]

Go check out the goods at Tom Bihn. http://www.tombihn.com. Made in Port Angeles (let's hear it for jobs on the Olympic Peninsula!), and, to my eye, of considerable quality.