Laptop/Kit Bag

bengillam · 2018-02-13T07:33:24.000Z

Hi All,

I want to get a new laptop bag as i am doing a fair bit more travelling to London now visiting clients.

I currently have a case logic backpack but wondering what bags people use i should consider. I’m keen to try a messenger style bag instead. A friend of mine has a Peak Design messenger which seems nice but its over £200 which is a bit mad.

What sort of bags do those of you on the road use and does anyone have any they can recommend i look into.

In terms of what i carry. Its mostly my laptop. a few cables maybe and small screwdriver set and my lunch maybe. Might take the odd hard drive in there.

Thanks

Ben

adrian_ych · 2018-02-13T07:50:35.000Z

It would depend on when you are in London as you may see lots of rain (almost all year round) & snow (during winter)…

Then also if you want the business look or more casual…as messenger and sling bags can look more professional than a “techie” backpack.

Also note not to have too many side or front pockets as there are quite a few safety and theft issues. Dual zip that meets at top with pad locking zippers are options to consider as well.

http://www.businesspundit.com/16-best-business-backpacks-that-are-actually-respectable/

conor1368 · 2018-02-13T07:51:27.000Z

Last laptop bag I bought was a targus thing. It was the only one I could find that fitted a 17.3" laptop inside - but it was amazing. Targus kit isn’t super expensive and seem to get decent quality. Would recommend. I use a novatech backpack bag I found in the office instead now (shoulder problems lol)

adrian_ych · 2018-02-13T07:51:41.000Z

This is what I use…
https://www.zalora.sg/samsonite-samsonite-ikonn-laptop-backpack-ii-black-563924.html?adjust_tracker=h9gjsf_iooqus&adjust_campaign=[S[SHO_000006]:%20Women%20Bags&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3reGp8Gi2QIVUgwrCh0JQA-ZEAQYASABEgLhF_D_BwE

Bud-G · 2018-02-13T08:36:11.000Z

I currently use a Swiss Gear Cobalt for my everyday. It fits my 15" laptop and gives me plenty of room for anything else. This thing has lasted two years. To and from work everyday (which included a over a year of walking back and forth to work M-F ~2.5 mile round trip). Travel, whatever, it’s still in great shape and no tears yet. It also has plenty of pockets for organization. The straps are pretty comfortable. Amazon - Amazon.com

I had another Swiss Gear before that I used for work, every day. It lasted at least two years, but I don’t remember the model. If I had to recommend one, it would be made by them.

Currently, I’m looking at backpacks again and I have something set in my mind, but I haven’t found one that they make, so I’ll check and see what others recommend.

scottbrindley · 2018-02-13T09:37:38.000Z

I tend to avoid carrying any Targus bags , as it says mug me I am carrying a laptop! I just use a karrimor day sack (yes you can use a day sack at night) from Sport Direct. It is big enough to get my laptop and a few ancils in and looks like a gym bag.

DoctorDNS · 2018-02-13T09:42:01.000Z

I travel a LOT and have carried my laptop around the world more than once (literally). I travel a great deal (well I used to!) up to London from the shires.

I use a VIctorianknox case. I have had many many laptop cases over the past two decades, and these are the best (for me). Laptop Bags | Cheap bags for laptops | Ebuyer.com swissgear-legacy-double-case-w-600654?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=5150

Last time I ordered these, there was a special offer on - and I bought two.

This does a great job when I have two laptops to carry, when I have to carry books plus the laptop, and can even carry a shirt/underwear and toiletries for a simple overnight stay (or when I travel a red eye and want clean clothes when I arrive).

kellyflynn · 2018-02-13T11:38:08.000Z

If someone starts selling these on Amazon I might not be able to stop myself.

james485 · 2018-02-13T11:40:24.000Z

Bud G.:

I currently use a Swiss Gear Cobalt for my everyday. It fits my 15" laptop and gives me plenty of room for anything else. This thing has lasted two years. To and from work everyday (which included a over a year of walking back and forth to work M-F ~2.5 mile round trip). Travel, whatever, it’s still in great shape and no tears yet. It also has plenty of pockets for organization. The straps are pretty comfortable. Amazon - Amazon.com

I had another Swiss Gear before that I used for work, every day. It lasted at least two years, but I don’t remember the model. If I had to recommend one, it would be made by them.

Currently, I’m looking at backpacks again and I have something set in my mind, but I haven’t found one that they make, so I’ll check and see what others recommend.

We use those here at my office with our company logo stitched on the front. Perfect for carrying all the tools/cables with all of the pockets available, easy transport through airports, and just more convenient.

craigrollins · 2018-02-13T11:47:58.000Z

I recommend Swiss Gear. They are built sturdy and have plenty of storage space and pockets. I’m in the US but at least on this side of the pond they are reasonably priced.

volumewithin · 2018-02-13T13:14:20.000Z

I’m currently using a Cocoon Slim XL 17 Backpack Amazon.com

I like the Cocoon strap system to storing all my various adapters & thumb drives & cables. Plus it’s nice and clean looking with a sternum-strap (must have for me, especially on the motorcycle)

jerseyitguy76 · 2018-02-13T13:14:51.000Z

I have a backpack that I believe is a Samsonite. It has a padded section in the main pouch for a laptop, but also has a second, equally as big pouch where I put all of my tools (stripper, crimper, cable tester, screwdriver set, etc.) as well other crap that I may need. It really depends on how much stuff you need to bring with you on a regular basis.

bustedchromebook · 2018-02-13T13:31:41.000Z

I have one kinda like this:

trgws-156-nsh-ntylykt-klmshyl-hqyb-lbtwb-1555-760x1000.jpg760×1000 50 KB

It fits three laptops, spare cables, my commonly used software dvds, usb drives, and enough little debbie cakes to last through a zombie apocalypse.

bustedchromebook · 2018-02-13T13:34:15.000Z

Found the exact one that I have:

8ddaf6df-81e5-42ab-bf90-f5ca00f57982_1.df4df519535c0c093b874c5994db5706.jpeg

It’s $50 on walmart.com. Not sure how that translates to euros.

bustedchromebook · 2018-02-13T13:35:41.000Z

scottbrindley:

I tend to avoid carrying any Targus bags , as it says mug me I am carrying a laptop! I just use a karrimor day sack (yes you can use a day sack at night) from Sport Direct. It is big enough to get my laptop and a few ancils in and looks like a gym bag.

My targus bag has a giant padlock on the laptop pocket. Perfect if walking through the city.

librarian · 2018-02-13T14:01:27.000Z

Amazon basics backpack.

Loads of pockets. Room for laptops, power supplies and all sorts of other gear.

Enough extra space for a couple of day’s clothes.

Can’t fault it and only about £30

VikingMichael · 2018-02-13T14:05:37.000Z

My dream bag is a Saddleback Leather ( www.saddlebackleather.com ) bag. I know a few people who have them, and they all swear by them, despite the enormous price tag. Lifetime warranty on all of their products, and quality that makes the warranty irrelevant.

adam-faronics · 2018-02-13T16:27:15.000Z

There are lots of great options out there for shoulder bags that won’t break the bank.

Timbuk2 makes some nice stuff, and have different sizes that you can get depending on what you are looking for and from all the ones that I’ve seen they seem to hold up well.

I’ve been using a bag from Onsite Equipment ( http://www.onsightequipment.com/ ) for years now and it’s holding up exceedingly well given the price that i paid (about 100$ CAD). They are local for me so there are a couple of local stores that stock them. I didn’t see much about folks stocking them internationally but a couple of the online retailers do ship internationally. The specific bag is the Saigon Midi ( - onsightequipment.com ) and this is what it looks like after years of being tossed around.

20180213_084619.jpg800×600 111 KB

I’m not specifically abusive with my gear, but I’m not going out of my way to baby it and the only damage in years of use was a buckle on it that got slammed in a door.

peter-avast · 2018-02-13T17:45:51.000Z

I love my High Sierra backpack. It’s extremely comfortable when walking around, and while it may seem big it ends up being very practical in everyday use.

highsierra.png472×530 218 KB

Another pro is that it has space for absolutely everything you could possibly need, and plenty more. I’ve never found it lacking for space, although it has so many storage areas sometimes it’s hard to find what you’re looking for

I know you mentioned you were looking for a messenger/shoulder bag style, though. High Sierra does make them, but they lack the “suspension straps” the backpacks have, I believe, which IMO are the killer feature and make it quite comfortable for travel.

I used to use a messenger bag all the time, but I could never find one with a comfortable strap – so if that’s what you’re going with I’d say: focus on the strap

@bengillam

drewlubken0647 · 2018-02-14T15:37:58.000Z

I have a Targus backpack that I use daily but it’s anything but new. I think I got it in 03? Still working great, though it is starting to get a little wear in a few places.