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Finding a Good Laptop Backpack

by Kelly Amabile (RSS feed) on Nov 17th 2005 at 1:05PM

For my '06 travels, I'll be buying a large (but not too large) backpack, as well as a sturdy daypack that can accommodate my laptop. Popgaget's guide to laptop backpacks for women was a good place for me to start assessing what's out there: I got an idea of price range, available features and styles. After browsing several websites, my favorite so far is The Salary Sacrifice by Crumpler because:

1) The name says it all. This bare bones bag will carry my most valuable possessions, in exchange for the day job, desk and regular paycheck I'm leaving behind.

2) It is perfect for my 12" iBook — water resistant, secure (hidden main zipper), versatile (chest strap too)

3) The Crumpler folks are fun! They've got a funny ditty and bizarre interactivity on their site. I like laughing while I shop.

I'm a real stickler for having to try things on, so I would not buy this online unless I could try it out in a store first. Plus, I do wish I could find the salary sacrifice for about $50 bucks less. (Come on Crumplers!) This Burton Conceal pack is my second fav, and at a slimmer price, is in the running too. At least I've got an idea of what I like to start. So, Gadling guys and gals, any other suggestions on laptops packs that have worked for you, especially for extended travel?

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Michael Dec 18th 2005 5:34PM

Kelly,

I've been using an Eagle Creek Continental Journey (http://www.eaglecreek.com/adventure_travel_packs.html) and really like it (sorry, I know I'm not answering the question you asked, but it seemed just related enough to be worth sharing). It's not exactly clear from their website, but it has a zip off day pack attached to the main pack. The benefit of this to me is that when I'm in travel mode (airport, train station, etc.) it all zips together and I only have one bag to deal with.

To protect my iBook I use a Brain Cell from Tom Bihn (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0300), since there is nothing laptop-centric about the day pack (my pack is about 7 years old, so I�m sure it differs some from what they're offering now). It fits nicely in my day pack and I don�t have to worry so much about what else I load in there. If I was buying today, I�d probably go for their Monolith sleeve, but that wasn�t available for 12� iBooks when I bought mine.

More directly to your question, Tom Bihn also makes a variety of laptop packs. I don�t have any of them, but I can say based on their Brain Cell that they put some thought into actually protecting your laptop, which I like. However, like Crumpler, they�re not by any means cheap.

Best of luck with your trip. I�ve enjoyed reading your chronicles thus far.

Carl Dec 18th 2005 5:34PM

Crumpler's aren't cheap... but they are certainly one the best laptop bags i've ever used.

I have the Crumpler Brian's Hot Tub and lug around my 17" beast of a widescreen laptop in... and it is excellent.

I also have to give kudos to Spire USA at http://www.spireusa.com, I used them with my old laptop and used the same backpack for 5+ years and it still looks like new. VERY rugged.

Unfortunately they didn't have a model that would fit my new laptop so I went with Crumpler. But I would hesitate to by Spire again in the future.

Nymms Dec 18th 2005 5:34PM

I've had my crumpler for 10 years now and it is still in great condition, these are worth every dollar. It gets used every day for work, my courier sized bag is flexible for small items (lays flat against the back) and have even used it for a whole week on holiday, holds a heap.
Here in Melbourne, every 15-35yo person owns one.

Kelly Dec 18th 2005 5:34PM

Thanks for your feedback guys. So Crumplers gets a thumbs up -- good to hear. I will also look at the Eagle Creek Continental for women and the Mitre or Monolith protection gear that Michael mentioned as an alternate combo. This will be a smart investment for my travels so I'll be sure not to cringe too much if I have to shell out a few extra bucks. I'll appreciate it after several months on the road, I'm sure.

Jason Dec 18th 2005 5:34PM

Another plug for Crumplers...I've had my Wack-O-Phone for 10 months, and it's carried my 12" PowerBook around the world in style and safety. I get compliments on it all the time, and the thing is built like a tank. Spend the extra bucks and you'll be happy...