Recommendations for laptop backpack

[2Tiggies]

There was a thread at the beginning of the year I think, on this topic but I can't find it. I am looking for a backpack that will take my 17" laptop plus a camera and a few odd things for hand luggage. I have a smaller lightweight backpack for the parks so it doesn't have to double up for that in case anyone is wondering. I just want hands free this year as we land later than usual (6pm - Glasgow flight) and I really want to take my luggage up the escalator instead of waiting half an hour for it to arrive at the other terminal. The ones I have looked at don't look like they would take a camera and a few odds as well. I don't want to spend a massive amount on anything fancy as I won't really use it other than for trips abroad.

 

[Cyrano]

Is this the thread you are looking for here .

I ended up buying the Compuday

 

[originalkk]

I bought a big Targus 17 inch computer backpack at Marshalls a couple of years ago for $20. Takes my 17 inch Dell, plus a Nikon D90 with lenses etc inside a Slingshot 100, a PSP, and other bits and pieces, in the main compartment. It's not pretty, but it does the job for not much cash.

I prefer having a backpack to a wheeled bag in the cabin.

 

[2Tiggies]

I bought a big Targus 17 inch computer backpack at Marshalls a couple of years ago for $20. Takes my 17 inch Dell, plus a Nikon D90 with lenses etc inside a Slingshot 100, a PSP, and other bits and pieces, in the main compartment. It's not pretty, but it does the job for not much cash.

I prefer having a backpack to a wheeled bag in the cabin.

That sounds like what I need. My camera is fairly bulky so it isn't like slipping a compact down the side and I do like to have a book to read and by the time we board I have done a bit of Duty Free shopping which has to fit into the bag too. It is really a matter of practicality for me and for once, looks don't count - it must do the job. I will do a search and see what I come up with.

Thank you Cyrano, yes, that is the thread I was looking for.

 

[Type A Tim]

Swissgear make awesome back packs.

I got this one: http://www.play.com//ProductOutline.aspx?title=8194572&r=PCSH

It's fantastic - takes so much yes still feels compact - so many clever little pockets. I'm sure they do versions for 17inch laptops.

Check them out, you won't regret it. I love travelling with it.

Tim

 

[2Tiggies]

Now that one actually LOOKS nice too. Where did you get it? There is no info on suppliers on the link you gave me, but it would be an added bonus to have one that looks good too. Are the little pockets on the inside or the outside?

 

[Type A Tim]

Yes, it's super, looks good, quality design, tough etc.

I got it from play.com.

It has two net pockets each side for water bottles on the outside of the bag. It has a little shallow pocket right on the top for like mp3 player/phone/camera. It has a protected laptop section, a larger front section for like books, anything else.

There are then two smaller front pockets as well for anything else you want.

It's like a TARDIS!!! Can fit so much into a compact bag.

Tim

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh brilliant! Thank you sooooo much!!!! My birthday is coming up in a month or so - I will drop a few not-so-subtle hints!

 

[2Tiggies]

Just want to say thanks to everyone for all your help and advice. Tim, I fell for the Swissgear one - they had one in purple which was the final scale-tipping factor in its favour! Now I can post other questions instead

 

[Type A Tim]

You're welcome!

You won't regret it - they are such good backpacks, makes you want to travel even more! If we even needed more encouragement!

Tim

 

[Carl Fredricksen]

Swissgear make awesome back packs.

I got this one: http://www.play.com//ProductOutline.aspx?title=8194572&r=PCSH

It's fantastic - takes so much yes still feels compact - so many clever little pockets. I'm sure they do versions for 17inch laptops.

Check them out, you won't regret it. I love travelling with it.

Tim

My buddy at work had several brands (Targus, etc) and finally got a SwissGear. He swears he will never own another brand. They aren't the least expensive, but I've checked his out and it is awesome. This is the one he has.

Lucky for me, he gave me his old Targus even though I don't have a laptop. It's great for toting stuff back and forth to work. Perfect for me, but if I ever needed a laptop bag, I would go only with Swissgear after seeing his.

 

[Carl Fredricksen]

Just want to say thanks to everyone for all your help and advice. Tim, I fell for the Swissgear one - they had one in purple which was the final scale-tipping factor in its favour! Now I can post other questions instead

Sorry didn't see your final post until after I stuck mine out there, but congrats on the choice. You won't regret it.

 

[2Tiggies]

Sorry didn't see your final post until after I stuck mine out there, but congrats on the choice. You won't regret it.

Oh that's okay. Nice to have an extra vote in favour of my choice! I was looking at it online yesterday evening when my brother popped around. He is very much into his electronics and gadgets and is also a keen photographer and would rather go without than not have the very best in both equipment and accessories. When I showed him the one I was looking at he got very enthusiastic about it. I got mine off Play.com and they had a massive discount (60%) on it and I liked the colour too. Very similar to the one in the link you posted actually, but obviously the colour of the one on your link is probably more practical.

 

[stephensmum]

Thanks for this, just ordered the purple one too. Also went through Quidco.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks for this, just ordered the purple one too. Also went through Quidco.

I only thought to use a cashback website afterwards. I never remember and TBH I don't really know how they track the payments or how to follow up so it always slips my mind til afterwards. I am going to use Topcashback for my insurance though as they currently have 17% cashback on the one I want - not sure if it will come through, but I am going to give it a go.

Glad someone else has good taste in colours

 

[stephensmum]

I only thought to use a cashback website afterwards. I never remember and TBH I don't really know how they track the payments or how to follow up so it always slips my mind til afterwards. I am going to use Topcashback for my insurance though as they currently have 17% cashback on the one I want - not sure if it will come through, but I am going to give it a go.

Glad someone else has good taste in colours

Wouldn't worry, they only gave me 7p. My backpack arrived today, it's just the job.

 

[2Tiggies]

Wouldn't worry, they only gave me 7p. My backpack arrived today, it's just the job.

Mine arrived too! Had it delivered to the office. The various pairs of shoes I ordered also all arrived. Reception eventually came and asked if there was anything else I was expecting

I am really pleased with it especially as it has all the hidden pockets inside and only 2 outer zips. I like to have a little combo lock on each zip which I remove before security and replace after so that nobody can take anything out (or put anything in ). I am also really pleased that it is quite compact. Looks like we made a great choice!