How do you BAG it?
September 29th, 2006 (10:43am) Katie Fehrenbacher 54 Comments
Decentralized working has its upsides, as we’ve all been writing about on WWD, but one thing definitely suffers: my shoulders. It seems like everywhere I go – cafes, hotspot-enabled parks, office space – I’m lugging my laptop around, ready to work at a glimmer of a broadband connection. After a few blocks even the lightest laptop bag strap starts tugging on my shoulder like it’s holding the 9-lbs Dell, I spent a grand on for my first reporting job.
Now that my newer laptop is pretty light, and I’m still smarting, I’m starting to think it’s the bag. Maybe I should actually invest some time and energy checking out the ergonomics and design rather than opting for the free hand-me down from coworkers or friends. (No more thrift store buys.) I guess I should also pick one that looks decent enough, given its going to get worn more than my favorite sweatshirt.
A friend sent me a link to a company called Everquest Design which sells laptop bags with authentic pieces of the landing parachute from the Soyuz International Space Station, or cloth from Mount Everest expeditions. They’re probably pretty sturdy, but then I remembered that I’m not an aging business man trying to relive my extreme-sports youth. The idea is a little too Richard Branson for me.
Does anyone have a favorite laptop bag brand that has been their stalwart through endless telecommuting?
54 Comments Post your own comment
Shaun Andrews says: September 29th, 2006 11:14am
I’ve been using a messenger bag that I bought from Old Navy about 4 years ago. Its a very simple cotton bag with one main section and two smaller pouches all covered by one flap. Its an army green and, even though its meant for school books, fits the Blackbook and cables, cell phone, and portfolio perfectly. I was looking for a new bag a few months back but gave up. I really like messenger bags, but I can’t seem to find one thats not ugly as sin. As far as ergonomics are concerned the over the shoulder messenger-type bags are probably not good for the back as the weight falls on one point of the shoulder. I think a backpack style bag, though not stylish, is the best for the back as it spreads the weight of the bag out evenly.
Matt says: September 29th, 2006 11:16am
One of the best computer bag is made by the bike messenger bag company Chrome. It’s turning into the next “Timbuk 2″ in the bay area, they have a store on Folsom and 7th, it might be worth checking out.
My favorite feature is the huge shoulder padding and strap and the no nonsense ergonomic strap design.
http://www.chromebags.com/soma.php
jim says: September 29th, 2006 11:22am
reloadbags.com bike courier bags by trade professional bags for fun.
David Brunelle says: September 29th, 2006 11:50am
Unfortunately, it seems like it’s almost necessary to have two laptop bags. One for pure functionality, and one that’s slightly more presentable. In my case, I need a rugged bag for cycling to work that can fit my laptop (sometimes) my clothes, a book, my lunch, etc, etc. For this purpose, I use the Osprey Torque. Osprey makes great bags, and this one works well for my general laptop/ gear lugging needs.
When I need to go to a meeting, or look presentable - I’d rather not have a big ol’ messenger bag with me. For these situations, I have a Tumi bag. All Tumi’s are guaranteed for life, and look very professional. There’s something for everyone.
PhoneBoy says: September 29th, 2006 11:57am
Lowe Alpine Megabyte. It’s a backpack. Much easier on the shoulders.
motherduce says: September 29th, 2006 12:03pm
I use the Targus Rogue backpack. I picked it up from Buy.com for $15, and it’s been great. I can carry a ton of stuff in it Backpack style, and it’s not a strain, it has room for all kinds of goodies, but still works well on lite mode, with only my laptop and a notebook in there. A special spot for the iPod is great as well.
Peter Kang says: September 29th, 2006 12:06pm
SpireUSA apparently makes really nice laptop bags, and you might find Hear Hear’s interview with him pretty interesting
Keith says: September 29th, 2006 12:24pm
I find that Ogio makes some real quality bags that are very comfortable to wear throughout the day. Coming from a sales background, I am always walking with a bag on my shoulder and feel your shoulder pain.
I have a 17″ notebook that weighs just over 10 lbs. and my shoulder doing very well thanks to Ogio’s messenger bag.
Hope this helps.
MikeInAZ says: September 29th, 2006 1:05pm
I like BumBakPaks for my powerbook…
Has lots of pockets and space for other things too. The straps are ergonomic and backpack-like carrying when I’m running through airports.
Pascal Finette says: September 29th, 2006 1:27pm
I bought one of the Everquest Design Soyuz bags a while ago (yeah, I was lured into thinking that something which brings Soyuz down safely might also be good for me) - unfortunately I have to say that the quality of the bag was absolute crap. It’s basically a very cheap bag with a little piece of space history sewn onto it… Do yourself a favor - buy it if you want to have a piece of history but not if you need a bag which you actually use daily.
I recently bought a Vaude messenger bag and absolutely love it - durable, waterproof and easy to wear.
Michael says: September 29th, 2006 2:14pm
http://www.sjdesign.com/ or http://www.crumpler.com.au
I use the laptrap when I’m travelling light, and the very busy man when I need to cart everything around. Love ‘em both.
Michael says: September 29th, 2006 2:17pm
http://www.sjdesign.com and http://www.crumpler.com.au
shannonclark says: September 29th, 2006 3:08pm
I’m pretty happy with my current Crumpler bag but it isn’t entirely perfect, but it does have a great shoulder strap, the right number of pockets and sections, and a good place to hold my laptop (might not fit a 17″ one however).
My only complaints, and they are relatively minor - it doesn’t have a good place to hold a water bottle, and like most messenger style bags, things can tend to fall to the bottom - and it can be somewhat tricky to carry books, power adapter and files while keeping everything presentable.
Ryan says: September 29th, 2006 4:10pm
I gave up on looking cool and trotted an old North Face pack out of retirement. It distributes my too-big Toshiba evenly across my back, and there’s plenty of room for power, gadgets, books, notebooks, etc.
Two big vertical pockets on the front are great for pens, phone, keys, and the like. Giant chunky zippers never get caught.
Not that it goes with my suit. For those occassions when style trumps function, I bring out a plain black messenger bag.
Dave Newman says: September 29th, 2006 6:20pm
If you have a habit of carrying around camera gear as well as your laptop, I haven’t found one better than a Tamrac. They make one that holds the 17″ Macs and a digital SLR with lenses and everything. That’s what I have and I couldn’t be happier. Lots of padding and watertight.
LivNLet says: September 29th, 2006 7:36pm
Try putting an L-shaped desk on rollers and add a small engine.
Tim Stephens says: September 29th, 2006 7:54pm
I’m a big Targus fan. I have a Port 3.1 15″ commuter “briefcase” and a CityGear 15.4″ Chicago Notebook backpack. The first is great for to/from local meetings and the second is better for plane flights and hiking long city distances without back strain. I’ve found that I get good info if I ask others I see wandering around about their bags - after the inital wierd looks, that is. Good luck.
Dean Johnson says: September 29th, 2006 10:37pm
I use a standard Lands End canvas briefcase with a padded slip cover for my 12″ powerbook. The reason for using such a traditional bag is that it looks, well, “traditional”. It isn’t a stylish expensive looking computer bag that screams “STEAL ME”. I can pack a ton of crap in it and it barely shows any wear after >15 years of use, including trips all over the world.
Ed Holloway says: September 30th, 2006 8:53am
Check out the Ogio Bags at http://www.ogio.com/products.php?category=29
I use the Metro, and it is great.
Corey says: September 30th, 2006 9:23am
i’d say it’s all about the backpack. i’m a laptop musician, so it’s a laptop, a small mixer and other gear. get it off of one shoulder and onto both. much better for your back.
Imran Ali says: September 30th, 2006 10:25am
I really recommend TImbuk2’s Detour (http://images.google.com/images?q=timbuk2 detour). It’s a 3-in-1 and can be used as a messenger bag, backpack or briefcase…also include a padded compartment for your laptop - up to a Macbook or 15″ Macbook Pro.
Perfect. Tough, comfortable and looks kinda cool in black :)
basquette says: September 30th, 2006 11:43am
It makes me feel a bit conspicuous but it absolutely saves my back. It’s the Franklin Covey wheeled case. It’s got a boxy shape, lots of pockets and pouches for various things, came with a smaller nylon bag for cosmetics or what-have-you, and a padded compartment for the laptop. The handle comes up in stages so shorties can have it lower and amazon freaks like myself can breeze through unhunched-over.
Kate Trgovac says: September 30th, 2006 2:10pm
I agree w/ David Brunelle .. I have 2: one for day to day and one for client meetings. My day to day is a Timbuk2 back back (I think its an older version of their Pro series) which I love (the bottle holder pouches on the side are a little shallow) but other than that I love it, My bag for show is a “Steve” from a design firm called “Case Closed”. It’s a great bag, but it really only holds the essentials (laptop, a few folders and cell phone), but it looks great.
For readers who are interested, I have a lens over at Squidoo dedicated to “Funky, Chic and Cool Laptop Bags”. You can check it out at http://www.squidoo.com/laptopbag/
Andy says: September 30th, 2006 3:12pm
I got mine for my macbook at:
http://www.radtech.us/
Give them a try!
rob says: September 30th, 2006 5:00pm
if you want to see some great purpose built laptop bags, take a peek at http://www.tombihn.com. great bags with some excellent accessories as well - like the snake bag for all those power plugs, a couple of extra mice (wireless and wired), ipod cable and half a dozen other things.
Jacob Bohall says: October 1st, 2006 6:34pm
I prefer the samsonite computer bags. You can get them for a great price at an outlet store, or online. Plenty of pockets, over the shoulder strap has a big cushion, so it works well with time. Can also be carried like a briefcase, which comes in handy at times.
Drew Loika says: October 1st, 2006 8:46pm
While it was already mentioned, I too have had great luck with http://www.tombihn.com and their “Monolith” laptop sleeve. Unlike most sleeves it’s rigid so it protects your laptop beautifully while you through it into whatever bag/backpack fits the situation. I’ve carried a 15″ laptop and half-dozen textbooks in a backpack every day to campus for the last three years with never any problems.
Scott W says: October 1st, 2006 10:03pm
Before joining the “sockless lifestyle” movement, I spent a few years dragging a laptop through airports 3 weeks a month. My shoulders hated the brick of a computer I was lugging around until I found a case with elastic in the shoulder strap. I never imagined that it would make that much difference, but it really does act like a shock absorber on every step.
Filter for 2/10 2006 - Felt says: October 1st, 2006 10:45pm
[...] Web Worker Daily: How do you BAG it? Webdevs, especially freelance ones, need cool bags. [...]
Patrick Smith says: October 2nd, 2006 6:45am
I have to recommend the bags at Tom Bihn too. My daily-use bag is their laptop sling bag, The Buzz. If you want to carry a bunch of stuff, it’s not the bag to go with, but it’s very comfortable if all you have is the laptop, a book or two and a couple of odds and ends.
Mark says: October 2nd, 2006 8:49am
After looking at lots of cases I suddenly realised that if I wanted to minimise the weight I carried (and I had spent a lot of money to buy a light PC) then I shoud get a SMALL case - so I must carry less - otherwise all those small pockets just fill up with the ‘ I just might need that’ stuff.
The Incase nylon case from Apple made me do just that & I’ve never regretted it. It looks good as well :)
Dana says: October 2nd, 2006 9:30am
I’ve tried, and still own (some of) Targus, Timbuk2, Osprey, Lowe, Port, Targus and Tumi. I’ve settled on Tumi for the past several years and have yet to be let down. I own both their backpacks and larger computer bag that will fit a small office inside. Not to mention, they are the best at protecting laptops (and even work well when carrying 2 or 3, which I’ve done at times).
Qasim says: October 2nd, 2006 10:29am
I use an M-Audio Studio Pack - it weighs a little more than your average small-size backpack but has well designed straps that distribute the weight you’re carrying evenly. The bag is completely cushioned and I’ve travelled with my laptop arriving safely thanks to the cushioning - which even withstands international checked-baggage! Ah, and there’s a second space in the main compartment for another laptop (meant to be used for a small MIDI keyboard). Highly recommended.
zane says: October 2nd, 2006 1:09pm
Targus. I see several comments in support of Targus bags. I love mine. Sturdy, dependable…lots of pockets, inside and out, comfy on the shoulders. I use it to bike 5.5 miles through the country to my office in Iowa. Running with it through airports is no problem.
Pablo says: October 2nd, 2006 2:57pm
I´m a Targus guy. I use this one.
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=RG0322
Lot´s of pockets, plenty space.
jeremy says: October 2nd, 2006 3:58pm
i just took a vaude ’splash air 20+5′ on a tour to europe and HK (i live in .au) it was great with my tablet in an stm sleeve and has heaps of pockets for the other in-flight essentials too (good headphones, psp, etc :) They’re designed for cycling, so are light, tough and look pretty cool too (ymmv)
the backpack design DOES make thing easier on your back, and i notice now that more people wear backpacks, as they see more people doing it.
I also have an ulstrasmall belkin bag (basically a sleeve with a few internal pockets) for when i have to suit up.
tjstankus says: October 2nd, 2006 6:32pm
I heart my booq bag. They’re a little on the pricey side, but once you have one, you’ll realize why. Top-notch construction through and through. I’ve had mine almost a year. I use it every day, everywhere I go. It looks the same as the day I bought it.
Sal Cangeloso says: October 3rd, 2006 4:58am
Another Chrome fan here. These bags are full of features and absolutely bomb-proof. Mine is the Metropolis, which is a bit on the large size and does not have a dedicated laptop pocket but it works well and has lasted about 6 years now. Another great bag is the CES press bag from 2005, but those are are to come by! Other bags I have liked are from Timbuk2, Crumpler, and Tom Bihn.
One problem with a messenger style bag is that you are supporting the weight with only one shoulder. No matter how light the bag is, this is going to be a problem eventually. I have seen a lot of people, even bike messengers, moving to two strap style bags like this one http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=53&cid=2
mossman says: October 3rd, 2006 5:49pm
Good topic …. Currently using TUMI and Tom Bihn. Had the former for ever and they are built very well, but a little boring. The Empire Builder from Tom Bihn is superb - beautifully made, have a Brain Cell inside (extra padded protection - can be used on its own) and has loads of features. I had a Booq Vyper case and a Folee XM bag and was really dissapointed with the quality - very cheap and not even cheerful.
So, my advice is Tom Bihn all the way - their OpTech straps (neoprene) are superb and really do take the load of the shoulders.
Cheers!
Seunger says: October 4th, 2006 4:12pm
i’ve been on the hunt for the best laptop bag for months now and i finally found what i’ve been looking for. check out bumbakpaks hybrid. it’s a messenger style bag, but has backpack straps like a golf bag. i just got mine last week and it rocks. my back has never felt better. oh, and it’s a good value considering they use tumi quality material. tumi’s really too freakin overpriced.
Dermacia says: January 12th, 2007 1:34am
Hey guys, this message board software this website runs on, is it something i can buy for my own website or is it propriatary?
faux bricks says: April 4th, 2007 10:40am
I like kolo bags.
trama says: April 11th, 2007 4:48am
Ich erklare meinen Freunden uber diese Seite. Interessieren!
imparare says: April 14th, 2007 11:00pm
Interesting comments.. :D
Niles says: April 24th, 2007 3:33pm
Niles
Perseverance usuall pays off, keep it up.
Coble says: June 16th, 2007 2:01am
Hmm… sweet! [*../nice_site2.txt*]
Ben J Griffin says: July 7th, 2007 5:10am
I am on my second laptop now, after a mishap with my first whereby my bag strap snapped and I was forced to watch my laptop plummet helplessly to the ground with little to no protection - Bang and it was dead.
Three months Later and I just got a nice little Vaio for all my university needs, however this time I was not as naive - I searched the internet and being fashion conscious I knew I was going to have to buy a stylish yet practical bag, after some short conversations I was directed to http://www.maxwellscottbags.com, at first I thought the prices maybe a tad to steep for my needs, however I was utterly wrong.
This bag has been in my possession along with the laptop for around a month, and the laptop in good condition a few careless scratches from myself, the bag however is faring even better, it still looks new! And despite one or two little drops my laptop lives on. The bag I bought was The Volterra Leather Laptop Bag
MatthewT says: July 7th, 2007 7:19am
I tried the link but it doesn’t work!!
James Larus says: August 1st, 2007 7:18am
Shitt link doesn’t Work !!!…
ASP.NET , MS SQL 2005 , PHP Hosting
William Forshaw says: August 6th, 2007 5:14am
The link is http://www.maxwellscottbags.com or Maxwell Scott
The laptop case can be found here!
bilim says: August 10th, 2007 5:00am
thank you for this article..!
youtube says: August 13th, 2007 5:24am
very nice article thank you for it ..
WildBlueSkies.com says: September 28th, 2007 5:07am
I had a rather basic acrylic bag for my first laptop which barely had any cushioning. Looking back, it wasn’t really the best option for a laptop. It was comfortable though, and it accompanied me throughout the year that I spent in Canada - snow et al. For my next laptop (also a Dell), I got a bag along with the laptop, which, alas is quite monstrous, but which has the necessary cushioning. Give me a backpack anyday.
WebWorkerDaily » Archive Back to School for Web Workers « says: August 18th, 2008 11:01am
[...] we’ve mentioned laptop bags in the past, RadTech has come up on our readers’ lists. Today only they’re having a 20% [...]