The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    I need a large backpack with a cool look

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by rizvee001, Oct 12, 2014.

  1. rizvee001

    rizvee001 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    I know this question has been asked several times but my perspective is a bit different. I need comparatively a larger backpack which will fit my Laptop (13") along with books (2/3 big Engineering books/binders) and other necessary stuffs for school since I have to go university everyday and stay almost whole day until as late as 3am in the morning. Currently I am using Obusforme Vector (40L) which is kind of old and got some wears and tears, now getting a shape of a huge sack on my back :(
    I want to buy a new one. I saw Obusforme Bookman which is 45L and looks better than my current one (at least not a sack type of shape): ObusForme, BackpacksOB368, Bookman 45 Daypack

    Also Swissgear IBEX, but its capacity is only 25L, length/width are even lower than Obusforme Bookman but looks really cool: SwissGear 17" Computer Backpack Model GA-7316-06F00 - Newegg.com

    From Targus I found these two but both of them are smaller than the above: 17” CityGear Backpack | Targus
    and Drifter II 17” Laptop Backpack | Targus.

    I couldn't find anything close from Samsonite. So, it will be really helpful to get some recommendations from anyone who has experiences using any of these bags or know something more. Recommendations on other bags with good, more reliable, larger, better shaped, more endurance straps and bottom materials are also welcome !
     
  2. alexhawker

    alexhawker Spent Gladiator

    Reputations:
    500
    Messages:
    2,540
    Likes Received:
    792
    Trophy Points:
    131
    This is off topic, but step one to becoming an engineer is being precise/anal/pedantic enough to not say "3am in the morning".

    3 am, or three in the morning. Both is just redundant.

    Sorry to be a jerk, but it bothers me when I see it.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    jblanteigne, TomJGX and flamy like this.
  3. Eindru

    Eindru Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    88
    Likes Received:
    22
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Id recommend the Targus Demolition: Amazon.com: Targus Demolition Backpack Designed to Fit up to 17.3-Inch Laptop, Black (TSB220US): Computers & Accessories

    I can't say enough good things about it. I'm a pretty large guy at 6 foot and 215 pounds. It carries my 17.3 sager 8278, Mouse and pad, cooling pad, and logitech headset with some more room to spare. The really neat thing is that it opens into one large pouch vs. having the 2 separated smaller ones. Very comfortable and easy to carry weighed down.
     
    rizvee001 likes this.
  4. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    706
    Messages:
    4,653
    Likes Received:
    108
    Trophy Points:
    131
    No one in an institution of higher learning should consider that being a jerk. if they do, they're missing the whole point of an education.

    As for the OPs backpack question, almost any of them will hold your 13" laptop and at least one text book and accessories. But if you have more stuff than that you might consider a wheeled carrier.

    I know what you mean by whole day affairs, since I've been in that situation many times. I've tried the wheeled system too, but being 6'4 it was more pain on my back leaning over to accommodate the short handles, that I would rather just carry the load. That's what I do now.

    I have two Timbuk2 messengers: one for my laptop (with tablet compartment) and another for all other books, papers, and accessories.

    As far as I'm concerned there are no backpack the can handle that load comfortable for more than a few minutes. At that load you need a true hiking backpack with waist straps/supports. Anything else will cause you more pain than its worth.

    I have a closet full of partially used backpacks to prove this. Fully loaded my original Targus would hold my HDX 18.4, notebook, books, accessories, lunch, and thermos and weigh 48 lbs! Carry time before shoulder pain? About 10 minutes. And as you might imagine just lifting it on and off was a workout.

    If your load is more than 25 lbs (the limit to all these school backpacks) you need either a wheeled carrier or a hiking backpack.
     
    alexhawker and rizvee001 like this.
  5. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

    Reputations:
    1,456
    Messages:
    8,707
    Likes Received:
    3,315
    Trophy Points:
    431
    I agree with you on this :) Aeronautical Engineer and just graduated this year :D...

    As for bagpack, Alienware Vindicator or Orion Bagpacks to look cool :p
     
    alexhawker likes this.
  6. rizvee001

    rizvee001 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Hey alexhawker, I am sorry if that bothered you. Its a grammatical mistake but I gotta tell you this I really need longer hours to finish my tasks because I am a slow learner.

    I thank you Eindru. This one is really a big one. I am watching couple of videos to find out how it exactly looks like inside.

    Yes, TomJGX these backpacks look cool, only the matter they won't take all those stuffs I need to carry everyday.
     
  7. jblanteigne

    jblanteigne Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I thought I would post my suggestion here because it's not a laptop backpack per say.

    These guys make backpack for dj/electronic music performers. So it includes a padded laptop sleeve.

    Big Namba Studio Backpack - Namba Gear Blog by Woody Moran

    I have this big one. It's pretty good for the price. It fits a lot of stuff!

    They have smaller bags too.
     
  8. rizvee001

    rizvee001 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    I agree with you Krane........It is really a complete informative reply, I thank you so much :)

    Oh, you also have a giant laptop. I know those big HDXs. My stuffs won't go beyond 25lb I hope. Unfortunately, one Timbuk2 can not solve my issue. I kinda like Eindru's Targus model (he posted on a reply here). Which Targus did you use? Then I can narrow down my choices between the Targus and Obusforme Bookman. Practically Ibex looks really cool but Ibex doesn't have lot of space in it as I just checked their videos and compared to the Targus. I appreciate your time !
    .

    This Namba looks almost like Vindicator or Orion but can keep more stuffs than them. I will check this cool backpack. I thank you for your time, jblanteigne.
     
  9. Alf Tanner

    Alf Tanner Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    149
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I'm a big fan of my Oakley Kitchen Sink Pack. It routinely holds 2 laptops, all my cables, a portable hdd and an ipad among a bunch of other misc stuff
     
    alexhawker and rizvee001 like this.
  10. paradigm

    paradigm Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    202
    Messages:
    1,127
    Likes Received:
    54
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Interesting discussion kinda what I was looking for to move a m17
     
  11. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    706
    Messages:
    4,653
    Likes Received:
    108
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Its likely the best of the large backpacks, and certainly one of the most expensive. But the unfortunate part of that, is that you will be tempted to fill these pack to capacity which will make them weigh a ton.

    That was my problem with my Targus: it's size was not consistent with its construction, or its carry longevity. First it dug into my shoulders, then eventually came apart at the seams. Just don't overfill them, and you should be fine.
     
    rizvee001 likes this.
  12. rizvee001

    rizvee001 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    I totally forgot that Oakley could have some huge Laptop Backpacks. I greatly appreciate your reply :)

    That is true. I also have a giant 17" HP ZD Series, used to carry back in days and that damaged my Swiss Gear bag :(
     
  13. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

    Reputations:
    9,431
    Messages:
    58,194
    Likes Received:
    17,901
    Trophy Points:
    931
    If you don't mind spending a bit there is the evereki titan/beacon.
     
    rizvee001 likes this.
  14. Dinosaur Brutus

    Dinosaur Brutus Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    84
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    16
    To add on to Meaker's comment, Everki is easily one of the best brands for backpacks. They tend to be a bit pricey, especially for the bigger bags, but it is a brand that I can honestly say does an excellent job when it comes to quality. On top of that, they have a lifetime warranty on all their products so if your bag starts falling apart in some way, they'll replace it. Well worth the extra bit of money you'd pay for one of their products.
     
    rizvee001 likes this.
  15. objecttothis

    objecttothis Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    59
    Messages:
    107
    Likes Received:
    15
    Trophy Points:
    31
    It's not specifically a laptop backpack, but I use a Kelty Redwing 3100. It has a pocket in the main compartment for my laptop (or a water bladder), and it has plenty of room. It has a nice waist strap which is helpful when you've got several textbooks in the bag.

    With that said, I don't know if they sell them anymore but the newer versions of this pack look equality good.
     
    rizvee001 likes this.
  16. rizvee001

    rizvee001 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
    This is something new, I heard the name but never knew its for backpack. Thank you so much.

    Thank you Dinosaur :)

    Yeah I know Ketlty, its a bit overpriced than what I am looking for. I thank you for the information !
     
  17. flamy

    flamy Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    42
    Messages:
    294
    Likes Received:
    79
    Trophy Points:
    41
    3 in the AM, brah.

    (sorry for the OT, rizvee. Hope you find the perfect back-hugger :) )
     
  18. Melody

    Melody How's It Made Addict

    Reputations:
    3,635
    Messages:
    4,174
    Likes Received:
    419
    Trophy Points:
    151
    If you're willing to spend the extra money, I find Mission Workshop backpacks to be really great and their style isn't overly overbearing. Most of them if not all are also very weatherproof, I can attest to having seen them in action in both rain and snow and they perform well! Also their rolltop backpacks extend up to like 60L for the biggest one I think.
     
  19. ALLurGroceries

    ALLurGroceries  Vegan Vermin Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    15,730
    Messages:
    7,146
    Likes Received:
    2,343
    Trophy Points:
    331
    Kelty is known for making quality outdoor gear at a decent price. A lot of their backpacks are really sweet. But they're made for hiking and outdoor activities, so you'll pay for the materials. Probably complete overkill for a school bag.
     
  20. chx1975

    chx1975 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    3
    Messages:
    207
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    You want a big laptop backpack? Magma Rolltop II the laptop compartment is up to 19" and that's just the laptop compartment :D
     
  21. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    706
    Messages:
    4,653
    Likes Received:
    108
    Trophy Points:
    131
    Not if you're in school all day and/or commute as well. In that case those hiking All-day packs are just what the doctor order. The doctor of chiropractic that is :p