In search of: Best Backpacks?

I have no idea, but I'm open for suggestions.
There are backpack out there that are big enough but they're ugly and look like duffel bags. And none have a comfortable well thought out design or fit. If any manufacturer's listening, the key to a good backpack is two fold:

1) Comfort: More than anything else, a good bp needs to be comfortable and that means padding. If its comfortable the weigh is almost no issue. So put padding around the shoulders, back and sometimes waist/chest w/adjustments

2) Functionality: Second, but not by much. That means pockets. Lots of pockets and compartments, inside and out with flexible pull cords, internal zippers or snaps. On the outside, an accordion style construction that could expand or collapse according to load would be great. Phone, keys, coins, cards. Make them easy to access but not easy to rip off. Just make sure the expansion remain well balanced.

3) Quality construction/material: Last, but certainly not least. How many backpacks have I gone through with broken zippers, pull ties, cords, tabs, and seams--and even fabric? ALL OF THEM! By now we should all know where the stresses are and these need to be double and/or triple secure.

Last, last, making it weather resistant, proof--and/or adding a raincoat and covered zippers so water doesn't seep straight down through the zipper and right on top of my books/papers/magazines etc. This is the 21st century? Speaking of water. Pleas don't forget to moisture proof the bottom. It's a backpack! Did I miss anything?

 

laptop bags > laptop backpacks > STM Bags

they have the best backpacks and bags in my opinion. stylish and well designed and stury. A LOT of functionality too. i had my backpack for about 3+ years now, still perfect

 

Well if i were to nominate a bag it would defiantly be the Booq Mamba Shift. It not only has last much longer than my Alienware Orion backpack it is also much more water resistant. Usually the water just beads at the surface preventing damage to your electronics.

 

are you actually looking for a bag? or just ranting? if looking for a bag, I will also nominate the Mamba; I use it and it's a champ. I would probably recommend getting the larger version if possible

 

Travelon and Pacsafe make some great anti-theft bags that look generic and don't scream "Hey I have something worth stealing here!"

They also have a few good looking ones too but when I travel I want my bag to scream "I have used gym socks!"

 

Of course I'm looking for one. Can't you tell? And of course I'm ranting--which is echoes my frustration on not being able to find one. You might also notice that contained within the rant, is my description/requirements of what I'd like to have in one.

 

I've had a similar question thread going, which I think has petered out.

I think what you're asking is achievable.

e.g. The Dakine Corridor appears to be water resistant, swallows a 17" and seems to have good room for the rest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ScT5HF2lMY

The Booq recommendation is something I see a lot and while i think they don't have good lines when filled, people obviously like them a lot.

I'm looking for something similar but I need...

...more. More what I'm not sure of, but I'm currently edging more towards the rolltop skate style backpacks since they have a squarer profile on the back.

 

I've suggested this before: Everki EKP120 Titan Checkpoint Notebook Backpack Unboxing & First Look Linus Tech Tips - YouTube. I have a similar one that is comfortable enough for me.

 

I have the Swiss Gear IBEX Backpack and have no complaints.

 

For comfort, I've found that Obus Forme (company) makes awesome backpacks, 50 lbs on your back can feel like 20 lbs (though I don't recommend you pack it to 50 lbs often lol). Unfortunately, they're extremely hard to find. I currently have the Axis 35 but I if I had to do it again, I'd have gotten my original Axis again or maybe checked out the new Laptek 40. The original Axis had great attention to detail and was very well built. The handle was very strong, the waterbottle mesh held all of my bottles in place, the zippers were shaped for your fingers and made of rust proof metal, the zippers never broke in my 8 years of use, and it was very rugged overall. The new Axis only has the benefits of a separate laptop compartment, stronger 1680D water resistant fabric (vs. 600D), and stronger waist strap, but is lacks the qualities that I mentioned in the previous Axis. My perfect backpack would combine the best features of these three packs and add a rubberized bottom plus add a strip with loops so I can attach things via carabiner (like this: http://www.wengerna.com/stuff/conte...7036a71c3f2e613ee4619caf/image/ga_7391_13.png).

The original Axis: http://www.alphatextbooks.com/backpacks/axis.pdf
The new Axis 35 and Laptek 40: http://www.obuspacks.com/documents/OBUSFORME_Catalogue_EXECUTIVELAPTOPPACKS.pdf

 

All great suggestion and all great backpacks, but each yone had something that was left off:

The Obus Forme Backpack certainly took care of comport by addressing exactly my complaint with the Targus abomination I have now. The only setback, was the overly skinny feminine straps and box-like design.

The Swiss Gear IBEX was great on storage and is built sturdy but they're pretty ubiquitous and this one was too utilitarian. Maybe in all black? I prefer to carry my backpack everywhere even though I have two messengers for when I'm doing a presentation and wearing a suit.

The Dakine Corridor is definitely up there in functionality, but gives drab a whole new meaning. Would I be shallow if I said styles counts? The hardware also doesn't look that beefy to me, and I'm wondering how long it would be before the quick release clasps break? I also don't like that the laptop zipper right up top which is the first place rain hits and begins to seep down to wet papers, books and heaven forbid my notebook (no I don't trust the overhang).

I can't believe backpack makers haven't figured that out by now? I live in Florida where just a minuet or two in a monsoon rain means all your stuff is ruined. I guess that just mean I'll have to continue pre-wrapping my important stuff in plastic.

The Everki EKP120 Titan is about 9/10th there (I didn't like the previous one). It's a honking bag, but unlike the host (it that his real voice?) at well over six feet I don't think it would be that much of an issue.

I'm still in search of the prefect backpack, but in the mean time, I wouldn't be disappointed with any of the ones recommended here. Thanks everyone.

 

I have the previous Everki, the Beacon, i can see why you didn't like it in terms of compartmentalization (perfect for carrying my G73 and a 360 though). Still, i was pretty happy to have a rubberized and moisture proof bottom.

Side note: Yeah that's the guy's real voice, still best video i've seen for showcasing the everki titan. I'm curious, what's the missing 1/10th?

 

I was making fun, but at certain times his voice reminds me of my third grade teacher. I know, I'm evil.

Anyway, he's computer literate and his videos are put together well if not a bit rushed. As for the missing 1/10 that would be in attention to detail and require a lot of space. Here's a sample:

For example, the laptop overhang. It starts off well enough, but lack sufficient material to be of much use. The water is still gong to wick under and wet the laptop. Why not bring the cover flap all the way to the bottom? Then they leave off the hoop hangers and back strap for a roller. You take your backpack off and put it on the coat hook. Or securely on a roller.

Then there's the lack of clasps clips and removable zip pouches. The pouch for the ipad is another. It started off well enough the leaved the pad too exposed.

Every time I see these things it look like somebody start off with a good idea then stopped short when they ran out of money. All of those storage pouches (a great idea) should have zipper or snaps or Velcro.

One more thing, laptop padding should be generous and cover the entire laptop. To many times that doesn't happen or it's to thin to really be useful. Especially on the bottom. The bottom of the laptop should never be able to rest against the surface. Never!

 

I don't mean to hijack this thread but I don't want to start a new one when this one exists.

I just have a question: Which is a good comfortable backpack for a Clevo P170EM? Pockets and other storage (not too many and not too bulky) would be nice.

My messenger bag is starting to give me shoulder pains. I feel like my body is falling apart. I smell like medicated patches at work. Lol. If anyone can suggest to me or even link me to a very good, affordable backpack on Amazon, I'd really appreciate it.

 

Couple of other oprtions:

One I stumbled across while leafing (ahahaha) through the Arcteryx LEAF store in search of more tactical jackets - the Blade 30.
Blade 30 / Women's / Arc'teryx LEAF

Chrome Soyuz - apparently fully waterproof. but claims to fit "up to" 17" MBP - which is among the most compact 17" out there, so no guarantees it'll fit a non-toy 17".
Soyuz - Laptop Bags - Bags | CHROME | Official Site

 

Archive :: Business Backpack - 16"PC / 17"MAC - Sumdex, Inc.

I have a Sumdex backpack - it's an older model but it looks pretty much like the one in the link above; it's very sturdy, clean look - and affordable.

Another one:
Full Speed Rain Bumper Backpack: Amazon.com: Electronics

 

I'm also looking for a suitable backpack for the Clevo P170EM which doesn't cost more than 60-70 Euros. This laptop is immense in size: 55mm thick x 412mm wide x 276mm deep. Even relatively large backpacks such as the Dakine Campus Large with its 33L capacity couldn't cope with that size. That's sure is a problem. Paying 160 Euros just for a bag to move it here and there? No thank you...

Edit: I was considering the Dicota BacPac:
http://www.amazon.de/Dicota-BacPac-...W4IK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1345827266&sr=8-4

Or the Port Designs Aspen:
http://www.amazon.de/Designs-Notebook-Rucksack-Dynatex-schwarz/dp/B001R788BS/ref=pd_cp_computers_1

What do you think?

 

I bought this one: Amazon.com: Case Logic VNB-217 Value 17-Inch Laptop Backpack (Black): Computers & Accessories

I read a few reviews saying it's not strong and that some came damaged. I'm hoping mine holds up, if not I'll return it.

 

Nice price! Please let me know how are your impressions about it, especially its dedicated cushioned laptop compartment. Thanks!

 

I saw a few laptop backpacks in person.

The Deuter Gigant really offered an excellent laptop compartment and another empty compartment in the back with amazing padding. I was really impressed with its quality. I was just about to buy it when I measured it against my laptop and it seems my Clevo P170EM would hardly fit in there. I might get it in, but I'll have to force it in there and probably wear and rip it apart sooner rather than later.

Only the Dakine Campus 33L was large enough, but other than the fact that the bag is U.G.L.Y, its laptop compartment is extremely cheap and flimsy, the inside material is cheap nylon and very thin. It's almost like holding your laptop in a big nylon bag. Very unimpressive.

I think I'll have to take one of the 18" backpacks I was considered earlier after all, as the 17" ones are just not big enough.

 

SFBags - WaterField Designs - Checkpoint Friendly - Laptop Bag - Messenger Bag - Briefcase - Travel Tote - Laptop Sleeve - Computer Sleeve

These guys make amazing bags, pricey, but of outstanding quality. I've had mine for 4 years, it's carried my m17x and a few textbooks, still in great shape.

 

I use Wenger Swiss Gear Ibex 17-Inch Notebook Backpack. I've had it for almost four years now and it still looks brand new. I also had a 17inch laptop which barely fit so I would be a little worried about using it for a 17inch. Plus it looks like a normal backpack unlike others.

Newegg.com - Wenger Blue 17" SwissGear Ibex Notebook Computer Backpack Model GA-7316-06F00

 

I would definitely look into some Targus backpacks. They have awesome customer service and their products are awesome.

 

So is there any good backpacks, with paddings that is for the health of my back and also around 30-40 dollars?

 

Check out Everki backpacks. There made really well and have lifetime limited warranties.

 

futtureshop+bestbuy sell obus forme backpacks in canada. Might look into getting one thank you for recommendation!

 

Sorry no, you would need to put $100 in front of those figures for that. Those are travel backpack a step above the shopping bag.

 

Go to the store, bring a few books and see if you can try it. Always best to see what fits your back first hand.

 

The Corridor gets a bit frustrating after a while if you often need to access the main compartment while the bag is upright. The flap keeps wanting to fall down! I didn't think this would be a major concern until my professors started lecturing past the allotted time and put me in a rush to cram all my things in the bag to make it to my next class...

Other than that it is a solid bag.

 

I ordered this one from Zappos Renegade RSS - Backpacks. I will review it when it arrives.

 

May be a little late in the thread, but I'm considering a 18" laptop... I see many of the bags look pretty large - anyone tried an 18" form factor in one?

 

See sig.

The Targus XL is a honking bag that frequently gets overfilled and with little to no comfort. It is a basic transport device, but will suffice if it only carries your laptop.

 

I love my Slappa Velocity Matrix, It's very comfortable, good for large sized laptops and can hold lots of books on the side, AND it's pretty affordable compared to most other backpacks of this quality. Not to mention it's strength. I had one that the shoulder strap ripped off (defective product) and they replaced it for free. had the replacement for about 2 years now and it still looks brand new, even after lost of use at college. I have the 17" model and it can hold a pretty large laptop.