Low profile laptop backpack (work/travel/etc.)

I'm looking to get a nice low profile backpack to double as a laptop bag and a general backpack to go to work etc.

I have a Jansport backpack I used at school that's kind of large and offers little to no protection (no real padding, especially on the bottom when you set it down).

I will be carrying at the most (e.g. for travelling):

• 15.6" laptop (HP dv6t-7000qe)
• Power cable for laptop, wireless logitech mouse m505, small portable harddrive
• Kindle touch
• Asus Transformer Prime with keyboard in sleeve
• Headphones (Audio Technica, large monitor headphones)

But it will mostly either hold the computer and accessories OR the Kindle/headphones and some small miscellaneous stuff.

I want it to be:

• Well Padded (especially to protect the laptop)
• Low profile (not sticking out too far)
• Fairly water-proof or at least water resistant for some light Seattle rain (and if it could protect some other stuff in the snow for snowboarding that's a big plus, though I wouldn't have a laptop in it then)

So here is a list of possible bags I've found

HP Select 120 (may be larger than I want)
Ogio Metro II
Ogio Newt II
Targus Grove
Targus TSB194US
Timbuk2 Q
Timbuk2 Showdown
Timbuk2 Amnesia
Gravis Metro
Nixon Turf
Columbia Half Track III
Dakine Eric Jackson Team Mission
Dakine Capitol
Dakine 101
The North Face Sweeper
The North Face Singletasker
The North Face Mondaze
Burton Metalhead
Burton Treble Yell (closest to the style I'm looking for)
Burton Profanity

So can anyone recommend any of these or other backpacks?
Or have any idea on how well they hold up? Water resistance? Padding to protect the laptop?

 

In another thread here someone suggested Everki Titan as a laptop backpack. He/she also included a link to a YT video. The YT video was very well done and showed how well designed the bag appears to be. The backpack even has a rain poncho built into it!

I'm sure it is a bit pricey but if I had money to burn I'd get me one. I could fit all my knick knacks in there for sure

 

I don't have a specific recommendation but if you check out products on Zappos they often have video demos which I think is really helpful if you can't check out a bag in person. I'm also looking for a low profile solution and that Singletasker looks pretty good especially at its current on sale price!

 

I love my Booq Mamba Shift backpack. It seems like the bag you maybe looking for. It's pretty slim and low profile. Water Resistant it kept my bag protected while it was absolutely pouring down. Though the only downside would be the cost. I purchased mine for $130

 

Looks pretty huge and it's expensive, so no, not what I'm looking for

I have found that bags seem to have YT video reviews that help. Although most don't really show me how well padded the laptop part is, they are helpful.

Close to what I want, but for such a high price and I'm not completely a fan of the look of it, I don't really want this. I'd probably get it for like half that price.

 

I've got the Everki Titan and I definitely wouldn't say its slim/low profile. Maybe the Everki Swift could be what you are after:

Product Link

Pricing

I don't personally know how well this performs and reviews on Amazon are quite mixed (love or hate it seems).

 

Friend of mine got this and it's pretty nice for around $50. OutletPC.com - Eco Style ELUX-BP14 Luxe 16.1-inch Laptop Backpack (Black)

The North Face Wasatch model also is pretty good but the padding leaves something to be desired.

 

I'm using the Ogio Metro II because that's all I could find locally. It's done a great job of keeping my laptop protected, and doesn't look too ridiculous. It has a good amount of padding inside, and on the back (if you were to set it down on a table, or something). After about 3 months of using it, it's still comfortable and does the job.