Messenger vs Backpack?

Hi everyone,

I'm gearing up to buy my new notebook next week and I'm looking for accessories, including a new bag to carry the machine around in. I don't travel much, maybe once a month, but would like to occasionally carry my notebook to the library, work, or a cafe.

My question is, which style bag would best protect my laptop, a Messenger style bag, or a Backpack? Here are the two Im looking at:

HP Notebook Accessories - Carrying Cases

HP Notebook Accessories - Carrying Cases

One thing I've noticed between the two is that the backpack zippers up completely, whereas the Messenger bag seems to have a bit of an opening around the top flap and water could potentially get in if it's raining. Thoughts?

 

Fashion wise I like the messenger bag. Rain should not be a problem I had a messenger bag that just had a flap that goes over the front and it was fine after a rain storm I was walking in. To me the backpack looks ugly, but one pro with a backpack over a messenger bag is that your shoulder are less likely to hurt after wearing it for long periods of time.

Seeing as you don't travel much I say get the messenger bag, if you think you are going to carry your notebook a lot then go with the backpack since it has less strained on your shoulders.

 

If I were transporting my lappy with me daily (school, etc), I would probably go with the backpack for better support (ergonomics).

But since you stated you would taking it "out and about" occasionally, personally I would go with the Messenger. It appears to have good padding for the shoulder support (I like Messengers) . Which, means alot for comfort & and how you will carry it, etc.

I think both bags would work well for your lappy, they both appear to be built pretty well.

The Messenger has a flap that will cover your lappy, so I you should be protected just fine. I have both a backpack & Messenger for my lappy & have not had any issues.

Cin...

 

Both will protect your machine pretty well. The main questions are style: which do you like better? and substance: how much crap will you carry with you? If you travel light, I really like a messenger bag. But when you pack as much stuff with you as I do, or carry it for really long distances, I go for a backpack.

 

I would go with a backpack.

From a pure practical standpoint, a backpack will not "bounce" away from your body as you move around. It also distributes weight evenly across both shoulders, so it will be much more comfortable to carry for longer periods of time.

The only reason to go with a messenger bag is if you prefer the style. But for pure performance and utility, a backpack is the way to go.

 

I use the messenger style if the notebook is really light (<4lbs). Otherwise I'd go with a backpack. At least for me anything 5lb and up starts to feel heavy after a while in a messenger bag.

 

There no question about which bag Id get but there expensive. Here, there from sfbags.com and called Muzetto bags.

 

messenger bag is good for laptop smaller than 14.1 inch laptops, 12.1 inch or 13.3 inch are perfect. For larger laptops backpack is better in the long run, due to the better weight distribution across the back, which prevents muscle strain when you are carrying it on long walks or commute on transit.

Although no bags are water proof, so you should take the initiative to find cover when it rains. As high humidity caused by a good soaking from the rain, would still cause damages to laptop, even no actual water droplet gets in. None of these bags are perfectly hematically sealed (air tight), so water would still get through by capillary action.

P.S. i wouldn't go with these HP laptops bag, there are better quality and value to be found by going aftermarket. Get something at least half decent.

If you are short of funds, get a Targus laptop bags from various online stores (P.S. most of the more expensive laptop bags from Dell, HP and Lenovo are made by Targus, i have had several HP laptop bags coming with Targus warranty cards). If you got bit more money, go find a fancy brand like Victorinox, Swiss gear, etc... Why pay more for an inferior bags with HP logos on it, it is not worth it.

 

I had a backpack for a 17". It was huge and ungainly and I disliked using it immensely. I switched to a messenger bag and I love it. The messenger bag can hold everything I need for my 15.6" laptop and it feels slimmer even though it holds so much.

I'd say messenger.

 

I agree with this. It's much more about weight than size. I've used a Swiss Gear messenger bag for my XPS M1530, M11x, and now my R60e, which are all on the lighter side, but I'm getting a backpack for my M15x.

 

Rain won't be too much of problem if you aren't standing outside for extended periods of time.

Messenger bags are pretty styling, but even a few pounds on one shoulder can through of your posture and overall shoulder stability over many days of carrying it around. If you go as infrequently as you say, I don't think that would be too much of a problem. Messenger bags are also nice because you don't have to worry about theft as much with the bag resting at your side near your hands. Even at school I shift back and forth with my backpack because I'm paranoid of theft there.

The two bags you linked are different sizes though. What size is your laptop and what else will you be carrying?

 

My sentiments exactly.

Even though my laptop is really heavy at almost 6lbs [more than 8lbs with the power brick!], and I'm sure to notice right away if it's been stolen from behind me in my backpack, it still keeps me on edge. I just can't feel secure enough with a backpack. But yeah, it's more practical to use a backpack for heavier laptops... I use a messenger bag only for my netbook, and even then, it can put a stress on my shoulder, especially when I'm carrying it around with some extra stuff like a book or two.

 

I have both styles and use them for different stuff. For my day to day I use the messenger for travel I use the backpack because it carries more. I use an Oakley SI Computer Bag (messenger style) and a Oakley Kitchen Sink backpack.

 

what about a convertible, i.e. a backpack that can convert to a messenger bag and vice versa

this should solve your problem

i am still using my old tumi convertible (this model is no longer being sold or available though) and it suits me great

 

Exactly. ^_^

The Timbuk2 Extra Credit Messenger is an option to consider, it is on sale for $65 at the moment, but it does not have a laptop compartment, so you will have to buy a notebook sleeve. I currently use a Timbuk2 Outtawhack for long distance travels (convertible laptop messenger/backpack), but thats discontinued now. I also have another normal messenger bag to use with a notebook sleeve.