Need a bag, recommendations

Hi peeps,

I have a Alienware 15R2 and i'm in need of a bag.

Ideally I want something to protect the laptop (duh) and hold all my accessories, currently i'm using a sleeve and another bag, not ideal. I want either a backpack, or a shoulder bag to hold all usual items keep with my laptop.

This includes;

Alienware 15R2
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
Over-ear headphones
2x Smartphones (S6 + S7 edge)
Mouse (Logitech G900)
Misc cables (mouse cable, mini\micro usb, phono cable, etc)
Memory cards (various sizes)
Power brick (240w laptop)
Power brick (smartphone, fits both phones)
2x WD My Passport HDD
Keys (doorkeys + car keys)

Now the irony is i want something compact as possible. I need something i could take on a plane or train without fuss, and something I wouldn't mind carrying about day to day (I had a large camera bag in the past took it no where, downsized with the same gear, more infact more gear and took it everywhere)

Any ideas welcome.

ps. wouldn't mind a Alienware Vindicator 17 but unsure if 15" will slide about or if bag will be much bigger than needed.

 

If you're looking for a good bang-for-your-buck pick, then you probably can't go wrong with Targus. My company issues them as their standard backpacks for Remote employees. I've personally used about 3 different models, and they are all pretty much equal. They do the job they are designed to do (hold a bunch of junk), and they seem reasonably well constructed. Although I'd guess that just about any backpack in this price range ($25 - $40) will be about the same in terms of material and construction quality.

If you have a bit more disposable income, I'd say consider getting a Tumi bag that does what you need it to do. They're expensive bags. But if you don't want to have to think about this problem again (backpack for laptop), and you are willing to spend the money on a nicer-looking backpack, you might want to consider a higher-end brand like Tumi.

 

ill look at Targus, i was hoping someone could recommend a particular bag as most of the websites don't show off the bags very well.

Those Tumi bags are lovely but £500 for a bag is bonkers.

 

Swissgear make some nice bags with loads of pockets but they can become quite bulky depending on the number of pockets and partitions.

I recently bought a Samsonite GuardIT bag which I felt is a good compromise between size and capacity. It also has a very good selection of pockets and, I think, could hold all you mention in a fairly orderly fashion.

John

 

Ogio makes good slim looking laptop backpacks, and they don't look half bad.

 

Everki Titan

 

I was not very happy with the zipper, the material and the finish of my Samsonite bags. Much more solid is Ortlieb (they repair their bags even after years for a fair amount). I have got a plastic bag for two years now and it's very solid and totally water proof, see https://www.ortlieb.com/en/

 

I find that bags differ from person to person. What works for me might not work for you. But, good companies, in my opinion, include:

• 5.11 Tactical
• Blackhawk!
• Chrome Bags
• Duluth Packs
• Fjällräven
• Goruck
• Lowe Pro
• Marmot
• Maxpedition
• Mission Workshop
• North Face
• Osprey Bags
• Patagonia
• Saddleback Leather
• Timbuk2
• Tom Bihn
• Topo Designs

They're all reliable companies. But, in terms of design, that's up to you. At the moment, I'm using a combination of Tom Bihn, Osprey and North Face. I'm looking to get Goruck. I'm tempted by the design of Mission Workshop (it would be amazing when cycling) but the organisation doesn't work for me.

Hope that helps!

 

Check out http://solo.net/catalog/urban/ (buy the one with a hook/clip so you can replace it). If you want one that is a hybrid (messenger bag and backpack), they also have that: http://solo.net/urban-15-6-hybrid-briefcase?color=Grey

A caveat about messenger/laptop bags: watch out for plastic snap hooks, which will break from wear and tear causing your laptop to come crashing down onto the hard floor. All of the strain is on the hook. Below is recommended from what I've researched months ago. Note the hook is metal and the strap is comfortable according to many.

Recommended shoulder strap