Work backpack recommendations - Graduation Gift

My son is graduating from college with a degree in EEE in May. He is going to join an IT company soon after. I was thinking of gifting him a nice backpack as a graduation plus “welcome to the workforce” gift. He will be pretty much carrying a laptop to work everyday besides some binders (at least during training). I wanted to get him something with 2-3 compartments for computer, peripherals, files, etc. A few pockets for miscellaneous stationery would also be nice, though not mandatory. My only caveat is I don’t want to get him one of those bulky black backpacks. Something younger looking and sleek would be nice. Anyone knows of any good brands that make such backpacks?

 

Again, I'm going to recommend my backpack: Targus Spruce EcoSmart Backpack

Or, if you are willing to spend a lot more, check out Booq Bags. I really wanted the Boa Flow M, but could not justify the price at this time.

 

Get him an Alienware Orion backpack. It's sleek but can hold a bunch of stuff.

 

What notebook is he going to carry? Whats your budget?

 

Slappa has a new backpack out. High price but top quality and has several compartments.

http://www.slappa.com/MASK-KOA-Backpack

 

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. Some of these bags look really nice. Johnny T, I think he has a 15” Dell laptop. As far as budget is concerned, I wouldn’t mind paying even $200 for a good quality backpack.

 

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/laptop/bluelight-backpack#product=4-30238
One of these in black should have a pretty clean look. Reduced from $82 to $52 at the moment.

 

There's the Axio hard and softpacks.

http://axioluggage.com/

I used to use the Urban - the zip partially failed, but I didn't realise how long I had it for - quite a number of years. I'm still thinking about what I should replace it with, and might yet go for another Urban. The hardpacks aren't hugely roomy though, so it's a somewhat style over function sort of thing. The softpacks might be a better bet for accommodating luggage.

Personally though, I'd have thought a nice shoulder bag was a more 'hey, you're grown-up now' gift. But I'm probably not going there, at least not in this thread...

 

Worried about all the "if you wear a shoulder bag you shoulder is going to fall off in 5 years" posts or is it the "who cares about style?" posts?

Personally I think shoulder bags are much more professional looking.

 

I really like the Swiss Gear backpack I bought from Dell. On clearance in Red or Orange for $35.

I would peruse www.ebags.com. Last time I looked they had a very large selection of computer backpacks.

 

I recommend you take a look at the Pakuma range of bags.

 

True, but after 5 years of lugging a shoulder bag, I am SO MUCH more happy with a backpack. However, I do intend to get a nice Booq shoulder bag eventually for client meetings.

 

With a ~4Kg notebook + PSU... dur?

 

I was reading through other threads on this forum and saw some nice options from Briggs & Riley, Maxpedition, and Everki on one of the threads. Anyone has any experience with backpacks from these brands? Which of these would meet my requirements the best?

 

Oh, that guy who recommends Briggs & Riley goes around the forum post teh same thing over and over again. The same guy.

 

Well actually no, the reason for not going there was "I wouldn't mind paying even $200" I figured my opinion would be kind of irrelevant once or if it got to the shoulder bag stage.

But the truth is though in terms of backpacks I haven't seen anything that's in the mainstream that can be mentioned in the same breath as 'stylish' or 'sleek' - the Axios are pretty much the only ones I've come across. I know, because I'm looking myself.

And yet, the actually-truly-usable as-a-backpacks are zip-festooned monstrosities which frankly all look like you're still in the campus mood: They all look young which is kind of a given really, and may be fine at some companies or in backroom professions but I'd certainly frown on it if my staff were visiting clients with backpacks (mind you, even in this climate my staff get a - taxable, alas - presentation allowance, so no chance of that actually).

And my personal opinion is that as a fairly important present dads should give something which has something of them in it, and not something that their kids would buy themselves. Which is why for example I never give tech for important anniversaries - too disposable.

But in the general zip-festtoned-monstrosity flavour, I'd say some of the Booqs and Pakumas looks the least objectionable. The Booq Squeeze for example is basically a messenger bag transposed to your back.

 

I came close to getting the Booq Squeeze since I wasn't willing to pay for the Booq Boa Flow M. But I didn't like (in the Squeeze) that everything was in the same compartment and that it could not stand on end (turns out I do this all time for loading/unloading).

 

These are the three backpacks that I have short listed so far – Maxpedition Vulture-II, Everki Guide laptop backpack, and the Glide backpack from Briggs & Riley. My problem with the Maxpedition backpack is that it doesn’t have a computer sleeve. Moreover, I think I would rather buy a professional looking backpack than a tactical one. However, I am open to suggestions. Anyone has any experience with any of these three bags?

 

I have finally placed an order for the Glide backpack ( http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Glide-Backpack_VB414) from Briggs & Riley. I just thought it looked more professional and at the same time, can be used for purposes other than work. I also feel it’s more sturdy and durable than the Everki backpack. Thanks, everyone, for your wonderful suggestions.