Yet another backpack question and retailer in New York

I'm thinking about getting a new backpack, which I can use with my laptop (14.1 incher). However I want to be able to use the backpack for general everyday use as well, when I don't have my laptop with me.

Basically it needs to be big enough for general gym stuff, umbrella, etc and occaisional papers, but don't want it too big (i.e. just tall enough for my laptop). Several different pockets would be useful as well. I would like good back support. Oh, I would also be carrying my DSLR, with a spare lens or two sometimes as well.

In terms of laptop support, would it be a case that there would be an extra pouch where I would be able to slot the laptop in, or would this be some sort of detachable pouch, which could be velcroed on?

Any suggestions of such backpacks or am I asking too much from a backpack?

Also I'm going to be in New York in a few weeks time. I would like to make best use of the weak dollar and strong pound sterling. Could anyone recommend a good retailer in the NYC area to visit for me to make such a purchase?

 

Buy a regular backpack so you don't have to deal with the notebook slot every time you take your backpack around without the notebook, this will save room. Buy a sleeve for your notebook so when it's in a backpack it is protected. I recommend the REI sleeve, because for $30 (very good price) you get lots of features. If you don't like that one look into getting a sleeve that has a vertical opening so when you do use your notebook all you have to do is slide out the notebook.

 

if you want a messenger bag, manhattan portage has a couple stores in manhattan. If you want a regular backpack, I'd say go to any department store, or maybe and EMS/REI type place (outdoors stores).

 

Cheers for the replies.

The messenger bag / pouch option was my first though. However concern would be that the laptop would move around in the backpack and this would not provide the best back support, etc.

Am I reading too much into this?

 

Oh, Crumpler also has stores in manhattan. I think they are supposed to be better bags than the manhattan portage.

I use a timbuk2 messenger bag, and carry my laptop in it pretty much every day. There's no built in pouch for it, so I just bought a separate sleeve and put the laptop w/sleeve in the bag, which works well. I don't think you should worry about it moving around inside, I don't see how it would happen with the design/shape of messenger bags.

I opted not to get one with a built in sleeve because the sleeves tend to be fairly bulky and take up a noticeable amount of space, even when empty. So, whenever you use it just as a bag (w/o laptop; which I do a couple days a week), you lose a good amount of space to carry stuff.

In terms of back support, I'm not sure. Messenger bags are actually supposed to be better for your back, but I don't know how I feel. There are a number of ways to wear a messenger bag...I think some may be better for your back than a backpack, and some are probably worse. I guess you have to just try one out to see what you think.

 

Cheers for the replies.

I actually prefer using backpacks to messenger bags, i guess that was my reason in wanting a backpack.

Will have a look in Crumpler though!

Cheers