Backpack for MacBook Pro

[AppleNewton]

Backpack I use:
http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/Checkpoint_Friendly/Universal-Traveler-40506/
Works great with 17", a sleeve would be snug but should fit, the mbp casing area in the backpack is similar to a sleeve too so it may or may not be needed. lots of room, very durable.

Messenger Bag:
http://www.booqbags.com/All-Products/Taipan/Taipan-lift-L-black
I used to have a 17" and it will fit a 17" w/ sleeve as long as its not overtly bulky. Generally the area where the mbp would sit is similar to that of a sleeve.

 

[monokakata]

Are you sure the surge fits 17" laptops? The North Face site says most 15" laptops. My current backpack is a Wavelength, and it also says fits most 15". My 17" MBP barely fits in there, and will definitely not fit if I get a sleeve.

Yes, I've had a Surge for a couple of years and my early 2008 17" MBP in a Booq sleeve fits.

It's a tight fit with the sleeve, though. No doubt about that. Without the sleeve it drops right in.

 

[Orion025]

I don't know if they have Crumpler stores in Canada, I would like to try it before I shell out $240 or so. I have had so many laptop bags, I am fed up with cheap things that make me feel like my computer is going to break. Would there be room to put an SLR in the Part & Parcel?

It will fit and that messenger certainly holds a lot, but it was not meant to carry SLR cameras. I have stuffed my SLR in a neoprene wrap in there with a laptop, however, I'd recommend looking at their dedicated camera bags, especially if you go out with a few lenses and an external flash. My main qualm with that bag was that it just felt so thick and bulky. The huge velcro keeps the flap down snugly when carrying a big load, but makes it a bit difficult to discreetly remove something from that main compartment.

 

[brief]

I'm still getting mixed responses from different sources regarding the 17" fitting in these backpacks. A North Face rep told me that he's heard that the 17" MBP will only fit comfortably without a sleeve. With a sleeve it's a little tough. But from other places, some mention using a 17" with North Face backpacks. Do you have any info on whether a 17" MBP will fit?

I tried putting my 15" MBP that has a capdase sleeve on a North Face Hotshot and it fit perfectly, I would definitely say that a 17" MBP without a sleeve will also fit perfectly. Use a sleeve and it would be hard to take it out or put it back in.

 

[brief]

I'm still getting mixed responses from different sources regarding the 17" fitting in these backpacks. A North Face rep told me that he's heard that the 17" MBP will only fit comfortably without a sleeve. With a sleeve it's a little tough. But from other places, some mention using a 17" with North Face backpacks. Do you have any info on whether a 17" MBP will fit?

I tried putting my 15" MBP that has a capdase sleeve on a North Face Hotshot and it fit perfectly, I would definitely say that a 17" MBP without a sleeve will also fit perfectly. Use a sleeve on a 17" and it would be hard to take it out or put it back in.

 

[Mr. Chewbacca]

I cant tell you how much I love my bbp hamptons hybrid, it seriously does convert from backback to messenger and I use both depending on how heavy it is. Go to their site and watch the video, very cool design.

It can fit a crazy amount of stuff, I had a 17"mbp in a incase neoprin sleeve, ipad, accessory case, 5 large books, powercable, phone, lots of other little things. The best part is that when you dont have a lot of things in it, it doesnt look bulky. The zippers are water sealed and the front pockets are lined with rubber.

Its the same bag sold on the apple online store for 99 but you may be able to find it for a little less and it other colors although my black one looks sharp.

I seriously spent countless hours passing time looking at bags before getting my 17" MBP and this was the best choice by far, no bag comes close for less than 300 and this is less than 100.

 

[riggatoney]

booq mamba shift

I have a booq mamba shift, has been amazing backpack without being too heavy. Very good with storage and protection.

 

[euphoria47]

It will fit and that messenger certainly holds a lot, but it was not meant to carry SLR cameras. I have stuffed my SLR in a neoprene wrap in there with a laptop, however, I'd recommend looking at their dedicated camera bags, especially if you go out with a few lenses and an external flash. My main qualm with that bag was that it just felt so thick and bulky. The huge velcro keeps the flap down snugly when carrying a big load, but makes it a bit difficult to discreetly remove something from that main compartment.

I don't carry my SLR that often and rarely with extra lenses, maybe flash. I have a camera bag thats perfect, but don't like carrying 2 bags when I need my computer. As long as there isn't much squeeze pressure on my screen, i have seen too many LCDs damaged by this kind of thing. I read about the velcro in online reviews, they say duct tape can be used to reduce the amount of velcro contact, but that seems silly to have to do. I guess I'll have to bring all my usual crap to a retailer in person and see if it fits.