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R.Stoychev

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 23, 2012
737
27
Currently looking for a backpack and from what I read over the web the Icon lite pack from incase is a good choice. So I'm open for other suggestions and if you own incase bag for some feedback.
 
Be careful about packing a MacBook into a backpack that doesn't provide adequate protection.
If too much pressure bears upon the closed MacBook, you could end up with "key impressions" on the display. There isn't a lot of clearance there to begin with...
 
Be careful about packing a MacBook into a backpack that doesn't provide adequate protection.
If too much pressure bears upon the closed MacBook, you could end up with "key impressions" on the display. There isn't a lot of clearance there to begin with...
I will carry only the macbook and the charger, thanks for the advice :)
 
I am using a north face surge for my everyday carry pf my MBP 13" and it is very well padded and keeps it about 2" off the bottom of the bag.
 
Used a Thule Stravan backpack for about a year when I was writing for a news service. Worked well. Still have it, but it's in a corner. Writing and editing mainly out of an office now and not on road much. Switched to the smallest bag I could carry daily so as not to encourage myself to tote too much back and forth from the office.
Have seen some criticize the Thule for durability, but it gave me no problems and I'd still take it on the road if I was going out for a few days.
The Icon you mentioned seems a good bet.
There's also this Timbuk2 that seems to get decent write ups.
https://www.rei.com/product/879603/timbuk2-uptown-pack.
Finally, I'd consider a sleeve within the backpack.
 
Used a Thule Stravan backpack for about a year when I was writing for a news service. Worked well. Still have it, but it's in a corner. Writing and editing mainly out of an office now and not on road much. Switched to the smallest bag I could carry daily so as not to encourage myself to tote too much back and forth from the office.
Have seen some criticize the Thule for durability, but it gave me no problems and I'd still take it on the road if I was going out for a few days.
The Icon you mentioned seems a good bet.
There's also this Timbuk2 that seems to get decent write ups.
https://www.rei.com/product/879603/timbuk2-uptown-pack.
Finally, I'd consider a sleeve within the backpack.
I own sleeve from artwizz for the tb mbp but need something to carry my laptop to work and meetings. Something slim, padded and with clean look thats why I’m looking at the icon slim.
 
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I use a Patagonia Arbor for my 15" 2017 MBP. It has a padded, raised and clip-secured sleeve in the back meaning if you drop your bag it won't hit the sleeve directly. I've dropped my MBP on concrete so it's pretty banged up already but it hasn't done any additional damage of any sort.
 
I use a Patagonia Arbor for my 15" 2017 MBP. It has a padded, raised and clip-secured sleeve in the back meaning if you drop your bag it won't hit the sleeve directly. I've dropped my MBP on concrete so it's pretty banged up already but it hasn't done any additional damage of any sort.
That's a good system. My Tom Bihn bag has the same thing with similar results. Well thought-out.
 
For what it's worth, if someone really wants to get into a backpack then they're going to get into that backpack. Cutting torch, acid, razor blades, chisel, etc.. they're going to get into a backpack if they really want to - especially if they suspect that it contains a MacBook Pro. So, I feel that spending tons of money on an expensive backpack is a waste.

My advice: Get a backpack that is comfortable to wear and don't let it out of your sight. The more expensive backpacks will alert thieves that you have money - another hint at the contents of the backpack - so, honestly, any backpack will do as long as it's comfortable and will hold your gear.
 
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I'm a big fan of Waterfield products. They have backpacks (including a brand new design that just came out in the last few days) as well as messenger bags. When I got my MacBook Pro last February, I invested in a Cozmo messenger bag. Not cheap, but durable and very well made.

https://www.sfbags.com
 
I just picked up a Thule Lithos Backpack 16L (the smaller version) because I have to travel for work and it will fit the "personal item" size for carry-on for most airlines as well as fit under the seat better that the messenger bag I have used for the last 15+ years. It will fit a 2018 15" MBP and a 10" tablet. I ended up picking up some small zippered bags to organize my cables. Outside of the pockets for the laptop, tablet and a small mesh zippered area, it is just an open space. I have only had it for a week or so, so I can comment on durability.
 
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