Backpacks under $150 for MBP

mpantone said:
My notebook computers always have a sleeve. Padded notebook computer pockets in backpacks are too bulky and hog up space when you don't have a computer in the bag. Plus, my current computer (11" MacBook Air) is decidedly so thin that a computer pocket in regular bags is too big anyhow.
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I also wanted to chime in on this - I got a Monoprice sleeve and it looks and feels just about like the Incase ones, but is dirt cheap at $10. I got one for another backpack that I use and also to use by itself and have been quite happy so far:

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=113&cp_id=11302&cs_id=1084901&p_id=8820&seq=1&format=2
 
ecschwarz said:
I'd recommend anything by Tom Bihn - besides being able to customize the products to your liking, they're darn near indestructible and are just well made and well-supported. http://www.tombihn.com

The backpacks may be a bit out of your price range ($160), but they have plenty of other options, too. I got an ID messenger bag after a friend spoke highly and ten years later (and plenty of college classes), it still looks like new. It's actually been the constant item after I've upgraded and replaced portable Macs.
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I second this as I just got the Synapse 19, but I spent almost $300 bucks with the accessories I wanted (caches for my iPad Air and 13" rMBP, various pouches and cubes). It's a great bag (I love it), but at the minimum OP would at least want/need a cache which is an additional $35.
 
KimJonNumberUn said:
anyone ever used INCASE backpakcs?
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I was actually looking at those! I'm not sure what it was that made me stop looking at them. I was looking at reviews on Amazon and it just seemed like they were super small (the campus line) or didn't have padding everywhere I believe. I did love the colors they used though! Seems like they were 90% looks 10% protection, which I like the Herschel because it's about 50/50 for their pop quiz backpacks!!!
 
mpantone said:
I've always favored generic JanSport daypacks as well.

My notebook computers always have a sleeve. Padded notebook computer pockets in backpacks are too bulky and hog up space when you don't have a computer in the bag. Plus, my current computer (11" MacBook Air) is decidedly so thin that a computer pocket in regular bags is too big anyhow.

I generally think of computer bags as poorly designed and much less flexible in terms of overall utility, particularly when one isn't carrying the computer around. Also, many of these computer bags/backpacks are hideous and expensive to boot.

From a price-performance perspective, it makes far more sense buying a cheap daypack which will do the job just as well as a pricey computer bag.

I'd rather spend my money on something else.
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I forgot to add my rMBP is protected with Speck See-Thur hard case and put it in the sleeve. I don't have to worry about it when I throw them in the JanSport backpack. :apple:
 
Just get something that has an extra space designed to carry a laptop. My bag was $30 at costco, and the laptop survived without any issues through grad school.
 
ecschwarz said:
I'd recommend anything by Tom Bihn - besides being able to customize the products to your liking, they're darn near indestructible and are just well made and well-supported. http://www.tombihn.com

The backpacks may be a bit out of your price range ($160), but they have plenty of other options, too. I got an ID messenger bag after a friend spoke highly and ten years later (and plenty of college classes), it still looks like new. It's actually been the constant item after I've upgraded and replaced portable Macs.

The Ristretto is another favorite in the Mac blogger world, http://toolsandtoys.net/tom-bihn-ristretto-vertical-messenger-bag-ipad-macbook-air/ and will fit your machine and budget.
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I have the Tom Bihn Brain Bag. I used it at college for three years carrying my 15" MBP plus four to five textbooks and miscellaneous stuff . Super comfortable. I now use it to carry gear to work. I've had it four years and it still looks like new. Best built bag that I have ever used.

James
 
laurenashley said:
I was actually looking at those! I'm not sure what it was that made me stop looking at them. I was looking at reviews on Amazon and it just seemed like they were super small (the campus line) or didn't have padding everywhere I believe. I did love the colors they used though! Seems like they were 90% looks 10% protection, which I like the Herschel because it's about 50/50 for their pop quiz backpacks!!!
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they do have full sized ones . look up the incase premium backpack. so many pockets
 
Figured I would pop in and give my input on this as im a little bit of a backpack whore.

Im on my second incase backpack and love them. I think they look great, they are very stream lined, the laptop compartment is very plush and protective, especilly since I double wrap with a neoprene incase sleeve. The pockets are perfect for what I need and the straps are very comfortable.

Unfortunately, im on my second one because they are made like ****. Got to keep it real here. Incase is all about putting as many products out into the wild instead of concentrating on making good bags. you can ALWAYS find bags on their webstore for upwards of 65% off. They can do this because the bags are made like crap.

I ofter thought about sending an incase bag to a seamstress and having them make me an exact copy out of 1000D nylon. There is a reason why bags like goruck and TAD are $400 plus dollars. They are made to last (I own some of these bags...)

So for me and my macbook, I go with incase that I know I have to rebuy once a year. I love all the other features to warrants this insanity. The better made bags just dont hit enough points for me in other category to be used for my tech bag.

When it comes to trail running for me, Ill defiantly be grabbing my TAD gear bag...

Hope this helps someone. Take care guys.
 
So I finally bought and received a herschel pop quiz backpack in the mail...and I am so glad I picked it. I think it looks so good, and the laptop sleeve is exactly what I need!!! I definitely recommend buying one if you want a stylish backpack to lug around your mbp and other advices :)
 
laurenashley said:
So I finally bought and received a herschel pop quiz backpack in the mail...and I am so glad I picked it. I think it looks so good, and the laptop sleeve is exactly what I need!!! I definitely recommend buying one if you want a stylish backpack to lug around your mbp and other advices :)
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A friend of mine has the Herschel MacBook sleeve that they sell at the Apple Store and has been really happy with it—I hope the backpack is similar. Glad you found something that works for you! :)
 
I recently picked up an Incase Campus Pack for around $40 on Amazon. I'm really loving the backpack. It's got the right amount of pockets, a really protective laptop section, and looks pretty awesome! The only downside of any Incase backpack is what MikeSantor said, you can either get a good quality one or a poor quality one.

I'd totally recommend one though.

Edit: Glad you found a backpack!
 
Got one of these on sale at amazon recently:

http://www.amazon.com/SwissGear-SA1923-ScanSmart-Backpack-Black/dp/B002SXMRO4/

Seems pretty rugged, and has nice features for airport security (you zip it all the way open like a book so you needn't remove your laptop for security). The laptop section is a bit wasted if you're not carrying it though. It's separate and side access only so harder to use for other things.

Main downside I see is that it's pretty heavy (the backpack itself). I also wish the interior were a light color to make it easier to see what's inside, and I would have spec'ed the accessory section to be larger.

If you wait for it to go on sale, it's quite a deal. I got it for about $40.
 
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I have this bag..http://www.amazon.com/Thule-Crossov...F8&qid=1391626889&sr=8-2&keywords=thule+sling

I prefer a sling since I have a bad back. However the thick strap on this bag does take a lil getting use to but I like it now. I have my 13 inch with a hardshell and inside a zipped incase case and it fits in the laptop compartment along with my books and everything for school. However if u are a pack rat this may not be the bag for u.
 
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