Best Laptop Backpack For College?

[colingray344]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've been on a backpack hunt in preparation for college. I've looked through quite a few laptop backpacks such as North Face, Timbuk2, STM, Targus, SwissGear etc.

But I just want to get some quick thoughts from what you guys suggest/use. Here are my criteria:

-Fits my 15" Macbook Pro (unibody)
-Good padding and protection for laptop
-Carries 2 or 3 college textbooks
-A few folders and notepads
-Comfortable to wear (I'll be biking to class everyday)
-Space for charger, cables, hard disk, USB stick, umbrella, TI-84 calculator, headphones, iPhone, snack, pencil case, glasses, mouse
-Not too bulky or heavy
-Slim profile and chick magnet stylish
-Water bottle holder
-Unlimited budget
-Does not scream LAPTOP!

Thanks guys

 

[miles01110]

There have been a lot of good suggestions in threads just over the past year. At the least you could peruse them as a starting point while waiting for others to make suggestions.

http://www.google.com/cse?cx=011016...ite:forums.macrumors.com&hl=en&as_qdr=y&meta=

 

[olivarrr]

Boooooq!

I searched for months to find a half-decent looking rucksack, and eventually ended up buying the Booq Mamba Shift L, and its AWESOME =D

Doesn't scream "nerd" either

Seriously, no others even come close. Rucksacks are generally vile, but this one is semi-acceptable!

Peace-out

 

[zip120]

Go with this samsonite
http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-198136003-Sport-Backpack/dp/B0006I9LCY/ref=dp_cp_ob_pc_title_1
Lots of useful compartments, really comfortable

 

[colingray344]

I checked out the Booq Mambia Shift. It looks great but I was just wondering does the outside pocket fit a water bottle?

 

[1rottenapple]

northface recon!!! that's what I have. its a hikers backpack with a laptop compartment and two water bottle holders and a large all purpose mesh pouch that expands to fit what ever you want

 

[monokakata]

I've recommended this one before, and am still happy with it after more than a year.

Northface Surge.

 

[squirrel77]

northface recon!!! that's what I have. its a hikers backpack with a laptop compartment and two water bottle holders and a large all purpose mesh pouch that expands to fit what ever you want

Hmm can't get hold of this one in the UK on ebay, only the surge appears on ebay here!
Is there much of a difference between the two? Can't see me going hiking with my MBP but I do hike...

 

[Mhaddy]

You'll an arm & a leg but try Crumpler, amazing quality, very stylish - love 'em.

 

[squirrel77]

You'll an arm & a leg but try Crumpler, amazing quality, very stylish - love 'em.

aside from the north face backpack (a colleague recommended a backpack as opposed to an over the shoulder number for walking to work and rush hour on the tube) a crumpler sticky date laptop bag is the only thing I've seen and liked. I've got a 5 year old crumpler bag for my ibook and apart from the dust is like new, no nicks no tairs no broken zip or velcro!

 

[thegoldenmackid]

I've owned booq, STM, Tom Bihn, Ogio and what I can tell you is that you are the perfect candidate for the BBP Bags Industries Bag.

booq screams laptop + DSLR, you can read my problems with them here, but their customer service/warranty is awful.

 

[1rottenapple]

not to sound like a sales man but the northface was a bit expensize, i think its close to $90 bought new, but I got mine on ebay. IT was still new but for $70. Worth the money!!! Really rugged. Its served me well through grad school and i can for see it lasting another 7 years where I'll most likely use it for hiking and traveling as i'm done with school.

 

[colingray344]

The BBP Industries bag looks great! But unfortunately, they don't ship international (unless going through a lot of hassle with Bango) and can't seem to find it on eBay or Amazon

 

[kny3twalker]

http://www.spireusa.com/products/laptop-backpacks.htm

They are incredible backpacks

 

[colingray344]

Anybody use a Targus backpack?

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Am I the only one who thinks Booq bags are ugly? At my school and schools my friends are at, North Face backpacks have been the popular choice for ye ars, especially the Hot Shot model. I personally have the Modem because the Hot Shot was sold out everywhere I went.

The North Face Hot Shot will hold all the stuff you have and more. All the popular kids at my school have North Face packs and they are extremely durable as well as comfortable.

Hurley packs are my second choice and a choice not mentioned so far.

 

[supercaliber]

Swiss gear!!!, they have one I love don't know the name but they have it all, looks, protection, well engineered and designed zippers, handy pockets

 

[BigBeast]

Tom Bihn!

I've tried Booq and Ogio and now, Tom Bihn.

Tom Bihn FTW! I like the vertical Brain Cell with Brain Bag combo. This has the BEST protection:comfort:style ratio in my opinion.

Sure- you could get some HUGE monstrosity that protects your MBP from a five story drop, but I'm sure it'll be cumbersome and ugly.

Tom Bihn's products are GREAT, they ship internationally, and they're made in the USA and are TOP QUALITY! And the level of protection is INCREDIBLE! Check some youtube videos for Tom Bihn reviews.

Tom Bihn also has a messenger bag that fits a horizontal Brain Cell and has a customizable water bottle holder.

Go for Tom Bihn! You won't be sorry!!!

P.S. Make sure if you get a Brain Cell, to get it in the position (vertical or horizontal) that you will carry it in. The Brain Cell is made to protect your laptop in THAT position, so if you're like me and like to have a bookbag, and not a messenger bag, get the vertical Brain Cell. If however, you're going to get a messenger bag, get the horizontal Brain Cell.

 

[thecheda]

incase

http://store.apple.com/us/product/TW220ZM/A?afid=p210|frgl&cid=AOS-US-SHOP-Froogle

I find it spacious enough for my 15 inch and all my notebooks; it is comfortable on the shoulders.

 

[Lurchdubious]

Best bag I found!

It's excellent.

 

[Rob587]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've been on a backpack hunt in preparation for college. I've looked through quite a few laptop backpacks such as North Face, Timbuk2, STM, Targus, SwissGear etc.

But I just want to get some quick thoughts from what you guys suggest/use. Here are my criteria:

Checkout the grey hurley that they used to sell in the Apple store. I dont know if they still do cuz I bought mine a few years ago, but its been the best backpack ive ever owned. Im not even a huge hurley fan, but this thing is super high quality and not bulky. It almost feels like a piece of luggage. friggen love it.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Best bag I found!

It's excellent.

Internet high-five for fellow The North Face users!

 

[Gator24765]

I am in college and have this backpack

http://www.amazon.com/DAKINE-Mens-C...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1272834504&sr=8-2



it is a solid backpack with a laptop slot. it comes in a selection of like 15 colors. I also use a laptop sleeve to hold my MBP just for extra safety.

 

[mistashizzle]

Has anyone seen anything about this backpack.

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

I read about it in another thread and read a review that was posted and it sounded good enough for me. I bookmarked it and I was gonna buy one when I grab my new laptop in the coming months.

 

[Juno364]

North Face Surge. Excellent pack with plenty of organization and it is very comfortable.