Best Packpack for Macbook Pro

[TySteve3]

I am about to start a masters program and I'm looking for a quality backpack to carry my new MBP. I'm not looking for a cheap bag that will barely last for the next few years, but a quality bag that is a good value. I'm thinking of spending around $100. I've been looking at the following 3 bags. Does anyone have any experience with any of them and could give a recommendation? Thanks!

Thule Crossover TCBP 217
http://www.amazon.com/Thule-Crossover-TCBP-217-Backpack-Ultrabooks

Incase Nylon Backpack
http://www.amazon.com/Incase-Nylon-Backpack-Black-CL55301

Hurley Manzana Backpack
http://www.amazon.com/Hurley-Mens-Laptop-Backpack-Black

 

[r6girl]

I have an Incase Slingpack and can at least speak to the durability of Incase bags a little. Still looks good after several years and have had no problems with it whatsoever.

This isn't on your list (and isn't in the price range you gave) but thought I'd throw it out there since it's fantastic and I've had great experiences with Booq backpacks for the last 10 years or so: http://www.booqbags.com/us/backpacks/CPK-BLK. Professional-looking (IMHO) and very sturdy. I've always gotten compliments whenever I've been out with any of the Booq backpacks I've had.

 

[dkersten]

http://www.stmbags.com/catalog/laptop-backpacks/revolution-small-laptop-backpack/

I've been using this bag for almost 3 years (well the previous model) and it rocks. Its comfortable to wear and protects your laptop quite well. I fully recommend it!

 

[iLikeTurtles!]

INCASE CANVAS BACKPACK

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24140175@N02/5425728535/

 

[wingate.white]

I have the Surge model from North Face. Pricey but after over a year of beating it there is still minimal signs of usage. I expect it to last another 6 to 8 years easily. Just saw the Surge II that is better if you want to tote a tablet along too. Either one, I highly recommend.

http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TNFSearchResult?langId=-1&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&searchTerm=surge

 

[PortableLover]

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Backpack-Designed-Widescreen-TSB167US/dp/B0037TRWTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344897936&sr=8-1&keywords=Targus+A7+Commuter+Backpack

I haven't used any of those bags, OP I can however recommend the above, from personal use.

I use this bag for transporting my laptop to uni and back.(Uni starts again in october) It is water resistant and very spacious... Had quite a few books in there, my charger, external hard drive and wired mouse with my usb. Generally targus products are very good.

Apparently it weights 1.25kg, but I don't really notice the weight. My laptop is not a macbook, my laptop weights almost 3kg. Pretty sturdy bag in my opinion. Got the bag back in late july, started using late september.

Offers a lot of protection everywhere, it emphasizes protection where the laptop is situated. If you want any pictures of the compartments, I could take a few

 

[that1guyy]

I have the Surge model from North Face. Pricey but after over a year of beating it there is still minimal signs of usage. I expect it to last another 6 to 8 years easily. Just saw the Surge II that is better if you want to tote a tablet along too. Either one, I highly recommend.

http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TNFSearchResult?langId=-1&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&searchTerm=surge

+1 for the Surge. Best backpack I have ever owned.

 

[GoreVidal]

Thule Crossover TCBP 217
http://www.amazon.com/Thule-Crossover-TCBP-217-Backpack-Ultrabooks

I swear by this bag. 10 global circumnavigations later, and it's still with me.

 

[zipur]

So what have we decided on as the best backpack? I see these all the time but which is best?

THULE 20L looks to be the king.
http://youtu.be/L8yaaJDFSCs

BOOQ lots of good reviews on this also
http://youtu.be/0kwCgMhRZjU

Inclase Sing Pack nice thin and light.
http://youtu.be/-M_UGEc7yDA

STM nothing special
http://youtu.be/-M_UGEc7yDA

Timbuk2 Q - Sideload backpack section.
http://youtu.be/9DfjtbG4Xlo

 

[MaxPower72]

Thule has problems with the zippers some of them came off after just few weeks of use. I was going to buy one because the Thule brand is known to be good but after reading several negative reviews concerning the quality of the stitching of the zippers I decided to buy 2 Pelican cases.

 

[pikkashoe]

+2 Second Recommendation for the Surge from North Face.

You can get the first edition for $100.
Dedicated laptop sleeve with cushioning on the bottom so the laptop never hits the floor.
Indestructible bag, and holds the mac perfect. (retina in my case)
I travel 20 days out of the month, and its held up just perfectly.
Perfect bag as far as im concerned.

 

[kahuna0k]

I got this

http://www.brenthaven.com/macbook-cases/prostyle-slimpack-blkwht

and I'm really happy :-D

 

[zipur]

+2 Second Recommendation for the Surge from North Face.

You can get the first edition for $100.
Dedicated laptop sleeve with cushioning on the bottom so the laptop never hits the floor.
Indestructible bag, and holds the mac perfect. (retina in my case)
I travel 20 days out of the month, and its held up just perfectly.
Perfect bag as far as im concerned.

I watched the youtube on this pack and it looked a bit flimsy. But I take your word for it that this is a great case since your a retina man.

 

[GoreVidal]

I watched the youtube on this pack and it looked a bit flimsy. But I take your word for it that this is a great case since your a retina man.

*you're

 

[RickAdair]

I know it's a little more then you were looking to spend , but the Tom Bihn bags are amazing. Mine is a little over 4 years old and is just as solid as the day I bought it.

http://www.tombihn.com

 

[jedolley]

I know it's a little more then you were looking to spend , but the Tom Bihn bags are amazing. Mine is a little over 4 years old and is just as solid as the day I bought it.

http://www.tombihn.com

Agree! I don't own any of their backpacks...yet, but their stuff is top notch and seem to last forever. My only complaint is that their backpacks aren't really laptop bags, so there isn't a special section or holder for the laptop, but it does work well with their brain cell.

 

[shelhed217]

Another vote for Tom Bihn- and you can get a vertical brain cell which suspends your laptop in the backpack, I don't think i've ever seen better protection for a laptop.
http://www.tombihn.com/laptop_bags/TB0390.html

 

[unibility]

Saddleback Leather - Backpack. 100 year warranty.

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/Classic-Backpack?sc=8&category=1288

 

[LYFK]

http://www.coteetciel.com/boutique/bags/rucksack.html

GET ONE.

 

[Bebel]

I have the InCase Campus backpack (grey/orange) and I absolutely love it.

http://goincase.com/products/detail/campus-pack-cl55376

 

[zipur]

very interesting with the wide variety of back packs people have. Thanks for sharing.

 

[M5RahuL]

This is what I (ab)use

OGIO Renegade RSS

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/pd/OGIO-Renegade-RSS-Backpack/productID.251988400/parentCategoryID.57614000/categoryID.57614900/list.true

Totally worth it with a dedicated and suspended laptop compartment !!!

If not that, then it's the Surge from North Face !

 

[pikkashoe]

m5, i had the ogio renegade before getting the surge.
It lasted exactly one week, with the weight of the retina and a few other things causing the left strap to start ripping from its attachment point at the top of the bag. Immediately returned it and got the Surge. Havent had one issue with the Surge.