Compact iPad bag, but still want a water bottle?

[kriista1234]

So the iPad (and soon iPad2) replaced my laptop as my main work computer. With that in mind, I wanted a smaller bag that I would actually take around to work instead of the big(ger) one I normally carry.

I got this STM bag for my iPad (STM scout) and it looks the business. Smaller than my main bag (STM evolution S), but has room for stuff/accessories. The big problem is that I drink a ton of water throughout the day. I'm a music teacher so I'm blabbing all day to students.

I don't want to manually carry the bottle as that's lame. The best thing I've seen so far are these clips that you stick onto the neck of a generic water bottle with another clip you can stick on a bag, or best or whatever.

Has anyone else had similar problems and/or solutions?

 

[TigerStephie]

I am looking for a simlar bag.

Someone posted this in another thread: http://www.haikubags.com/clearance/TG_FL5-BO.php
Cute but I want something a little more boring to take to work and such.

I want something that is not huge but doubles as a purse. A water bottle slot would be perfect for me too. I find myself carrying my water bottle in my had most of the time.

 

[cbronfman]

Tom Binh Ristretto for iPad

I ordered (yesterday) the Ristretto for iPad which Tom Bihn makes (http://www.tombihn.com). They have another bag for the iPad2 but it's really more of a sleeve. I had this style of bag for the MBA 13" (2008) and there are lots of compartments. Depending on what else you want to go in the bag - there should be plenty of room for the iPad2 in a nice well-protected sleeve compartment, file folders, wallet, iPhone and a water bottle. I wrote them to be sure they weren't going to come out with a slightly smaller version for the iPad2 (this one is for the original iPad and other netbooks), but I doubt it. I want to be sure I don't have buyer's remorse. If not, I figure the smart cover will fit inside the iPad2 pocket along with the iPad2.

They're good bags - if anyone wants the 13" one I have for my original MBA,let me know. It's virtually unused because I found the MBA weight plus the bag weight too much for me (I'm weak). And my MBA 11" kind of floats in it. if anything goes out and about with me and my iPhone now, I figure it will be my iPad2 (assuming it ever gets off Lantau Island).

 

[TigerStephie]

I like both the Tom Bihn and STM iPad specific bags. Particularly the iPad pocket.
Does anyone make one of these that's maybe a little more feminine? Particularly something with the iPad specific compartment?

 

[Mr. Biggles]

I like both the Tom Bihn and STM iPad specific bags. Particularly the iPad pocket.
Does anyone make one of these that's maybe a little more feminine? Particularly something with the iPad specific compartment?

Try www.etsy.com and search for ipad bags.

 

[jedolley]

The Skooba Netbook/iPad Messenger has a mesh holder for a water bottle. The really nice thing about it is that there is a zipper pocket the mesh holder comes out of, so when you are not using it you can tuck it in and zip it up and it's out of sight.

The bag itself isn't the most compact iPad bag, about the same size as the Timbuk2 Netbook Messenger, and the pics on the site make it look larger than it is. It's definitely a small bag, but it has many compartments, and holds quite a bit.

http://www.skoobadesign.com/netbook-ipad-messenger-bag

 

[cinca]

I have the Ristretto for iPad and I am pretty sure it would meet the size requirements. Its compact but would definitely accommodate a water bottle... And it has enough pockets to allow things to stay organized like one might want a purse replacement to be.

As for it's degree of "femininity" I would say that it is a canvas style heavy gauge messengerbag/backpack material so that works against it. But you can get it in a number of colors (both outside and inside) so that could help... Nd i would stay away from some of the larger/thicker strap options which, while comfortable, definitely give it more of a camera bag/luggage/messenger bag feel.

Overall its a great bag for the size. Clearly cant stuff as much in it as a backpack but I think its a good compromise in terms of size and functionality if you are looking for something in the "small ipad bag" class.

 

[TigerStephie]

What about one of those purse organizers with an protective iPad sleeve? Sure I could buy any sleeve and my iPad would be protected from bumps around my purse but I would prefer to be able to take it in and out of the purse without also having to take it out of a sleeve. Hmmm. Searching google now. This would also allow the ladies (or men) to use whatever bag they choose and could move from bag to bag if that is your thing.

 

[kriista1234]

The main thing I'm looking for is waterbottle type solutions for small bags.
For the bag itself I've already ordered the STM scout as it looks the perfect balance of feature/size (and cost, the Muzetto looked good but is pricey).

 

[TigerStephie]

The main thing I'm looking for is waterbottle type solutions for small bags.
For the bag itself I've already ordered the STM scout as it looks the perfect balance of feature/size (and cost, the Muzetto looked good but is pricey).

Yeah sorry to get your thread off topic.

I know my aluminum bottle I use has a loop on top for a clip. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1F3XSSX2SRXYDBNGXEJY
I think most do. I got mine at target for pretty cheap and use it everyday. But the tap water where I live is pretty tasty might not be the same where you are. If you need something for plastic bottles I think they make little koozie bags that clip also. Could just clip either one to the strap of your bag.

 

[ukwildcat]

I ordered (yesterday) the Ristretto for iPad which Tom Bihn makes (http://www.tombihn.com). They have another bag for the iPad2 but it's really more of a sleeve. I had this style of bag for the MBA 13" (2008) and there are lots of compartments. Depending on what else you want to go in the bag - there should be plenty of room for the iPad2 in a nice well-protected sleeve compartment, file folders, wallet, iPhone and a water bottle. I wrote them to be sure they weren't going to come out with a slightly smaller version for the iPad2 (this one is for the original iPad and other netbooks), but I doubt it. I want to be sure I don't have buyer's remorse. If not, I figure the smart cover will fit inside the iPad2 pocket along with the iPad2.

They're good bags - if anyone wants the 13" one I have for my original MBA,let me know. It's virtually unused because I found the MBA weight plus the bag weight too much for me (I'm weak). And my MBA 11" kind of floats in it. if anything goes out and about with me and my iPhone now, I figure it will be my iPad2 (assuming it ever gets off Lantau Island).

Thanks for that link. I'd never heard of Tom Bihn before. His stuff is exactly what I've bee looking for.

 

[WLS]

I would recommend this pacsafe bag. The metrosafe 200
http://www.rei.com/product/821654
It is on sale at REI for $49. The green is a darker green that looks masculine and it has wire reinforcements and zipper locks for security. It has an inner pocket that will hold an iPad2 and has two water bottle pockets. It is light weight and not too large.
I am also ordering the Waterfield slip case (iPad2 model) which should give my iPad2 protection and will still fit in the pacsafe.
http://sfbags.com/products/ipad-cases/slipcase-ipad.php
This looks to be perfect for my personal flight carry on item.

 

[amazonpam]

Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag, available at Amazon.com. Compact, holds my ipad with it's leather case on, wallet, cell phone and a few small odds and ends. Has zippered mesh pocket for water bottle. Anti-theft properties are quite interesting.