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In the market for a new backpack

H

hzamani

macrumors member
Original poster
May 1, 2010
97
0
Hey All,

I'm looking for a new backpack as a continuing University student. I'll be riding my bike a lot and I'll probably need a lot of space.

I've looked around on the forums, but I haven't seen anything that's been recommended throughout posts.

I have a MBP 13in.

I've looked at the NorthFace Surge and Swiss IBEX, and I think they're good, but I'd like other opinions.
 
If you're going to be using it every day go with a higher-quality brand like LL Bean. I've had North Face bags fall apart when they really shouldn't have. There's been a marked decline in the quality of their offerings in the past few years too.
 
I have a swiss army one that I use on campus. I really like it there is plenty of room for my books and even my iPad or MBA. There is a dedicated "pocket" in the main the compartment of the bag for your laptop. Very solid construction and very comfortable straps. All for 149.99 which is very reasonable.
 
I roll with a Surge. Excellent bag for two years now. However, this bag isn't waterproof so watch when you bike in the rain.
 
I'm A Marmot Fan...

High-quality gear at reasonable prices. My long-discontinued Marmot Talus has traveled a lot...

http://marmot.com/products/vertical?p=116&ps=1

http://marmot.com/products/cam_15?p=116 Holds up to a 13" computer.

Tom Bihn has a nifty laptop slingbag but it may not hold enough for you. Bihn's messenger bags are top of the heap... and are priced accordingly. Thule also has a slingbag but the bag's huge Thule graphics a turn-off for me.
 
I would check into the Tom Bihn Smart Alec or the bigger Brain Bag with a Virtical Brain Cell. Even if you don't get their backpack the hard sided brain cell protection is very good and would turn any backpack into a laptop bag.

I just moved to one of these from a typical shoulder bag and it is so much better when you have to walk a ways. Even with two computers in it.

Bit pricey but high quality with US labor.

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/CTGY/100

http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/me...uct_Code=TB0390&Product_Count=&Category_Code=
 
I use Tom Bihn as well, and highly recommend those backpacks. High quality, great design and lots of room.
 
I also use a Tom Bihn bag, specifically the Brain Bag. It has been an amazing bag with tons of room for the usual school stuff and with the Brain Cell it does a great job of protecting my Mac.
 
Forgot to mention. I already have the Vertical Brain Cell, it's excellent protection.

However, I find that with all my books and paperwork, the extra load the VBC provides, is a little bit over the edge.

Also, something under $100 would be preferable :)
 
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I don't THINK they do a backpack. But may have another style that will work for you? Waterfield bags are amazing. Yes not cheap, but the quality is excellent.
 
i have the Compact Nylon backpack from Incase. its really durable and stylish. i wish i would have gotten the regular one instead of the compact one though, but everything else is nice about it.
 
I think I'm set on the Swiss Army IBEX. It's big, cheap, and nice.

Although, I've looked into messenger bags, I'm not sure about them. Does anyone else have more information on them?
 
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