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iPad Sized Messenger Bag

JeffreyVB

JeffreyVB

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 27, 2019
131
82
Va Beach, VA
Looking for messenger bag recommendations for an iPad 11. Looking for something smaller/more compact that a laptop messenger bag, but still has room for an 11 Pro with a Smart Keyboard, pencil, charger, cable, hub, and external HD.

What are you guys using?
 
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The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger in size XS

www.timbuk2.com

Classic Messenger Bag

Free Shipping & Lifetime Warranty. The original Timbuk2 messenger bag was designed in San Francisco for on-and-off the bike wear. Built tough with premium quality fabrics with measured durability, our Classic Messenger bag is the ultimate crossbody for urban riders.
www.timbuk2.com www.timbuk2.com
 
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JeffreyVB said:
Looking for something smaller/more compact that a laptop messenger bag
Click to expand...

I have several Timbuk2 bags...all are well designed and built to last (be sure to check out their custom bag program).

Another favorite–yes, I'm a bag addict–is Red Oxx. This model works well with my iPad Air 5th Generation + Magic Keyboard + accessories:
www.redoxx.com

Chica

The Chica Mini Messenger Bag has fully padded protection for your tablet, iPad, laptop or MacBook. Premium Quality Made in USA.
www.redoxx.com www.redoxx.com

Both Red Oxx and Timbuk2 have lifetime warranty programs that help offset their relatively high initial cost.

----------
ETA: I see a lot of posts here are about "vertical" bags. If you don't care that much about the traditional messenger bag shape and you want a good set of security features, Pacsafe's Metrosafe series is a good choice. I have an older Metrosafe 200 that fits my iPad Air setup well. I've had the bag for years and it has been all over the world with me, mostly as a camera bag.
pacsafe.com

Pacsafe LS

Sturdy and roomy, the Pacsafe Metrosafe series is packed with anti-theft technology and organizational features ideal for overseas trips and daily commutes. | Free Shipping For US Orders > US$49
pacsafe.com pacsafe.com
 
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I've been looking at this one on Amazon. I like the size and the fact that it's "vertical" and would be easier to carry. My iPad Air 4 is in a keyboard case and the actual compartment looks big enough.
 
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DaytonAnnie said:
I've been looking at this one on Amazon. I like the size and the fact that it's "vertical" and would be easier to carry. My iPad Air 4 is in a keyboard case and the actual compartment looks big enough.
Click to expand...
Seems like most of the slim bags are verticals.
 
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I have this one for my iPad Pro 11. I got the 13 inch. Nice and slim, and it's the perfect size. $22.00 at Amazon.

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@JeffreyVB
 
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Is there any bag that attaches to your pants or belt ? Doubt that is possible but was wondering.
 
I am looking for a field bag for an iPad and a little bit of additional equipment (phone, hand lenses, vials, flagging tape, pocket knife, other useful junk). I really like the fitdom CB-1 and the Wowelife Small Canvas Tactical Bag (on Amazon), but neither of these bags are big enough to hold an iPad (8th Gen) in an Otterbox with enough space to easily pull it out and replace it.

Where do you even start looking for something like this? It seems like the perfect product should exist!
 
sparksd said:
Try searching on "messenger bag for ipad".
Click to expand...
Trust me, I have. I've done every permutation of a Google Search you can think of. I've looked at tactical supply stores. I've looked at luggage companies. I've read reviews. I've looked at too many crappy photos and bad descriptions that don't offer dimensions. Often all I want to know is if my iPad will fit. I love the ones that say it will carry an iPad then the dimensions are obviously too small.

I'd love to find a brick and mortar where I could try things out. But barring that, I was hoping to use y'all's collective experience to point me in a good direction. And I guess I wasn't really clear with my question. Sorry about that.

I just found cargo-works.com, which looks promising (despite being out of stock). Any other ideas?
 
ejb190 said:
other ideas
Click to expand...

I'm a bag addict, so here are some bag makers and their main benefits–IMHO– based on experience...
  • Built-to-last forever + generous warranty + great customer service: Red Oxx
  • Anti-theft features: Pacsafe
  • Form over function: Côte & Ciel (trivia: founders designed the iPod sock and made some Apple Store exclusive MacBook backpacks in the past)
  • Function over form + lifetime warranty: Outdoor Research
  • Organization + generous warranty: Timbuk2 (plus they offer a cool customization program for several bags)
  • Outdoors-centered design + reliability + lifetime warranty: Deuter
  • Organization + innovative features: Mystery Ranch
  • Blend of interesting colors/materials and functionality + lifetime warranty: Topo Designs
 
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Not sure what to pick so many. Please help if possible.

I would like a lot of little organized spots too in it if possible. For earphones, etc
 
Maybe you make your mind up by at least providing more details on use case and form factor. Any bag or backpack with a small notebook compartment would work - and there are millions.

Personally I have a cheap compact no name backpack for short flights, a big computer bag that has traveled the world and a Thinktank retrospective photo bag.
 
ericwn said:
Maybe you make your mind up by at least providing more details on use case and form factor. Any bag or backpack with a small notebook compartment would work - and there are millions.

Personally I have a cheap compact no name backpack for short flights, a big computer bag that has traveled the world and a Thinktank retrospective photo bag.
Click to expand...

Sure.

Going out and about to stores and restaurants.

Need room for iPad Pro 11 inch as the biggest item. Would like extra compartments or organization in it for smaller items.


I want it to look pretty good/cool too if possible.

Do any attach to my belt ?
 
I got this one from Amazon a few years ago. The brand on it is ”Augur” and holds my iPad, portable hard drive and all chargers and cables with ease. There will be enough space left for a keyboard easily.

my iPad 10 is pictured on top of it for scale. It can also carry my MacBook Air but not at the same time as the iPad.
4FB3221E-9569-462C-B5EC-6F5AFADFA1C1.jpeg
6D754999-E32A-424C-A5C9-1553FDA0938B.jpeg
 
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max2 said:
Sure.

Going out and about to stores and restaurants.

Need room for iPad Pro 11 inch as the biggest item. Would like extra compartments or organization in it for smaller items.


I want it to look pretty good/cool too if possible.

Do any attach to my belt ?
Click to expand...
Can you imagine attaching an 11” iPad to your belt and then add padding of a bag etc and look anywhere close to good or cool? Belt carrying things has been exclusively claimed by US seniors and will always be their thing. Hope you find some inspiration.
 
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This sling is perfectly sized for the iPP 11 and I can carry a Magic Keyboard also:

www.aersf.com

Day Sling 3 Max X-Pac

The everyday sling designed for travel The Day Sling 3 Max X-Pac is a spacious sling bag designed for travel. The main compartment opens wide for improved access and visibility and features a tablet pocket that fits up to an 11" tablet. On the back, you’ll find a secure pocket that keeps your...
www.aersf.com www.aersf.com
 
It looks good but how do you hold a sling so it does not look like a purse ?
 
I finally ended up with the EDC Sling from Cargo Works.
www.cargo-works.com

EDC SLING

If you don’t know where you can buy a reliable and affordable EDC sling pack, Cargo Works makes an ideal choice for you. Visit our store to place your orders.
www.cargo-works.com www.cargo-works.com

Pretty happy with it. I need to find a couple of small Molle pouches to attach to the outside and it will be perfect!
 
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