Ogio vs. Dakine vs. Wenger or ???

[yojitani]

I've been searching through the forums for backpack suggestions and some have been good, but it seems that I might have slightly different needs hence the question here. In addition to my laptop (macbook) I tend to carry around a lot of books (big books!), a lot of papers, my lunch (!), bike helmet, ipod, phone etc. Now, I'm trying to limit the amount of books I carry around by scanning in readings, so I'm kind of in two minds about the size I need for books. Nevertheless, the other things take up space. So my needs are:

• separate compartment for laptop - must be well padded
• sufficient space for laptop accessories
• sufficient space for other stuff just listed; preferably some file dividers (I tend to pick up all kinds of papers that always end up scrunched up at the bottom of my current backpack)
• very importantly, well supported and comfortable straps - it has taken me 4 years to recover from injuries inflicted by a bad (not padded, like most messenger bags) strap..

I've come up with these options:

Ogio Epic - I like the space and the file dividers. The style is bland-as, but I can live with that. The straps aren't a selling point - does anyone know what they are like??


Ogio Metriod Better looking. Straps still a concern. Like the file holder.
Dakine Terminal - Nice looking bag... kind of. Good straps, but what about the inside?? I know a number of forum members own these. Tell me about the main compartment area!!
Wenger Synergy - Horrible name! But nice straps. I'm not sure about the file separators.. are there any?

I'd like to hear from owners of these bags. Do you think they might suit my needs? I may be able to have a look at the Ogio bags, but ebags is having a sale until Thurs and i'm not sure I'll be able to look before then. If you can suggest anything else - something I've overlooked? - please do!

Thanks!

 

[SchneiderMan]

try quiksilver
http://www.quiksilver.com/family/in...Taxonomy/QUIK/2978707&fbn=Taxonomy|Bags&fbc=1

really nice bags

 

[yojitani]

Thanks.. I wish these places had more informative websites though. I don't typically buy anything with a functional purpose because of the way it looks - no inside shots there and ebags isn't much more informative. Do you recommend a certain model?

 

[yojitani]

Update: Ogio Epic vs. Brenthaven Trek

I managed to get out to the shops this weekend and found that there were things about most bags that I did not like. However, I do still like the Epic, though I'm not feeling 100% about the laptop protection it offers, and I discovered the Expandable Trek, which looks like an absolute monster of a bag. I would really appreciate any thoughts from owners or former owners of these two bags! My finger is on the trigger for the Brenthaven - I think the bag is everything I need and I really value their attempt at 'zero-impact'. I've also heard great things about their customer support. So even some assurance about this decision would be welcome!

In case you were wondering: I didn't like the Dakine because I felt that the material was too flimsy.

Wenger, which I found at Target!, just seemed so-so. Decent enough material, but I wasn't overawed by the supposed 'shock absorber' straps.

The Metro was ok, but I would prefer more little pockets for all my crap.