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The perfect bag...

itsallgoodie

itsallgoodie

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 24, 2013
17
54
I was hoping you guys could help me get on the right track for a tech bag. I'm interested in a backpack, but a messenger bag isn't out of the question.

It needs to fit a 15 inch Macbook and needs a padded compartment for an iPad. It also needs some storage for a charger and I'd like to be able to fit a few books and hard drives in there. Water resistant is a must.

I want a bag that is both functional and looks pretty good, I know there are tons of options out there that work great, but if it doesn't have a decent look, it's not what I'm going for.

A water bottle holder would be great but it's not a deal breaker, same goes for a place for a camera.

I've been recommended the Rush 5.11 Tactical bag, but I'd love other suggestions.

Thanks for your help!
 
Been though this, so many bags to choose from it drives you nuts.
Here's what I landed on and I absolutely endorse as a great backpack.

Northface will last you years, good for your back, big zippers, adjustable straps, lots of pockets, water resistant, padded laptop pouch. They even have a version that has a backup battery pack built in. YouTube Northface backpacks.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-daypacks#1380054001038
 
zipur said:
Been though this, so many bags to choose from it drives you nuts.
Here's what I landed on and I absolutely endorse as a great backpack.

Northface will last you years, good for your back, big zippers, adjustable straps, lots of pockets, water resistant, padded laptop pouch. They even have a version that has a backup battery pack built in. YouTube Northface backpacks.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-daypacks#1380054001038
Click to expand...

Is there room for an iPad Mini and a MBP?
 
itsallgoodie said:
I want a bag that is both functional and looks pretty good, I know there are tons of options out there that work great, but if it doesn't have a decent look, it's not what I'm going for.
Click to expand...
Give us ideas of what looks good to you and what doesn't look good to you. This is a highly subjective matter and you can't just assume that your aesthetic preferences are the same as everyone else's. What are you specifically looking for with regard to aesthetics?
 
itsallgoodie said:
I want a bag that is both functional and looks pretty good
Click to expand...

You should really look into the Oakley Kitchen Sink. It's the bee's knees of backpacks and looks amazing. You can probably pick one up for $75 at the Oakley Vault (google it) or suffer the $200 MSRP from online retailers since the bag is roughly 3+ years old.

http://www.freestylextreme.com/us/oakley-black-kitchen-sink-backpack/p?utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant&utm_campaign=feed1&gclid=CJ33lv2A57kCFQik4Aodk2YAbQ
 
Also, EVERYTHING produced and sold by L.L. Bean has a lifetime warranty, so if you're a strap-tugger, then you should be looking in that direction.
 
itsallgoodie said:
Is there room for an iPad Mini and a MBP?
Click to expand...

Yes plenty in fact most current backpacks have padded sleeves for Laptop and Tablet, You can see the North face Recon version at Dick's Sporting Goods If you have one locally. But as stated above what I like may not work for you. Also the Swiss Army Backpack are pretty well build.

Also I heard LLBean is changed the return policy LINK HERE
 
I have two Timbuk2 bags, a Commuter and a Messenger bag that I use with MBP and iPad sleeves that is rather inconspicuous. Sometimes, I'm going to a place that I don't want everyone to know what I'm carrying.
 
takeshi74 said:
Give us ideas of what looks good to you and what doesn't look good to you. This is a highly subjective matter and you can't just assume that your aesthetic preferences are the same as everyone else's. What are you specifically looking for with regard to aesthetics?
Click to expand...

Well I'm a minimalist, and a web designer, so something simple, with no flashy colors. I know bags start to get expensive when you start going with more 'design' focused bags from smaller companies, but I'm not opposed to them either.
 
I have a Swissgear Synergy and it has a padded area for both a MacBook and an iPad. The one I would put the iPad in isn't as padded for it, but since you mentioned it's an iPad Mini, there's a pocket that is more padded that would fit that. I can fit a couple textbooks, my MacBook 13", a binder, and a few other things in it. A lot of room and the straps are made to reduce back strain. I personally use the pocket that the iPad would fit in for my Wacom Bamboo Pen, and it fits in there fine with a pair of Sennheiser headphones. Here is the Best Buy link. Good price, too.
 
I prefer a quality backpack as it leaves both hands free when moving through the airport. Tom Bihn makes exceptional products with sizes specifically for Apple Laptops. The quality is second to none, the durability very impressive. Smooth zippers and a very well thought out design.

Here's the link:
http://www.tombihn.com/backpacks/TB0111.html
 
well to me this is perfect - super minimal, and a super strong frame (i've had enough of bags breaking at the strap connection)

mac-hook-case-coffee-brown-02.jpg

mac-hook-case-antelope-brown-04.jpg

detail-img-frame.jpg


http://www.concretecases.com/en/shop/products/macbook/mac-hook-case/mac-hook-case.php

though shouldn't we be talking about bags in the other bag thread
 
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Incase fanboy here. Since buying a sleeve for my iBook years ago I've always stuck with them and have never been let down. I currently use this messenger to lug around my iPad and 13" MBP. Plenty of space for a mouse, charger, papers, etc.

incase-messenger-bag-1.jpg


Their current line is a bit more fashionable and business-like.

incase-canvas-and-leather-capsule-collection-01.jpg
 
I like the Brenthaven and Targus backpacks. Basic, simple black. Durable fabric but light. Plenty of pockets to organize things. I carry both my iPad, 15" cMBP, and chargers and other stuff with no problem.
 
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