What backpack do you use for your gear (timbuk2, Peak Design, Waterfield or ???)

[phillyman]

HI All,

My old laptop backpack finally died and I'm looking for some recommendations. I'm not a photographer but I have friends that swear by Peak Design. I still have a 20 year old sling bag from Timbukt2 (my back can't take it) and I've seen waterfield's bags. But I'm open to any and all suggestions. My current bag has a padded area where I have my laptop and iPad. Then one main compartment where I dump EVERYTHING else (so cables etc in one big mess). Plus some smaller quick access pockets for wallets/keys/glasses.

I travel (flights) a fair bit and like a backpack once on location to transport some/all gear. If it has quick access for easier TSA that is a nice to have but not needed since I have routine of more or less commandeering four - five bins streamlined. I do plan on using this bag for travel (MAX capacity of gear below) and then as a nice commuter backpack otherwise (less gear, but maybe with some gym stuff instead).

MBP 14 inch in a bookbook case
iPad Air with case plus a magic keyboard (don't ask)
iphone
Sony over ear headphones (and case)
beats workout headphones
chargers and four or five charge/data cables

Stuff
Wallet, keys, pens, some documents, depending on trip books to read, passport and travel knickknacks
I also usually stuff a sweater/jacket in the bag. So I like some type of organizer area plus a big enough area for "stuff".

Thank you for suggestions. Also I haven't bought a bag in so long I'm not sure if they used to list them in liters. I would assume 30l? Does that still count as a cabin bag? I'm 6'1 so it can be a bigger bag.

As for all the different bags at Timbukt2 (for example) any specific one you like and if you chose that one over another model. Why?

Again thank you for your tips and suggestions,

Philly

 

[phillyman]

Hi All,

I forgot to add general links and what I was looking at from the different manufacturers.

Everyday Bags | Peak Design Official Site

AWARD-WINNING BAGS FOR EVERYDAY & PHOTO CARRY.

www.peakdesign.com

Specifically: https://www.peakdesign.com/products/everyday-backpack?variant=29743300837420

Laptop Backpack collection | USA Made | WaterField Designs

Find the best handcrafted Laptop Backpack collection from WaterField Designs. Shop for laptop backpacks, commuter backpacks, and more made in our San Francisco workshop!

www.sfbags.com

Specifically: https://www.sfbags.com/collections/laptop-backpacks/products/bolt-backpack

Backpacks Built for Work & Play | Lifetime Warranty | Timbuk2

Timbuk2’s backpacks are good-looking & tough so you can easily haul around your prized possessions—mutt, camera, or laptop. FREE SHIPPING & LIFETIME WARRANTY.

www.timbuk2.com

Specifically was looking at

Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

Free Shipping & Lifetime Warranty on Timbuk2's Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe. A supremely organized monster of a work backpack, Authority is an organized, bringing-the-office-with-you bag. Featured with beautiful base fabric, tuck-away sternum straps, and an air mesh back panel.

www.timbuk2.com

Outside the regular mold but more or less what I have now, I was hoping that there might something a bit more elegant but then again it is a backpack ;-) :

Carhartt Legacy Deluxe Work Backpack with 17-Inch Laptop Compartment, Carhartt Brown

Meet the king of all work bags - the Carhartt Legacy Deluxe Work Backpack. This bag does it all, no questions asked. Built of heavy-duty polyester material with Rain Defender durable water repellent and Duravax abrasion-resistant base, there is a spot for everything. The dedicated padded computer...

www.amazon.com

 

[toad77]

I recently picked up an Osprey Nebula. It's a 34L bag, but compressible with included straps. I travelled out of state and packed nearly exactly the stuff you mentioned. I even included a change of clothes and it still fit under the seat in front of me. It seems like a huge bag, but honestly I wouldn't want to travel with anything smaller. That's incredibly subjective, though.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/nebula-NEBULAF19.html

 

[cthompson94]

I own the Peak Design Everyday Backpack and although I do love it...If you are not carrying a camera around I don't think I can recommend it for your use. I know you said that your current bag has a large area that you just dump all of your misc stuff in which would be something similar with the Peak Design, but there might be other bags that can better handle all of those items. I would recommend the Peak Design (or other brand similar item) tech pouch to easily hold and organize those cables and other small items so that you can just toss that in whatever bag and you always know where the small items are.

I use my bag of course for photography outings, but I also have a little child so it is nice because I can adjust the pads inside to fit my Sony/lens of choice and have enough open space for things like diapers, wipes, a jacket for the little one, without the need to have a diaper bag and a backpack to carry while keeping my camera safe.

 

[phillyman]

Hi to both of you and thank you for the feedback. I'll look at the Osprey. @toad77 One of my questions actually was related to size and bigger or smaller so that already helps a LOT.

@cthompson94 I'll look for some organizer bags. They might help. I'm weird on the one hand I like to be organized... On the other hand I sometimes don't mind a mess. So a tech pouch might just be the solution. I actually watched the YouTube video by peak design about their bag and different origami inspired "pads" and how you can sort of make your own cubbies and I was thinking I might use the versatility depending on my needs. BUT knowing me I might just like the idea in theory.

The company and their product also looked high quality. I'll do some more research and figure it out.

but again thanks for the feedback.

Philly

 

[cthompson94]

Hi to both of you and thank you for the feedback. I'll look at the Osprey. @toad77 One of my questions actually was related to size and bigger or smaller so that already helps a LOT.

@cthompson94 I'll look for some organizer bags. They might help. I'm weird on the one hand I like to be organized... On the other hand I sometimes don't mind a mess. So a tech pouch might just be the solution. I actually watched the YouTube video by peak design about their bag and different origami inspired "pads" and how you can sort of make your own cubbies and I was thinking I might use the versatility depending on my needs. BUT knowing me I might just like the idea in theory.

The company and their product also looked high quality. I'll do some more research and figure it out.

but again thanks for the feedback.

Philly

I am a similar way. I do love my tech pouch (it isn't always pretty) as it keeps all of those things just together at least, I know that whatever I am looking for will be in there. As for the origami inspired pads, it really is nice, but i catch myself really only making cubbies when it comes to bringing like a smaller extra lens that I do not want sliding left and right. I do also only have the 20L backpack not the larger one (I forgot the size off the top of my head).

 

[AZhappyjack]

I've been rocking a TIMBUK2 Parkside Laptop Backpack for the past 3+ years... I carry it daily with my MacBook Pro and accessories... rock solid, and still looks new. Love it to death.

Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack

The Parkside is dressed up but not fussy. Its clever pocketing provides a place for all your phone, cards, keys and its elastic slip laptop pocket carries up to a 15 inch MacBook Pro. Its roomy main compartment can accommodate layers and a pair of shoes, and its external water bottle pocket doubl...

www.amazon.com

 

[phillyman]

Thanks for recommendation. I’ll look at that one as well.

 

[phillyman]

I am a similar way. I do love my tech pouch (it isn't always pretty) as it keeps all of those things just together at least, I know that whatever I am looking for will be in there. As for the origami inspired pads, it really is nice, but i catch myself really only making cubbies when it comes to bringing like a smaller extra lens that I do not want sliding left and right. I do also only have the 20L backpack not the larger one (I forgot the size off the top of my head).

Thank you for the insight. it seems like the others are more in the 30l range and I tend to prefer to have extra space. Good to know about the pads. As I worried excellent idea if one uses them. I can see the use to protect the camera lenses from sliding around so most likely overkill for stuff and cords