Traditional Laptop bag or Laptop backpack

[J8 SVG]

Used a laptop bag for a few years and it ended up messing my shoulders up as I always wore it on my right shoulder

Backpack all the way

Use one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Osprey-Talia-Womens-Lapto...

Had no idea it was a 'womens' backpack when I bought it and I'm not really sure why it's marketed as such as it fits me perfectly and I'm 6'3" and 88KG

[jimmy7]

I recently bought a Douchebags Hugger 30ltr, a bit pricey perhaps, but its well thought out for travel, seems decent quality and fits a 15'' laptop nicely.

https://douchebags.com/hugger-30l

[legless]

I've got a large Targus backpack that's approaching its 7th birthday now, and it's still giving sterling service despite being in daily use.

It was one of the few backpacks on the market at the time that was big enough to swallow the goliath Dell Precision M6400 workstation laptop that I was using.

It's been great, and it's got enough room elsewhere in the bag that I've managed to fit a week's worth of clothes and a spare pair of shoes in it for travelling away with work. I'd definitely buy another when it dies.

[Blanchimont]

Currently using this to haul a Surfacebook and associated gumph around.

Doesn't hold loads, but enough for a set of headphones, charger, lunch and a bit bottle around. Can squeeze a hoodie in the there too. The straps do dig into the armpits like an MF though.

[SVX]

Pelicase backpack - only way to go. I've had mine for over a decade, and it's been on four continents. That and a pair of Abus hardened steel locks will see most ne'er do wells off from nicking your kit too.

[Sheepshanks]

I couldn't vote for either, as I've got a backpack shaped bag, but it has a single shoulder strap so you carry it like a traditional laptop bag.

For travelling I think it's brilliant - can keep tickets etc in it and get at them without the faff of taking bag off, and it's also more secure. It's easier in crowds than a laptop bag too as it's narrow.

I got mine free as a supplier freebie at a conference many years ago. It's smallish, but a 14" widescreen laptop fits. I've looked for similar bags to buy but have never seen anything similar.

[unsprung]

the smart money, IMO, is on a backpack that is slim

sometimes I wince at packs that extends rather a lot from a person's back; this is hugely uncomfortable; also lends a student flavour that I wish to avoid

Tumi makes clever packs with a modern briefcase aesthetic; extraordinary zippers and zipper pulls; high-tech fabric / materials inside

unfortunately pricing is ridiculous; you might find deals online or pick one up in the US (where it still costs too much)

Tumi Alpha Bravo Dover Backpack in the colour called hickory


also:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tumi-Alpha-Bravo-Dover-Ba...

[Fittster]

I hope people aren't combining a backpack with a suit. It's not good for the jacket.


Tustings clipper for me.

[Vaud]

I like the Timbuk2 messenger bags - very well made, loads of pockets (19 in mine I think) and a range from smart business to quite trendy.

[Sheepshanks]

unsprung said:

...unfortunately pricing is ridiculous; you might find deals online or pick one up in the US (where it still costs too much)

Tumi Alpha Bravo Dover Backpack in the colour called hickory


also:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tumi-Alpha-Bravo-Dover-Ba...

That's very similar to the bag I mentioned earlier that I use, except mine just has a single should strap so it's carried at the side like a conventional laptop bag. I got it free and if it cost more than about $20 I'd be amazed. I'd like something of better quality but in 10+yrs of looking I've never seen anything the same.

[skinnyman]

Booq cobra squeeze

[Alex_225]

I travel into London every day and often head out to other offices usually with a laptop. I use a backpack that's padded so keep things protected.

Far easier to chuck on my shoulder and if necessary over both shoulders if I'm having to stand around or walk too far.

[jamoor]

Osprey somethingorother.

[uuf361]

Had a Dell backpack for the last 2.5 years and wouldn’t want to go back to a normal laptop - so much easier......

[Glade]

I travel in Europe every other week and have settled on a 20l Dakine Ski rucksack.

It's fairly slim so not a ballache to cart about. Has lots of pockets. Laptop, notepad go in the main compartment with a little kit if power supply, headphones android/i phone cables, slimmest power adaptor I have etc.
Then it's just big enough for a bottle of water and a jumper/light jacket.

Tablet and a wallet with all my travel docs, EHIC/insurance card, euro coins etc and receipts in the front.






The little grey bag is one of the best things I have bought. Just the right size and I never forget a cable because it just stays with my work laptop all the time.

Edited by Glade on Thursday 21st June 22:07

[Some Guy]

Definitely a backpack.
Wenger Synergy is an excellent choice.

[loafer123]

I bought this;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Multipurpose-Backpack-Mes...

A bit cheap, but very useful - converts from soft briefcase to rucksack in seconds. Protected laptop pocket. Enough space for a night away.

[BaronVonVaderham]

This is the most tragic thread on here. Yaaaay for the IT contracted middle management types.

[Vaud]

BaronVonVaderham said:

This is the most tragic thread on here. Yaaaay for the IT contracted middle management types.

I find snide and corrosive comments from posters who don’t contribute to the topic more tragic...

[K50 DEL]

I've used these
https://tinyurl.com/y8o64wsd
For 11 years now (I'm on my second, the 1st finally died last year)
It's been all over the world with me as hand luggage, sometimes packed with everything I need for a long weekend in addition to the laptop... In my days of working in Angola it was often filled with 3 laptops on the journey down.

I can't recommend it highly enough, not cheap but you very definitely get what you pay for