Premium laptop backpack?
Premium laptop backpack?
Author
Discussion

Moominho

Original Poster:

902 posts

164 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
Hi - I need to get a new backpack for work as my trusty but dated North Face Surge bag has finally been deemed too battered to use anymore by the boss (my wife).

I travel a lot with work, and I need something that is durable, but also looks good. I’m too old to wear something too tactical looking, so something smarter would be preferable.

I don’t really have a budget. I was looking at Tumi bags, but not sure which ones are the right size, or even if they are worth it. Samsonite look okay, but boring. Aspinal maybe? I would like leather but I don’t mind if it’s not.

I’ve googled loads but it’s not helped, so any advice would be very much appreciated.

LandieMark

1,911 posts

172 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
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Swissgear.

DoctorX

8,041 posts

191 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
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I quite like these. Bit pricey though.

https://www.peakdesign.com/collections/everyday-ba...

RTPT

146 posts

43 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
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Db/Douchebags.

fat80b

3,180 posts

245 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
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I’ve got an eastpack “back to work laptop” with a matching wheely case and think they are great.

Fairly robust and look decent (to me) without being crazy expensive.

Austin_Metro

1,421 posts

72 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/travel-backpack-re...

A guy at work has one of these. Swears by it.

TheJimi

27,204 posts

267 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
Moominho said:
Hi - I need to get a new backpack for work as my trusty but dated North Face Surge bag has finally been deemed too battered to use anymore by the boss (my wife).

I travel a lot with work, and I need something that is durable, but also looks good. I’m too old to wear something too tactical looking, so something smarter would be preferable.

I don’t really have a budget. I was looking at Tumi bags, but not sure which ones are the right size, or even if they are worth it. Samsonite look okay, but boring. Aspinal maybe? I would like leather but I don’t mind if it’s not.

I’ve googled loads but it’s not helped, so any advice would be very much appreciated.
Pretty comprehensive list here -

https://www.carryology.com/product-category/best-l...

My current pick would be - https://bellroy.com/products/venture-backpack?colo... (EDIT: I retract that. Turns out there's a big issue with the straps not staying cinched when on your back. Deal breaker.)


If you want a true "for life bag" - Trakke Storr- https://trakke.co.uk/collections/waxed-canvas-back...



Edited by TheJimi on Wednesday 23 August 11:35

gotoPzero

20,057 posts

213 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
Briggs and Riley are good. IME.

https://briggs-riley.co.uk/collections/backpacks

£200-£300 price range.

Very good guarantee.


paralla

5,183 posts

159 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
I’ve had several North Face laptop backpacks, I generally changed them when they started shedding annoying black bits of their interior all over the place.

I’ve switched to Samsonite now, similar price, better quality.
https://www.samsonite.co.uk/laptop-backpacks/

beambeam1

1,598 posts

67 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
quotequote all
Another North Face Surge if you were happy with it?

Aimed at bikers really but I quite like the Kriega range - Roam 34 backpack might be a bit of you going by the strapping system on your old surge.

Moominho

Original Poster:

902 posts

164 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
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Thanks all for the updates, will go through the links now and make a decision. Appreciate all the advice!

journeymanpro

908 posts

101 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
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Ogio renegade rss

GT03ROB

13,990 posts

245 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
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Not sure whats wrong with a cheap 25 quid one off of Amazon.... never mind spending hundreds on one

Grumps.

17,360 posts

60 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
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GT03ROB said:
Not sure whats wrong with a cheap 25 quid one off of Amazon.... never mind spending hundreds on one
Agreed.

A Ford Focus does the same job as a luxury sports car.

toon10

7,034 posts

181 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
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I picked up a Northface one in the York outlets last week. Outlet price was £70 but it was further reduced to £46.

Baldchap

9,457 posts

116 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
I always used a Kriega one and I absolutely swear by their kit. Being a motorcycle backpack it was 1000% more comfortable than any shoulder-based one (they fasten across the chest so the weight is far more comfortable) and utterly, completely waterproof with taped zips and everything. 10 year warranty and if you happen to fall off anything they're pretty much indestructible, given their original purpose.

https://kriega.com/riderpacks/r30

You do pay for it, but this backpack proves the Ford Focus comment above to be wrong as far as backpacks are concerned. I've toured the world with one of these.

Baldchap

9,457 posts

116 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
Grumps. said:
GT03ROB said:
Not sure whats wrong with a cheap 25 quid one off of Amazon.... never mind spending hundreds on one
Agreed.

A Ford Focus does the same job as a luxury sports car.
Take it on a motorcycle in the rain with your laptop and camera in and we'll have this conversation...

Just because your requirements are lower, doesn't mean SIGNIFICANTLY better kit isn't available or even necessary.

TheJimi

27,204 posts

267 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
GT03ROB said:
Not sure whats wrong with a cheap 25 quid one off of Amazon.... never mind spending hundreds on one
Ok, here's my own example.

I bought a Tom Bihn Synapse 25, back in 2015. Cost me around £220.

I've used every day since, for work and gym, as well as overnight jaunts etc.

The thing still looks new. No frayed stitches, the material hasn't worn down, it's in 9.5/10 shape. It's ridiculously well made, with 525d ballistic nylon and I know it'll still be going in 10 years time, and in another ten after that.

That's what's wrong with a cheap 25 quid bag off Amazon.

I can't believe I'm having to explain this tbh (and to someone with a GT3!), the same scenario can be played out in terms of any number things.

Either that or I'm due a flock of parrots hehe



Edited by TheJimi on Wednesday 23 August 09:55

Austin_Metro

1,421 posts

72 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
Baldchap said:
Take it on a motorcycle in the rain with your laptop and camera in and we'll have this conversation...

Just because your requirements are lower, doesn't mean SIGNIFICANTLY better kit isn't available or even necessary.
I took Grumps comment as sarcasm.

I was imagining Rob climbing into his GT3 with his Mac book air in an old tesco bag.

Moominho

Original Poster:

902 posts

164 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
beambeam1 said:
Another North Face Surge if you were happy with it?

Aimed at bikers really but I quite like the Kriega range - Roam 34 backpack might be a bit of you going by the strapping system on your old surge.
I wasn't necessarily happy with it, it did start shedding bits quite early on. The Kriega looks great, and I love it, but isn't necessarily the professional look I was looking for. Thank you!