Backpack recommendations

[Freakuk]

Hi all,

I am hoping you can help with this one. (admins please move if I've put this in the wrong forum).

I've just started a new role, couple of days a week in the city which will require an overnight stay. Pre-covid I would be doing something similar but would take a carry on style trolley bag and a laptop bag. Looking back it was a PITA having two bags, one for laptop etc and one for overnight clothes etc, so I am looking to consolidate the two and would rather have a backpack to stop the faffing rolling, extending the arm, retracting the arm.

Laptop is 17" so looking for something with a sleeve where I can slide this in and a compartment to keep clothes/toiletries seperate.

Any recommendations?

[Regbuser]

Budget?

Deuter do a good range > https://www.deutergb.co.uk/products/business-lifes...

Up Seoul looks decent

[mmm-five]

I bought a Port Designs Chicago Evo for exactly the same scenario...but I can't see the 17" version on the website anymore.

Specifically went for this backpack because you the contents can't be accessed unless you take the backpack off...

[biggiles]

Pilots always seem to have those little hooks strapped to their trolley bags for carrying a laptop bag, may be worth looking at, if you want to stick to "one" trolley bag.

Also look at Photographer bags, they have plenty of compartments and often space for 17" laptops e.g. Lowepro.

[s94wht]

Not sure of your budget, but I bought my ex a Nordace backpack for her uni studies, including laptop transport, and it was really nice. Might be worth a look although they might be less travel-oriented ie clothes and toiletries.

[OMITN]

So OP you’re dangerously close to the “onebag” approach to travelling. There’s a whole subculture of people who do international trips with just one bag. There’s a Reddit sun on this subject. Plus it’s worth checking out Pack Hacker (online and youtube) for their reviews

I agree that a single backpack is the solution here - I hate wheely trolleys in urban environments.

For what it’s worth, this isn’t too much about the backpack as to what you take with you. When I was doing something similar a few years ago, I used a generic old Jansport backpack that didn’t have a laptop sleeve, but was well padded with the clothes I had in the bag (two or three nights’ worth + change of shoes). But I left my washbag at work.

So, have a think about what you actually have to take/want to take. Travel light. Allow for changing seasons.

I use a Thule Subterra 30l bag as my day to day work backpack. This would easily accommodate a change of clothes for an overnight stay. But I don’t think it will fit a 17” laptop.

[Freakuk]

Thanks so far, yes ideally I want a single bag as it will just make things easier to lug around and I'll only be staying one night (two occasionally).

Size wise would 30L be enough?

[Jamescrs]

Freakuk said:

Thanks so far, yes ideally I want a single bag as it will just make things easier to lug around and I'll only be staying one night (two occasionally).

Size wise would 30L be enough?

30l should be ample for.your needs. I have a Berghaus one which is 30L it's more a walking type but it does have a laptop pocket inside it and I can easily fit in enough clothes for 2 nights away with wash bag, I use it foe that reguarly.

I've had it about 5 years so I doubt it's still a current design I can recommend. But the size would be fine.

[ATG]

I spent a whole 30 quid, I think, on a Jack Pyke canvas rucksack that has an internal laptop pocket and plenty of space for a "bagsmart" suitcase organiser bag that lets you fold 2 ironed shirt and a pair of trousers around a plastic sheet to keep them crease-free, with space and pockets for socks, undercrackers, etc. Another suitcase organiser for toothbrush etc, a jumper, rab breathable waterproof jacket that packs into one of its own pockets and I'm sorted for two-night trips to visit the office. I used to lug a suit carrier around and a laptop bag. Screw that. Never again. New arrangement is so much more convenient and comfortable to carry.

[wyson]

Get a panel pack. Nightmare to access stuff with a top loader.

[ATG]

wyson said:

Get a panel pack. Nightmare to access stuff with a top loader.

Depends on the design. If you've got a rucksack that's designed for walking and climbing, then you've got clips and a floppy snow thingy to negotiate and that is a right pain in the arse. But if the top just has a giant zip or rolls over, it's very easy to access the inside.

[OMITN]

I would say that 30l is easily enough. But that’s based on me and how I would pack..!

My experience is that it’s really easy to travel heavy and it takes some practice to get your own system to work for you. For example, when I first worked away I took a wheeled bag and a work messenger bag. Then I dropped the messenger and fitted everything into the wheeled bag. Then I left the washbag at work and squeezed everything into an old clamshell style backpack.

For a Monday - Wednesday trip I would take with me (in addition to the clothes I was wearing!):
Laptop+charger
Phone+earphones+charger
Notebook+pen
Reading book
Boxers+socks x2
Shirts x2
Trousers/chinos x1
Shoes x1
Swim shorts+goggles

A Monday-Thursday trip would just add boxers, socks and another shirt.

The bag I used was unstructured so I didn’t have to battle with padding and dividers. More modern commuter backpacks lose a lot to internal dividers and padding. Not sure my Thule would easily fit that lot.

I stayed in a hotel and would always use the ironing board and hotel toiletries. I borrowed a hotel towel when I went swimming. Oh and I travelled to/from London by train, hence needing this to be easy to carry.

Here’s a link to the Pack Hacker website: https://packhacker.com/ - there’s a whole section on commuter/laptop backpacks.

[808 Estate]

Wenger Synergy.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Synergy-Laptop-Rucksack-g...

[ATG]

OMITN said:

More modern commuter backpacks lose a lot to internal dividers and padding.

I'd echo this. As well as losing volume to that stuff, their compartmentalisation is unhelpful. If your objects don't happen to be the right size to fit in their compartments, you can't make efficient use of the space. Better to go for a simple empty sack and then use bag organisers to organise your possessions. They achieve everything that compartments do without any of the downsides.

[TheJimi]

Freakuk said:

Hi all,

I am hoping you can help with this one. (admins please move if I've put this in the wrong forum).

I've just started a new role, couple of days a week in the city which will require an overnight stay. Pre-covid I would be doing something similar but would take a carry on style trolley bag and a laptop bag. Looking back it was a PITA having two bags, one for laptop etc and one for overnight clothes etc, so I am looking to consolidate the two and would rather have a backpack to stop the faffing rolling, extending the arm, retracting the arm.

Laptop is 17" so looking for something with a sleeve where I can slide this in and a compartment to keep clothes/toiletries seperate.

Any recommendations?

What's your budget?

[tomw2000]

https://trakke.co.uk/

[TwigtheWonderkid]

I have various rucksacks over the years, but this one I picked up in the Trespass sale for £15 is brilliant. Had it over a year, no sign of wear despite constant use.

Edited by TwigtheWonderkid on Saturday 30th September 11:07

[Barchettaman]

Eastpak Travelpak Transforming Duffel (catchy name, I know)

I’m seriously impressed with mine, as was my wife, who also got one!

It may be a little big for your needs but I would recommend it nonetheless.









We got ours with our Lufthansa frequent flyer points.

[sherman]

I have one of these. Only ever used itcas a?wheeled bag but it has the rucksac straps hidden away if I ever want them. Its well padded inside and has plsnty of pockets for bits.

https://www.samsonite.co.uk/ecodiver-duffle-wh-55-...

[gtidriver]

Maxpedition will have something to suit your needs. I have around 15 of them, plus accessories. Excellent bits of kit and are pretty much bomb-proof.