Carrying a laptop?

[WRT]

Anyone got a recommendation on where I can get a back pack to carry a laptop in? It needs to be (properly) waterproof with a dedicated (ideally padded) laptop pouch/pocket/slot, and able to also have enough room to carry a few other bits like a pair of shoes and my lunch.

Any suggestions?

[ManDownUnder]

PM a few IT types that attend conferences. They often give out backpacks specifically designed for lappies, complete with ipod and cell phone holders yada yada yada. Not too big but it's the waterproof bit I'd be concerned about.

I've had a few over time but given them all away.

I carry a lappy on the bike every day, all weathers. Nothing short of Givi is good enough for me personally on that score. Big enough to just chuck stuff in, leaves a ton of free room for the pillion etc.

[Hemex]

Anyone got a recommendation on where I can get a back pack to carry a laptop in? It needs to be (properly) waterproof with a dedicated (ideally padded) laptop pouch/pocket/slot, and able to also have enough room to carry a few other bits like a pair of shoes and my lunch.

Any suggestions?

I remember MacPAc having a super one... Kathmandu too but they are quite pricy...
I know my company sells them (obviously branded with the company logo - small and neat though :))... Ive just checked to send you a link so I could buy it for you if you liked it but they've run out of stock and its not on our website even...

I could keep you posted if they come up again...rather when they do...

[Blossom]

Something like this?...
backpack/laptop bag (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Clothing/Unisex-accessories/Unisex-bags/Backpacks/auction-186419105.htm)

[Tank]

The easiest way is a Givi top box - it makes life sooooo much easier.

I carry laptops, shopping, whatever in there. 100% dry, lockable and acts as a back rest for my son.

A back pack is a pain in the ass to get on and off, will never be 100% waterproof and pushes passengers off the back of the bike.

[WRT]

I remember MacPAc having a super one... Kathmandu too but they are quite pricy...
I know my company sells them (obviously branded with the company logo - small and neat though :))... Ive just checked to send you a link so I could buy it for you if you liked it but they've run out of stock and its not on our website even...

I could keep you posted if they come up again...rather when they do...

Thanks MXheman - can you let me know if they come available again, in the meantime I might pop into Kathmandu and check their range out.


Something like this?...
backpack/laptop bag (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Clothing/Unisex-accessories/Unisex-bags/Backpacks/auction-186419105.htm)

Quite possibly - I'm a bit against buying stuff "blind" over the internet, I prefer to go into a store to check the product out, unless an unbiased third party is capable of recommending it. Hard to tell from one pic what the bag is actually like, and no mention of it being waterproof. I might have a bit more of a look around TM and see if anyone in Auckland is selling something suitable though.


PM a few IT types that attend conferences. They often give out backpacks specifically designed for lappies, complete with ipod and cell phone holders yada yada yada. Not too big but it's the waterproof bit I'd be concerned about.

Unfortunately I'm not familiar with who would be a relevant IT type that has recently attended a conference where free backpacks were handed out! If anyone is such a type, flick me a PM yeah? :niceone:

[Hemex]

Thanks MXheman - can you let me know if they come available again, in the meantime I might pop into Kathmandu and check their range out.



Sure thing mate... No worries!!

[scracha]

The targus stuff is really nice and reasonably priced. Check out their webbysite. Nobody pays RRP though :-)

I'd really recommend givi hard luggage or a baglux tankbag though if it's gonna be a regular thing.

[xgnr]

I just use a lands-for-bags ($40) backpack and stuff the lappy in a plastic bag when it looks like the rain is going to fall. Works for pushbike and Mo'bike and never had a problem. No bag (unless super expensive or built like a rubber bladder) is waterproof... water resistant at best I'm thinking.

Other option is as suggested. Use some hard luggage, I have taken the (old) laptop down to the GC in a shoulder bag and stuffed in the side pannier... now that IS waterproof but I wonder about the constant jolting they get unless cushioned well.

Good Luck

Stu

[henry]

Crumpler. Available in all fine photo, computer or bag emporiums. They used to have to coolest web site evar too, but it looks like they've gone all gay on it. Still good bags though.

www.crumpler.com.au

[Zapf]

check these out http://www.targus.com/au/cases_notebook_backpacks.asp

[Gremlin]

Unfortunately I'm not familiar with who would be a relevant IT type that has recently attended a conference where free backpacks were handed out!
Either I is doing something wrong, or I'm attending budget conferences... hey boss... more conferences for me!! :innocent:

I've had a Kathmandu backpack for sheesh, must be at least 5 years now. Laptop sleeve for laptops up to 14.1", others would be available. It travels in a givi box now, but its only now showing wear on the outside, near the corners of the laptop. Not waterproof, but I would say its brilliant quality.

[crynsie]

try these...

www.stmbags.com.au

I had one for my lappie in aussie as they were the only backpacks I could find for a 17inch.

really strong and comfy, they also have chest and waist straps which are good for on the bike. heaps of room and a dedicated padded cell for the lappie as well as ipod and phone pockets etc....

I had the bag for over 2 years and it looked brand new untill some low life scum burgled me and took the lappie AND my bag...:angry2:

Have a look online for places that have them...usually mac places as the bags fit the macbook pro's.

I have dropped a lot of hints about my birthday coming up....

Not cheap, but up there for quality and strength

[prettybillie]

I picked mine up at Harvey Norman of all places. Was relatively cheap and has all the pockets for the laptop, cell phone blah blah blah. It's totally waterproof and I found out the hard way does well when pelted with hail stones too!

[Mully]

I got one from Farmers - made by Wenger (the people who make Original Swiss Army knives).

Not cheap, but plenty of room for all your stuff.

[imdying]

Buy a pack that fits good, and forgo the water protection... trust their claims at your peril imho. Plastic bag for when it rains. Could be worth a look at the Knox pack from Quasi. Relatively water resistant, has an internal water resistant laptop bag, which also clips into the bag to stop it moving about.

[imdying]

I got one from Farmers - made by Wenger (the people who make Original Swiss Army knives).I've always wondered about that... Wiki says 1891 for Victorinox, and 1893 for Wenger. FWIW coming from wiki...


In 1893 at Delémont in the French-speaking Canton of Jura, the industrial cutlery house of Jupiter Paul Boechat & Co received a contract from the Swiss Army to produce knives.

Since 1891 the company has delivered knives to the Swiss army. Their famous emblem — a cross in a shield — has been used by Victorinox since 1909.

[BM-GS]

Tankbag mate. Then when you crash your spine isn't snapped by the laptop. Best get one with no magnets, tho - hard drives hate magnets... Baglux make good kit, which (like all luggage) is best waterproofed with a plastic bag inside. Pocket for keys, wallet, cellphone, etc and usually expandable for lugging extra bits.

If your bike's fully-faired, the tankbag will stay pretty dry if you're travelling, rather than in town.

[Mully]

I've always wondered about that... Wiki says 1891 for Victorinox, and 1893 for Wenger. FWIW coming from wiki...

Yeesh.

It's the same organisation now, anyway innit? I thought one bought the other a few years back.

It's got the "shield with a cross in it" logo.

[Reckless]

I have the Targus Voyager WRT. Very comfortable, lots of pockets etc. Neat pouch in the bottom where a rain cover pulls out from.

Here http://www.targus.com/au/product_details.asp?sku=TSB045CA.

Mines a year old and wearing well. Hopefully you can still buy them.

[Pascal]

I have the Targus Voyager WRT. Very comfortable, lots of pockets etc. Neat pouch in the bottom where a rain cover pulls out from.

I'll second the Targus back recommendation. I have a XL 17" (http://www.targus.com/au/product_details.asp?sku=TXL617) and it is a fantastic bag.

Picked mine up from a company called Aquila Tech (http://www.aquilatech.co.nz/static/1452100070.htm) down in Wellington, they ship nationwide and provide very good service.

[Quasievil]

the only one to get is KNOX, its designed specifically for the biker and carries a Laptop in its own special removable pouch not to mention the visor puch as well and helmet holder etc etc etc

check it out, in stock now

http://www.quasimoto.co.nz/products/knox-products/knox-sixpack-rucksack

[TerminalAddict]

the only one to get is KNOX, its designed specifically for the biker and carries a Laptop in its own special removable pouch not to mention the visor puch as well and helmet holder etc etc etc

check it out, in stock now

http://www.quasimoto.co.nz/products/knox-products/knox-sixpack-rucksack

none in stock?

when is the next shipment .. and have you got one I can try?
starting uni next week :( .. must start preparing

[peasea]

I'm having trouble figuring out why anyone would take a laptop out on a bike. Leave the damned thing at home and just go for a ride, then the money you've saved by not buying a bag for the LT can go in the gas tank.

[Nasty]

As long as people realise that as soon as you put a backpack on you are limiting yourself and your capabilities in an accident. One of the possible reasons apart from road camber for the lack of rolling and/or sliding once he went down was that he was wearing a backpack which inhibited this capability.

[Pascal]

I'm having trouble figuring out why anyone would take a laptop out on a bike.

7am, Monday morning. Time to head to work. Backpack + laptop on, keys in the ignition and away we go!

[peasea]

7am, Monday morning. Time to head to work. Backpack + laptop on, keys in the ignition and away we go!

I have had to do work at home for years and when taking it to an office just whacked it on a disc or memory stick. Is there no pooter at your work?

[Gremlin]

I have had to do work at home for years and when taking it to an office just whacked it on a disc or memory stick. Is there no pooter at your work?
Depends what you have to do... I require a computer wherever I am, and travel between sites, therefore, I always have a laptop.

Givi top box for me, waterproof and you don't have it on your back

[Pascal]

I have had to do work at home for years and when taking it to an office just whacked it on a disc or memory stick. Is there no pooter at your work?

Depends on what your job entails. We carry out laptops onsite rather frequently, so need them close at hand. Plus, putting a 100gb+ virtual machine image onto a memory stick or DVDs is just not feasible :)

But you see the point, don't you? There are reasons to travel with a laptop.

[BigGuy]

Depends on what your job entails. We carry out laptops onsite rather frequently, so need them close at hand. Plus, putting a 100gb+ virtual machine image onto a memory stick or DVDs is just not feasible :)

But you see the point, don't you? There are reasons to travel with a laptop.

Or you could put it on a portable HDD that cost less than some of those bags and will fit in yer pocket (assuming VM image is the only requirement) :)

[peasea]

Depends on what your job entails. We carry out laptops onsite rather frequently, so need them close at hand. Plus, putting a 100gb+ virtual machine image onto a memory stick or DVDs is just not feasible :)

But you see the point, don't you? There are reasons to travel with a laptop.

I see yours, do you see mine? Work/bike, work/bike.........my work involves bikes, bit of a bummer at times actually, sometimes I just want to forget work. If you have to carry a LT then so be it, it's just a shame, that's all. On ya.

[Pascal]

I see yours, do you see mine?

Now see, that's not a statement I want to read *right* after reading your signature :grins:

But yes, I see the point. It is a shame that some have to carry laptops when they could just be biking for fun. Now I'm curious though, what do you do with bikes? (For work)

[peasea]

Now see, that's not a statement I want to read *right* after reading your signature :grins:

But yes, I see the point. It is a shame that some have to carry laptops when they could just be biking for fun. Now I'm curious though, what do you do with bikes? (For work)

I take pics and write them up.

[crynsie]

I never leave my lappie at home after the burglary when they got my other lappies and tv and playstation and ipod and........

I feel safer having it with me

[Croft]

I've got an Axio...

www.neatgear.co.nz/forza.html

Fits laptop in it's own compartment and room for other bits and pieces too. Even had an off with it on in 07... I wasn't wearing the right gear but luckily I was wearing it coz it saved by back from some mayor road rash... YAY!! And still using it today!!

Well worth the dosh I say.