Carrying a laptop?

**WRT** · 10th November 2008, 14:54

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** · 10th November 2008, 15:00

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** · 10th November 2008, 15:11

Originally Posted by 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?

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** · 10th November 2008, 15:19

Something like this?...
backpack/laptop bag

**Tank** · 10th November 2008, 15:31

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** · 10th November 2008, 15:37

Originally Posted by MXheman

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.

Originally Posted by Blossom

Something like this?...
backpack/laptop bag

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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?

**Hemex** · 10th November 2008, 15:45

Originally Posted by WRT

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** · 10th November 2008, 16:19

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** · 10th November 2008, 19:00

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** · 10th November 2008, 20:03

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** · 10th November 2008, 22:50

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

**Gremlin** · 11th November 2008, 04:18

Originally Posted by WRT

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!!

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** · 11th November 2008, 07:06

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...

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** · 15th December 2008, 10:43

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!