Carry bag advice

[jmoore]

I have an Ogio backpack I carry back and forth to work. It is a good bag but it's too bulky so I end up stuffing it with a bunch of crap I don't need to carry around.

I need a few suggestions for a thin-ish bag that is lightweight and durable. I'd like to have a slot for a laptop and maybe a few pockets for a phone, wallet and key hook.

I'm thinking maybe a messenger bag of some sort, or maybe another backpack. Not really into the briefcase thing, although something by Saddleback Leather could sway me.

Thoughts?

[TMB]

I have a Timbuk2 Especial messenger bag.

convertible right to left, waterproof (like in WATERPROOF) and has dedicated pockets for laptops and the like. Good size without being too big.

Great bag.

[brockd15]

I have an Ogio backpack I carry back and forth to work. It is a good bag but it's too bulky so I end up stuffing it with a bunch of crap I don't need to carry around.

I need a few suggestions for a thin-ish bag that is lightweight and durable. I'd like to have a slot for a laptop and maybe a few pockets for a phone, wallet and key hook.

I'm thinking maybe a messenger bag of some sort, or maybe another backpack. Not really into the briefcase thing, although something by Saddleback Leather could sway me.

Thoughts?

I just bought a Timbuk2 Especial messenger bag and a Chrome Bravo rolltop backpack. Both are waterproof (which is what I wanted) and I've decided to keep the Timbuk2 and probably send back the Chrome. It's a really nice bag but it's pretty narrow from front to back (as opposed to side to side). For my needs the Timbuk2 works better, but sounds like the Chrome might be more like what you're looking for.

[jmoore]

I just bought a Timbuk2 Especial messenger bag and a Chrome Bravo rolltop backpack. Both are waterproof (which is what I wanted) and I've decided to keep the Timbuk2 and probably send back the Chrome. It's a really nice bag but it's pretty narrow from front to back (as opposed to side to side). For my needs the Timbuk2 works better, but sounds like the Chrome might be more like what you're looking for.

I won't be bike commuting with this, so waterproof is not required. But the Especial is a great option.

Keep 'em coming

[ajhapps]

Just picked up a T2 Especial Vuelo to replace an older messenger bag and like it for my commute. Fairly narrow, so you may want something slightly larger if you have to carry bulky items.

http://www.timbuk2.com/especial-vuelo-cycling-laptop-backpack/458.html?dwvar_458_color=2182&dwvar_458_size=7

[veloduffer]

Take a look at Tom Bihn bags. USA made, high quality and lightweight (compared to Tumi). I have the Cadet briefcase which is great for commuting by train and boat to NYC every day. Big enough for stuff but thin profile overall.

The Ristretto model may be of interest to you...

Although I haven't had to use it, I heard customer service is top notch.

[93legendti]

I have a Timbuk2 Especial messenger bag.

convertible right to left, waterproof (like in WATERPROOF) and has dedicated pockets for laptops and the like. Good size without being too big.

Great bag.

I've got about 10 timbuk2 bags, luggage, computer bag, backpacks, etc. (when I worked at a Performance I got them at ~60%. If they don't make what you need, it isn't made.

I've got the smaller version of this which is about 10% smaller:

http://www.rei.com/product/891168/timbuk2-q-backpack-2014-closeout?cm_mmc=cse_PLA_BNG-_-8911680001&CAWELAID=120217890001059199&msid=lsdDMLgG_dt%7Cpcrid%7C10813457575%7C&mkwid=lsdDMLgG_dt%7Cpcrid%7C10813457575

Here is what I have:


http://www.amazon.com/Timbuk2-382-Q-Laptop-Backpack/dp/B004VD7EL0

[jmoore]

Take a look at Tom Bihn bags. USA made, high quality and lightweight (compared to Tumi). I have the Cadet briefcase which is great for commuting by train and boat to NYC every day. Big enough for stuff but thin profile overall.

The Ristretto model may be of interest to you...

Although I haven't had to use it, I heard customer service is top notch.
Ooooh! Like!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[TJack1214]

Check out the Arc'teryx Blade 20 Backpack. I recently purchased one and have done a few trips with it and love it. Smaller than my previous computer backpack and the back straps can be tucked away to carry like a brief case, which is handy at times. It's a quality product and hopefully will last a while.

http://arcteryx.com/product.aspx?language=EN&model=Blade-20-Backpack

[Nooch]

I've got this one, which I like a bunch and looks nicer than a traditional messenger bag -- though I still miss my old traditional messenger bag...

http://www.timbuk2.com/proof-laptop-messenger-bag-2014/583.html?dwvar_583_color=1920&dwvar_583_size=8

[ltwtsculler91]

Patagonia makes a bunch of good commuter packs with a laptop slot.

I personally have a black hole backpack which is great, and quite waterproof.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/black-hole-pack-25-liters?p=49296-0

[jmoore]

Take a look at Tom Bihn bags. USA made, high quality and lightweight (compared to Tumi). I have the Cadet briefcase which is great for commuting by train and boat to NYC every day. Big enough for stuff but thin profile overall.

The Ristretto model may be of interest to you...

Although I haven't had to use it, I heard customer service is top notch.

And we have a winner!

http://www.tombihn.com/laptop-bags/TB0203.html

http://www.tombihn.com/mm5/graphics/00000002/TB0203-OL_700x431.jpg

[veloduffer]

And we have a winner!

http://www.tombihn.com/laptop-bags/TB0203.html

http://www.tombihn.com/mm5/graphics/00000002/TB0203-OL_700x431.jpg

Good choice. BTW, I splurged and got the Absolute shoulder strap, which is wider and has neoprene shoulder pad. Works great - bag doesn't slide around and comfy even with heavy load.

[jmoore]

Good choice. BTW, I splurged and got the Absolute shoulder strap, which is wider and has neoprene shoulder pad. Works great - bag doesn't slide around and comfy even with heavy load.

I like their bags. US made is always a plus. Thanks for the heads up!

I think I can swap out the strap later if needed.

[jmoore]

BUMP.


I finally got this bag in and swapped everything over (black with blue interior). It is working exactly like I wanted. Debulked my daily carry bag and I can still carry everything I need. I think I am going to add that insert thing to give me a few more pockets so my wallet is not rattling around in the bottom.

This is a really nice bag. Thanks for the heads up on these guys. Highly recommended!

[11.4]

I'm taking you far to the dark side, but check out these two sites. More than you ever wanted to know.

www.carryology.com

www.edcforums.com

You'll hate me.