Laptop bag - rucksack recommendations

[Taz]

I'm after a new laptop bag for my work laptop. I travel a lot and need one with a fair amount of space for odds and ends. I would probably go with a rucksack style to make it easier to lug around. My boss will allow me to expense a bag up to around £100. So, are there any laptop rucksacks out there that are very comfortable with lots of space and pockets for travel use? I don't need a bag that will take overnight clothes but I do want to be able to pack away things like folders, books, MP3 player, phones, laptop power supplies, snacks, headsets, business cards, pens, USB hubs, etc.

[EvilMunky]

www.crumpler.com - or something like that

basically its crumpler bags - probably some of the best laptop bags around.......well worth a look

[Flibb]

I am looking at getting a crumpler, www.wiggle.co.uk were doing a sheep scarer cheap (takes small laptops under 15"), ebay is worth a look for getting them from the USA at discount, just be aware that you might get hit with vat/duty.

[Taz]

I did look at Crunpler bags but they really look naff in the photos on Web sites! The ones high up on my list are Jansport Lap Station or Jansport Firewire bags. Are Crumpler bags that good?

[Flibb]

The sheep scarer is advertised as 15" but my laptop was a little to tight, consequently I had one that I returned. I was very imopressed with the build quality, features and protection it offered, would deffinetely have kept it f the laptop had fitted. The price from wiggle was around £60. think I can get the next size up for the USA for around that amount. I do want a bag that doesent scream laptop inside, so the crumpler is a good option.

[Steve]

Wow, talk about timely. How about a Pakuma?

Only just out so I've no idea how good they actually are, however.

[Flibb]

Those Pakuma bags look good, any chance hexus getting some to review? Have just tried a crumpler sheep scarer (that I liked) but my 15" laptop didnt fit although most 15" laptops should fit. Am interested in the Akara K1 or K3, some better pics of the inside would be handy.

[leachy86]

Woah! Those Pakuma's are awesome!

I start University in Manchester this September and I have a laptop.

I'm definately getting one of those, they certainly don't look like they hold a laptop [].

[Flibb]

Yep would be good to have a review of some laptop bags. Good photos and an assesment of how generous the sizes are would be very handy

[Taz]

Definitely would like to see some reviews of laptop bags (normal and rucksack style bags). It's something that's rarely addressed in computing circles yet many of us carry one every day!

It would be good to see the following items addressed in a review:

a) Ease of loading - clasps/zips, how easy is it to get things into the bag?
b) Ease of getting things out - does it require a military operation to get a pen out?!
c) Security (lockable zips?) - for carry-on baggage, for example, can the zippers be locked with a padlock?
d) Aesthetics - does it look good/bland/horrible?, can you tell there's a laptop in it?
e) Size of laptop accommodated (this is most important!) - i'm hoping to upgrade my laptop to a 17" widescreen model in the future - not many bags will hold a 17-incher!
f) Quality of materials - padding, stitching, lining, covering
g) Comfort - carry handles, straps, weight distribution with a laptop loaded, walking fast - does the rucksack bang around or does it stay put?, walking with it for a long time - do the straps dig in?, carrying a rucksack like a normal laptop bag - does it have a handle and, if so, how comfortable is it?
h) Storage pockets - how many, location, usefulness (eg. dedicated pockets for mobile phones, water bottles, MP3/CD/iPod players), what kinds of things can be carried in addition to a laptop?
i) Weatherproofing - is it waterproof?
j) Laptop sleeve quality - is it removable so that the bag can be used as a standard (non-laptop) travel bag?, amount of protection/padding offered
k) Manufacturers warranty - spending £100+ on a bag should mean that the manufacturer offers a very comprehensive warranty (eg. Samsonite warranty is very good)
l) Colours available
m) Prices - RRP and street prices (with some Web site links where you can save money!)
n) Accessories available (eg. luggage tags, extra straps, zip-on pockets, laptop sleeves)

That's all I can think of for the moment

[Zub]

I bought one of these from Ebuyer recently. Seems a good rugged backback. It has a removable padded sleeve to put the laptop in, (Fits my Inspiron 2200 at 15" very well). Sleeve is held in place with a velco strap when fitted. Has two sid pockets. a front pocket (with earphone cord hole) and separate compartment for pens folders etc.

Good price too

http://www.targus.com/uk/product_details.asp?sku=CN600

[Spanamana]

I was bought a Firefox rucksack 18 months ago. To be honest I'm quite disappointed with it as it has not lasted very well. The straps that reduce the thickness of the bag have never worked. The zips are on the verge of jamming (or feel like it) and the lining has started to crack in a couple of the compartments.

All in all I would suggest leaving this particular bag alone.

G