Ask Engadget: What's the best gadget bag?
posted September 23rd 2004 5:16PM
There must be a lot more trouble in gadgetland than we had ever imagined, we received more than enough readers questions for Ask Engadget to keep us all busy for the next year or so, but we settled on one from reader Cody H., who asks:
I'm in desperate need of a new gadget bag/man purse. I'm looking for something that is small enough that I can carry it all the time, but big enough that I can fit my iPod, a book or two, a small camera and lunch. I don't carry a laptop. It doesn't need to look like a NASCAR jacket or be covered with leather and metal studs, but it should be sufficiently sized and styled to exude a distinct aura of non-threatening-geeky-but-all-man manliness. I'd also like it if it was under $100, preferably under $50. Any ideas?
We'll use one of the slightly techier questions we got next week, but you have any suggestions for him?
http://www.mountainsmith.com/store/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=123&category_id=42efaff6c196d1bf02567389567e2738
These are the best bags around as a general purpose Gadget bag. They are sufficiently "outdoorsy" to avoid the Man Purse look. They are functionally outstanding. Can be worn as a fanny pack, but probably more easily worn over the shoulder with its shoulder strap. The shoulder strap can also be worn more like a sling (around your neck and shoulder) which is how I wear mine.
The bag depending on the size you get can easily accomadate a book, lunch, water bottles plus your gear. I routinely take my Dell Axim, cell phone, digital camera and all their chargers when I travel in my bag. My brother carries one where he has his insulin and blood testing equipment, along with his iPod and a book.
I went to the local Army/Navy surplus store and bought a swedish gas mask bag that is perfect. Of course, the surplus has lots of strange, oddly-sized, and CHEAP bags.
I want to add another vote to crumpler bags.
http://www.crumplerusa.com/
I have the crippy duck, it's wonderful.
Just enough space for a 12" laptop, and plenty of gadget space.
It's a little light on small pockets, but most of my gadgets have clips which is perfect.
http://www.ebags.com/victorinox/mobilizer_nxt_153_beauty_sak_cosmetic_tote/product_detail/index.cfm?fuseaction=image&ModelID=14676&view=axlrg&sub_site_ID=43&N=20012471
In "The Bourne Identity" all of the assassins have these awesome canvas bags that they carry all their "stuff" in. Does anyone know who makes that bag? Or where one can get something like it?
Swiss Army mini-backpack review with photos:
http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2004/07/victorinox_mini.html
As an alternative to Timbuk 2, Pac Designs courier bags are the real deal. Built out of deep experience in the bicycle courier world, I can heartily recommend them. Pricy, but worth every dollar, these bags are indestructable, innovative designs and just ooze quality.
http://www.pacdesigns.com/
They do custom jobs too, nice people.
I vote Tom Bihn. Their bags are tough, rugged and made in the US. Their cases have protected my laptop on many occasions.
And they like dogs, too: http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/CTGY/_DOG
I just got a Columbia Storm Courier Bag from Campmor.com on sale for $29.97 ($75.00 Regular)
https://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?partNumber=60183&memberId=12500226
I fit my phone, PocketPC, iPod, keys, pens, folders, books, lunch, etc.
Still getting used to it but for $29.95 I don't think I can go wrong!
A bit pricey - rather more than $100 I'm afraid - but excellent quality and will last a lifetime. Made of canvas, leather and brass. Their Pola is perfect for me and the only 'man bag' that I'm prepared to use. They're made by a UK company but are available in the US. Have a look at http://www.billingham.co.uk/prodbuy.asp?id=101
I personally love my Dakine 101 backpack. It is specifically made for toting electronic toys, and the music center compartment in the back is awsome. It has a built in cd wallet, molded cd player/pda/ and cellphone compartment, fleece lined sun glasses holder, and more.
For a better review and photos of it, check out the review I did of it on my website: http://tribe.noizex.com/members/grimm/20040424185248
I'm very happy with my Booq Mamba.XS. I use it to carry my HP Tablet PC and extras.
http://www.booqbags.com/Detail.bok?no=81
I've got a Timbuk2 comptuer bag (back when they were still custom) that I use for my powerbook when not @ work. For when I have to carry my work stuff around I have a Tumi safecase briefcase. (Next time you fly, look around...after I got one I noticed most of the hard core road warriors/business flyers use them. I think their luggage is overrated [I bought Briggs and Riley] but their briefcases rock, especially for business travel).
For a "man bag" I've tended towards sling bags/backpacks. Anyone else? The vertical bags are too much like a man purse.
I have a Brenthaven 'Professional' backpack for my 15" Powerbook, and it's the perfect gadget / laptop bag. The removable protective sleeve for the Powerbook is probably the coolest feature, but there is plenty of room for a load of other gadgets in numerous other well thought out pockets and compartments. The bag looks good, shows no wear after almost two years of use and doesn't attract particular attention to the fact that it may contain a couple of thousand dollars worth of computing equipment. The 'Trek' model will probably do the job for non-Apple users.
http://www.brenthaven.com/flash.html
I bought a Moya with my 12" PB the online Apple Store in January and it still looks new (despite being constantly thrown around).
Holds iPod, Powerbook, cell, and other fun stuff.
Surely someone else has one of these fabulous bags: see them at http://www.booqbags.com.
Cheers!
Sure someone else has tried these fabulous bags. Vists http://www.booqbags.com/
Cheers!
After doing the whole man-purse thing I ended up with a briefcase from Filson (www.filson.com). Great-looking bag, appropriate for meetings or for fun.
Another Swiss Army Alternative:
http://www.ebags.com/victorinox/edelweiss/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=20161
I use it and I'm digging it.
Could use a few more pockets, but otherwise it's my second Reaction bag and my 5th bag overall, and I like it a lot
Mine is Techair and it's really perfect for any kind of laptop and gadgetry: Mp3 player, mobile phone, Palm, sort bateries, chargers...
http://www.optize.es/servlet/productDataNoProc?productCode=125660
and it's perfect for this two main reasons, according to data sheet:
- Discreet design protects your valuables from unwanted attention
- TechAir protected PC compartment (really dummy-proof ;)
The only problem it's the Weight: 1.6 kg.
http://www.luggageonline.com/product.cfm?productID=825&catID=0&brandID=34&tab=1
Tumi Leather Small Travel Tote #TU912
It's a Tumi, it's leather, and it's professional looking.
You can carry it anywhere.
I used to use a http://www.booqbags.com/ [booqbags.com] booqbag first generation BP3 model until it got pickpocketed in a Brussels caf?ue to it having a flashy orange shell...I am curently using an Allyco Life backpack but rumour has it that the company is out of business so I have been eyeing a booqbag Boa.XM for my 14" iBook...I do a lot of traveling in Europe and I recommend getting something that has a minimum of zippered compartments, lockable, hidden zippers, waterproof, has stealth compartments (for hiding money) and is a solid black (or dark) color (I was told by Brussels police that colored packs = tourist = easy mark)...
Think soft sided fishing tackle box, lots of pockets, various sizes, and they are sized to hold the plastic compartment boxes. I use them for video, sound, tools, and other stuff!
Think soft sided fishing tackle box, lots of pockets, various sizes, and they are sized to hold the plastic compartment boxes. I use them for video, sound, tools, and other stuff!
Best gadget bag I ever had was a surplus army gas mask bag. Closed securely but opened fast. Could be adjusted to various wear heights. Had a waist strap that held it to my body so if I had to bend over, move quickly, whatever it didn't flop all over the place. Not the most fashionable (well, depends on your social circle I suppose) but dang near the best thing I ever spent a spare $3 on.
Love the Aussie company STM! Bags are awesome for guys. Even if you dont have a laptop, the protection is unbelievable. Ive got a shoulder bag, but they have backpacks and other bags as well.
check it out...
http://www.standardtm.com.au/shoulder_bags_alley.cfm
http://www.koieproducts.com/bios/raffles_model.htm
Tech Air bags have air cushions so if you drop the bad the stuff inside will be fine. I got one with my laptop for 45 Euros and am really happy -
http://www.coluco.com/luggage/index.asp
I recently picked up an Ogio laptop messenger bag:
http://ogio.com/products/display.cfm?catid=8&UID=411207&color=1
Lots of pockets. Lots of storage space. Very sturdy. And many other nifty, thoughtful features. Definitely worth checking out. Less expensive than Crumpler and Timbuk2, too.
I am using the Pod from http://www.roadwired.com for my camera bag. It's a great bag for that purpose and probably the best out there.
But I do not think the Pod would be practical to use as a general carryall though.
I am looking for the ultimate bag for that purpose and I think that the Europa Field Bag from http://ellingtonleather.com is probably the best bet. This bag is also available from several vendors.
Israeli paratrooper bag, look for the heavy cotton, not fabricated, or if lucky find a used one ordered from the old 1980's banana republic catologe. (been using mine for 20 years!)
I would love to see a cell phone such as DoCoMos "Wristomo" in the US. When are we going to see a cell phone here fully wearable (wristwatch, headset, etc). Bluetooth headsets are nice, but they're just another gadget we have to carry with us. Integrating the cell phone into "wearables" would be great!
Tripple Five Soul back pack, soft back, plenty of pockets and sleeves, plenty of places or mp3 player or cell phone hangers, plus waist strap for heavy loads, aka lap tops
Check out the bags from Pinder:
http://www.pinderbags.com
Pinder also has a pink laptop case http://www.pinderbags.com/pinklaptopcase.html
I absolutely love my bag -- the Koie "Raffles". It's kind of a sling backpack, that has everything I was looking for (and I looked at about 100 bags & backpacks.) It has pockets for all of my gadgets --cell phone, pda, iPod. A little hidden pocket at the bottom of the bag that I use for Kleenexes and earplugs. (I wouldn't put anything too valuable in that pocket, since it's on the bottom, where things could fall out if it's unzipped.) It has a perfect little mesh pocket inside one of the compartments, where the iPod fits right in. Right above it is the port for headphones. I love how the bag is oriented sideways, so that when you want to get stuff out of it, you don't even have to take it off -- just sling it around to the front of your body and the zippers are all on top.
But best of all, the bag had to fit my #1 requirement -- it had to look cool. I hate bags & backpacks that make you look like a granola-cruncher on a hike in the woods. I'm an urban chick, and this bag looks appropriately stylish for me. Streamlined, compact, modern. Not too big. (Which keeps me from loading it down with too much crap.)
Here's the URL: http://www.koieproducts.com/bios/raffles_model.htm
...well actually I dont have to post a LINK/URL but I am looking for a bag like this (particularly this, not a similar one)
http://maruko.altervista.org/royalmail.jpg
Its the RoyalMail messenger bag, if anyone might help me, would be great and send me an email...(already tried on ebay, web community, but no results yet)
thanks
marco
another very cool bag is here:
www.pinzat.com
The Tumi Back Sling is a great bag for when you don't need a laptop. I just sling it over my shoulder and keep my gadgets in it.
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=41711&bb_id=c21939&sub_site_id=9&TMI_PL_9_Link=Details&categoryid=21939
I've used the Original Danish Book Bag for more than 25 years. The two front snap pockets hold small items and the expandable main pocket holds everything else. The Original bags were imported and sold at The Chocolate Soup in NYC and nicknamed Souper Bags. I someimes put books in them.
www.danishsouperbag.com
I was going to buy the Timbuk2 Mini Metro For $50.00 but after reading this post and discovering some really cool bag makers out there including
http://www.reloadbags.com http://www.maxpedition.com
I finally, finally decided on STM Drift from our friends down under! Large enough for my gadgets, but even a bit smaller than the Timbuk2 mini metro. Lots of cool pockets, zippers and its padded! A deal at $39 from http://www.radtech.us/Default.aspx
Can that Tumi sling bag also be worn like a fanny pack?
Can that Tumi sling bag also be worn like a fanny pack?
All, I agree with the Booq posters - they're fabulous! I've had my Booq Boa XM 15 inch laptop back pack and love it's sleekness and all the pockets! Go Booq!
Great journal entry!
I was looking for something that could hold a small laptop and still be small enough to wear like clothing. After reading the comments here, I went with a Tumi Back Sling:
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=41711
It is just big enough to fit a Sony C1VN (maybe a Toshiba Libretto?), power adapter, and PDA or mouse. There are also 3 zippered pouches and a badge for theft Tracing.
good
I like the Dakine gadget bag.
http://www.mygadgetbag.com
I have to agree with previous posters about Booq bags. I just got a Booq Boa.XM backpack and I think its a great bag. I have two 15.4" notebooks by two different manufacturers, either one of which fits perfectly in this bag. The bag's contruction is of top quality (it seems better than my Tumi). There is plenty of extra room for a notebook or two, papers and other gadgets. The backpack fits my body extremely well and is one of the more comfortable laptop bags that I have tried. Finally, its a great looking bag, which my spouse appreciates :)