Ask Engadget: Best backpack for traveling with gadgets?

It's that time of year again, folks (yes, summertime). Which also means vacation time for many USers, and that could very well pose a problem. All those gadgets you can't leave behind have to be toted along somehow, so we'll let Brendan explain his quandary further:

"My wife and I will be traveling to Europe for 5 weeks. Naturally, I have some perfectly portable gadgets which will need to come along, but I need a good bag (messenger or backpack style, preferably lightweight) to hold the goodies and also keep those pesky pick-pockets at bay. I've got a subnote, GPS, DSLR, PMP, pocket translator and a few other peripherals. What bag will keep all these items safe, yet not make me stand out like a big sore 'tourist' thumb?"

We're glad you asked, and we have all ideas quite a few others are too. What backpacks have you found useful for carrying around gadgetry, and more importantly, which ones are comfortable for hours on end? If you've got a question of your own to unpack, send 'er over to ask at engadget dawt com.

[Brian Baigorri @ Jun 19th 2008 9:38PM]

Anything LowePro makes. They are friggin AWESOME. Zippers never break, compartments can be modified, there is tons of padding, everything is readily accessible, and they come in a range of sizes.

[Paul @ Jun 19th 2008 11:12PM]

Seconded. I took my CompuTrekker AW (http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuTrekker-AW,1924,16.htm) all over Europe for a total time on the road of about two months. It was neither small nor lightweight, but it has nary a scratch on it or any of my equipment despite a good deal of abuse. I got quite a bit of use out of the built-in rain cover, as well. Perhaps too big for your purposes, but I'm sure you could find a variant that suits...

[david @ Jun 20th 2008 1:29PM]

I totally agree, I have owned 9 different bags made by them, and I wouldn't own anything else.

[rosewood @ Jun 21st 2008 5:56AM]

I had a LowePro for 3 days, and the strap broke and it went back to Amazon. (The stitching that attached the strap for the across the chest support came undone)

I've yet to re-order but even with one that broke that quickly, I really enjoyed the bag.

[cy21 @ Jun 19th 2008 9:39PM]

First of all... do you really want to go on that trip or is your wife making you do that?

As for the backpack.... make sure that you get something resistant to knife cuts and that's not so easy to "cut" off your back.. if you know what i mean (just in case you visit my country and decide to stay the night ,,,, and you trust everybody very much (LOL)).

Guess you would need a backpack with a lot of pockets.. so your gadgets don't freak out on each other and fight in your backpack... and come out with bruises...

[mattcc42 @ Jun 19th 2008 9:52PM]

Who wouldn't want to visit Europe for 5 weeks?

I just got back from a two week stay in various western European cities and I had my North Face Recon backpack with me the whole time. It has good pockets for various gadgets and a laptop sleeve type thing in the main pocket. There's not tears in it or problems with after a school year's worth of abuse and this trip. I highly recommend this pack.

And I hope you don't go anywhere where people knife packs off people's backs.

[mattcc42 @ Jun 19th 2008 9:55PM]

*problems with zippers

[Leo M. @ Jun 20th 2008 4:07AM]

Yeah, I have a North Face Heckler (Technical) pack and it works great! Quality is top notch and no damage after much abuse...

[Rogue_Genius @ Jun 20th 2008 10:35AM]

I second that North Face Recon bag. I picked it up on a whim and used it every day between my college campus and two jobs. Double duty as my bag for carting my 15" laptop, mp3 player, textbooks, calc, etc. AND as my bag for swim stuff. Pretty decent amount of interior space, straps to keep the load in place, I can't tell you anything bad about it. Durable, comfortable, and you don't look like an idiot with it on your back.

[Krish the Fish @ Jun 21st 2008 11:28PM]

I third/fourth the North Face idea. I have The North Face Surge in black, and it definitely has more than enough space than i will need for carrying around with me on campus. Also, it has lots of padding, and feels comfortable even with a full load of books on my back, along with my 15" MacBook Pro. It's great. =D

[d @ Sep 12th 2008 8:45PM]

that's my bag (the recon). I've got my Macbook 13 in an incase sleeve the water-pouch/laptop pocket and mouse, power, ect. in the mesh on the opposite side. Note/textbooks in front of lappie, pens/T1-84 in the organized outer pocket. Before I got my iPhone (which I now keep in my pants pocket) iPod went in the outer waterproof pocket.

[worldofnoise @ Jun 19th 2008 9:39PM]

Dakine Sequence.

[Ant @ Jun 19th 2008 9:40PM]

grats man now go tell all your friends how cool you are for getting the first post on a blog.


on topic:i usually carry around a little laptop like.its soft on the shoulders and doesnt bother me.

[tb @ Jun 19th 2008 9:40PM]

http://www.spireusa.com/products/ME6.htm
my favorite for packing real amount of chlothing, etc

[Narcosis @ Jun 21st 2008 6:35PM]

*****LONG ANSWER WORTH READING*****

I am a heavy traveller and have taken my Volt all over the world with me. In 2003 I bought the Volt (http://www.spireusa.com/products/VX6.htm) on a recommnedation from Kevin Rose on the old Screensavers.

I am so absolutley glad that I did, as I purchased it directly off the website, sight unseen, which I was quite nervous about. I bought it for three reasons:
a) it was about the only laptop backpack at the time that did not scream "laptop inside, steal me".
b) Spire's designers used to deisgn top camping / hiking gear and this bag is extremely well designed and durable. It looks and works as if I bought it yesterday.
c) The "boot" ie padded sleeve concept makes it very quick going through airport security. The sleeve is also a practical case in its own right when you dont need the whole backpack.

I would recommed the Volt over the Meta as the smaller size is less touristy, and honestly I have not had an issue with the size and I carry a heck of a lot in it. Any bigger and it would get too heavy.

I also got a "Mans Bag" (http://www.hedgren.be/modules/collections/products.php?cid=5&page=0) I use when travelling as well for small and valuable items (ipod, camera, book, phone, passport, money, gum, lip balm, pen, change, hankerchief, glass cleaning cloth etc) which is easier to carry around with me all the time, easy to get in and out of quickly and big enough for all my essentials but also small enough not to get in the way.

I do not even know if I will ever need to buy another Volt as this bag does not look like it will wear out anytime soon. However if it does I will but the exactly same bag.

[tb @ Jun 20th 2008 4:39AM]

what amount of clothing can you fit in with let's say a pair of studio headphones(foldable sony) a soundcard, usb/FW hard drive a mic and a mini kaoss pad or 2?(and of course a laptop and psu, ipod and usual stuff, no dslr for me tho)

i ask cause i want to hit the road with my gadgets/studio (a bit anyways) and i still need to wear something different every couple of days and my current targus won't allow that, and the meta is the all around rom-iest bag for laptop that exists (maybe the army has better, i have yet to see, and reading al 100+ comments, none of the mentionned would be bigger than what I currently have)

[klew @ Jun 19th 2008 9:40PM]

Unfortunately, many bags created specifically for gadgets look like they carry those gadgets. Some companies, like Crumpler, that make non-descript bags, are becoming more widely known, such that the logo is also as much a signal to thieves as seeing a LowePro or Targus icon (never mind the giant Canon/Nikon emblazoned on straps). I carry a North Face Recon II, which looks like a campus daypack and has a non-padded sleeve for a laptop (which I also protect in a neoprene sleeve). For my other gadgets, I'd stick them in snug padding and put them into the backpack, maybe using clothes as dividers..

[jollyllama @ Jun 19th 2008 10:32PM]

I can't agree more. There's a whole industry built around selling you the perfect bag for everything, but honestly the most practical bags aren't specialty bags. I have a Reload messenger bag that I use for my camera, lenses, flashes, ipod, and laptop (in a sleave). It's very sturdy, more waterproof than anything you'll ever find, and tightens up nice and snug for bicycling. I'm really glad I didn't a camera bag, they're usually very awkward and look silly.

[Shane @ Jun 19th 2008 10:40PM]

I'd have to second the recommendation on Crumpler bags. These bags don't "look" like gadget bags and are pretty rugged. They have a wide variety in various configurations. One of them should suit your needs just fine.

http://www.crumplerbags.com
(really bizarre website but great products)

My other favorite bag is the "swiss army" series of bags. Again, very rugged and relatively nondescript.

http://www.swissarmy.com/travelgear/Pages/SubCategory.aspx?category=backpacksmessengerslaptopready&

[jacob @ Jun 20th 2008 2:14AM]

one of my strange obsessions:
i've been through about 4 bags in the last few years, and lived to tell about it. first was the Oakley SI [military grade build ... and weight!]. great design lots of room. solid. too expensive. way too heavy. second was the crumpler skivvy. fantastic, minimal bag that was very well constructed [probably would have outlasted the mac]. not much extra storage, but that was the point for me. both bags were for a 17" mbp, and both were messenger style. mistake. it was far too much weight for a single shoulder.
changed jobs and bought my own laptop.
a 15" mbp.
switched to backpacks.
i was really happy with the Skivvy. so, i stuck with Crumpler. the bag was, again, really well constructed. almost too well. the heavy material was stiff which made the oddly shaped bag hard to get into sometimes. the outside had 2 pockets that were large, but difficult to access. small stuff got lost in the black hole, and i found my sd card 2 months later. the inside was one huge compartment and a removable velcro sleeve. handy for a day pack or clothes, but not for gadgets. anyone who has heard of Crumpler before knows what's in the bag in my opinion. it's either a ba camera or laptop [often both].

finally, i found it. i have used Patagonia gear for years now, and was stoked to find that they recently started making computer bags. i picked up the Lightwire 25 at the local Backwoods [props]. love it. perfect. great fit, light weight, durable, cool fabric [literal & figurative], ideal design. you can check it out on their website [sorry i don't like linking]. the laptop compartment has a padded and elevated sleeve [up to 15.4", 2" thick]. this way when you set the bag down it's still a little off the ground, and there's room for a notebook/paperwork. middle compartment has a nice size mesh pocket at the top. great for small stuff that gets lost in the deep pockets. this compartment is exactly the size of a xbox360 with the power supply under, or day's worth of clothes [maybe 2]. the front pouch has a genius zipper shape that allows it to be opened one handed easily. its full of smaller pockets. perfect for a 2.5" external hdd, ipod/phone, check book, keys, etc. the fit is great. snug and breathable. the bag is slim and kinda collapses against your back when it's not full. several colors available now and for 120$ you'll be happy you spent a few extra bucks. they have always stood behind their products with confidence.

Patagonia Lightwire 25 = two thumbs up.

i would buy another one if it were stolen tomorrow. good luck

[jacob @ Jun 20th 2008 2:23AM]

oops that Crumpler backpack i i speak of above was a King Single. one of the last ones with a blue interior.

[jacob @ Jun 20th 2008 2:28AM]

frick. i forgot about the booq i had for a couple weeks for the 17" mbp. maybe there's a reason why. didn't like it at all. behemoth. construction was not adequate for 200$+ backpack. returned it and got my money back.

[klew @ Jun 20th 2008 3:21AM]

Here's a link to my pack http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=10306&storeId=201&langId=-1&catalogId=10001
I guess it does have padding for the laptop/hydration bladder. Again everyone, thieves know to look for LowePro and Targus, and they're getting wise to Crumpler and Timbuk2.

[Alex Moyler @ Jun 20th 2008 3:44AM]

Plus another for Crumpler, I've had two of their Messenger bags (the first in perfect condition, i just needed a larger one) and they're brilliant. I have high expectations that their Backpacks will be also.

I did see a Swiss Army backpack recently though, looked pretty well covered and not particularly distinct. Might be worth checking them out.

[nDee @ Jun 20th 2008 7:26AM]

That's why I like Eagle Creek
http://eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/shoulder_bags/Local-Messenger-60144/
That's what I use
Local Messenger
Which has a perfect space for a ThinkPad R51e, Prosumer camera. and still place for jacket
I mean you got to have a bag by your side and leave the rest in you large bag.

[TRAFFICBLOWS @ Jun 20th 2008 10:25PM]

@Shane
roflol... insane website!! wtf is up with that model!! hahaha

[roulette843 @ Jun 19th 2008 9:43PM]

Perhaps you could give the JanSport Platform backpack a look? They're reliable, roomy, and as far as I can tell, not an eye sore.

[peacefulpony @ Jun 19th 2008 9:45PM]

Start off by wearing a flag. An American flag. Just drape it around your body.

[Madhu Ganesh @ Jun 19th 2008 9:46PM]

Samsonite works real good for me.
Has laptop compartment and litlle other compartments which can neatly fit GPS unit, iPod/pmp, maps/brochures, has a cellphone compartment on the shoulder strap, the base is made of rubber thingy that is easy to maintain. Its really comfy. They have lock provision on the zippers for security. They look simple and do not have those stringy laces hangin arnd. They are expandable.

cons: don't have rollers, bottle compartment.

[Josh @ Jun 19th 2008 9:47PM]

Booq bags rock... mine's a capacious 17" laptop-containing monster, but they also make smaller ones. Heaps durable, stylish, lots of pockets and great design.

[Sean @ Jun 19th 2008 9:49PM]

I recently purchased a Lowepro Fastpack 250 for a trip to Hawaii. I brought along a DLSR with two lenses, a camcorder with wide-angle lens, a MacBook Pro (15"), filters, power adapters, cords, magazines, a book, and a few other little odds and ends. While all of the gear was pretty heavy, the backpack distributed weight very well and was easy to carry around everywhere I went. (Once there I took out the computer and extra stuff to lighten the load during day to day trips.) Also the padding is excellent; I never worried about anything rubbing or getting slammed around. Only downside is there's no easy way to carry a full-size tripod with the backpack, but you can get a little Gorillapod and carry it in the upper compartment. Highly recommended!

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Jun 19th 2008 9:51PM]

Swiss Army Laptop backpacks are the way to go. Keeps every gadget organized, with little special pockets for some, like ipods,gps, etc, and a well padded laptop area.

[Kamokazi @ Jun 19th 2008 10:06PM]

Completly agree. Mine is over a year old, has been to China, Philippines, and a bunch of places with me and it still looks almost new. It's extremely comfortable and durable...I keep a lot of stuff in and it feels half as heavy when I'm wearng it.

[RikF @ Jun 19th 2008 10:49PM]

I'll see your year and raise you a year. Two years of campus abuse (laptop, many books) and my swiss army brand bag looks effectively brand new. The elastic shock absorber has come away from the stitching on the shoulder i favour, but that will be a quick job with a needle and thread and back to new. I've never seen a bag last quite like it.

[The Anti @ Jun 20th 2008 12:41PM]

I have to agree with this as well in terms of durability. I have a Swiss Army laptop bag that's gone through 3 years of college and work with me without a single problem. The one issue is that I can see a Swiss Army bag standing out as carrying something important to the carrier and it would be a prime target for a pick pocketer. It’s really going to come down to a decision between having your gadgets in the most protective and durable environment or one that’s going to draw the least amount of attention.

[James Dumoulin @ Jun 19th 2008 9:51PM]

LowePro is fine... Until you have touched a crumpler bag: better padding, zippers are same quality if not better AND THE FINAL BONUS: IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A CAMERA BAG :D!!!!!

[Maztec @ Jun 20th 2008 1:48AM]

100% Agreed! It doesn't look like a tech bag at all and it is safer (inner zippers rock)

[THJ @ Jun 19th 2008 9:53PM]

BBP FTW

http://www.bbpbags.com/

Combo messenger/backpack, weight is on your hips, not your shoulders; great for heavy gear and a lot of walking.

[Satan_L5 @ Jun 19th 2008 10:02PM]

几年不见都生娃了，光阴似箭啊～™

[Satan_L5 @ Jun 19th 2008 10:03PM]

几年不见都生娃了，光阴似箭啊。™

[THJ @ Jun 19th 2008 10:04PM]

Not all her years of Health, Guangyinsijian ah ~ ™

[applefan @ Jun 19th 2008 9:54PM]

FAIL.

[Pavan @ Jun 19th 2008 9:58PM]

Swiss gear by Wegner!

[Kris @ Jun 20th 2008 12:10AM]

Second this! I have a Weigner Pegasus backpack and it holds all my electronic gear and has room for a couple nights worth of clothes if you need. Good for those trips where you can't check your expensive electronics and just incase they lose the luggage with your clothes in them :) Also like someone mentioned earlier it is heavy duty and reinforced with cable so it cant be cut off and you can lock it up fairly securely.

[JK @ Jun 19th 2008 9:59PM]

Ebags Macro-loader -- it's an awesome bag - it fits under airline seats - I carry 2 laptops, and can carry an overnight change of clothes.

[onin @ Jun 19th 2008 9:59PM]

I use the Kata Sensitivity V. I'm loving the bag; it just carries gadgets though.

Pretty Badass design and Ergonomic too.

here's what fits inside my bag.

Pentax K200D
18-55mm Lens
50-200mm Lens
50mm Lens
12in Laptop + Mouse + Powerbrick
Pens / Batteries / some accessories / a little point and shoot camera
MP3 Player
and a bottle of liquid =)

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=329&cid=32&perentId=4&ProdLine=4

[Jeff @ Jun 20th 2008 2:55AM]

I will definitely have to agree with the Kata Sensitivity!

I use it to carry my Sony VAIO (13.3") and Nikon D40x and everything fits very comfortably in nice well designed compartments. It's comfortable to wear and fits very nicely to the body.

One thing though is that this bag isn't that big so don't expect to store much else in there such as a book or even a folder for papers. You can possibly stuff papers with your laptop compartment but it'll be a stretch.

Overall it's definitely a great bag to carry gadgets around in and it's got a very unique design so expect to get compliments about it often!

[Matt @ Jun 19th 2008 10:00PM]

Osprey makes fantastic backpacks in general, and make a few really nice laptop carrying packs......lots of pockets and places to stow stuff.
http://www.altrec.com/osprey-packs/focus-daypack
http://www.altrec.com/osprey-packs/flux-daypack
I've carried my Focus around countless trade shows and bike trips with all manner of stuff in it and have no complaints about comfort.

I did see someone mention Dakine up there, the Sequence is great if you're just packing a camera, but they make a lot of other nice packs that are better for carting around a bunch of junk all day long.

As for knife proof, I think you're getting a little carried away there. If you do have to have something like that, Pacsafe makes some backpacks that have internal wire that will prevent theft and they make an external "packlock" as well.

If you just want the bad-ass cool looking bomb proof pack, I'd go with a Seal-Line. They're made by a company in Seattle, look great, and are completely waterproof. They may not have all of the pockets you want, but you can attach stuff to the outside with the daisy chain attachments they make.
http://www.altrec.com/seal-line/urban-backpack-large

[Wayne Schulz @ Jun 19th 2008 10:03PM]

I bought a Skooba Design Shuttle backpack. It holds my MBP nicely with room left over for adapters and other gadgets.

http://www.skoobadesign.com/product/skooba-shuttle-laptop-backpack-34/


It was $119 which was almost double what I've seen similar looking backpacks go for at discounts stores.

Best thing about this one is that shoulder straps and cushioning. Ok that's two things - but if you have to wear the backpack for any period of time - you're going to want ALL the padding possible.

The bottom of the backpack has a large pad so that it sits evenly on your back. Does a great job of transferring the weight from shoulders to your hips. Straps are nicely padded. There is a cell phone pocket holder on the strap (though it's not big enough for the iPhone).

What I like:

- padding
- roomy enough for mbp 15" (probably would take a 17 but I can't test)
- sturdy constructions
- plenty of pockets
- not so many straps that they're hanging all over (I don't need a waist strap to dangle while I carry)

What could be improved:

- more space inside would be good
- if this was $20 cheaper it would be a great deal
- a bigger inner zip pocket - the one they have is pretty good sized - I just wish it would go the length of the entire inner pocket.

[stevo @ Jun 19th 2008 10:03PM]

Anything by Dakine, quality and cheap when they are on sale or ebay..