Ask Engadget: Best TSA-approved laptop bag?

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Addison, who now needs a shiny new laptop bag to house that shiny new laptop that arrived for Christmas. The kicker? TSA approval is passionately desired.

"I was lucky enough to receive a new Laptop (ASUS UL80Vt-A1) this Christmahanukwanzaakah. Hurray! The only problem is, my old LL Bean Messenger bag just isn't going to cut it anymore now that I'll be carrying around my precious laptop along with school books and a whole gaggle of cables. Perhaps your readers could suggest to me a replacement? I would prefer a messenger / shoulder style bag, but if there is an especially cool backpack out there, I wouldn't turn my nose up at it. TSA compliance would be an added bonus since I have to fly quite a bit nowadays. What do you think, could you and the hive-mind give me a hand?"

Air travel just gets worse and worse these days, so we're emphasizing that "TSA-approved" bit for Addison's own good. We know the bulk of 'em ain't that pretty, but for the jetsetters out there who have had a chance to weed through and pick the best, we're hoping they'll share their secrets down below.

[kozjegyzo Posted Jan 22nd 2010 5:00AM]

@tonywalk I know what you mean. I got mine and married it straight away (they have this marry your bag thing on their site. The people at Crumpler are a bit... ummm... fruity)
I got my girlfriend a limited edition one for Xmas last year. She loves it, especially that there are like 50 peaces of that same bag around in the whole world...

[wcollins Posted Jan 22nd 2010 1:44AM]

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/patagonia-half-mass-messenger-bag?p=48274-0-803

I love Patagonia. Sure they're pricey but it is definitely worth the money.

[jascop Posted Jan 22nd 2010 2:14AM]

i picked up a messenger bag for 13 bucks thata perfect for flying, i can hold a few books my 15 in wide screen toshiba laptop my ds 6 games all my cables and still get to everything

[chaboud Posted Jan 22nd 2010 2:28AM]

Tumi T-Pass bags like this one:
http://www.tumi.com/alpha/t-pass-medium-screen-laptop-messenger-135795/

They're brilliantly designed and executed. Sure, you'll look like some sales jerk-off with your all-black businessman's sack, but the reality of it is that people who travel a lot know to get the bags that fit their travel. I fly two flights a week, and my non-T-Pass Tumi messenger perfectly holds any crazed complement of crap that I can throw at it. I typically travel with an iPod Touch, iPhone, Kindle, flashlight, headset, Shure earbuds in case, MiFi, MBP, Moleskine, and all of the requisite adapters, cables, and crap to go along with it. Sometimes I throw two laptops into the mix. My wife uses an NXT backpack and manages three laptops when she travels.

Yes, $600 for a messenger bag. Do it and wonder how you could have lived without it in the past. For vegans, go nylon and save $300.

[Addyct Posted Jan 22nd 2010 3:17AM]

@chaboud
You are high out of your ever-loving mind.
Unless that comes with a beautiful lady that's going to carry the bag and organize it for me, Theres no way I'm paying that much for a bag.

[Jason B Posted Jan 22nd 2010 2:37AM]

How about a TSA bag for my PS3. That thing is a pain to travel with.

[jurweer Posted Jan 22nd 2010 3:15AM]

My favourite bags are by Freitag, www.freitag.ch
the ones called Ben and Leo are made for laptops with inner sleeve, and quite some space. besides that, they look awesome :) however some of the other bags work fine with seperate laptop sleeve.
not completely sure if they send to the states, but you might know someone who could send.

[imchris Posted Jan 22nd 2010 4:45AM]

I have a Belkin Laptop Messenger bag and it couldn't be better, it looks smart is really well built and although it looks small you'd be surprised how much you can fit in it.

Best part is probably the quilted, padded laptop sleeve inside which most bags dont seem to bother with.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=399046

[nikster Posted Jan 22nd 2010 4:47AM]

I like hardshell. Boblbee and Axio backpacks. TSA approved, probably not. The Boblbee is the best for actually carrying around - it's as comfortable as one of those hiking bags made for week-long wilderness treks, yet looks as if from 2020, even though the design is now 10 years old. Often makes cameos in Sci-Fi films.

The Axio is a bit more practical because smaller on the outside, still comfortable but not quite as much as the Boblbee.

BTW if you want every second person on the street comment on your bag, there's no way around a Boblbee. I initially had the silver version and I usually enjoy attention, but it got too much so I got matte black. Same bag, much fewer comments.

[kozjegyzo Posted Jan 22nd 2010 4:50AM]

Crumpler is the way to go if you want a messenger style bag. They make the best messenger bags imho. I've had one for years now and it's perfect. The best thing is that not only the bag is padded, but you also get a padded sleeve for your laptop that comes out with ease if you want it to.
Oh yeah, great design, in comfort, functionality, and also you probably won't see an other same looking one coming towards you on the street, because they have limited numbers for a design.
Here is the link:
http://www.crumplerbags.com/

[Daijizai Posted Jan 22nd 2010 7:25AM]

I have a Brenthaven ProStyle BP-XF (http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-prostyle-bp-xf.html)

I find this incredibly awesome for travel due to the fact that I do not have to remove my laptop for xray... I just undo the zipper and clamshell out the two halves. And the padding? Forgetaboutit. The padding is thick and cushions the laptop very well.

[Daijizai Posted Jan 22nd 2010 7:27AM]

@Daijizai Oops... did not realize your laptop was 14"... You would probably do better with the Brenthaven Metrolite BP-XF... Same pluses in a smaller package

[derekmjenkins Posted Jan 22nd 2010 9:56AM]

Definitely check out booq Bag
http://www.booqbags.com/

You can search by laptop there. People rave about them, I heard people talking on an airport shuttle about them.

[travlinfool Posted Jan 22nd 2010 10:48AM]

I go with Slappa all the way. Been using their Matrix backpack and ptac sleeve for a year now and not only do they still look great, but I get lots of positive comments when traveling-which is strange since its "just a backpack". I just saw on Slappas facebook page that they have an insanely unique new backpack coming out, which is probably the only thing that will tear me away from my beloved Matrix bag.

[MrD1sturbed Posted Jan 22nd 2010 10:58AM]

Another for the Timbuk2 Commute 2.0. I have a large in Brown/Black/Brown for my uMBP 15 and I love it. Also for those wondering about the Thinkgeek "Bag of Holding" I have one of those too and although it's not TSA approved, it is an AWESOME bag. The thing is deceptively large inside (it's kinda tiny on the outside). I had my uMBP, 3 big coding books, all my daily gear (cam, cables, hdd's, etc) and still had room to go. It will easily fit a metric ton of crap.

[Vinnymac Posted Jan 22nd 2010 10:58AM]

I have a timbuk2, customization options can't be beat. Plus it can all be done online. Simple experience and the price tag can be put out of the way if you like custom stuff. I would definitely reccomend this bag for traveling and college commuting. It's very versatile and made out of high quality materials.

[TheComputerCaretaker Posted Jan 22nd 2010 11:16AM]

I have a Wenger Swiss Gear IBEX backpack. Have had it for 2+ years now, and the damn thing still looks brand new! Holds up extremely well, and protects the computer well. Flew to Acapulco with it as a carry on in October, and didn't get too much trouble. Holds a boatload of stuff, and comfortable.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834997362&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Notebook+Cases-_-WENGER-_-34997362

LOVE IT!

[Luxury Guy Posted Jan 22nd 2010 11:17AM]

This thread is full of fail. I've never seen so many ugly high priced bags in one location before. Not to mention, all but maybe 3 of those were actually TSA approved. There's no way I'd spend over $100 on an ugly nylon messenger that's not even TSA approved. I sort of get the arguement for TSA approved, it'll speed things up since you don't have to take your notebook out of the bag... but it won't save you from the slow old lady ahead of you in line. Give me a goood looking canvas, leather, or suede messenger anyday over this ugly nylon crap.

[itzame Posted Jan 22nd 2010 11:37AM]

There are no such things as "TSA approved" bags. TSA does not care to approve bags, they give out guidelines on what kind of bags you can use that does not require you to physically remove your laptop. It's on those signs you see standing and waiting. With that said, I have this one from Briggs and Riley. The bag itself is pretty light and designed to lessen one less tray you need by providing an extra pocket for your keys/wallets when opened up when going through security checkpoints.
http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Mach-15-point-4-inch-SpeedThru-Briefcase_VB922

[carsonb Posted Jan 22nd 2010 1:15PM]

@itzame Nice. You linked to a discontinued item. :-(

[kootz Posted Jan 22nd 2010 11:50AM]

The best of the best is a Briggs&Riley TSA checkpoint friendly laptop backpack model KPC308-4. It's obvious after using this for a while that lots of thought went into it. With B&R unlimited lifetime warranty you won't ever have to replace it.

[charlied Posted Jan 22nd 2010 1:20PM]

doesn't matter now as every laptop must be completely taken out and goes in a separate bin by itself thru the xray. so no bags are laptop approved now.

[alee Posted Jan 22nd 2010 1:30PM]

@charlied Incorrect. I just flew last week, and was able to use my TSA-friendly laptop bag with no issue.

[charlied Posted Jan 22nd 2010 1:38PM]

@alee

really? when i flew to and from CES it had to be out and by itself. thats just 2 weeks ago.

[alee Posted Jan 22nd 2010 1:59PM]

@charlied Yeah... that was SFO (terminal A) and JFK (terminal 4) last week. Never been given any grief. Of course the TSA does reserve the right to demand you separate your laptop from your bag at any time, so your mileage may vary.

[exNewt Posted Jan 22nd 2010 1:22PM]

Since half the time the TSA wants my laptop out of ANY bag, I'd say keep your $.

[Shawn Posted Jan 22nd 2010 2:49PM]

Best laptop bag I have ever had was a very ergonomic Wenger/Swiss Gear backpack. Mine holds up to 15.4 inch laptops and has tons of room for extra books, and cables and other necessities. I have taken it on many flights and used it as my carry-on. I would definitely recommend it. http://www.wengerna.com/computer-backpacks I have the "Synergy" backpack, and I bought my sister the Maxxum. Wenger also makes good shoulder bags you can also find on that website. I also sometimes switch to my smaller and lighter Targus bag if I don't need to haul along so much junk.

[amuffin Posted Jan 22nd 2010 4:43PM]

Think Tank, no questions asked.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/laptop-bags.aspx

[molivolo Posted Jan 22nd 2010 4:48PM]

Mobile Edge ScanFast Laptop Bags sell really well. I use the Mobile Edge ScanFast Backpack and I've traveled with my 16" Dell Laptop more than 50 times and have flown threw checkpoint security.

Check out their collection. They even have new Netbook cases that are Checkpoint Friendly.

http://www.mobileedge.com/scanfast

[MarkPharaoh Posted Jan 22nd 2010 5:48PM]

I use the TSA-approved Timbuk2 Messenger Bag. Very solid bag.

[Addyct Posted Jan 23rd 2010 8:24PM]

For the record, Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 it is.

[PatriciaParker Posted Mar 26th 2010 6:24AM]

All of the bags that have already been mentioned in the previous comments are good, but for me, nothing beats the executive clamshell messenger bag (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=15-point-4-inch-Executive-Clamshell-Messenger_KMC310) from Briggs & Riley, and I’ll tell you why. First, it meets the TSA checkpoint friendly guidelines, which is very useful for frequent fliers. Second, it offers maximum organization through its three sections and multiple pockets. You can fit in any number of gadgets in the pockets, including your iPhone, headphones, Mi-Fi cards, laptops, etc. Third, it comes with Briggs and Riley’s “Simple as that” lifetime warranty, which I think is a stamp of their confidence in their products. Check out the bag and see if you like its looks and features!