Ask Engadget: best backpack for holding a laptop and textbooks?
By Darren Murph 
posted May 27th 2010 10:36PM
posted May 27th 2010 10:36PM
Look, this guy doesn't need yet another thing on his plate when it comes time to get ready for college. The least you can do is provide him a name and model of a solid backpack for carrying around his LAN party rig and [Insert Course Here] 101 books. Bone throwing is encouraged in comments below."I am going to be attending college in the fall and am l looking for a good backpack that not only provides protection for my 15-inch laptop but also has space for accessories and books. I don't care about brand; I want something that will last and I don't have to replace for a while. Thanks for your suggestions!"
Default recommendation is the incase backpack (not slim version). Modern looks, high quality, good warranty, cool company. I'm getting one for the fall myself! goincase.com
@chtown
You didn't really just recommend a backpack you don't own did you? I would recommend the Incase backpack except it is not large enough for textbooks. I own one which I used for several years of college and still use for work, and although it's a great backpack, I would regularly have a hard time fitting more than a couple of textbooks in my bag with a laptop. It wasn't the slim model, I can't imagine how much less space it has.
I'd probably buy it again, but if you knew you'd be carrying around 3 or 4 textbooks regularly, look elsewhere.
@jackisidore Why not? I've purchased 2 laptop bags from them, the EO duffle, 3 different sleeves, and who knows how many cases for various iPods / and my 2 iPhones over the years. My brother has one. My friend has one. I can vouch if I want. I didn't say I had it bro. The guy is looking for suggestions. I can recommend a Porsche 911 to someone who wants a cool sports car - even though I don't have one, my dad does.
I recommend the Backpacks from dell.com.
I got one with my laptop, and they are VERY good. I actually use it to travel, and stuff an *absurd* amount of things into it. The brand is "Swiss Gear by Wenger".
So, I guess I'm suggesting a Swiss Army Knife Backpack or something. Check this:
http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?s=gen&c=us&l=en&cs=&k=swiss+gear+backpack&cat=all&ref=ac
@CaryHiroyuki Tagawa
NOTE: I have this one:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Backpack/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=A3141862
But instead of being blue, mine is red. This, however, is exactly the same as mine. It's very comfortable as well. I'm a big guy and it fits me great.
@chtown I've looked at the incase bags, not so impressed, Timbuk2 on the other hand has some laptop messengers that def take the cake, used the same bag for 4 years in high school, getting a new one in the fall for college( next one gonna be a bit bigger as im getting a 17 in laptop)
@chtown
2 words! Swiss Gear! I LOVE this backpack!
@chtown
For a second there I thought you wrote groincase.com ...
@chtown I've owned an incase backpack, not terrible. you'll all laugh, but being that I skateboard as well, I was looking for something to hold a skateboard form time to time and I settled on an es (that's the brand) backpack. I'm into funky prints and whatnot (this one has scarface, money, oil, gangster quotes etc. on it) and while it is not very big (only one main pocket and one front pocket) it can hold my macbook and a large text (say orgo or ecology) and a notebook.
I don't know how you study, but since I usually study one topic at a time (you shouldn't be studying multiple topics in a session anyways) it works perfectly. the bag is a durable fabric and it looks like a normal bag w/o the board attachment clipped to it. es are also fairly cheap so I'd run to a skateshop and at least try them because you might find a simple black or red or green one that fits your needs and doesn't break your bank.
@chtown
I use this backpack everyday for school, it carries my macbook pro well too. I have had it for 3 years and it still looks brand new. Trust me this thing is built to last, it has been through some pretty rough handling, and i still have not had a single rip inside the packback
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.aspx?sku=RG0315C
@Darth Vadar
backpack*
@Darth Vadar
If you want an indestructible bag, noting beats Crumpler.
https://www.crumplerbags.com/flash/flash.aspx#/english/default.html
I have this backpack from Eddie Bauer and it works great. I use this in combination with a neoprene sleeve from incase for my mbp. The last backpack I had from Eddie Bauer lasted me at least 10 years and I still have a few duffle bags from them as well.
Sorry for the long link
http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=32961&&categoryId=24451&categoryName=BACKPACKS--MESSENGERS&pCategoryId=5&pCategoryName=BAGS--GEAR&gpCategoryId=1&gpCategoryName=EB&catPath=~~categoryId=24451~~categoryName=BACKPACKS--MESSENGERS~~pCategoryId=5~~pCategoryName=BAGS--GEAR~~gpCategoryId=1~~gpCategoryName=EB&viewAll=y
@Usedbert
I have an Eddie Bauer weekend bag that I've been using A LOT for the last 7 years. Still looks good. Still in perfect shape. Pretty amazing quality actually...good call.
PS Use a link shortener like bit.ly =)
@Darth Vadar
I own targus backpack myself and it is GODLY!
That thing withstand so much abuse, excessive overweight and lots of traveling.
I highly recommend Targus backpack from experience.. and about the mentioned Dell backpacks - they are great too - got Dell XPS 17 inch LAN party one and it sure can hold 3 laptops, PSU's, router,keyboard and other accessories but looks absurd big :p
@areidmeade I will support the vote for Timbuk2
I have owned the previous version of this bag -
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/backpacks/bluelight-backpack - and it has survived
GenCon: I don't check bags when flying so it was my only bag for 5 days. all my clothes, a laptop, D&D game books, other stuff.
Work: I carry a 17" workstation replacement monstrosity. It fits, snugly, in the bag and all of the accessories.
The bag suffers daily abuse and lack of respect. For all that, it is without a tear, scratch, blemish or.. well.. anything to show it is 2 years old.
Absolutely FANTASTIC bag.
@Melgarh I use the 17" City Gear laptop by Targus and love it for the same reasons. I usually keep two laptops, a router, 6 or 7 10ft CAT6 cables, a small CD case of software, keyboards, mice AND around five to six books at any given time. I have probably had close to 100lbs on my back at some point and it's still holding up strong. Cannot recommend this backpack enough.
Here's a link to it:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.aspx?sku=TCG216US
@chtown
Get an Ogio Bag, they're functional and stylish. I have two, a messenger bag when I want to pack light and a backpack for when I need to carry more than my laptop. They held up through the last 3 years of college
@chtown
the best is The North Face Surge. i own it in black.
http://www.ebags.com/product/the-north-face/surge/109317
@chtown There isn't one single backpack that works for everyone's laptop. Ebags.com has this great tool called the laptop bag finder that will help you find the backpack that fits your laptop size. I needed one with wheels for those times that I didn't want to carry the weight of the laptop, bags and my lunch all on my back. I would definitely buy one that is customized for what I'm carrying, at the time, without hesitation rather than what's good for someone else. I've since changed laptops but it's still the same size so I haven't needed to change backpacks yet. I love what I have that is specific to me.
i would suggest any of the swiss gear bags. solidly built and plenty of space for your stuff.
@silentrebel Absolutely seconded. I have a swissgear backpack which has seen about 4 years of college and looks better now than most bags I've had before did after 4 weeks of use
@silentrebel thirded. I've been using a red Swiss Gear backpack for years now. The newest ones are even tougher than the the older ones (my first one wore out in about 5 years and the new one shows no sign of wear at all in the past 3). Versatile and awesome.
@silentrebel
The swissgear bags are amazing, I've been using the same one since senior year of highschool and into my 4th year of college. Very durable, roomy, plenty of pockets to organize tiny stuff.
@silentrebel
I agree fully. I am entering my 5th year in college and this bag has survived 2 summers in Europe plus lugging my engineering books and laptop around.
@silentrebel
Agreed. Absolutely love both my SwissGear products!
@silentrebel
I also agree about Swiss Gear, but I would recommend getting one that doesn't weigh 5 pounds when empty like some of them seem to. Sometimes you only want to carry a few things and you don't want to change bags or feel like you have a framepack on. I suppose it depends on your habits though.
@silentrebel
Seconded, seconded, seconded.
No matter how I treat it, it remains sturdy and 100% intact. I've stacked a 15" laptop, lots of textbooks and could barely lift it. But with some miracle of engineering, it never complained.
Hell I once moved my dumbbells in it. This is one phenomenal backpack and you definitely won't need to replace it (I've been abusing mine for 2 years. Nothing.)
Worth mentioning: I tried an Adidas backpack which was $10 cheaper; it tore open in less than 40 days. I got a refund, added $10, and bought this swiss beauty.
@silentrebel i agree. i use a model SA9722 SwissGear and it provides plenty of space for a 15" laptop and all the books i need for a night's worth of classes.i use a similar SwissGear Wegner over the shoulder bag for one-class days. they're sturdy, water resistant, and stylish. best overall value and it's not worth spending more on something on which you're destined to spill cheap beer, or clean your friend's vomit off of.
i mean college is invaluable.
@silentrebel Swiss gear bags maybe pricy. but they sure do last.
@silentrebel
I agree fully. I also have a Swiss Gear backpack (didn't realize brand until now), and the quality is amazing.
@silentrebel i'll also recommend Swiss Gear by Wenger. I have been using it for the past 3 years and it's still in a very good shape
@TareG I've actually carried 2 laptops on occasion in my Swissgear. I have the IBEX. Best.backpack.evah
@10nisman94 : Actually, my local Sam's Club has one for 40 dollars (usd) right now. It's a little off on the sizing of the side pockets compared to their other bags, but the quality seems right in line with what you'd expect... I've had it for about a month now, and it's doing great. Lot's of book room.
This site was kicking azz today and now it just came to a screeching halt.
I'm a Sophomore in College, and I have the Surge backpack by North Face. Its a great backpack for protecting my 15inch laptop and all my text books.
@kevinski25 I'd like to second north face backpacks they really last. I own Big Shot, which is great for my 13in laptop and carry my load of books, It's very unassuming and stylish enough. but North Face packs in general are made to last.
@kevinski25 yes i have a surge backpack and it works great for laptops. my mini 311 has lots of room so a 15 inch will be a nice fit.
@kevinski25
I've had that backpack for 2 years now and I'd recommend it. It's more pricey than I was used to (~$110) but I'd say it was worth it looking back on the purchase. Plenty of compartments for pens, music player, cell phone, calculator, water bottles, and etc. Lots of space for at least a couple full sized textbooks and a binder/notebook. Lastly, decent padding for the laptop.
@kevinski25
i will have to throw in another vote for north face gear. I have a borealis 2 and it's an excellent pack. I would suggest keeping your laptop in a sleeve regardless of whether or not your pack has a laptop pouch (which this one does)
@kevinski25 I'll throw my vote in for The North Face as well. I bought a Sure Shot before leaving for college and after 3 years it still looks like brand new.
@nukee I bought the north face surge last semester and it is great. plenty of room for all my books, and it doesn't stick out 2 feet like previous backpacks I have had. It can also be used for throwing in a change of clothes and such throughout the summer break, my previous school backpack had so many book and paper organizing compartments it would never work for anything besides school. compact and well built, I would recommend the surge
@kevinski25 HUGE YES for North Face Equipment. I had the cheap Vault for 6 years and the only reason I retired it was because I moved to the more laptop friendly RECON. I highly recommend it. I've been on 12 study abroad programs with it (I am the associate director for international affairs) and not once has it let me down. It not only protects my 13" MacBook, but also my iPad. And I still have room for all my files, books and necessary teaching equipment!
Another BIG PLUS - you don't look like a tool and the ladies don't know you're a techy geek!
The North Face Surge is the best backpack I've ever owned. I'm 73 years old, but I drop my MacBook, power supply, extension cord, two or three books, and a wide range of accessories and needful stuff (post-its, pens, sketch pad, earbuds, screen cleaner, eyeglasses and hearing aids, etc.), strap it on, and walk for a couple of miles to my favorite coffee shop. I've walked all over San Francisco, up and down hills, wearing this pack, and it's never hurt my shoulders or my back (in fact, I think my back problems went away when I started wearing it). The sternum strap is perfectly placed, so you can keep the pack tight to your body, and the design of the back keeps it from getting too hot; waist straps are wide and comfortable, and they tuck away out of sight when you don't need them. It's got loads of pockets, so it's easy to keep stuff organized. I've had mine for a couple of years and use it daily, and it's like new. An incredible value.
With regard,
Richard
@kevinski25
it's a great bag. it's held up to college and my dog chewing on it one night.
Alice pack.
I bought a "init" brand back pack 2 years ago for my 17" laptop and for books. It can hold far more than my back can, come with an insulated pocket and is indestructable (the only thing broken on it, one of the pull covers.) it cost me 79 canadian at futureshop and is the best investment ever.
if you're wondering who init is, I have no idea. I do know that it and the belkin it was siting beside were 99% identical, only difference being the labels.
my two sense. And sorry for the typing. I pounded this out on my pre.
@collegekid13 Just an FYI: Init is a Best Buy "private label" brand. They own it and Dynex and have had a few others over the years.
Hey man, check out STM bags @ http://www.stmbags.com/.
I have had one for my 13 inch laptop for the past 2 years. My books fit well too. They also, of course, make for 15 inch laptops. My friend had one that was nice and roomy and would be good for the extra stuff you have. They are EXTREMELY durable and there are a bunch to choose from.
@KBatFLORIDA Agreed. I have their Sports2 bag and love it. Especially because the laptop is on top of the books, instead of underneath them. I slip my MBP into a neoprene sleeve for the extra padding, and have carried it that way for about 2 years now. Good bag. Their Evolution is also pretty cool.