Recommend me a Backpack for work laptop

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openmedia

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#302331 15-Nov-2022 12:57

I've been using a Victorinox backpack work supplied a number of years ago and it is getting a bit sad due to heavy use.

https://www.victorinox.com/global/en/Products/Travel-Gear/Backpacks-Messengers/c/TRG_Backpacks

Whilst with WFH i'm not using a backpack daily, when I do use one I'm often travelling internationally so I'd like something lite reliable. I was leaning towards the Crumpler Mantra, but it is a bit pricey and not currently available locally. In the past I used to use a lot of Targus backpacks and I wondered what everyone is leaning towards these days.

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#2996583 15-Nov-2022 13:07

I've used the Everki stuff in the past, was using one daily for 3 years, never had any issues with it. CDL are one of the distributors/suppliers in NZ.

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pih

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#2996584 15-Nov-2022 13:14

Dell often do deals on backpacks. Good quality ones are often around the $17-20 mark, delivered. Keep an eye out there or on Cheapies.

timmmay

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#2996587 15-Nov-2022 13:21

I did a LOT of research on this a year or three ago and ended up with the Timbuk2 Division. There are regular sales, and lots of different models.

lurker

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#2996598 15-Nov-2022 13:32

I purchased a Legion backpack with my son's Legion laptop, it's very good. There is some nice foam padding around the laptop compartment.

Plenty of room, stiff shell cover. (about NZ$170)

https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07VVRZ7ZB/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ANEGB3WVEVKZB&psc=1

MikeAqua

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#2996656 15-Nov-2022 13:54

I have a multicompartment High Siera backpack I bought from Briscoes around 2007. Used for about six years as daily commuter and since then for carry on and for weekends in the sounds, fishing charters, boy's trips and the odd overnight tramp. It's held up really well with no signs of imminent failure after 15 years of at time rugged use

It has a padded notebook sleeve, two main compartments and a bunch of differently shaped storage pockets (e.g. glasses) makes it really easy to pack. Waist strap and chest strap too.

I can't see the exact model I have but, a newer equivalent is $119.

Mike

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#2996668 15-Nov-2022 14:21

I have a Dakine that I bought a year ago. It's probably not specifically a laptop backpack, but it has a padded laptop sleeve in the main compartment which is perfect to carting my work laptop to and from the office each day. It also has good practicality when I'm not using it for work.

Previously I had a couple of Macpac backpacks but was disappointed with them as the plastic components tend to suffer fatigue failures after a couple of years of daily use.

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blackjack17

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#2996684 15-Nov-2022 15:20

I have the Osprey quasar

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/quasar-26-QUASAR26F22.html

Small enough for going into the office but big enough for overnighters.

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amanzi

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#2996784 15-Nov-2022 15:47

I've had good experiences with STM bags. I have an STM backpack from about 10 years ago that is still going strong, although a bit rough around the edges. I'm looking at the STM Myth bags at the moment, which look good.

scuwp

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#2996819 15-Nov-2022 17:26

Work provided me a Targus one about 10 years ago and still going strong. Nearest model today that resembles it is the Targus Strike. Inflation has it at about $150 now though.

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#2996966 16-Nov-2022 08:05

I’ve been looking for a while, and just got an Osprey Arcane Small Daypack.designed for up to 13”, fits a Surface Pro perfectly. Hard to find locally, I got mine from TheMarket:

https://themarket.com/nz/p/osprey-arcane-small-unisex-pack/6125-70114897

fearandloathing

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#2996970 16-Nov-2022 08:33

Macpac litealp

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#2996989 16-Nov-2022 10:00

I have the Targus Strike (actually, my second one - I busted the zipper on my first - totally my fault).

No complaints.

dahc

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#2997035 16-Nov-2022 11:55

I'm also a fan of the Timbuk2 line, I went with the Never Check Expandable which does me well for 2-3 days of travel. Well constructed with great padding and being expandable it's good for a day pack and then unzip to expand when doing a few days travel.

BlakJak

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#3002057 27-Nov-2022 11:47

I have a Targus Strike as well - it's 'okay'. The Mesh drink-bottle pocket i've had to stop using due to a rip/tear in the mesh. Some of the soft frontage of the front/bottom pocket has pulled from its seam.

Seems to be hard to get a good quality bag with a decent enough volume these days without paying what feels like an awful lot of money. But I wanted something with a good padded laptop sleeve, a few interior and exterior pockets, and room for additional guff... I carry leggings, a windbreaker, an umbrella, laptop power brick, books, notebooks, two sets of headphones, multiple pens/markers etc, spare glasses, hand sanitizer... so could never make a small bag work. With all of the above I can often fit a lightweight jacket or jersey as well, which basically means i'm covered for the work commute (rail/walk) or for day/overnight trips by plane with just hand-luggage, my main two use-cases.

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BlakJak

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#3002060 27-Nov-2022 11:48

I should add I also wanted grabby straps / clips on the shoulder straps that I can use a caribiner on to carry a shopping bag or whatever without occupying my hands. This was also doable. Chest clip attachment to the straps slides up and down for adjustment and constantly slides upwards, which is a down-side of the design.

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