Best laptop bag for backpacking

[flefant]

Hi Team

I am about to head over to Spain for 3 months and will be doing some backpacking etc.

I have a 12" laptop which I will be bringing with me but I dont feel comfortable sticking it in my backpack for two reasons.

1) It can easily get damaged
2) If I am doing some site seeing then I will want to take a smaller carry bag with me (to include the laptop, books, water bottle etc) and leave the larger backpack tied up somewhere

So, I need a small carry bag / rucksuck to take with me but most on the net are too heavy or bulky.

Tim mentions a "Kiva keychain expandable duffel bag" but I dont think thats really what I need. I might be wrong though (?)

Anyhow, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

[TimW]

What about this:

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=294

Be aware that you'll need to measure your laptop to make sure it works. I have a Toshiba Satellite 15" screen and it doesn't fit. As for quality, Tactical Tailor makes excellent gear that's in use all over the world in military and civilian applications.

Though I know we're not supposed to advertise our own businesses, I do sell this brand of equipment and can get you a slightly better price than directly from the manufacturer.

TimW
Phoenix

[final_id]

I recommend making sure your power-connector will work in the place where you're traveling to; and in fact whether or not you can use internet connections (I think there should be little to no problem with that).

I'm going to do the backpack-with-laptop thing, but I'm hoping to have an ultra-micro when I go. One of those super-duper-teeny-weeny things that doesn't do much except wordprocess. Maybe a fold-out full-size keyboard.

On that subject -- what kinds of teeny-weeny laptops do people like? I have a mid-sized to large-sized laptop made by Dell, but it's nearly 3 years old, time to upgrade.

[simpleware]

I always like the slim note book sleeves so that you can use ANY type of carrying case that you want.

[squeegee]

I hear the 7- and 9-inch EEE PC is popular... starts at $299 for the cheapest one

[badhank]

there are backpacks with a laptop sleeve built in, i have one but dont use it
there are also the "soft briefcase" type bags, i use that. It has wheel for travel, and small enough to put on top of larger luggage.
fun fact: i got both free (1/year) from novell at a computer expo for answering questions about a presentation that i just watched.

as squeegee mention, that asus EEE PC is AWESOME especially for travel. You have to take into consideration also that it runs linux. That aside its set up in a very friendly way where its clearly spelled out. The one i played with didnt even have a start menu, it just had a clean looking interface that had option like internet, word processing, emial, picutres, audio etc etc. Im gonna get one soon 4 sure. solid state hard drive is also very cool... i have so much more to write about it, but here the site chick it out for urself http://eeepc.asus.com/global/

[James Grey]

I personally prefer backpacks made for Special Forces military units or expeditions, they are made to survive the toughest environments and for comfortably carrying heavy, bulky loads over long distances.

The following features are recommended for a Flashpacking Backpack:

-Expandable width. This is one of the most important features, depending on what you are doing or where you are traveling to you may need to carry only your laptop, or four days worth of clothing also for a short trip. Ether way around you will be able to adjust your backpack depending on you travels. Expandable width backpacks use zippers or straps, either is fine.

-Shoulder strap. Having a shoulder strap will make carrying your Flashpacking Pack and your large backpack or suitcase at the same time easier.

-Double Stitched Seams. Your Flashpacking Pack will be carrying your most expensive gear in addition to getting allot of abuse from traveling around the world with you. Having a pack bust a seam in the middle of an airport is not only a pain, but you could end up damaging you gear.

-Heavy padded shoulder straps. Your laptop may not seem that heavy, but try carrying it for hours after taking a 20 hour airplane flight. Good shoulder straps will lighten your load and make traveling less of a pain in you back (pun intended).

-Locking Zippers. For those times where you have to check your bag or when you leave your pack in the hotel.

-At least one medium sized outer pocket. I use this pocket to stuff all of my belongings (wallet, watch, sunglasses) when I go through airport security.


In addition to a good Flashpacking pack buy a padded laptop case, it will protect your laptop from bumps. Also if you are forced to check your Flashpacking pack they you can still keep your laptop.

~James

[TimW]

I personally prefer backpacks made for Special Forces military units or expeditions, they are made to survive the toughest environments and for comfortably carrying heavy, bulky loads over long distances.

James, this is, as they say in the military "in my lane", I would agree. I sell this type of gear, and sell a fair amount of it. There is just one caveat:

Almost all these types of packs and cases scream "military" to anyone looking for it. And who are those looking for it? People who generally want to harm military forces.

MANY military guys I know, sell to and run across use a civilian backpack when they are on R&R or travelling to/from the Sandbox (i.e. Iraq/Afghanistan). They do this to try and maintain as low a profile as possible so as to not attract attention of n'erdowells (although they use other terms).

Granted, their short haircuts, demeanor and such mean that they may have a harder time blending into the crowds, especially if they wear "cool military/cop guy" clothing, shoes and sunglasses.

Most of the time, people around you will be clueless to the type of backpack you have unless it's some sort of camouflage. In the US, that sometimes isn't an issue depending on where you are, and if it's considered trendy at that moment in time.

However, overseas, bad guys and government officials, as well as other military-types, will recognize these bags for what they are...military bags.

Depending on where you are in the world, that might not be a good thing.

So while I have a LOT of military gear (given my business), generally when I travel I try to be the "grey man".

[James Grey]

Sure I know what you are talking about – the guys in Jordan wearing 511’s and Blackhawk packs… lol

But I have been using those types of bags ever since I started traveling, I have never had a problem with my safety because I had a Maxpedition pack- even in places like the Middle East.

In my opinion its not something that anyone should worry about

[TimW]

In my opinion its not something that anyone should worry about

Generally speaking, you're correct. However I believe in a fully-informed buyer, so if that's something they wish to ponder, then fine. If not, then I carry many of the latest in military backpacks. :)








*Yes, I know, no selling. But it was SUCH a crass-commercial message that I thought it was funny enough to include. Mods can delete as they see fit...

[balopp]

I always like the slim note book sleeves so that you can use ANY type of carrying case that you want.

I agree. Last summer spent 3 months backpacking through Europe (with a 14" compaq). The sleeve helped me fit it into the smaller hostel lockers, or take it out of my large pack without having to unbundle everything else...

Having said that, I'd still recommend some sort of Citrix (gotomypc?) as a replacement. You'll know best for yourself, but looking back, the extra weight wasn't worth it.. Though I did lose a few lbs - maybe due to the exercise :)

Good luck!