Backpack decision time

Hey everybody, I've been reading this forum a lot lately, and finally signed up today. I need a new laptop backpack because my 10-year-old K2 backpack has one too many rips in it to keep anything inside dry. I have a 17" Macbook Pro, want the bag to be my only bag when I take 2-3 day long trips for work, and the bags I've been interested in are the following:

1. Slappa's MASK bag
2. Altego 17" Coated Canvas Cyan Laptop Backpack
3. Astro Scout Backpack
4. Tom Bihn Smart Alec with Brain Cell laptop holder - but I think it's just too expensive - $200 for the bag and the laptop holder?

Obviously I want something that will last a while, since I've waited this long to replace my old one, and it's been on its way out for 2 years. So, let me know if anybody has experience with any of these, how you like them, how durable they are, etc.

Thanks!
Oroveso

 

You could also check out Booq, Sort of a mix between the Mask and Scout.

The Slappa case I have has been awesome, I haven't used the laptop bag I got from them too much. They are both put together very well and the zippers feel very durable and don't ever catch.

 

I've liked the STM Flight Bag but it is aimed at the day commuter.

You might want to go by a Microcenter or Fry's as I've found a bag is never like what you think it will be from pictures.

 

Tom Bihn bags are for the hardcore commuter that really cares about their stuff. I'm going to get a brain bag with brain cell because a decent regular bag was only like $60 less and I wanted the ability to use the bag for school and to fly with. Good luck with finding a bag that fits your lifestyle!

 

It seems like you have researched a lot about backpack but still haven’t got the correct one yet. I have been using an Eagle Creek backpack from three years which I purchased from Bergman Luggage online store. Likewise, I travel a lot for my business trips and I don’t like to carry much luggage. So I opted for my backpack which has padded sleeve to fit 17 inch laptop easily, two-way lockable zippers can accommodate my other stuff, keeps me worry free off carrying extra unnecessary bags with me. Also the price of the backpack is very low as compared to the online luggage portals.

 

This is the pack I recently bought:
H.A.L. Backpack - Timbuk2 Bags

Timbuk2 HAL, it's very comfortable and has a ton of storage for literally everything. Even a big dedicated side pocket for laptop accessories and it fits my brothers Envy 17 comfortably.

It is also waterproof and even "bomb" proof.

 

Someone have considere getting one of those Pelican cases? Pelican Products Cases | Case Group Search
i was looking for one.

 

I wanted to thank everybody for their input. I recently saw this review for the Altego backpack, which was only about $50 on Amazon. So, I figured I would buy it and give it a try. I'm taking a trip next week and I'm going to bring my MacBook Pro 17" and a couple days' worth of stuff in it. It looks like a nice quality pack, but I'll let everybody know how it holds up next week and whether I keep it or return it to Amazon.

Matthew

 

as i said in another thread every timbuk2 bag ive gotten has lasted a long time. honestly i still use the first one i got which was some 15 or so years ago so i second this recommendation

 

Eagle A-III Pack Molle Style Black - Natchez Shooters Supplies

I used one of these in Iraq now I use it to go to school with, can easily fit a 17" laptop plus enough stuff to live out of for a week.

Eagle Courier Bag Ranger Green - Natchez Shooters Supplies

currently using one of these as my laptop case, a bit smaller, pretty much just dedicated to my laptop and EDC stuff.

 

Currently also looking for a new bag. Can anyone recommend the NorthFace Surge? Not too many reviews online but it looks like a nice plain bag.