Posts Tagged laptop bag
Eagle Creek Conor Flashpoint Waterproof Daypack
Most daypacks are designed to withstand a little mist or drizzle, but that may not be sufficient if you’re a flashpacker with a couple thousand dollars worth of gear on your back. In this digital age, that’s not an unusual premise: add up the value of a camera, smart phone, and netbook or iPad alone—all items that do not take kindly to getting wet.
Eagle Creek has a whole line of rugged backpacks meant for being your weatherproof bag for laptops and more. They’ve got the Checkpoint Friendly fold-out laptop section for airport security scans, plus lots of gadget pockets for all the little gear items you have along. With this Conor Flashpoint one I was able to stuff in everything I needed for the day, including my super-zoom camera in its case, plus a water bottle on the side in the carrier.
I left my laptop in the van for this hike to a waterfall in Chiapas, Mexico a couple weeks ago, but I did have a camera, a phone, and a notebook in there when this photo was taken. It was drizzling rain there already, but then when we got close to the Cascada El Chiflón falls, we went from being a little wet to absolutely drenched, just from the spray coming off the falls. (They were so powerful, after days of rain, that a one-ton or so boulder was swirling around in the surf below us.)
This backpack came through that daunting test just fine. The inside stayed dry. The Conor Flashpoint is billed as “weather resistant,” not waterproof, but it’s got the kind of treated material you see in packs from North Face and Brooks-Range that are meant to keep out the elements in climbing expeditions. The seams and zippers are sealed, so the water stays on the outside until you open the bag up. I can’t testify that it’ll keep your things dry forever, but in my hour in the elements it was fine. Under normal conditions, you would probably find shelter or an umbrella by then.
This daypack has all the features you would expect in terms of ample pockets for gadgets and pens, several compartments, and side pockets. The mesh backing will keep you from getting an overly sweaty back and there’s a sternum strap if you’re carrying a lot of weight. I found it to be quite comfortable without that thanks to the ergonomically curved shoulder straps. This bag isn’t all that large—28 liters/1700 cubic inches—but it holds a laptop up to 17 inches. It weighs in at just over two pounds.
Other nice touches include zippers that can lock and a handle on the top for picking it up without slinging it over your shoulder. There’s also a flap on the back that allows you to hook it onto a rolling suitcase handle as you move through airports.
See more at the Eagle Creek laptop solutions page, where you will also find their waterproof Cicada packs that have an extra flap of protection, zipping out like wings. The Eagle Creek Conor Flashpoint pack lists for $145 and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s only available in black. Check prices online at Magellan’s, Altrec, or Amazon.
See more Eagle Creek gear reviews and other daypack reviews.
Posted by Tim L. in Adventure Gear, Business Gear, General Gear on November 2nd, 2011
Chrome Anton Messenger Bag
Chrome Anton messenger bag
Laptop bags come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of designs. This masculine bag is both durable and convenient with an old school-style front flap with secure clasps to keep it closed and plentiful interior space to securely hold paperwork, mobile devices, and a laptop.
I have a variety of messenger bags, and I travel with different ones depending on the length of my trip and the amount of things I am carrying with me. One thing is most important though: it must fit conveniently atop my rollaboard’s handle. This one certainly does thanks to a back flap that conveniently fits onto any bag.
The exterior is crafted from military-grade wax-coated canvas and has zippered pockets allowing easy access. Inside, one large padded laptop sleeve with a Velcro closure insures that your computer is protected against bumps and shocks that naturally occur when rolling your wheeled suitcase around. The pocket is large enough to fit even wider laptops like my 17-inch ThinkPad or the MacBook Pro.
Multiple pockets inside are perfect for storing smaller items like keys, coins, pens, or other items that you want to keep separate while an exterior pocket is perfect for a passport or boarding pass that can be reached conveniently.
Personally, I am not a huge fan of the Chrome logo on the exterior of the bag, but it does lend a clever, distinctive look to the bag that is a bit edgy and contemporary. It is perfect for younger travelers who want to show their creative side. The shoulder strap is padded and comfortable for those that want to sling the bag over their shoulder rather than carry it on their rollaboard. It can be easily removed for those who prefer to carry this bag as a professional briefcase.
The bag is not extremely light, but it is durable and perfect for those that travel with multiple electronic devices that they want to make sure are well-protected. It can be purchased directly on the Chrome website . For those looking for a snazzy messenger bag that is young, hip and casual, the Chrome Anton is a great choice.
Check prices online for the Chrome Anton bag.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on October 17th, 2011
Jack Spade Glen Plaid Computer Case from Bonobos
There has been a solid lineup of computer cases and briefcases that have passed through my fleet of travel accessories. But, this Jack Spade bag from Bonobos has to be my absolute favorite. It is neither the largest nor the most practical for lots of exterior pockets. However, it has a beautiful cotton fabric exterior and has yielded more compliments in the two months I have had it than any other bag.
As part of the Jack Spade lineup of fashionable travel items, it is perfect for both business and leisure travel. It features a briefcase handle and adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying and beautiful leather trim accents. The pattern varies, but the twill and plaid look is quite eye-catching.
It unzips to reveal a surprisingly large compartment for a laptop, magazines, papers, smart phones, keys, and other small items. It is not meant to be compartmentalized like other travel bags, but when used for just a few items it makes everything easy to find. There is even a hidden pocket for boarding passes, small papers, or other things that need to be reached in a hurry.
I can swing the bag over my shoulder without it being too bulky to get in my way while walking through an airport terminal, and it is also large enough to easily balance on top of my rollaboard carry-on bag.
The best feature of the bag is its durability and the high quality of the materials used in its design. A small Jack Spade logo on the exterior is discreetly placed, which has gotten a lot of attention from Kate Spade (Jack’s designer wife) fans.
This is the perfect subtle and elegant messenger bag that has a European look and feel. The sleek rectangular look is free from distracting zippers and pockets. It is a great companion to those who travel light, but need a fashionable briefcase for their most vital accessories.
*Editor’s note – As of mid-2012, this item has been discontinued by Bonobos. So follow this link to see other Jack Spade travel accessories and bags.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on September 5th, 2011
Wenger Patriot Rolling Laptop Case
Wenger, maker of the genuine Swiss Army knife, has experience in creating products designed with multiple uses and features. Its line of luggage does not fall short, but many travel companies have a fleet of bags for every need. My latest concern has been to find something that provided a happy medium between a full-size rollaboard and a briefcase.
I tried out their Patriot Case and was pleasantly surprised at how I could travel so comfortably with only the shirt on my back (plus one in my bag!), my computer and electronic gear, some toiletries, and a few magazines. Typical rollaboards are too big, and a briefcase is too small. Wenger’s bag is the perfect size.
It rolls with ease and features numerous pouches and compartments to keep things organized. The built-in laptop sleeve is nestled in the heart of the bag providing the ultimate protection and security. A Velcro strap keeps it from shifting and interior pockets for cords and PDAs are in the front section for easy access.
Small zippered pockets in the front hold cards, boarding passes, pens, passports, and keys without the need to fumble through large pouches to reach the smallest items. The second pocket features three dividers for paperwork, magazines, and files.
The largest section of the bag holds light clothing, electronic cords, and toiletries. This compartment makes this bag a hybrid between a briefcase and rollaboard and even fits into regional jet overhead bins when it is not overstuffed.
That is a big plus for me as I hate checking bags (even planeside). The trick is you have to squeeze the wheels into the bin first and make sure thick objects like magazines are removed. I am able to speed off the plane without waiting for a bag without sacrificing some of my travel necessities.
The long extendable handle reaches waist height to prevent even the tallest traveler from having to lean down to pull the bag, another pet peeve of mine. Bag handles should be like golf clubs and reach the appropriate height. The wheels on this bag are large and sturdy; they are better than what you find on most full-size bags.
Wenger’s lifetime guarantee based on reasonable use and durable fabric exterior are hallmarks of this business traveler favorite. Major retailers like Target and Amazon.com sell this bag for less than $100 in addition to Wenger itself. For a pint-size bag that packs a hefty punch, this is the perfect solution.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on March 14th, 2011
Ecogear’s Black Tiger II Laptop Bag
We all want to do our part for the environment…don’t we? So we recycle, conserve energy, maybe even walk rather than drive to work. But, did you realize that your travel gear could do its own part? Enter Ecogear.
This company has done a tremendous job of introducing its own line of eco-friendly gear made with sustainable, toxic-free dyes that have a harm-free coating.
I tested the Tiger II laptop carrying bag and have taken it on more than two dozen trips in the past year. That’s just how versatile, light weight, and convenient it is.
My absolute favorite feature is the large pocket on the front flap, greatt for storing keys, a passport, pen, boarding pass, and loose change. Inside is a padded section for a laptop with a front compartment for cords and chargers. Two other large file, zip-top pockets are perfect for magazines, toiletries, and other items. The thick coating of the fabric keeps moisture out (ideal for when I am traipsing the city streets in the rain).
It’s a cinch to strap to the top of a rollaboard bag by tying the strap around the handle. Security is a breeze since I can whip out my laptop and toiletries from the same place while securing other things like my iPhone in the front pocket. On the other side of the nude-o-scope, I am on my way without wondering what I may have left behind if I am in a hurry.
Back to the environmental part. This durable bag is created from organic cotton, recycled bottles and nontoxic materials. It is PVC-free; polyvinyl chloride releases toxins when disposed. Ecogear was founded by entrepreneur Jimmy Chen who got his inspiration after spending a beach vacation with his kids and realized the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.
His company soon took flight and now sells its products online at Ecogear-Products.com. A variety of eye-catching colors and textures makes these items perfect for both the design-conscious and eco-conscious.
The black Tiger II bag sells for $69 on the Ecogear’s site and Amazon.com. It is more affordable than similar bags. During my travels, I often amass more than I realize, but this bag doesn’t fight back. It stretches to take my travel accessories thanks to an expandable strap in the front that keeps everything secured.
The company’s motto, “saving the world one bag at a time,” is catchy enough to make me buy these bags for all of my friends. And the affordable price helps too. Recycling has never looked so good!
Check Ecogear Tiger prices at eBags and Amazon.
Catch all our travel gear reviews – subscribe to the RSS feed
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on March 7th, 2011
