Laptop Bag/pack

[smastroyin]

I know we have some frequent work travelers here, so thought I would solicit opinions.  My travel schedule for work is increasing.  I am finding that the briefcase style bag that I have (issued with laptop by my company) is falling short in many areas, largely comfort, but also in terms of usability as a carry-on.  
 
So, I'm looking for opinions on a usable laptop bag that is probably also a backpack.  My laptop is fairly large, with a 17" screen.  Would be nice to have something that could hold some beverages and food and then also double as a daypack (sans laptop) at my destination, for the days I get to be a tourist.
 
I am TSA-Pre and not super concerned about how hard it is to get the laptop in and out.
 
So far I am just thinking of getting the Amazon Basics one, but a couple of the negatives mentioned in reviews are concerning (and expected at the price I suppose).
 
Even though I personally think my company should find a good one and provide them to frequent travelers, I will buy this myself, so trying to keep some budget in mind.  The amazon one is $30 and will get the job done, so while I'd like improvement from that, I'm not looking to spend $300 just so I have a bag I can take rock climbing or something.  Basically the $50 range, but will stretch to $75 if there are good reasons.

 

[OfTheCarmen]

My laptop is 18" and I absolutely love my backpack. Unfortunately it's out it in the car under a ton of snow. I'll try to remember to get the specs on it when I dig out.

 

[jimv]

Try Tom Bihn. I've had one of their messenger bags for almost 10 years and its very well made. Work/school everyday, travel, motorcycling, it looks like its ready to go another 10 years

 

[Marceline]

Tom Bihn is great. They make great bags and have enough variety that you should find one that suits your needs.

The quality of their bags is outstanding. I have one that I've absolutely put through hell, it's been to at least a dozen different countries and over 100,000 miles of travel over 10+ years and still going strong.

Probably above your stated budget but it's worth it to spend the money for a quality bag that you won't have to replace.

 

[Duende Roomer]

I just bought a High Sierra XBT from eBags for $60. Nice bag, lots of pockets, holds a 17 inch laptop.

 

[smastroyin]

Thanks for the advice.  As it turns out, today I was whining about this to one of my friends in IT and got a hand-me-down from a recently departed VP.  Sweet news for me, but also makes me wonder why the highest paid employees also get all of this shit comped while the rest of us have to fend for ourselves.  
 
The Tom Bihn's do look really nice, might go on the Christmas list, etc.

 

[Blacken]

17" makes it really hard to get a decent bag. The Tom Bihn bags are nice, but if I'm going to pay that much for a bag, I'm probably going to buy Pelican's big camera/laptop bag (not least because a combo bag lets you pull out the camera slots for reinforced storage).

At 15" or smaller you have a lot more options, and some are nice even when cheap. My travel pack is a cheap but very sturdy $60 camera/laptop backpack. I use one of these as a normal pack and it's comfortable, if lighter on protection than I'd like.

 

[derekson]

I guess the OP no longer needs the advice but I got a Thule bag to carry my laptop last fall and it's great. I think it was around $100.

 

[Montana Fan]

I found the perfect bag on that Tom Bihn site but it's sold out since last August. I want a sleek bag with a water bottle holder on the end and this one is perfect. Thanks for the tip on these bags.

http://www.tombihn.com/PROD/TB0805.html

 

[dirtynine]

Tough Traveler is a small manufacturer near where I grew up.  Not always cutting edge style, but I've never used better quality stuff.  

 

[SoxJox]

I have the SwissGear ScanSmart 1900 (there are 2 listed on the page - I have the one to the right).  $65.  The things is a tank - but comfortable.  I carry 2 laptops in mine - both 17".  Can also simultaneously hold food/beverage, and serve as a daypack at destination as you desire.

 

[PseuFighter]

I'm a huge fan of the Manhattan Portage stuff: http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/index.php
 
First sorta nice thing I treated myself after getting a real job post-college was one of their laptop / messenger bags. It's been used basically every day for the past seven years, and still in really solid condition.

 

[Corsi]

I was given an Ogio Rebel laptop backpack a while back and I love it.  I've probably had it for three years now and it looks like I got it yesterday.  Most comfortable backpack I've ever worn.
 
It holds a fuckton.  I "compresses" nicely, but I can take it to the grocery story on my way home from work and carry 2-3 bags worth of stuff inside.
 
Here's a look:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmzLz_0kkMI

 

[FenwayFrenzy]

I'm a big fan of Booq - I have the Mamba courier for a 13 inch laptop.  They have backpacks for larger laptops, too:
 
http://www.booqbags.com/us/home
 
Customer service is fantastic as well, they replaced my bag after a year of use when it showed a bit of wear and tear around the edges.

 

[OfTheCarmen]

Never came back to this one as promised. I'm using the Targus TRGTXL617 bag:
 
http://www.amazon.com/TARGUS-TXL617-Laptop-Backpack-Compartment/dp/B00Q4KK56E/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1424792679&sr=8-7&keywords=Targus+-+TRGTXL617
 
It's big, has lots of pockets for all kinds of things.  I've used it to carry 2 17"+ laptops at the same time, notebooks, etc.  With an 18" laptop in there I'm still able to put a crapload of stuff in there for flights (novels, snacks, headphones, etc).  Big fan altogther.

 

[CallYaz]

Great feedback in this thread and I'm on the lookout for one myself.
 
My buddy got one of these:
 
https://www.evernote.com/market/feature/commuter-bag?sku=BAGS00101
 
The site doesn't really show off how amazing this bag is at holding a ton of things and never falling over.  He had a local guy sew a handle on top so he can easily grab it and walk away or put it on his shoulder with the strap.  Holds his MacBook Pro and a ton of gadgets.
 
I'm thinking of grabbing one but wish it came in black and wasn't so pricey.

 

[saintnick912]

Bunch of people at my office got Osprey laptop packs.  They seem really well made.  I'm not much of a backpack guy, but I think it would be my choice out of what I've seen.

 

[kelpapa]

I have the SwissGear ScanSmart 1900 (there are 2 listed on the page - I have the one to the right).  $65.  The things is a tank - but comfortable.  I carry 2 laptops in mine - both 17".  Can also simultaneously hold food/beverage, and serve as a daypack at destination as you desire.

I travel with two laptops, too, so I picked one of the SwissGears up. It showed up yesterday. It's perfect for what I need. Thanks.

 

[Montana Fan]

Jim V recommended Tom Bihn and they just made inventory available of their IT bag.  I've been waiting for it as I wanted a compact bag that could easily hold a bottle of water or a travel mug.  It's linked below if you have a similar need.
 
http://www.tombihn.com/PROD/TB0805.html