Recently I was on travel and wandering through the airport in San Francisco when a sharp pain ripped through my lower back. I cursed aloud and stumbled to the nearest bench to sit down. What was the culprit you might ask? Simple. The weight of my backpack pulled down on me to the point where my back buckled under the pressure. So, let’s examine what I was carrying in the backpack
- 13″ MacBook
- 15″ Lenovo Thinkpad
- iPad
- Apple Airport Express
- Blackberry Bold
- An old school notebook
- Various wires and tools
No wonder why my back gave up in protest. Such is the lament of the IT road warrior. So, how does one better address the situation? This evening I threw out the question to the twitterfolk as to what would best suit their travel needs. Here are the top picks in no particular order…
The Ogio Epic (Insert your favourite joke)
This entry was submitted by Al (aka Twowheelgeek)
- Uber padded side entry laptop compartment with mouse trap and file sleeve
- Posh media and valuables pouches
- Tricked out organization panel and accessory pockets
- Quick access travel essentials sleeve
- Battery and cord organization front pocket
- Insanely padded ergonomic shoulder straps with digital media neoprene pocket
- Air Flow System (AFS) Technology premium back panel
Next up we have the makers of some very fine bags, Timbuk2.
This manufacturer received a lot of votes. These bags are very rugged and I have to admit that I have thought about getting one of these on more than a few occasions. But, this brings me back to my original problem.
My back.
These bags are great but, they don’t do much to alleviate the weight issue. That brings me to the roller bags.
First up we have this submission courtesy of Martin McKeay for Targus’ Rolling Laptop Backpack.
This has the best of both worlds (for me at least). A roller bag that converts to a backpack. Great for long haul trips. Also, had a couple people chime in about the Eagle Creek laptop bags. I must admit I’m not familiar with them but, I thought I would share the link. Now, for the shorter excursions like the basic daily commute I would have to agree with the majority of folks who voiced their love for the Timbuk2 product lines. I would definitely get one of those for the shorter/daily trips. For the road warrior trips that require two laptops I’d definitely have to pick up something along the same form factor as the Targus roller bag.
This is just my first stab at this subject and I will endeavour to put some more work into it and share the results. I just wanted to dash this one off before I hit the sheets.
Got a bag that you swear by for carrying two laptops and gear? Let me know in the comments section.
Cheers!
(Image used under CC from traffic sounds)
totally had a ‘hey, I’ve been there!’ moment with your main picture.
As for bags, my wife calls me out on it because I go through laptop bags faster than most women go through purses, but I think I’ve finally found my ultimate bag. It’s a Swiss laptop bag with 2 laptop locations 3 hard drive pouches, an messenger style outer pouch, a biz card / ipod slot on the top and a ‘secret compartment’ for ipad or other such notepad type things. If I find it online I’ll post a link. Doesn’t help with the back issue though. I do however usually just use the luggage strap to attach it to my roller bag anyways.
I’ve been using that Ogio Epic (I went with a solid blk version) for some time. Rugg-ed, gi-normous, comfy.
Your back woes may improve with a new bag. I agree with Mr. Fuller on the hand trolley. See a Dr. Make sure you’re back woes are temporary, and not a chronic issue.
Take care.
I’m on a quest to find a dual-laptop bag, but I’m not dealing with just any laptop, it’s the m18x from Alienware that’s causing me difficulties to protect, whereas my smaller latitude is easy to find a bag for.
If the m18x wasn’t so large, then I’d go with the Brain Bag from http://www.tombihn.com. Seems like a great bag, with multiple configurations available, however it just won’t fit my beast of a laptop.
Any suggestions?
Looking for a dual laptop bag myself. I’m hefting to 17″ HP workstation models. The swissgear models barely hold them both, but I’m on my third one. I have a query in to TomBihn to see if the Brain Bag will fit them both. Though I am also looking for something that can go wheeled for when extended hoofing is needed.
Thanks for the info, but I’m looking for one that doesn’t have wheels but I would really like to find one that also is TSA friendly. If anyone runs across one that will accommodate two laptops and an iPad with the tsa friendly functions please let me know
If anyone runs across one that will accommodate two laptops and an iPad with the tsa friendly functions please let me know
Tom Bihn Brain Bag with Cache’s to protect the laptops. It’s TSA friendly, has lots of compartments, distributes weigh with a sternum and waist strap. It also has lots of O-loops to attach lights for biking or other things to the bag.