MPH ([info]automath) wrote in [info]ucberkeley,
@ 2005-12-20 22:11:00
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backpack
For someone who carries lots of books and occasionally totes a 4.9 lb. iBook, what's the best backpack to purchase? I'm looking for something with (1) good weight distribution/carries well (basically, I want the best for my back and shoulders), (2) roomy-ish, (3) nice organizational pockets (e.g. water bottle pockets).

My JanSport is just not cutting it, and I was wondering how competitors like The North Face, Columbia, High Sierra, Swiss, et al. stack up.

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[info]erinmack
2005-12-21 06:49 am UTC (link)
Timbuk2's Detour, hands down. I'm an asthmatic and don't do well with heavy loads on my back, but this really minimizes the weight and distributes it well. It also has a nice, well-padded, corduroy-lined little sleeve for your iBook - I've got one too. There's also a rubberized bottom, which allows you to set it down anywhere without liquids seeping through.

They sell them at Mike's Bikes on University, by Ace Hardware - they come in four color schemes, and usually only have the least desirable (red/grey) in stock, but you can order a black one and it'll get there in two days. It will set you back $100, but it's a keeper that you'll have for years to come.

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[info]automath
2005-12-21 07:53 am UTC (link)
Thanks, I'll check that out.

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[info]thesethfiles
2005-12-21 07:04 am UTC (link)
I recommend a canvas messenger bag instead of a backpack. They look much cooler and fit a laptop better. I can't recommend a brand since I got mine as a present, but look around.

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[info]automath
2005-12-21 07:53 am UTC (link)
Hmmm, I find that heavy messenger bags hurt my shoulder. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

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Timbuk2 Commute
[info]qweltor
2005-12-21 11:46 am UTC (link)

The Timbuk2 Commute is a nifty laptop messenger bag. End and side pockets fit a 1-liter water bottle, power supply, other doodads. Flat zipper pocket for folders and clipboards. Organizer with mini-pockets for highlighters, earbuds and other gizmo. And room for a fat reader.

'Cept when loaded up like that, then you're hauling around maybe 20-25 pounds. Once you throw it over your shoulder, it carries comfy and the cam-strap is pretty easy to adjust; the trick is to throw that 25-pound bag over your (opposite) shoulder.

Good durable construction, rubberized bottom, blah, blah, blah. It's all good. The downside is that Timbuk2 bags are expensive (ya pay for the quality you get). If you're not in a rush, I suggest eBay-ing it.

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backpack plus sleeve?
[info]qweltor
2005-12-21 12:01 pm UTC (link)

Consider using a pack with a separate (and removeable) laptop sleeve (versus a dedicated and nonremoveable laptop compartment). If you need to bring the iBook, put it in the sleeve and toss it in the pack. No laptop needed, no sleeve. And you've got more room for more stuff.

I currently use a Brenthaven vertical sleeve. It's really nifty because in addition to padding, it also has a plastic stiffener insert. But I can't immediately find the product in the current Brenthaven website, but it comes up with a lotta online merchants.

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[info]shiromaguro
2005-12-21 01:39 pm UTC (link)
What's wrong with the Jansport? I was thinking of buying one, but I'd like to hear your thoughts on them. Which one do you have?

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[info]automath
2005-12-21 09:25 pm UTC (link)
I don't know which one I have. I think they're pretty durable (I've broken the straps of all my previous backpacks, possibly due to the weight I had put into them; this JanSport is fine), but in terms of weight distribution, they suck. My friends and I complained about how they they felt heavy/weren't great for our backs and shoulders (we had 3 different models). One has switched to High Sierra; I tried on her backpack and was kinda amazed.

Anyway, hope this thread helps you out. If you want me to edit the post by adding in some of your concerns/questions about backpacks, just tell me.

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[info]closet_riceboy
2005-12-21 05:40 pm UTC (link)
I was in love with these for a while, but I still haven't gotten one since they cater more to the mac crowd. My big hefty widescreen HP is to big for their backpack.

My Kensington saddlebag has treated me pretty well though, and it's got a separate padded laptop compartment built in.

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[info]closet_riceboy
2005-12-21 05:45 pm UTC (link)
Oh yeah, nice thing about the Kensington is the lifetime warranty. I had a rip start on my bag once, I put in a replacement request and they shipped me a brand new bag in a week for free!

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[info]staticdialectic
2005-12-22 02:26 am UTC (link)
i pretty much carry my life
around with me in my backpack
and since i was getting back problems
i got one by the swiss army company
oh wow. so comfortable.

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