Source
r/backpacks•
RobM_

Recommendations please: Laptop backpack

I'm still yet to find the ideal backpack. I want to find a laptop backpack that isn't too big and bulky, but offers the following:

  • A single internal space for a 15" laptop, a separate slot for an iPad, and an open storage space for 'stuff' (tech pack, and whatever I need that day).
  • Waterproof.
  • Internal bottle holder.
  • A side external pocket for car keys, door passes, wallet, etc. I really want this on the right side, so it's easily accessible when I swing it around over my right shoulder.
  • Comfortable with a solid back panel and good shoulder straps.

Additional organisation is always great but I don't have specific requirements for it.

I bought a Yeti Crossroads 27 and it's close, and I love the two internal bottle holders and the overall build quality, but the separate laptop section doesn't really work for me and my preference.

I then bought a Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and I love the organisation and external pockets, but I can't get comfortable with it. It really needs the internal frame as the back panel isn't comfortable but they're perpetually out-of-stock, and the shoulder straps dig into my neck.

I've considered a Bellroy Apex but the high cost and wide-looking top section put me off. I could get over both these things so it's a contender. I also like the Venture and Transit Workpack, but the lack of waterproofing worries me (I've been caught walking in the rain too many times).

If the Yeti Crossroads 22l had at least one more external pocket that would work, I love everything else about it..

What else should I consider? All recommendations are really appreciated.

Posted Jul 11, 2022, 10:32 AM UTC

619
letsadventure25•

boundary supply errant

4
RobM_OP•

This looks amazing, thank you. Have you used one, if so, is the top access as tight as some photos look? Or is it pretty easy?

2
letsadventure25•

i assume you mean opening it? if so if you pull downward it opens easily, if you try to pull it out straight toward you its a struggle

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RobM_OP•

More the size of the top opening, in some pics it looked a bit narrow, is that not the case? Thank you!

2
letsadventure25•

its not so narrow, similar opening to 25l patagonia blackhole. However I should note you wont be able to pull your laptop/tablet out from this access point, because of the interior stash pocket but you can grab anything else from the main interior. That being said the zippered opening on the back gives you full access to the interior

I currently have the bag so if you want more pictures and/or questions answered not necessarily shown on the website/ in review videos let me know and ill do my best to help

3
nurko_•

u/RobM_, a note on Boundary Supply Errant, the shoulder straps are very close to each other, so if you had a problem with shoulder straps getting too close to your neck with Tom Bihn, you might have similar problems here.

Otherwise Errant is amazing pack, this is the only downside I have for it. It will perfectly fit everything you described in the OP, but their "commuter pocket" is on the left side, you have to swing it over your left shoulder to access it - took me a while to get used to that as well :D

Also, the bag feels like it will last a lifetime.

2
RobM_OP•

Appreciate that note about the shoulder straps, thank you. I need to work out specifically what it is about the Tom Bihn straps I’m not getting on with to make sure I don’t repeat the mistake.

Huge thanks for your reply!

1
4ctw•

Able Carry Max. Everything you want made in X-PAC. Great backpack.

2
RobM_OP•

Thank you, I can’t say I love the look but it definitely ticks a lot of boxes. Is it as shiny looking in real life as it appears in photos? That’s the main thing putting me off.

1
4ctw•

I never think of mine as shiny but I have it in multicam black. I have seen my friend’s in blue and his never looked shiny to me either? I don’t know. Could be the website? No, I just checked out the website, that’s a photo for sure. I would say it’s about 95% accurate. Just a little more shine than normal probably due to the lighting. It’s definitely not as dark as black dyed nylon. If that’s what you want, the Evergoods CPL24/28 v3 could be a good bag for you. But it doesn’t have the same side internal water bottle pocket.

The Bellroy Transit backpack is 28L and it has dual side water bottle pockets as long as you don’t go too big. They have a limited space as there’s one on each side. The Able Carry if it has space the water bottle will fit in the main compartment; if the main compartment is full it will actually adapt and stick out. It’s the best of both worlds. Good luck.

2
Equivalent_Horror628•

minaal daily 3 ?

2
RobM_OP•

Thanks for the recommendation. I love the aesthetic, but the separate laptop / tech section isn’t quite what I’m looking for. Do you own one? If so, is there room for larger items in the back section where the tech organiser is? Could you store a medium sized tech pack in there for example? The material seems flexible enough at the front that it could push into the front section, effectively giving me the one main pocket I’m looking for?

1
Equivalent_Horror628•

I do own one.

The main compartment (not laptop area) can store a tech pouch - as can the outer pocket. I use an Aer slim pouch and it fits.

But I don’t think a pouch would fit in the laptop / tablet area.

2
RobM_OP•

Thank you. I really need to decide if this main pocket for everything requirement is worth missing out on some great bags.

1
Equivalent_Horror628•

Good luck with your search - I am sure there isn't a bad choice.

and if there is - sell it and get the one you realise you should have got !

(speaking from experience)

2
RobM_OP•

Huge thanks again for everyone’s input. I made my decision and have just received a Bellroy Venture 22l. The only compromise is I’m not sure it’s quite as weather resistant as the Apex and others mentioned, but everything else seems spot-on.

It wears a lot better than the Synapse; the straps and back panel feel much better, and even with the same contents it feels lighter and less like it’s pulling downwards.

Now I need to live with it for a bit and make sure it fits my needs as well as it seems right now.

1
PinyinHanyu•

I prefer LEVEL8 laptop backpack which have advanced features.

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