Laptop backpack

[RydTher]

I have been looking around for a laptop backpack, for my 15" Mac Book Pro. Have a few in mind, but would like input from other motorcyclists

Prefer a backpack over a messenger bag believe, but not 100% on that yet.

I will likely also be flying with it, weekend trips, so a little extra room is ok too.

Protection is primary goal, but it will still need to look decent.

What have you used, hated or liked?

thanks

[quasi888]

I use on a daily basis (and have traveled with, and occasionally ridden with) a booq "Boa" backpack:

www.booq.com

Bit pricey, but intelligently designed, and has outlasted (still looks brand new) and outperformed all the other bags/backpacks I've used in the past, including a $400 Tumi laptop bag.

For regular travel duty, you might consider their Python line. Extremely spacious.

[cardinal03]

I have a Targus with the clip that comes over the zipper, essential for any kind of moto duty.

For a combination of laptop and storage though, I hate to say it but I absolutely love my Icon Squad Laptop/Helmet backpack. It's very comfortable for taller riders, has storage for helmet, has a TON of storage for gear, a special laptop section with separate zipper and is the perfect size to use as carry-on for a weekend getaway. It's also well padded and super comfortable. I picked mine up for about $80 from New Enough but I don't see it there now.

[insyder]

I've got a Swissgear similar to this one:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3640&review=Swiss+Gear+Maxxum

Excellent backpack! The straps have an elastic "suspension" that makes carrying a weighty 17" laptop a breeze for even long walks. Plenty of padded room for your laptop and accessories. I usually carry my power supply, two or three mice, and sometimes a sandwich and soda with plenty of room to spare.

Works good on the bike too. A clipable connecting strap between the two shoulder straps up front make it very secure on your back.

Mine was about $90 at OfficeMax.

[RS250 Chester]

I commuted for over 5 years on a bike to the office. I originally used a Timbuk2 messenger bag along with a laptop cover, but I didn't like how messenger bags move around a lot when riding, so I switched to a backpack style.

After a few misses (namely with cheaper backpacks), I settled with a Kenneth Cole ballistic backpack. It had padded straps and a padded carrier, along with plenty of file space, plus it was stylish. I eventually got a Victoronix ballistic backpack from REI. Pretty much the same as the other, but a little larger. Worked perfect for traveling.

One thing to note, hauling large notebooks on a bike is a pain in the ass. Try to stick to 13", no more than 15".

That Boog bag looks nice.

[obiwanblee]

I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the Crumpler backpacks. Their backpack for the 15.4" is actually on clearance right now at Sierra Trading Post for $65 (MSRP $145). I have reason to believe that their backpack is the reason I am not paralyzed right now after t-boning a car and flying over the hood due to the very thick back padding and overall shape of the backpack. It's also waterproof and tearproof with big bad zippers. Plus, my laptop had no damage after flying 20 feet through the air and landing right on top of it.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,83660_Crumpler-King-Single-Computer-Backpack.html

If you prefer other colors there are a bunch of options, but good luck finding them on sale.

[JackTheTripper]

don't know about for riding but for travel I use an Ogio backpack. Very nice, protects lappy and has lots of room for books, cables and a change or 2 of cloths.

[Twinsen]

I use the Mobile Edge SecurePack Backpack http://www.mobileedge.com/items_him.asp?cid=3&scid=3&pid=64

Has a great lower waist belt, aerodynamic and pretty comfy.

Only thing I wish it had was more reflective piping.

[Pretzl28]

For work we use Targus bags.....I have one like the one below. It has plenty of room and a spot to file paperwork and stuff. It is pretty handy for work and travel.

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PR600

[VeloceMoto]

+1 on Targus backpacks. I like mine.

[Rambeezi]

Can't go wrong with Ogio or Swiss. I have various backpacks from both that will support up to a 17" laptop. As mentioned, both have plenty of room and comfortable for the long haul.

[Aegon]

I've got an InCase backpack. It is ugly, but it holds most of my stuff and has a waist strap and a chest strap.

http://www.productdose.com/article.php?article_id=3926

Did I mention it was ugly?

After I put rubber bands on all the straps to keep them from flapping in the wind, it works fine. I don't use it when I know it will be raining.

[PrplHaz4]

I've been using my A* Tech pack for 4+ yrs now as an everyday commmuter rain (with spray-on waterproofing) or shine, and have not had any problems at all with it. There is a nice laptop sleeve right in the center, with pockets in front and behind it, which seem to keep it pretty safe. Only downside is that there isn't as much room for other things as you would guess, but I use it for weekend travel all the time, and it is very comfortable....