Laptop Backpack & Carry On

[Venner]

Hey all. I'm going to be studying (law) in Europe for 2.5 months this summer and doing a good bit of traveling as well. I don't want a lot of baggage dragging me down (in fact, I'd prefer not to check any luggage on the planes either.) Since most airlines allow two carry-on items, I'm looking for a small suitcase and a nice notebook backpack.

(And could any of you in Europe tell me what the space restrictions are on the trains? I'll be traveling through Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic by rail.)

1.) Notebook backpack: I have a Dell Inspiron 5150 (15", hefty 8lbs). Any recommendations for a rugged, comfortable, fairly-roomy bag? I'll be carrying this thing a lot, so a backpack with a frame would might be easier on the back. I just need one that would qualify for carry-on size. Oh, and room for books would be nice, ha. I'll be using it for school when I get back in the states too.

2.) Carry on luggage: This I'll probably just end up buying at a discount store or somesuch, but if anyone has any opinions/suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them. I'm intending on packing light and washing clothes more often.

 

[brtspears2]

I use a Targus Gravity backpack. So far after 18 months of use, no rips or signs of excessive wear. It has plenty of compartments for all your small stuff. I managed to fit a weekend of clothing plus my laptop into it, but then I'm a guy (which means a brown paper lunch bag and a few pair of underwear is good enough for packing for the weekend.) Padded back and straps on the backpack too.

 

[jagec]

If you can get on the plane, you can get on the trains for the most part. You'll have racks above the seats, and if *everyone* in your compartment (6-8 ppl depending on the car) brings a lot of baggage, it might get tight...but usually they don't.

I'd make sure that whatever "notebook backpack" you get doesn't look like one, because then it will be obvious that it's worth a lot of $$$. Get something that looks like a regular backpack.

Really, I'd say get a big pack for your back (all your clothes, voltage adapters, books, toiletries maybe) and a small pack that you can either put in the big one, or wear on your chest with the big bag behind you. Keep all your pricey stuff in the small bag, use that as your carry-on.

 

[teddyv]

Heh, I just went through this. I needed a good backpack case for business travel and went to BBuy to try them out. I was really impressed with the Wenger packs and they had the Maxxum on sale. I preferred the Synergy but it was like $90 and the Sahara wasn't in stock. I bought the Maxxum and the strap started to tear literally that day. I took it back the next day and lucky me the Maxxum had gone off sale and the Synergy:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834996916
was on sale for the same $49. I exchanged for the Synergy and it has proven to be a great pack. It has TONS of room, no loose flap pockets (like the Maxxum) to get caught up under airline seats or in overheads, and is really built well. They must have improved the straps because the Synergy straps are double-stiched in the stressed areas (unlike the Maxxum).

I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

 

[Bolvangar]

I would get a big backpack and put everything in it if your going to be traveling a lot. osprey packs are a little expensive, but simply kick ass.
space restrictions shouldn't be an issue, trains have things above the seats kinda like airplanes and then they also have big luggage racks when you board the train.

 

[Jawo]

I have used the Targus Sport Deluxe Computer Backpack for four years hauling my Dell C840 around and it has performed very admirably. The bag is water resistant and has monumental storage room. I can get my laptop and at least one change of clothes in there with room left over.

Tech Specs

Device Compatibility: 13.6" x 2.2" x 12.9"
(Note: The computer compartment will hold most notebooks with a 16 inch screen and also compatible with Apple® PowerBooksTM with 17" screens)
Exterior Dimensions:17.75" x 8" x 21.63"
Material: Nylon
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Weight: 3.6 lbs

 

[mercanucaribe]

Sell that behemoth and buy a smaller laptop. It's hard enough carrying my 6lb 15.4"!

 

[mugs]

Airlines don't allow two carry-ons, they allow one carry-on and a personal item. That personal item could be a small backpack, but you better stow that ****** under the seat in front of you or I'll kick your ass if I have to get check my carry-on. :|

Errrr... j/k.

 

[Atlantean]

I have a crumpler Beerback. It fits my 15.4" laptop quite nicely in its compartment and its waterproof/tear proof. Check here for more info... but warning the site is hard to navigate and pretty weird (hint drag the animal across the screen at the bottom to see the bag selection. Heres a link to the beer back in case you are unable to find it. The bags are kinda expensive ($160), but you can likely find a deal on ebay for one.

 

[Venner]

Hey, thanks all. I gave those a look. The Targus Sport Deluxe looked especially promising. While trying to track down a cheaper price for that, I ran across the Mobile Edge Premium Backpack, which I eventually found for $51 from Provantage. I think that'll do the job. I ordered it at 1am EST and I got a shipment notification at 9:15am EST; that's service.

Altantean: Wow. That Crumpler site....what can I even say, hah.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: mugs
Airlines don't allow two carry-ons, they allow one carry-on and a personal item. That personal item could be a small backpack, but you better stow that ****** under the seat in front of you or I'll kick your ass if I have to get check my carry-on. :|

Errrr... j/k.

I've never had a problem stuffing my Targus with laptop under the seat.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

I've never had a problem stuffing my Targus with laptop under the seat.

I don't either, but a lot of people stick their personal items in the overhead compartments and screw over the people who board last.

 

[dnuggett]

I have used an Eastpack laptop bag for a couple years in college and as needed after graduation. It's been fantastic and has protected my gear well on several trips.

 

[Venner]

Wow. I'd like to again give props to Provantage.

I ordered my backpack at 1am Monday night/Tuesday Morning, got shipping notification at 9:15am Tuesday, and received the darn thing Wednesday (today) at noon. (Shipped from Connecticut.) That's crazy-fast ground delivery to rural Ohio. Usually I'm lucky to get a package in 7 or 8 days.

--

The Mobile Edge Premium backpack seems very nice. Well balanced, comfortable, holds my laptop well, and has room for a couple of books, etc.