What Would You Put in Your Perfect Backpack?
Boy, I've been traveling. It's not likely to ease up this year. I've got the short trip down to an art, if I may be so bold: I'm regularly doing two-three night stays, with full-sized laptop and often cameras, in just a standard-sized backpack. (Protip: Always wearing jeans is your new fashion.)
As well as this nylon Gravis backpack has served me over the last three years, it's starting to have some problems. Small tears — my fault, mostly — and not quite enough capacity to really meet my needs for longer trips. I think I can do a full 7-day trip with a single carry-on bag — if it's the right one.
Buying a bag would be too easy, and my new philosphy when it comes to clothing and accessories is that I'd rather spend the money to get exactly what I want, something I'll treasure. That means bespoke. Fortunately, I am also a skinflint, so bespoke means "hope to heck I can find a talented crafter on Etsy." (If you know of a crafter who could do the job, though, I'd love a recommendation.)
Here are my tentative requirements for your criticism and elucidation:
• Solar power – It should probably be hard panels, which are more effecient. I may actually sacrifice my old Voltaic solar bag for parts. (it's a great bag, but mine was a pre-production prototype that use a cloth on the back that made it majorly sweaty, since fixed.) Provided the Voltaic's storage battery still holds a charge, I'll probably incorporate that, too, although something able to store slightly more power might be worth the encubrence penalty. If I use the Voltaic battery, output to whatever voltages I need is simple — and nearly everything I use now uses vanilla 5-volt USB.
• A separate laptop section – For the forseeable future, I'll be toting a full-sized laptop around on trips. (Although, damn it, the Air is starting to call to me.) Most backpacks put the computer next to the spine, using it as a way to add stability to the frame. I like this fine. I also spend a lot of time whipping it out — as well as removing my computer from my bag — so single-zipper access is a must.
Or not. I'm easy if there's a good reason to do something different.
• Durable materials – At first I was thinking leather. That limits the number of crafters who could actually make the bag, as well as greatly increasing the price, but as a "lifetime bag" it seemed like the most durable choice. Leather backpacks, on the other hand, are kind of corny, so it would have to be restrained in design.
But perhaps there are better materials to work with. Something less expensive to purchase (and regenerate). Something with a little more appeal visually. Something with some pink. Reclaimed materials would be hot.
Metal fasteners are prefered, I think, if there is a way to make them not squeak. I'm seeing lots of metal on this thing.
• A backpack with stowable shoulder strap – It has to be a backpack, because sometimes I wear my bag for hours at a time. Messenger bags just don't cut it, although a stowable, clip-on should strap option would be nice. Even more difficult, more desirable: a bag design small enough to be slipped under an airline seat, so I don't have to pack another bag with all my in-flight toys and books or keep my computer on the floor. (I'm also just a little bit paranoid about ever letting my bag out of my sight.)
• Special features – This is where you guys come in. I've had a few ideas, like a smart selection of quick-access pockets and fairly predictable stuff like that. But if you were making the perfect bag for you, what would you add? A small pocket with a viewport for a hidden camera, maybe? A place for a water bottle? A programmable display? Speakers? A telescoping antenna tuned for 3G?
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If you are already considering dropping some serious $$$ on a bag, you should consider a Crumpler backpack as the base and then have an Etsy'er batik a fucking rhino on it and add whatever other gizmos you'd like. This one looks pretty awesome as it is essentially a camera/laptop backpack - sweet: http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?prodId=207&catId=5&optId=10311
I have one of their camera bags and I think it is the cats pjs.
One funny gizmo for a bag full of crap - how about a detachable led flashlight mounted on the inside of the bag, so when you open the bag, it illuminates the interior. One of my ladyfriends had a purse with a little light in it, it was actually pretty awesome. It would be cool if it hooked into the solar-charged battery and was removable for other uses, but even a single permanent led, that would be pimp
Leather is _heavy_. Good nylon is hard to beat...I've got messenger bag that still looks A-OK after 10 years of hard use.
The laptop section should have the option of dropping in a stiff metal or heavy plastic plate on one side to protect the screen. Padding is great, but my laptops tend to get LCD bright spots due to stuff poking the lid while riding around in my bag.
Modularity rules. I want something that can do padded compartments for lenses and cameras one day, and books/office supplies/laptop the next. Compression straps, expandability, etc are king.
* A zippered pocket on the side which is sized to your standard-issue umbrella.
* A semi-rigid or bottom-heavy design which would allow the backpack to stand-up on its own even with a laptop inside.
* A carrying handle on the top.
A secure hook/carabiner inside a zippered pocket for keys which are not needed once you hit the airport.
I know a backpack is preferable, but if you can get this bespoke, look into Bumbackpack's strap system. I just got one, and I love it. It's quite comfortable as a backpack, and more convenient as a messenger.
Aside from that, I'd want most of the bag to be something like elastic; I want it to contain plenty, but shrink to near-nothingness (besides the padded and reinforced laptop compartment) when empty.
My favorite bag when I was doing a lot of airports toting weighty books and a paleo-laptop was a nylon mesh number with wheels and an extendable pull handle. Made me smile every time I could wheel it instead of lifting. If I was *designing* one today I'd try hard to include a removable wheel/handle chassis to ease those long days with 25 lbs of misc. to haul around. But then I'm old, weak and lazy now.
I've been stuck using a sub-par Victorinox bag for a long time, since I find myself refusing buy yet another bag that only does one thing well.
In my perfect bag, I'd love solar panels and a battery - but also a plug for that battery that allows me to charge it (and everything attached) without having to carry a million AC chargers and irritating everyone by using all the outlets. A built-in (but removable) single LED flashlight would be nice too (as suggested in comment #1).
I also need TWO drink holders - one for a travel coffee/tea mug and another for a water bottle.
It would be wonderful if the bag could be made to stand on its own without demanding that bag take up as much space when containing a light load as it does when jam-packed full of stuff.
I'd like a "litter pocket" too. This pocket would be easily accessible from the outside and have a removable/replaceable silicone or plastic liner. When I'm walking while snaking and (or getting handed paper fliers on the street) I don't always want to immediately take a detour to find a trash can when I'm done - but I don't dig on the littering either. Let me stash some trash in a place that can be easily emptied/cleaned later.
The shoulder strap should have to wire embedded in it, to reduce the chance of catastrophic failure (anytime you drop your laptop bag, it can be catastrophic). If the wire could do something else, like have a little f connector like those used for external cellphone or wifi antennas, that would be pretty damn slick, though it would require a little antenna science to be worked into the wire.
Taking a line from my favorite pants (Carhartt double front dungarees), all seams should be triple sewn. My Carhartts last longer than anything else, and the burly seams definitely help.
Living in a wet climate (Portland Oregon) I prefer a top flap to an exposed zipper for the laptop compartment since zippers generally don't stop torrential downpours (but can if their taped/seamed zippers).
Hidden pockets. Why?
#1 Because we have the technology and means to own items with hidden pockets.
#2 Because part of me is still 8 years old, and this sort of thing is cool.
#3 Because sometimes you may want to hide something... Maybe it's a thumb drive filled with scans of your 9th grade doodlings of heavy metal logos that you don't want anyone to see, or maybe it's a gps tracker to help you find your bag after a theft (or long night of drinking).
Everything is removable! Let's say you want to board a plane with your bag of electronic gizmos - the security line is a pain in the ass if every item can’t be removed and repacked quickly. The laptop sleeze should come out. There should be another nylon sleeve in the bag that's the same size as the laptop sleeve - but it opens like a book, revealing two mesh pockets that can corral all your gear.
Wired pockets! If a pocket can hold a gadget, it should have channeling that makes it easy to run your own charging/headphone/data cables to a central distribution point in an inside pocket of the bag.
Mesh bulk bags. After you've got the laptop sleeve and all-purpose electronics sleeve filled up and inserted, you'll have extra room for clothing and other items. This extra space should be broken up into two or three mesh bags cut specifically for the bag, that way you can choose to use them to organize your other items/clothes even more - or you can leave them at home or balled up in a pocket.
If the bag was for my girl, I’d definitely include a little pocket on one of the chest straps of the backpack for a can of pepper spray. Regardless, at lest one strap should have a pocket for a cell phone or mp3 player.
Compression straps. Maybe I’ve stuffed the bag with two changes of clothing , a light jacket and some toiletries. The bag may be a bit more bulky than I want, so a few compression straps that would squeeze the clothes *without* obstructing exterior pockets would be nice.
If I used a 3g pcmcia or express card (instead of being a cheapskate and tethering my phone to my laptop despite AT&Ts best efforts to stop the practice), I’d love a special pocket for a small 3g router.
I spent an insane amount of time looking at bags and backpacks last fall. What I settled on was a Tom Bihn brain bag. It's large and versatile. I can fit enough for several days. It fits under a seat. The laptop is easily removed without dumping my entire pack. The quality has been really incredible and after 6 months of hard college campus use, the bag doesn't show any wear and tear.
I can confidently recommend the quality of their work.
You could get some MOLLE gear and piece it together however you want.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOLLE_(military)
I was looking at the MOLLE stuff too. Why not take tips from the people who carry stuff for a living/dying.
I think I may get this
https://www.tacticalassaultgearstore.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=153
it suits my "that must be good because it's expensive" logic!
I think the solar charger thing is kinda useless. Carrying a dedicated folding solar cell seems a better use of space. A wind up charger = power now. I'd much rather have that and a battery for storage, that can be charged in wall also....but whatever man!
If you ever venture into a location with high instances of pick pocketing, I would consider having thin stainless steel aircraft cable sewn into the straps to deter strap slashers. There's a company that even sews wire netting into the fabric to prevent razor slash attacks on the bag itself. I would also make sure the zippers and other closures are lockable or at least tamper resistant.
Some way to hold a GPS on top of the shoulder strap where it gets good satellite reception. And maybe some kind of Velcro thing so you can pull the GPS off, look at it, and put it back.
A similar pocket on the chest for a music player and/or phone so it's held securely, but you can get easily operate it.
Some way to run USB cables to all of the gadget pockets.
If you want to go really crazy: attachment points on the chest and a laptop sleeve which converts into some kind of hammock, so give yourself a wicked case of carpal tunnel by typing like a T-Rex.
Some way to lock it up if you absolutely need to. Maybe all the zipper-pulls have a hole in them big enough for a padlock, and they can all be brought to one side and locked together. Have a way for one strap to detach, wrap around a pole, and lock with them. This assumes that the bag is at least a pain to cut, if not cut proof.
What is wrong with this thread (which I've been reading with considerable interest, my old backpack being in need of replacement...)
I spent 15 minutes writing a rather detailed description of a backpack that has served me well for 4 years that might be a good platform to build from, but the comment box ate it. That's the second time today it's vaporized one of my responses. Maybe when I'm feeling less frustrated, I'll try it again.
The bag I have is an the ancestor of the Eddie Bauer Expedition Backpack Duffel. It's got an elastic strap that allows the bag to be compressed further, and a self-sealing rubber grommet that allows cables out of the pack. Oh, and it looks better too.
Judging by what I wrote below, it's probably safe to say that I'm a bit of bag junkie. I've used and tried out a LOT, and here are some ideas for you.
If you're willing to drop a fair amount of money and are really into a bag that'll last you forever and that you may have to design part of, go with McHale packs (http://www.mchalepacks.com/index.htm). Hands-down the best backpacks I've ever seen or worn.
Another source for custom bags might be the people at ReLoad bags in Philly (http://www.reloadbags.com/). Yes, they usually make bags for bike messengers... but they make pretty great backpacks, and they're usually into whatever you can come up with. I had one of their old bags when working as a messenger, and those bags lasted through years of hard work.
If you can convince the people at PAC Designs (http://www.pacdesigns.com/) to make you a backpack, that might be your perfect bag. I use one of their bags for bike commuting in NYC in all kinds of weather, and it still looks perfect and it has perfect features - clips to hold my laptop case, some mesh pockets, a hidden pocket, the best clip system ever on a bike bag. Only catch? Not that comfortable when NOT on the bike... otherwise, I'd travel with it everywhere.
Someone else mentioned Tom Bihn (http://www.tombihn.com/), and I'd like to second that. They make fantastic bags, high-quality and super-durable with great, well-designed features. In fact, they make two bags which might be perfect for you - the Western Flyer (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0950) and the Aeronaut (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0906). I've used a lot of their bags over the years, and I've been traveling with an early version of the Aeronaut for a year-ish... holds a laptop (in a protective case), a bunch of gear, another pair of shoes, and several days worth of clothes - AND it works well as both a backpack AND a shoulderbag. When I'm not using the PAC bag, I'm probably using this one.
I hear that the backpacks from Chrome (http://www.chromebags.com/) are really comfortable, too. I've only ever briefly worn other people's bags, but people love them and the bags seem really well-designed.
Finally, you might be interested in the TAD Gear FAST pack (http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/packs%20main/f_a_s_t__pack_alpha.htm). It seems like a pretty great pack, with tons of awesome useful features - and you get to feel tough, too. They were out of them last time I was in the market for a bag, otherwise I might have some personal stories on this one too.
Judging by what I wrote below, it's probably safe to say that I'm a bit of bag junkie. I've used and tried out a LOT, and here are some ideas for you.
If you're willing to drop a fair amount of money and are really into a bag that'll last you forever and that you may have to design part of, go with McHale packs (http://www.mchalepacks.com/index.htm). Hands-down the best backpacks I've ever seen or worn.
Another source for custom bags might be the people at ReLoad bags in Philly (http://www.reloadbags.com/). Yes, they usually make bags for bike messengers... but they make pretty great backpacks, and they're usually into whatever you can come up with. I had one of their old bags when working as a messenger, and those bags lasted through years of hard work.
If you can convince the people at PAC Designs (http://www.pacdesigns.com/) to make you a backpack, that might be your perfect bag. I use one of their bags for bike commuting in NYC in all kinds of weather, and it still looks perfect and it has perfect features - clips to hold my laptop case, some mesh pockets, a hidden pocket, the best clip system ever on a bike bag. Only catch? Not that comfortable when NOT on the bike... otherwise, I'd travel with it everywhere.
Someone else mentioned Tom Bihn (http://www.tombihn.com/), and I'd like to second that. They make fantastic bags, high-quality and super-durable with great, well-designed features. In fact, they make two bags which might be perfect for you - the Western Flyer (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0950) and the Aeronaut (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0906). I've used a lot of their bags over the years, and I've been traveling with an early version of the Aeronaut for a year-ish... holds a laptop (in a protective case), a bunch of gear, another pair of shoes, and several days worth of clothes - AND it works well as both a backpack AND a shoulderbag. When I'm not using the PAC bag, I'm probably using this one.
I hear that the backpacks from Chrome (http://www.chromebags.com/) are really comfortable, too. I've only ever briefly worn other people's bags, but people love them and the bags seem really well-designed.
Finally, you might be interested in the TAD Gear FAST pack (http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/packs%20main/f_a_s_t__pack_alpha.htm). It seems like a pretty great pack, with tons of awesome useful features - and you get to feel tough, too. They were out of them last time I was in the market for a bag, otherwise I might have some personal stories on this one too.
Off-topic rant: I just wrote a comment with lots of good suggestions, but the site did its "logging you out a second before you hit Post" thing again and when I hit 'back' the text was gone. Only this time I didn't have a copy of the text in the clip-board. Whoops.
I appreciate the little improvements I keep noticing (e.g. the preview feature now works as it should, the order of 'recent posts' on people's profile pages is now correct), but it's all stuff that should have been working properly to begin with, hence the urge to whine a little.
how about a retractable leash for your iPhone?
also, two other links I just came across looking up the links for my last epic post:
http://www.zeuscat.com/andrew/personal/info/travelpacks/
http://onebagger.squarespace.com/blog/2007/8/1/going-boldly-with-the-aeronaut-full-user-review.html
... and if you want prettier luggage, you can always try Flight001 (http://www.flight001.com/store/index.htm).
... I'll try to stop now.
I have tried to post a few times to this, and it keeps eating them... not fun. Having reinforced straps that are anti slashproof as another has also suggested is way cool. Easy in and out for gadgets for the Airport, the idea to have a removable compartment for just your gadgets makes this a snap (again suggested above). A GPS tag or something similar on the bag is important if you leave it, if it gets stolen well... most thieves will ditch the bag but you never know.
I love my VERY simple Jandd but for a little more luxury... for actual camping applications:
1. Roll out solar charger for 1.5V AAs
2. Body of bag is foot component of built-in Bivy Sack.
3. Frame stays function as frame for headcover of said bivy sack.
4. Built in water reservoir and tube/straw purification filter.
5. Small squeeze bulb pump adapter for manual use of said water filter.
6. Detachable gooseneck LED flashlight/mount in shoulder straps.
7. Clear Waterproof Map and GPS carriers for chest/shoulder straps.
8. More internal pockets and only a map and raingear pocket in the hood and water bottle holsters on the exterior.
9. Full fitting DWR raincover with only slots for packstraps/belt. (part of built in Bivy sack?)
I'm really getting sick of this "the text was wrong" crap, and being logged out automagically.
I lost a long post about why the best carryon backpack is the Rick Steves, but now you'll have to do your own research on it.
personnaly I think combining the bag and the tech is probably a bad idea, the tech needs to be much more removable / replaceable / upgradable than the good old bag that should last decades.
I'd also ask why backpack and not something on wheels I got an excellent travel bag from john lewis in the uk that has rollerblade wheels on it for free rolling.. my shoulders thank me for it. sure they are a bit heavier but you carry less.
oh and I also am having loads of my posts eaten by the "text you entered is wrong" machine
Interesting discussion. However, as much as it appeals to me, I'd really rather not have a one-of-a-kind item that took me forever to design and source.
I'd rather just have a bag to put my stuff in. That way, if it gets ripped, broken, ruined, or stolen, it's no big deal.
It sounds like you'll get a lot of use out of it, so it matters to get something you like, but I'd be wary of getting over-precious about it. Save your time for something else. None of us need more things to worry about.
SpireUSA Meta
- Backpack? Check
- Removable laptop pouch (Boot)? Check
- Heaps of space/pockets (7 internal, 2 external)? Check
- Removable plastic framesheet with aluminium stay? Check
- Removable padded shoulder strap for courier bag style carry? Check
- Stow-away harness including padded waistbelt? Check
- Compression straps? Check
- Handles on top and side? Check
- Ballistic nylon? Check
- Carry-on compliant? Check
- Understated looks? Check
I've had mine for about 8 years, it has been all over the world with me (I'm currently in New Zealand). It has taken quite a but of abuse and it is still in great shape.
I've got no connection with the company.
Take a look at:
http://www.spireusa.com/
surfer
If you have something valuable in your bag, it is best if the bag looks unexciting and not worth stealing. This probably doesn't preclude a plain elegant bespoke style, but does rule out permanently-visible solar panels. Watch out for the quick-access pockets offering someone else quick access.
Last time I bought a back-pack, I was surprised at the features available on the ones at our local discount store -- comparable with ones costing many times as much. $25 has done me just fine.
My favourite feature? A top handle for easy carrying of the bag in one hand.
Sorry about the commenting errors, guys. (It's been happening to me, too.) We think we have a it licked, though. There was a sessioning/cookie error. If you run into it again, you just should log out and log back in to reset the cookie.
Not sure I'd recommend the whole bag, but my Tumi backpack has one particularly awesome feature - zippered pockets on the shoulder straps. Instant access to something small, like and ipod, or cell phone or house keys.
Just a carry-on for a multi-day trip? Impossible. You cannot take a Leatherman carry-on. I feel naked without my leatherman.
Gone from a circa 1994 Targus backpack (one of the first "computer" backpacks) to a Lowepro laptop backpack (which is apparently no longer made) to my current Timbuk2 small messenger.
Contained within those bags have been an incredible array of crap, including 9 laptops (9 laptops in 14 years isn't too bad is it?)
Thoughts on all of the above...
1/ The bigger the bag, the more crap you'll stuff in it.
2/ Your 'leet one bag skillz will be tried if you go with anything smaller than about 30L interior volume.
3/ Separate laptop liner (even if the bag has a module/designed pocket for laptop) is good for the health of your laptop, and useful when you get to your destination and you don't want to lug it all around with you.
4/ Spend the money. Seriously. If you're spending less than about $5/L of interior volume, you're buying something that you'll have to replace within a year.
5/ Beware raging featuritis. Some additional features are good, others are a horrendous waste of time.
As I did recently go through the same "what do I replace it with" when my well traveled Lowepro started to have strap shredding problems, I've collected a bunch of features that I like.
- really good nylon
- really good YKK zippers
- leash for your keys
- convenient zipper pocket for change
- place for the music player (in its case, with headphones)
- cable management/wrangling capability
- some "expansion" capability - that you only use when you need it
- room for current computer as well as likely successor computer and 1" of paper files/notebooks, 1L of water, "purse contents" (wallet, keys, etc), pens/pencils, cable management/wrangling, and mp3 player
Special little things I've loved about the above bags:
classic targus
- room for laptop + portable printer (circa 1994) means it holds about 11 macbook airs
- backpack straps can be hidden in zippered area - excellent for a mullet computer bag (shoulder strap at the office, backpack on the road)
lowepro
- built like a camera bag (obviously)
- movable interior partitioning system
- suspension system for laptop compartment - laptop doesn't touchdown when the bag does
- concealed rain cover - zipper right near the bottom opens to reveal a rain cover which keeps all the zippers covered and ensures that as wet as you might get, your stuff won't. And the cover is attached to the bag so you can't lose it or forget it when you need it.
timbuk2
- build quality. wow.
- the red key lanyard - excellent touch
- did I mention the build quality?
- sized for my "lighter weight" commitment to my back, yet contains my EEE and work-related notes as well as my "purse contents" without looking like a purse (or European Style Man's Bag)
What would I do over should I want/need to go back to traveling regularly and carrying a full sized laptop again?
I'd probably buy the Tom Bihn Brain Bag, although I might try to get by with just the Timbuk2 Hacker Bag.
I know that I wouldn't be willing to spend less than $125 on whatever it is that I decided to do though.
Good luck!
My bag: Tom Bihn's The Buzz. It's a sling pack (which means in my urban subway setting I can get off the train and put it on my back with one hand --very handy) and fits a laptop.
I just bought a backpack from a small San Francisco messenger bag company called Freight. It's made out of heavy cordura, with a truck tarp lining, it has compression straps, so when it's empty it is small. and when it's full it's tight. It has a big flap top, rain proof, external (non compressable) pockets, and one BIG main pocket. I can carry all my usual stuff, small laptop, external hardrive, bike tools, water, snacks, etc. in the external waterproof pocket. Then on a whim, I can throw two 12-packs of beer and some chips on top of my hoodie in the main compartment and head to the park for an early afternoon BBQ. It's swell.
The guy does custom work, but I think he's pretty swamped.
Did I mention it's argyle?
Something to consider- leather is durable in one way, against abrasion and extreme heat, but not durable in another way, against prolonged moisture. It mildews and rots if it's exposed to humid climates. Cordura and ballistic nylon don't have that problem, and to boot are lighter and more available in ready made bags, easier to sew if you go that route, and less likely to stand out. Good luck with the new bag, whichever way you go with it.
Grav-harness, small energy weapon, vibraknife, couplea plasma grenades, universal translator, communicator to link back to the ship,water purifier and food-pills. Oh, and maybe some beads for the natives...
I would go with a collapsible hole and fit all my good stuff in there :)