Just ordered High Sierra laptop backpack (http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/access_special_buy/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=87651), I'll let you guys know when it comes in. I was looking for a way to ferry my laptop back and forth to the office. This one was $35.99 shipped, and has a waist strap which should secure it to me better. Also, it shows having a rain cover, which is kinda cool.

I usually have a one strap ruck sack that ties around the waist (courier style), but 2 straps are a lot more comfortable with a lap top on board. I have a Compaq one that I got thru work. Usefully it has the word COMPAQ printed on it just in case a passing thug fancies a new computer!!! Luckily the 0-60 of a Hornet is a bit quicker than your average thief!

Anyone know if magnetic tank bags are safe for laptops? It would seem that the magnets are a little too powerful to keep a loptop near, but I could be wrong.

Anyone know if magnetic tank bags are safe for laptops? It would seem that the magnets are a little too powerful to keep a loptop near, but I could be wrong.
I don't think I'd try it...

Just ordered High Sierra laptop backpack (http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/access_special_buy/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=87651), I'll let you guys know when it comes in. I was looking for a way to ferry my laptop back and forth to the office. This one was $35.99 shipped, and has a waist strap which should secure it to me better. Also, it shows having a rain cover, which is kinda cool.
David - please keep is posted on this backpack. I'm looking around at some myself and was almost ready to get this one (http://www.newenoughhp.com/icon_squad_back_pack_page.htm).

David - please keep is posted on this backpack. I'm looking around at some myself and was almost ready to get this one (http://www.newenoughhp.com/icon_squad_back_pack_page.htm).
Whoa, that is pretty sweet. That one looks better all around, having a helmet compartment and all. +1 for the front closures and the back padding. I might have gotten it if I had seen it first.

For laptops, whatever you get make sure it has a padded inner chamber...and in general, you can't go wrong with Icon stuff - and NewEnough to boot! Looks nice, if I carried a laptop think it would be a good investment. At the very least if it is on your back, it is just that much more protection. Only bummer is that they do get smelly with exhaust fumes rather quickly…

I just got a laptop sleeve like this one:
image decided to disappear

and then use my everyday backpack:
Nike Jolt (http://www.ebags.com/nike/jolt_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=73953)
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000FAM3BO.01-A2Q0ARZLO9COOL._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_V34968169_.jpg

And it's great - the site photos didn't do it justice. I'll take some decent ones and put them up.

My guy has one of these-
It looks SO awesome on him on the bike.
It's a hardcase backpack...

www.axio-usa.com/ (http://www.axio-usa.com/)

That's pretty cool, hondagirl. Would also be good armor... and it's just a little more expensive than a good back pad. Nice. :wink:

+1 :thumbsup
They have a hard tail bag coming that looks interesting... don't know how it would sort with the grab handle but looks better than a top box or the nylon bags I've seen.

www.axio-usa.com/ (http://www.axio-usa.com/)
Damn, that's just niiiiiiiiiiice! I WANT ONE!!!

http://www.buymoto.com/photos/axioforza-3.jpg

I have the black Icon squad back pack. It has a Laptop compartment and its very well padded. Its very important that the laptop is secured from any constant vibration as the Hard drives tend to go bad. My co-worker carried his laptop in a regular back pack and his HD got busted and he lost all his data.

http://www.indysuperbike.com/image.php?productid=116928

Its very important that the laptop is secured from any constant vibration as the Hard drives tend to go bad.
Never thought of that. Thanks for the warning!

http://www.buymoto.com/photos/axioforza-3.jpg

That backpack is so sick. It almost matches my helmet perfectly!!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/310655020_609eacbb20.jpg

...my helmet...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/310655020_609eacbb20.jpg

Know it's very Gangsta, but a bit dangerous to ride with the price tag blocking your vision to the left... :lol:

Very nice match... In fact, I like your helmet better than the monochrome flat black I've been looking at... :thumbsup

That particular color sceme is called "badge 2"

That's a very nice looking lid indeed! :thumbsup

I bought a daypack from The North Face called Bandwidth at my local outdoors store. It's water resistant, there's a hammock-like setup in there for holding the laptop, and it's padded on the side that goes against your back. Not sure, but I think the white stitching on the outside is somewhat reflective. I'd post a link, but what's on The North Face's web site looks very different from the one I bought. Perhaps I can get a pic of my actual pack soon and post it. Another plus: it comes in black, to match my Hornet!

If you do get a pack like this with the waist strap, make sure to buckle it before leaving! Either wrap it around yourself (recommended!) or connect it to itself such that the ends don't hang low. I darned near got a strap caught in the rear wheel leaving work one afternoon. My riding buddy that day pointed it out to me about a mile from the building. Thankful for that guy!

Well, I received that backpack I mentioned a while back and have had it for several weeks now, and I have to say I've been impressed. Tons of storage, zippers are industrial strength, well padded in the back, etc. I ended up buying a second one for my wife to take to grad school. I'll give it an A+, especially for $35.

I know I promised pics, so I'll have to snap a few at some point.

And check out the Axio tank bags... whoa mamma!!!

And the Axio Tail Bag in Carbon finish. Damn sharp! Thanks hondagirl!!!

It's been bought'n.

OK so I'm coming back around to this topic and in the market with bike commuting season about to start. I've read a couple of horror stores on the Icon Squad backpack over on sportbikes.com and it seems like all the stories about Icon stuff in general are bad lately.

How did that High Sierra bag turn out for you? I'm looking at the Tourmaster one now too.

I recently purchased an REI Lookout pack. It was kinda expensive at $85, but it holds my laptop, books, workout clothes and a bunch more. It even has a place for a hydration pack, which is awesome. Its weather resistant too, so riding in the rain isnt totally precluded. Check em out.

I'm also looking for a decent bag which is easy to get on (with armor on) and protects my laptop.

I've thought about sling or messenger bags. The thing that really bugs me is trying to get backpack straps on after I've put my riding jacket on. That's why I think a messanger bag may be best for me. I also carry tons of crap (cell phone, iPod, Palm, etc)

I'll post if I find anything that works for me.

I'm leaning the same way Twig. After a recent ride with a backpack, I remembered why I don't like riding with a backpack -- raises your center of gravity and a pain to get on and off with gear. If you're not adding luggage to the bike, messenger bags seem to be the best way to go.

The really good ones like Timbuk2 and Chrome have substantial straps and a waist/underarm strap to prevent shifting during the ride. The Chrome bags are pricey and never seem to lose their value from what I see on eBay, but aren't sold anywhere else besides the Chrome site and eBay from what I can tell. Timbuk2 bags are slightly less expensive but you can pick them up at more places. Sierra Trading Post has one on clearance for about $50. Both are available in many sizes. I'm checking out the smaller ones that are just big enough to hold my laptop, lunch, and gym clothes. I don't plan on being a pack mule.

Ogio makes some good packs from laptops to ones with built in water systems.

A Timbuk2 Classic Medium Messenger Bag arrived yestreday from Sierra Trading Post. The cost with shipping was $40. This is an impressive bag -- strong stitching, heavy material, nice waterproof liner, some internal organizers, and it just feels substantial. Great recommendation.

And since I'm a bit of a gear whore I'm going to be checking eBay for a Chrome Mini Metro bag and see if I can try one of those out as well. Thanks all!

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1118/timbuk2frontar7.jpg

I just ordered a Chrome messenger bag. I got the biggest one they sell. After Shipping it was $180 :shock: but looks like a great bag. :D

I will let you know how I feel after I get it in 2 days.

I justified it because my friend is buyign my brand new REI bag from me for $45... i bought it a month ago for $90. Ouch.

Interesting...I was just thinking that I'd like a smaller bag -- my laptop, gym clothes, and lunch swim in the medium sized Timbuk2. And it's only one inch larger than the smallest messenger bag that Chrome makes, the Mini.Metro.

^^^ really? I hope I didnt go for total overkill!? Oh well... Id rather have a little too big, than too small. I often have to carry 2 books, a laptop, swim gear, flipflops, running shoes, running clothes and my lunch. Hopefully that wont be a problem in the Kremlin bag I bought. :shock:

I have the black Icon squad back pack. It has a Laptop compartment and its very well padded. Its very important that the laptop is secured from any constant vibration as the Hard drives tend to go bad. My co-worker carried his laptop in a regular back pack and his HD got busted and he lost all his data.

http://www.indysuperbike.com/image.php?productid=116928
It's my understanding that laptops mechanically lock their hard drives in hibernate mode or shut down,so that they can resist to a 10g acceleration or something ridiculous like that. I think your buddy may have had a bad HD,THAT happens :)

I highly recommend the Ogio "No Drag". I carry my laptop back and forth with me to work every day, and this one is very comfortable to wear, and it has enough room for a full bag of groceries if you need it. it's hydration-ready, has a helmet hood for carrying an extra helmet, and has an audio pouch that allows you to route your headphones down the shoulder strap. it's completely aerodynamic when you where it, so you don't feel like you're wearing a parachute. they're not cheap, but they seem to be well built. i paid about $120 for mine.

Ogio No Drag (http://www.ogio.com/product.php?product=164&nav=0)

Thanks for the recommendation crucial_d. I've been looking at one of these and wondered how much room there was in that main compartment. It looks pretty thin from the pics. I need something that can carry a 12" laptop, a few folders and some gym clothes (no shoes). Will this do the trick?

Yes, it'll definitely work for that. I carry a 15" laptop in mine. it has a dedicated, padded laptop pouch with a velcro strap to keep it secure. Even with the laptop in it, there's plenty of room for everything I've ever needed to carry. If anything, I think it'd be easy to make it too heavy.

In a previous post, someone mentioned the difficulty getting backpacks on over a moto jacket. The designers of this pack did as good a job as can be expected. The straps have just enough rigidity to hold themselves outward so you can slip your big ol' padded arm under them. I'm 6'5" and I slip right in.

Oh.. btw.. I did end up returning the Kremlin bag and I went 2 sizes down. The new bag is plenty big and looks far less ridiculous than the Kremlin. Seriously, that bag was HUGE.

I've got an Ogio Metroid. It's got a laptop sleeve, but my 17" is too big for anything but a messenger bag. I've never ridden with it loaded completely, but I got up to 75 with it and didn't feel any problems, very comfortable. No airflow on the back, though, so your sweat isn't going to dry. Not as big as my non-laptop JanSports, but still plenty of space for books or clothes for the weekend.

Thanks, crucial. You pushed me to place the order for the Ogio No Drag -- $110 incl. shipping from motorcycle-superstore.com.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/photos/300/g21683.jpg

I loved that Timbuk2 messenger bag but the lean forward ride position of my bike made it slide around no matter how I adjusted it.

hey guys,

for these messenger bags, how exactly are they worn while on the bike?
the messenger bags i can think of would move side to side since they only have one strap right? thx, i tried to find pics but no avail

The good ones have two straps -- one over the shoulder and one that goes around your waist.

The Ogio No Drag backpack arrived while I was out of town last week. Had a chance to try it out today.

It is VERY well made and it's obvious a lot of thought went into its design, like the fact that you can only open it from the back (where it meets your back, that makes it impossible to lose stuff on the road or for thieves to unzip it). There are many compartments that help keep things well organized. The outer shell makes you look a bit like a Ninja Turtle, but no doubt it will reduce drag and provide a bit of protection for the contents. The zippers are very sturdy. There are two almost hidden compartmetns -- one for an audio device with a grommet for headphones, and another compartmetn that holds a nice hanrness for your helmet. The securing straps are fantastic -- very sturdy, lots of adjustment, and the horizontal strap works well to reduce/prevent any shifting.

My only disappointment with it is weight. The specs for this backpack on the Ogio web site claimed it weighed 1.5 pounds. I think they are being conservative. Loaded up this morning with a Thinkpad T43, AC adapter, gym shorts and shirt, iPod Shuffle, small umbrella, and two thin folders it weighs 14 pounds. That's probably OK for a short commute, but a bit more than I had hoped. I haven't taken off the tags - the jury is still out on the design and functionality versus the weight.

Great review! Keep us updated.

Alienware also makes a nice bag for laptops. Tons of pockets and other stuff. Very good pack, kind of large but I have a large laptop and it works great.

http://www.alienware.com/GearShop_Pages/Gear_Shop.aspx?CatId=1288

Yes, I'm a geek. Yes, if your a geek you know Dell bought Alienware and now they suck.. but they still sell great backpacks for computers.