pedalpedalpedal

I'm in the market for a new laptop-backpack - my current one isn't broken or anything, but it certainly doesn't have much room in it. I ran into the Timbuk2 Outtawhack and it seems like it's a good bag from all the reviews, but I haven't read anything about water repellency/weather-proofness or long-term durability.

Also, a problem I've found w/ my current backpack is that I can't really shoulder-check well with it, as the bag sort of blocks my view, even if I cinch the straps tight. I''m thinking the design of the Outtawhack will alleviate this to a certain extent?

Any input is helpful!

lambo_vt

Looks nice but that left corner may block your view over your left shoulder, just like a messenger bag.

It also is in no way waterproof, so stay out of the weather.

pedalpedalpedal

Damn - I was hoping it'd be weather-resistant like their messenger bags. Oh well.

How are the Seal Line Urban backpacks, likes this: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...4&category=269 ?

DHDigital

i love my banjo brothers bag. waterproof, simple, and functional

lambo_vt

I'd expect that to be basically watertight. In general anything with exposed zippers (or even shielded) is going to be at best maybe ok against a few raindrops.

Note the difference between "weather-resistant" and waterproof. I wouldn't commute through a downpour with my laptop in a weather-resistant bag.

pedalpedalpedal

I'd be using it as an all-round backpack as well, not just for on the bike. And around these parts, it's rainy for a good portion of the year.

The Seal Lines and Banjo Bros look good, although I'm concerned about the space - is it basically one large pouch?

lambo_vt

Yep, they're both basically big rubber bags with backpack straps. That's the usual tradeoff for waterproofness.

pedalpedalpedal

Yeah I thought at least they'd have interior divided compartments or something... hmm...

Any suggestions for a bag that meets my criteria?

- Waterproof (or at least good weather resistance..)
- Decent interior organization
- Spacious
- Comfortable (duh)
- Breathable for the back (not a biggie, but since I'm trying to upgrade bags why not)

DHDigital

i use the larger banjo backpack 2000 cu in. model 01152

I have my dress pants, undershirt, dress shirt, tie, boots, my bartending bag (pens, tins, muddlers, bottle openers, etc.), my sunglasses or clears with my rain jacket. I still have plenty of room, I could have gotten by with the smaller one. The top rolls closed so it is a nice size changer.

I rode in a total down pour with nothing in the bag getting wet. The exterior is a tough (yes you can wipe out on it) nylon with a reinforced, removable plastic liner. It has some spacing on the back and some shock absorption.

I was thinking about adding this:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=29784

for a divider, but I really don't carry to much paper work.

Also to note. it comes with a cell phone holder and a spot to clip an ipod on. The rear has a spot to clip on a blinkie too. For me, this is the perfect bag

no1mad 

I've got the Lg Banjo Bros. bag too. The liner is what makes it waterproof. It's removable, so if you ever puncture the liner, you can get another one w/o replacing the whole bag.

It is lacking in the organization department, but I was willing to sacrifice for the waterproofness. (One of my softcover textbooks got wet in my regular bag.) Now that I'm taking most of my classes online, it's overkill and will become my 'beater' pack.

smorris 

Check out Booq Bags. We've had three of them and have been very pleased with the quality. I don't know if they are waterproof, as I never had the backpack style. Just the Vyper sleeve and a satchel.

reddeno

I just got the large Seal Line Urban bag and it's huge. Not the most configurable of bags (one giant pit), but I find this acceptable with the addition of the organizer.

lambo_vt

I had one of these. They're nice, but again they don't even approach waterproof.

dynaryder

Had a SealLine. Loved the fact it was 100% waterproof,but hated the single compartment. Also had a couple times when I wished it had a flap so I could overstuff it. Wound up selling it and picking up a T2 Pro(no longer made). Also have one of their small mess bags. It's pretty small,but has a laptop compartment and is also totally waterproof. Also can't be overstuffed because even though it has a flap they use hooks instead of clips to secure the flap so you only have so much leeway. The material also doesn't flex well;I've found I can actually cram more stuff into a small T2 bag than the SealLine,even though the SealLine is rated about 200cui bigger. So not a huge fan of the SealLine gear.

I tried a Ortlieb Sling-it mess bag. Waterproof and decent pockets,but the flap had velcro only so once again no overstuffing,and the strap sucked. Two hands to adjust and couldn't get it as tight as I'd like. So back to REI it went.

I think for what you're looking for you'd do best by getting a decent mess bag/backpack(T2,Baileyworks,Chrome) and just adding a laptop sleeve.

lambo_vt

This is my solution.

hairlessbill

I have the regular sized Banjo Bros. backpack and I can get my laptop (Lenovo X60S) in a Tom Bihn Brain Cell into it with room for a change of clothes and some small books. I've tried carrying the same load with other backpacks (Osprey, Deuter, Dakine, MH) and messenger bags (Chrome, Baileyworks, Reload, T2, Crumpler - had them all) and nothing is as comfortable. It sits lower on the back so there is no shoulder-check issues and you don't feel the weight of the bag as much. This has become my go-to bag. I recently replaced the liner and they sent me two for the price of one ($10.00). How cool is that. It's a steal at $80.

No, I do not work for them but they do seem like a cool company.

pedalpedalpedal

Thanks for all the input - I think I will be looking into getting a Banjo Bros bag

e0richt

I just use a "generic" backpack but I found that I needed to loosen the straps so that the pack wouldn't block my sight... Its also a bit easier on your back if you carry it lower...