Originally Posted by
modernjess
I have both, I used both for years, with and without a laptop. Then standard bag is more versatile all around. That one with the built in laptop thing was better for the laptop, but not as everyday useful.
But ulitmately I can't recommend either. Eventually I realized I hated having stuff on my back and shoulders. I went to rack and pannier and I've never regretted it.
Let me say this first: I love backpacks. I think they're an awesome way to carry things, and I usually have mine with me.
I used to wear a messenger bag at my hip on occasion but recently adjusted a laptop bag to fit the small of my big; it was definitely more comfortable. What I might end up doing is asking for the Topeak DXP for christmas, and I can stuff the messenger bag (or my backpack) in a pannier while I ride.
I know this will solve my sweaty back problem, BUT I have two gripes with only having a backpack. The first is the rain; on Wednesday, it was down pouring. For the most part, my stuff stayed pretty dry, but water seeped in at the bottom, and got my chem textbook and a few notebooks pretty wet at the bottom. Not a good thing if you're planning on reselling textbooks. One solution would be to get a rain cover for my backpack, which is always a possibility; however:
The second gripe is that backpacks and business clothing DO NOT MIX. I've seen plenty of people with suits and a backpack, but it just does not work! There are a few job fairs coming up where the dress code is business formal (suits), and I plan on interviewing for co-op/internship positions as well.
Anyways, has anyone used the Classic and put a laptop in there? I mean I"m sure my sleeve would add some protection, but I do really like the idea of having a separate padded compartment...
dr_bovine, I would probably throw my laptop in the main compartment if it was heavily raining outside, but definitely a good point.