I'm going crazy! Here's what I've tried thus far. If there's a good laptop backpack/messenger bag I need to look into please let me know. I can't comprehend Mission Works site, though I've heard their bags are good. And Baily Works, what is up with your site?!?! I can't see pics? Anyway here's the rundown.

[No panniers pls. I'm settled on a backpack/messenger bag.]

NorthFace Recon - Not tough enough.

Chrome Metropolis w/Lp sleeve - Too cool for school. That buckle is going to hit me in the face some day I know it! So much material on my back! ugh.

Chrome Fortnight - almost there - but sits low and stuff bunches up on your neck. Laptop sits on back (not technically lp backpack).

Chome Citadel - almost there too. If I could combine this with the fortnight we'd have it. Feels pinched on the neck. Those metal clasps hit my side. But do like this one. Might keep it if can't find better.

Timbuk2 Espionage - was considering a camera bag. Like to haul around laptop and camera sometimes. But in the end no.

Mobile Edge - Great backpack for the price. This was my guy back in the day. Love how many compartments there are, but want something tougher, more weather resistant.

Thule 32L - The hardcase compartment folds in, sits weird on the back.

I'm so in OCD land now. But hell, might as well take it all the way.

Stick with Chrome; after looking at everything you posted here, they will come through better.

But I gotta tell ya, you're being too picky; granted, throwing that kind of money at a pack is tough (when you can go to a box store and get a bag that LOOKS just like it for $40), but everyone can't be perfectly fit with a standard offering. YOU have to compromise to a certain extent, or have one made for you.

For me personally, Chrome's Berlin is speaking to me (I'm a big guy), but $220+ will make me wait, as my $30 messenger-style bag will suit the purpose for now, and my $30 hydration pack will do as an alternative.

Since you're prepared to spend that kind of money, you might as well check out Seagull bags. Quite a few people were claiming to love their 'black bags' when I first joined.

+1 for chrome. I have the metropolis. I put it through the ringer and is the most durable anything ive ever owned. Even doubles as a beer cooler in Guam at the beach

I have a year in with a Buran, not even a sign of wear on it. It's comfortable for relatively short hauls with the weight of a macbook pro, power supply and assorted other junk in it. If I had to lug the laptop frequently, I'd take the Kriega backpack that I have as it would distribute the weight better. The Kriega packs are equally impressively built.

I'm mostly on foot so I prefer the messenger bag so I can swing it around in front in crowded subways or if I have to sit on a bus, but for longer walking or riding with weight, two straps is what I prefer.

Aerostich makes a quality bag too, I had mine for years and finally wore out the rubber lining, but it's just one giant open pocket, no organizers in it.

Consider a bright colored inner liner if there is an option...makes seeing what is in the bag a lot easier. That's my one nag with the Chrome Buran, it's black inside.

Why wait for 'those guys' to meet your design requirement? Hire one sewn Custom for You.

I love Chrome, but just can't get a laptop situation that is good. Their only messenger bag built for laptop is the Buran and it's too puffy... it's thick you know?

The Metropolis is a monster! I'm big and that thing still felt huge!

Their backpacks - Fortnight and Citadel - don't sit right on your back. You got to pull those puppies tighter than hell to get them right - and when you do it's uncomfortable - and you got that mess of fabric or whatever it is hitting you in the neck when you ride.

I so wanted to find a Chrome bag I liked cause their built crazy tough. I also like the shockwave my Metropolis bag sent through this land of cubicles when I first ripped open that inner velcro pouch... man that must be a two foot strip of heavy duty LOUD velcro. You could fit a small farm animal in that pouch. Too much bag for me.

I'll check out the other ones mentioned here... Seagull huh?

Yup metropolis is huge, fits a case of beer with ice very nicely. Was more commenting on the durability and workmanship. One feel of it and you know it means business.

I looked at various messenger backpacks. Ended up with an Ortlieb. They are totally waterproof, rugged, fairly light, no frills at all, not way expensive. Find or improvise a pocket or pouch to go on the shoulder strap, for whatever you want to be close at hand (phone, etc). The Chrome phone pouch works.

One problem with a backpack is, if you use a helmet mirror, the pack will block the view directly rearward. You've have to play around with the location and direction of the mirror and swivel your head more.

I've been using the SealLine Urban shoulder bag for about three years now.
https://www.cascadedesigns.com/sealli...er-bag/product

It is just starting to show wear on the backing. It stays in place on my back, is large enough to accommodate a 14" laptop(thick older style) and charger. When this one bites the bullet, I won't hesitate to get another one. I cycle commuted through two winters with it without any issue or leak.

My chrome messenger was replaced by Mission Workshop's Rummy (VX/AP series) messenger. Everything else I have tried is a quality bellow. I also own an R8 Modular Field Pack which I love for non-biking activities, I prefer a messenger for biking, I havent found better.

Tried the Mission Works Shed Messenger bag. Very comfortable. Good laptop placement. Lots of room. Stitching is immaculate. But 300 dollars?! I don't think I can have a bag that's worth more than my bike.

Currently trying out two Osprey backpacks and a North Face Surge II.

Surge II wins. Good price point (90 on Amazon), tons of easy to get to pockets, lots of space, Laptop rides on the back, but I like the little roll thingy they got at the bottom of the laptop compartment. Flattens out nice when not full. Today I had: Ulock, Laptop, Jacket, full change of clothes - and it all fit very comfortably.

Not weatherproof though and doesn't look as cool as a black Chrome backpack but it works nice for me.