There are three styles of computer bags that most people carry: backpacks, messenger and shoulder bags. While I’ve used ’em all, there are definite benefits to using a backpack – namely comfort and remaining hands free. While they might not seem as cool as a messenger or as corporate as a shoulder bag, backpacks are the choice of many discriminating mobile technologists.
Without a doubt the best notebook backpack out there is from the crazy kids at Crumpler. You may have seen the quality luggage from the Aussies at their various trade show appearances, but if you’re in the market, check out there newest jive.
Granted, the Crumpler Web site is a bit of a paradox to navigate (hint: drag the animal to the right), but if you can get past that you’ll definitely find something that you’ll fall in love with. Crumpler sells killer messengers and shoulder bags too, but today I want to take a look at a couple of their backpacks.
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There are three styles of computer bags that most people carry: backpacks, messenger and shoulder bags. While I’ve used ’em all, there are definite benefits to using a backpack – namely comfort and remaining hands free. While they might not seem as cool as a messenger or as corporate as a shoulder bag, backpacks are the choice of many discriminating mobile technologists.
Without a doubt the best notebook backpack out there is from the crazy kids at Crumpler. You may have seen the quality luggage from the Aussies at their various trade show appearances, but if you’re in the market, check out there newest jive.
Granted, the Crumpler Web site is a bit of a paradox to navigate (hint: drag the animal to the right), but if you can get past that you’ll definitely find something that you’ll fall in love with. Crumpler sells killer messengers and shoulder bags too, but today I want to take a look at a couple of their backpacks.
Pictured on the luggage belt above on left is The Sinking Barge (in brown/oatmeal/light orange – US$170) and on right is The King Single (in blue/light blue/pale blue – US$140)
The Sinking Barge is a combination laptop/camera backpack that has separate padded sleeve that fits a PowerBook/MacBook Pro 15-inch notebook quite securely and also has a lower compartment with a nicely padded area for a digital SLR camera (or camcorder), a flash and an extra lens. The cargo section will hold all your notebook accessories and there’s a good many internal zip pockets.
The best part about The Sinking Barge is it’s slingability. It’s designed so that you can remove one shoulder strap to “sling” it around and access the contents without taking it off. Add to that a lot of nice fit and finish details (water resistant 1000D nylon shell, 420D ripstop nylon lining, spine slot back pad, carry handle, chest and waist straps, D rings accessory loops, reflective strips and adjustable harness straps) and you’ve got yourself a nice backpack.
The other backpack I’m digging is The King Single (on the right) which is more of a traditional notebook backpack. This particular model is designed for a 15-inch PowerBook or MacBook Pro and it has just enough room (after accessories and such) to pack a change of clothes and some magazines too.
New for this year is a removable fully padded laptop sleeve with a six pocket organizer in the rear opening main compartment. This weekend I took out the sleeve and just used the backpack as a weekender and it was terrific. The King Single features many of the features of The Sinking Barge (above) and comes in four color combinations.
Crumpler is making some of the best bags around these days and for that they’ve earned an O’Grady’s PowerPick for 2006.
If you’re looking for a stylish ride for your MacBook, PowerBook or iBook and don’t want a bag that screams “There’s a computer inside!” you owe it to yourself to check out the latest offerings from Crumpler, they’ve got something for every taste. If you’re in New York check out their retail store in the Soho section of Manhattan.
Crumpler Bags
45 Spring St. (btw. Mott & Mulberry)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-9391
