Booq is one of those companies that, time and again, serves up bags, backpacks and sleeves that impress with both their design and their features. The new Booq Cobra pack is no exception. At $295 it is a pricey backpack but it promises to hold a ton of gear and serve you for years to come.
We were using a generic LL Bean backpack as a diaper bag, but when sent the Case Logic Berkeley Plus to review, we switched to it as our main backpack and never looked back. This is a backpack meant for a 15.6″ laptop, but we found it does an amazing job holding kiddo stuff PLUS delicate electronics; it’s only $59.99.
When was the last time you had a truly indestructible, multipurpose bag? Enter King Kong Apparel, who is building gym bags that will last a generation. That’s right, 25 years. King Kong Apparel’s bags are so tough that they are guaranteed for 25 years. Check out their Kickstarter campaign to pledge your support and grab a 15-30% discount.
I was thrilled when Think Tank Photo introduced their ‘My 2nd Brain’ line of bags. I love the company’s camera bags and really like the way their have applied their expertise to laptop and tablet bags. The first offerings in the line were North/South bags while their new Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain Briefcase takes the more familiar East/West approach.
It’s easy to find structured, businesslike leather laptop bags, but when you want something a bit more casual and feminine — yet still made of leather and stylish — options become limited. That’s why it was love at first site when I found TravelTeq Mirjam Leather Shopper, a handmade brown leather laptop bag that can double as an everyday tote.
Apple released new MacBook Airs with a faster processor that are 100 bucks cheaper. If you are planning to pick one up may we suggest you consider spending the $100 you save on one a Waterfield Outback Solo for MacBook Air. With room for an Air, iPhone and wallet it’s a minimalist way to carry and protect your precious gear.
Waterfield Design’s Rough Rider Leather Messenger was announced late this winter. It is a beautiful, rugged bag that promises to only get better with time. Now they have announced a 15″ version of the bag. At just $20 more than the 13″ version, it offers the same great looks and features. Check out our video look at the RR 13″.
STM Bags offers an impressive array of different bags and cases to help protect your gear. One of their newest products is the STM Bags Drifter Laptop Backpack. I’ve been using it on and off for a couple of weeks, and I am impressed. Don’t let its relaxed, casual looks fool you, this is a serious laptop backpack!
Just in time for spring, HEX just announced the release of their new Hayward Collection. This new line of bags, cases and carry-alls includes 15 different pieces. Available at a variety of price-points, the Hayward Collection takes the style and design for which HEX is known, and uses a spring color palette to bring it to life.
Bluelounge does a great job of creating innovative products that are both useful and impressive; their line of bags is no exception. The Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack is made from post-consumer PET plastic bottles. In the hands of Bluelounge waste becomes a practical and unusual backpack for under $160. Here’s a look…
We always love it when Waterfield Designs, one of our favorite bag companies, delivers something new. The Rough Rider Messenger Bag is just that. Made form thick gorgeous leather it is an instant classic. We’ve got a first look at it on camera, and we bet you’ll be as impressed with it as we are.
The Lowepro Video Fastpack line of camera backpacks is the workhorse of camera backpacks. I was impressed by the 150 AW and use my 250AW constantly. The Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 350 AW is the largest backpack in the line. Not much to look at, it has great features and holds a ton. Best of all it is under $150.
If you are in the market for a new messenger bag, you might want to check out the booq Boa Nerve graphite messenger. This $155 bag is designed to look great but, more importantly, protect your gear and get the job done whether you are a bike messenger or not. Order now, and it ships March 1.
Our friends at Skooba Design and Saddlebck Leather both go the extra mile to create bags that last and last. Creating durable, long-lasting products isn’t necessarily great for business since it cuts down on repeat and replacement purchases. Knockoffs however, that’s where the real money is. In this video Saddleback Leather shows you how to get started.
I’m pretty jaded when it comes to laptop bags, and it’s with good reason; I’ve been writing reviews for well over 13 years, and in that time I have seen and tried everything from the completely utilitarian to the somewhat sublime. So you’ll understand my surprise that the new Travelteq Lauren was able to stop me in my tracks …
Everyone needs a gear bag of some size, shape or form. Whether traveling or at work, the multitude of mobile and computing devices require a way to drag them around. Ogio has proven to be a leader in quality and design and have continued to expand their offerings at CES. Four new collections of bags should suit most anyone’s style.
I’m a fan of booq’s various bag offerings and love it when they announce a new product. The upcoming booq Boa nerve graphite is a slightly new take on a familiar and highly functional messenger bag. The $149.95 bag fits up to a 15″ laptop, has all of booq’s quality and ships later this month.
The day the new Waterfield Staad backpack was announced, Dan and I placed our orders. Yesterday I received my Stout Staad in black on black; Dan had received his Stout in brown on black the day before. Does the Staad live up to our expectations? It’s too soon for a full review, but we thought you’d enjoy some initial impressions.
Travelteq makes excellent laptop bags, iPhone and iPad cases, and travel clothing; I own their Mirjam leather shopper bag, and I like it so much that I often carry it as a purse even when I’m not toting my laptop. Their accessories are top-notch, and the current collection is 20% off with the code fall2013.
I’m so picky about my backpacks, that for the longest I didn’t carry one. I had finally found one I liked well enough, but it’s not the one. I had just about admitted defeat and given up on backpacks, but now there’s no need. Say hello to the Staad, Waterfield’s perfect backpack available in two sizes and multiple color combinations.
Have you been looking for a tote that could work as a purse but also function as a stylish gear bag? If so, the Oberon Design Everyday Tote may be perfect! I received mine just before our vacation, and it soon became a favorite. At $195, it is not inexpensive, but it is well made and should last for years. The Everyday Tote is composed of bench crafted waxed canvas and leather; it measures approximately 12” tall x 17.5” wide x 6.5” deep, and it weighs 1.75 pounds empty. The majority of the bag is waxed canvas, which I have learned…