[FreezerGeezer]

Hi all

I'm in the market for a new laptop bag.

It needs to be tough.
My current laptop is a 15.6", so the pocket needs to be able to take that as a minimum.
It needs to have all-round padding - my current bag is deficient in this at the base.
Ideally a light colour inside - I'm sick of searching for dark coloured bits in a black bag!
Lots of smaller pockets is handy for modem, USB's, pens, external hard drive, etc.
It'd be nice, but not essential, for it to have tool pockets / a tool tray. I usually have a Fluke multimeter, selection of screwdrivers, panel key, keys, pliers, snips, small shifter, and various crimps, screws, etc. on board.
Generally I prefer a rucksack / daysack configuration.

So, who uses what, and what can you recommend please?

 

[vaultein]

Laptop sleeve and room for paperwork in back and tool storage in front. It's not perfect, but the best I've seen for computer and tools combo backpack.

 

[FreezerGeezer]

One of our apprentices has that one.

I thought it was pretty heavy to be honest, and I'm not at all sure about a hard base bashing me in the lower spine. Veto's version is tempting, but also heavy.
I haven't ruled that style out yet...

 

[vaultein]

It is a little heavier since it has the plastic bottom, but manageable. There is nice padding on the back, never have issues with the bottom touching my back, it's offset.
Again it's not perfect, but for Controls where I need my laptop plus basic hand tools, it's the best I found.
Would love to hear what other guys use.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ThePraetorian]

This Pelican bag is the best i've ever had! Been using it for two years straight without a single issue or complaint!

Check it out here!

 

[Stinkpicke]

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/tradesman-pro-organizers/tradesman-pro-tech-backpack

 

[Hvacbyday]

https://www.vetopropac.com/product/tech-pac-lt

A little on the expensive side but seems to have a place for everything i need

 

[noskilltech]

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/swissgear-scansmart-laptop-backpack/prod1790976.ip

I've had one of these now for 5 or 6 years. I carry my laptop, cables, boxes, meter and enough hand tools in it to be dangerous. Of all the mechanical rooms, closets, roofs and offices it's seen, it's held up excellent. Plus it was only $40. Last week when I was at sams club I almost grabbed a couple more since for $40 each I could just buy enough to last me the rest of my career and have something that works just fine. I can see why some techs want to carry every friggin tool they own in their backpack so they don't have to run back to their van, but seriously guys, why put the strain on your back carrying all that crap around? If you can't get it done with an 11-1, strippers, pocket screwdriver, meter, adjustable wrench and a head lamp, then go back to your vehicle and get a tool bucket to do your job. Don't carry more than you need just to check something out.

 

[bigguy158]

+1 on the Klein. Lifetime warranty

 

[FreezerGeezer]

Thanks guys, keep them coming!

All good options so far I think. Veto are very popular around here, although like the Milwaukee the laptop bag seems pretty heavy empty.

I like the look of the Pelican.

A few of my friends have the Swiss Gear bag, they do seem pretty good quality at the price.

Noskilltech, I agree with you absolutely. Until such time as my Ultimate Tool Carrying System becomes a scientific reality, anyway.

Currently I'm also trying to reduce what I carry, which is:

Laptop & accessories (mouse, leads, power supply, etc.)
Backup phone battery
A4 notepad
External hard drive
4G modem, for when my phone can't cut the mustard.
Pen, pencil, a few other stationery items.
Glass wipes
Penicillin tablets
10m Cat5 patch lead
3m as above, sometimes a 1m as well - I hate having a messy workspace.
A few USB memory sticks
3 tobacco tin sized bit boxes with a selection of terminal crimps, screws, wire nuts, BP connectors (single / double screw wire terminals), some 1/4" bits & a Teng 8mm / 1/4" ratchet combo spanner.
Glasses
A torch and / or a head torch.
A Fluke bag with the following:
Fluke 117 DMM
1000V bit screwdriver & bits - unfortunately only std. length bits fit in the handle compartment.
1000V 3.5mm flat blade screwdriver
1000V 0 Phillips screwdriver
1000V fine tip pliers
1000V 8" side cutters
6" shifter (adjustable spanner)
penknife style allen key set
2 sets of lead clamp terminals for the Fluke DMM
a pair of wire clamps
a length of wire
a magnetic tipped wire link - great bit of kit when terminals are ferrous metal & holes are large enough.
4-way panel key
wire sheath cutter / telecom terminal push tool
roll of insulation tape
EOL resistors
Multi purpose snips - not 1000V rated, but more precise than the side cutters.
Fresnel lens

 

[tbarnard83]

I run a Dell Precision M6800 17" Laptop. I have an Everki Titan laptop bag. Lifetime warranty and one of the only bags on the market big enough for a 17" laptop.

https://www.everki.com/products1/18...-4-laptop-bags/titan-checkpoint-friendly-laptop-backpack-fits-up-to-18-4-detail

They also make briefcase style bags. I have had this bag for over 3 years, never a problem, not one blown zipper or loose thread. Has been a great bag.

 

[DaveCR]

I use a Klein back pack.
It was bought as a tool bag, but I didn't care for it in that capacity.

 

[IamSpartacus]

I bought a 5.11 laptop bag, I carry all my laptop items in it and i just put the tools I need in the side pocket. I usually only need 10 tools when I am doing my job and it works great.

 

[incontrol]

I found this old posting and just wanted to add an idea. When my most-awesome favorite computer bag was giving out I took it to a local guy that makes canvas boat covers and he repaired and reinforced it for $10

 

[kontrolphreak]

I went away from backpacks when I was asked "you looking for your gym class?" by the company secretary. Use laptop/messenger/range bags from Maxpedition, pricey but very well made and lots of compartments to organize all my cables, converters, tools, testers, ohh and the laptop.

kontrol out

 

[Knife Switch]

I went away from backpacks when I was asked "you looking for your gym class?"
kontrol out

lol I still think they're worth it when you climb onto a ladder and the damn thing doesn't swing to the side and nearly send you tumbling

 

[kontrolphreak]

I didn't want to admit it but the gym class question was ended with "little boy".

I messenger bag cross body that weighs around 20 pounds ain't swinging anywhere.

kontrol out

 

[coyote33]

I second the Pelican

 

[automated11]

I currently use a Dell 3520 and a Kensington Laptop Backpack then a leather Klein tool pouch for the necessities

 

[crab master]

Well as to the gym and depending on what she looked like, answer maybe should've been "Depends, what gym do you go to?" If she named a place..."Oh, yeah my grandma goes there too!" LOL