<p>We have a 14" laptop that my son will be taking to robotic tournaments and probably to and from HS for meetings. Right now it’s in a small, cheap laptop bag but it barely fits and he can’t put much else in it. I’ve bought my older kids Timbuktu bags when they started college and they liked them, but am not sure if that’s the way to go with younger son. I like how the backpacks look less likely to hold expensive (i.e. steal-able) stuff. Suggestions on bags, messenger or backpack? He would also need room for a few other things, like a notebook and small electronics.</p>
<p>My S carries his laptop in his backpack along with a book or two and a lunch bag/box. On trips, he also carries some toiletries. He rides his bicycle and he finds the backpack far more convenient. He’s had the same one through college. I believe he chose one that was waterproof or at least water-resistant. I can’t remember the make.</p>
<p>My kid has a backpack into which she puts a laptop sleeve that is padded with memory foam. The laptop can sit in the sleeve during use. I’ve had good luck ordering from ebags for reduced prices.</p>
<p>I like North Face backpacks- my older daughter only recently stopped using the one I used when I was attending community college when pregnant with her sister ( who is now 19)</p>
<p>THe younger sister- " borrowed" my TNF backpack when she went to India recently and wouldn’t give it back, so it gave me an opportunity to get a new one, but I ended up with the same style.
[The</a> North Face Recon Pack at REI.com](<a href=“http://www.rei.com/product/770396]The”>http://www.rei.com/product/770396)
The latchable laptop compartment can also be used to hold a water bladder.</p>
<p>The college students seem to be going more to the messenger bags, but I personally prefer a backpack because I think it is easier on your back and more convenient. Your son should probably try out both (with a load) and see what works. Our company gives us Swiss Army (or some such similar brand) backpacks with tons of pockets and compartments. I love it.</p>
<p>I’d go for the backpack for a student. It’s so much easier! Just make sure it’s big enough for the laptop. My son attaches an oversized battery to his laptop and not all the bags work. (Might not be a problem for non computer geeks.)</p>
<p>Mathmom, the oversized battery is one of the extra’s that he needs room for! This would be a Christmas present so I can’t have him try them out, but for the last few years I’ve been asking him if he wanted to switch to a messenger bag for school and every year he has declined so I’m thinking we should stick to the backpack. His current school backpack is just a little small for laptop and I would have to buy a sleeve for it too.</p>
<p>I second the poster who recommended getting a neoprene laptop sleeve that can be used inside a backpack or messenger bag. My kids have those and it adds another layer of protection or can be used alone when, for example, the laptop is stuffed in a larger carry on bag for air travel</p>
<p>I really like this company:
[Laptop</a> Bags - MacBook Sleeves & Cases - Brenthaven](<a href=“http://www.brenthaven.com/index.htm]Laptop”>http://www.brenthaven.com/index.htm)</p>
<p>Although they used to make soft luggage as well, Brenthaven now specializes almost exclusively in laptop bags. Excellent quality.</p>
<p>Swiss Army is probable SwissGear. Our kids both use SwissGear backpacks as do I. My SwissGear backpack is made specifically for my laptop (they do that for Apple notebooks). Swissgear is a known for their computer backpacks so those in the know will know that there’s a laptop inside.</p>
<p>Timbuk 2 makes excellent messenger bags designed around laptops.</p>
<p>Their slogan is ‘Built Touch as Heck to Outlast you’</p>
<p>They’re more on the expensive side (or maybe it just feels that way cause I’m in college), but I’ve had mine since Freshman year of high school (now a Junior in College) and it’s still going strong. You can also design your own so it’ll fit everything you need and have a unique look.</p>
<p>My sister has had a Northface backpack that has lasted just as long. So I can vouch for that too.</p>
<p>AU - please see my OP, the Timbuktu is what I got my older kids when they started College, so I am familiar with them.</p>
<p>BCEagle, thanks for the note about swissgear being a sort of red flag for, “there’s a computer inside”. My son is very responsible with his stuff but I kind of like the idea of it being more incognito. </p>
<p>I’ve bought the neoprene sleeve before for my daughter’s laptop but would prefer to have one built in because I know that it would be one more annoying step for son to get to the laptop. </p>
<p>Will look into Brenthaven, Greta, I’ve never heard of that company before.</p>
<p>[The</a> North Face Surge - Shop Now - Free Returns, User Reviews - eBags](<a href=“http://www.ebags.com/the_north_face/surge/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=109317]The”>http://www.ebags.com/the_north_face/surge/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=109317)
^our kids have this one–The North Face Surge. The laptop section is very well padded.</p>
<p>They usually use a messenger bag when they don’t have to lug around a lot of stuff. When they need more room or it’s very rainy/snowy outside, they’ll use the backpack.</p>
<p>One college kiddo uses a North Face backpack, which may be the one referenced above. The nice thing about this pack is that the computer section is suspended within the bag, so if it gets set down hard on it’s bottom, the computer is not going to take a direct hit. We spent a goodly amount of time at the local REI before finally deciding this bag seemed the most protective.</p>
<p>Other kiddo prefers a messenger bag for local hauling, but is much more thoughtful about treatment of contents. Backpack kiddo? Needs all the padding possible!</p>
<p>DD has a messenger bag. Just was complaining on the phone yesterday that one shoulder get sore when carrying laptop across campus. Of course, the backpack wasn’t stylish enough for her. DS has the backpack. Much better for the back.</p>
<p>FWIW mathson had a SwissGear backpack which was big enough for laptop with battery, but the shoulder pads wore out after a year and a half. I tried to get him a Jansport bag, on the theory that it might be better made and has a guarantee, but the largest one wasn’t big enough.</p>
<p>My son has a Swiss Army/Swiss Gear backpack that has a built in laptop section, complete with padding.</p>