Hi everyone! I'm a freshly minted digital nomad who is also a fan of minimalism and durability.
I plan to travel extensively (and fairly roughly) through Asia and South America in the next couple of years, working a few hours each day from my laptop/chromebook.
A couple of years ago I bought an Osprey Farpoint 40 and I'm pretty pleased with it. It will be my carry and backpack on for the foreseeable future. Now I'm looking for a small "personal item" sized bag to house my laptop, the cables and mouse, and some treats for the road/my nephew.
Here is what I require of the beast: Durable- able to survive a few years of life on the (cheap) road. Lightweight- no heavy leather or such. Not flashy- I don't want it to scream "wealthy westerner" or attract a Kardashian. Comfortable- a nice strap to secure it to my side while the Farpoint is on my back. (Edit) I'm also open to "small backpack over large backpack" or "small backpack attached to big backpack" configuration, though to me it would seem less comfortable.
These features I'm more flexible about: Convertible- would be nice if it can turn into a small backpack to take to the cafe or use as a daypack. Waterproof- I have a waterproof laptop sleeve so this doesn't have to be super waterproof. Room for something more- maybe some more chocolates for the road :-) So far I've seen a few bags that could fit, but I'm much more interested in what you good people think and recommend.
My budget ranges from the Zikee bag that costs 30$ on Amazon to upwards of 200$ ( known as the yikes! option) Thanks in advance for the help!
EDIT: I realized my original title made it seem like I was looking for a laptop and not a bag...
Addition: 'm much more a backpack guy and not a shoulder carry guy. I had to think about a laptop bag because: 1 Laptop bags always qualify as personal items, unless they are huge. 2 I don't want the limiting Big bag/small bag combination look.
I'm now thinking in two different directions: 1 Get a backpack which attaches to another backpack. In this case I got my eye on the convertible Osprey Ozone 22/50L, which has a nice, padded, detachable daypack and even wheels for comfort. However, the Ozone has received mixed reviews, with the two main complaints being : 1 It tips over very easily. 2 Some airlines won't allow it as carry on. The second option is to go with my Farpoint and a laptop briefcase. In this respect, the Topo Designs Commuter does look like it could fit the bill, having backpack straps and all so I can use it as my on-the-town backpack. I just wish it was more than OK.
I also took a look at Tom Bihn products. These things are not cheap, especially since I live overseas and will have to pay shipping and taxes on them, but they do have serious appeal. From the ones I saw, the Synapse 25 would make a great EDC but it can't be attached to my bag or carried with a shoulder strap. The Cadet model looks like it might be the right fit as a simple laptop bag with a little extra room. I really hope Tom Bihn make a laptop bag which doubles as a backpack.
Thank you for the help! Would be happy to get more suggestions.
Submitted July 08, 2017 at 05:24PM by lriemann http://ift.tt/2sZwbC8
