This article is more than 1 year old
Carry On Computing: Ten stylish laptop bags for him
A touch of class for tech travellers
STM Sequel Shoulder Bag
In Australia, there are times when it feels like "just you" have been targeted with twenty buckets of monsoon rain. It’s on such occasions that Aussie bag maker STM seems like a safe bet for holdalls that cope with all weather conditions – wet or dry. What strikes you first about the Sequel, is just how little it weighs. It really does make light work of lugging a laptop and yet it’s tough, too.
It can also can expand to take cables, chargers and all daily gear to pack in. It’s made from water resistant polyester has a reinforced base and self-repairing YKK zippers. The main flap can be secured one-handed with a single click-and-go brushed aluminium buckle.
Inside, the laptop compartment is lined with soft nylex and high-density foam for protection, with a separate dedicated tablet slip pocket. On the outside, there’s a quick grab handle a rear document pocket and luggage pass through to secure the bag to the handle of a wheeled suitcase. There's also a reflective light loop for safety in the dark.
The non-slip shoulder pad is very comfy even with heavy loads and the strap can be adjusted to carry cross body or over the shoulder. Available in olive green, graphite or red – it’s versatile, light and affordable.
Thule Enroute Strut Daypack
This Swedish brand is familiar to motorists in need of roof rack boxes. Yet, Thule is getting a name for itself for quality laptop backpacks, and it is confident enough to offer a whopping 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee. And yes, many backpacks in the past suffered a design flaw in everything falling to the bottom but the latest engineered bags have been designed to minimise this problem.
Don’t expect fashion ruling style – this is a backpack, but the innovative interior is worth noting. This structured design in light nylon has a padded, top load sleeve for a laptop, plus padded slip for a tablet. Extra organisational pockets, and main area for gym or other kit. The crush-proof SafeZone section is for fragile gear like sunglasses and phone, while a front stash pocket and side pockets store small items and a water bottle easily. Padded straps make it easy on the back and sweaty-clothes are avoided due to airflow channels to dissipate the heat.
It comes with stand out reflective bars for safe night rides – as for colour, play it safe in Shadow Grey, or more excitable types can opt for Corsair Blue. If you’re in it for the long haul, then that quarter of a century warranty is worth keeping in mind. ®
Size and weight H46 x W34.3 x D20.1cm, 0.71kg
More info Thule available from John Lewis and Argos and others
®
Biting the hand that feeds IT
