Need a Quality Laptop Bag that allows storage for a pistol

[Joey]

Just picked up a Dell Vostro 1500 notebook computer & am now looking for a high quality messenger style bag to carry the computer & assorted junk in.

It will be used on the motorcycle so if at all possible it needs to be rain tight. Also needs to be something I can throw in the bus & not worry about it along with taking it to the other job & still have books/mags/stethoscope & other assorted crap without being to big.

Would also love to be able to carry a pistol in a concealed pocket inside the bag for those times I can't CCW on my person.

What brand of bag should I take a look at?????

 

[bogie]

What could help with avoiding printing would be some stiff plates (like 0.040 aluminum?) to give the thing a form... Stitch a holster inside one of the openings.

 

[230RN]

Thrift stores.

Dozens.

 

[grimjaw]

Crumpler bags are nice but they aren't waterproof, just water "resistant." I have an older one, and it was fine for the purposes you mentioned. I don't know if I'd want to drag it through a rainstorm on a motorcycle unless I wrapped the laptop in plastic before I placed it in the bag (not a bad idea in any case). They're kind of trendy (made in .au or thereabouts), but they are a quality bag with lots of room for gear. I don't carry it to work anymore only because I don't have to bring the laptop to work. On trips I use a camera + laptop Lowepro bag.

http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=5

 

[rrruuunnn]

when i want to prevent printing, i get a plastic folder or binder and cut out squares to place in the pockets. i try to find the thicker plastic folders.

 

[ryan in maine]

Why use a messenger-style bag on a motorcycle? It doesn't sound ideal to me, personally.

Would one of these work?

The North Face Ruckus
The North Face Shifty

 

[lee n. field]

Backpack? Springfield Armory market's one (XD Gear backpack). I have no idea how good it is.

I'd be interested to see what you come up with. I haven't had super good luck with computer back packs yet.

 

[nicholst55]

Tom Bhin; they are the absolute s**t! Google them; they're online.

 

[highorder]

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/home

great gear, and a build you own bag service. hard to beat.

 

[lucky_fool]

If waterproof-ness is a major concern take a look at Ortlieb. The Sling-It is probably the most traditionally messenger-ish, but they have plenty of other styles if that one doesn't work for you.

 

[proctorflash]

http://www.duluthpack.com/sub_businessgear.aspx

I have the padded pouch which fits into the padded portfolios I have the builders portfolio. They are are very nice combo, not cheap but nice. Lots of room even in the zippered pocket for a small holster.

 

[TimM]

This is what I use - It is not water proof but it is water resistant.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/233140-REG/Kata_KT_PA_391_1_LAB_21_Laptop_Advanced_Bag.html

 

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Does anyone know of a laptop bag with concealment options that more resembles a briefcase?

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

 

[rxraptor02]

I picked up a swissgear laptop backpack at my local sams club. it was 40 dollars. It is holds all my gear well and would work well for riding a motorcycle.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=361436&pCatg=5791

 

[Dirtypacman]

I went with I believe a Tauras bag from Circuit City up here in MA.
Very nice bag last 2 years I have used it daily.

 

[whg]

My wife carries one of these BBP Hampton bags. It seems pretty bullet proof.

http://www.bbpbags.com/hamptons_collection.html

I've also been told that bags from Tom Bihn [ http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/CTGY/200 ] are pretty good. And, made in the US to boot.

Walt

 

[41magsnub]

I use a spire laptop backpack. http://www.spireusa.com/products/backpacks.htm They also make messenger bags that I assume are just as durable.

I have only carried a pistol in it once, but it did not print. I have had mine for over 10 years using it daily and if I dusted it off you would believe me if I told you it was new, it is that durable. On any given day it has a laptop, paraphernalia for the laptop, a tool kit, a leather binder for notes, random pens and pencils, a full computer tool kit, set of full size head phones, Ipod, and a CD binder with room left over. I've never used it on a motorcycle, but do use it on a MTN bike all the time.

The other benefit is it does not look like a laptop bag with a Dell logo screaming "Steal Me! Steal me!".

 

[RTFM]

In before the lock

 

[whitetiger7654]

Coronado Leather
I'm sure they have something or can make something for you.

 

[harmonic]

http://www.cwcases.com/body_cwproduct.html

 

[CWL]

Get a Targus bag. They come in all manner of styles including messinger bags.

I've been using them for 15 years in at least 10 countries, you see them everywhere and they come with a mess o' pockets.

 

[Str8Shooter]

Here's one that looks like a normal laptop bag, but has a zipper compartment with a holster:

http://www.passport-holsters.com/brfpor.html

 

[rwc]

Find a padded pouch that fits securely in your primary bag. By the correct Uncle Mike's neoprene holster (size & R/L (may be opposite of normal depending upon position in the bag, angle of draw, etc.)) for your pistol. Invert the padded pouch, stitch the holster down in 2-3 spots using heavy upholstery thread and awl (Speedy Stitchers rock!). Flip back into proper shape, and you're good to go.

I did this a few years ago with a 2nd hand waist-pack I used to carry my daughter's diapers and wipes in (a sippy cup in the exterior water-bottle sleeve made for a nice touch).

 

[Joey]

The Horizontal Brain Cell from Tom Bihn looks like one heck of a bag to keep a laptop computer in.

I've been using a old 1st generation BlackHawk Phoenix Pack as my day to day pack, but it really stands out and draws attention to itself (I work in a hospital) from the liberal sheep. Really think a messenger-style bag would have better access to the gear within and would never be noticed by the sheep I work around.

Have been looking at the http://www.timbuk2.com messenger bags & think a Horizontal Brain Cell would fit nicely inside one. Or even better possibly a http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0830 or http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0825

 

[brentn]

Targus makes good bags, I have a backpack for my laptop that I've been using for about 4 years now, has held up very well.
Tucano is an italian company that makes some real nice ones as well, more for fashion than anything.

If you want to have a handgun in your laptop bag, your not going to find a laptop bag with a holster already built into it, although you can email targus and i would LOVE to hear what they say about that
Best bet is to pick a bag you like, with enough room for a holster and have it stiched in professionally or from someone who can do just as good a job.