Author Topic: 'Waterproof' Laptop rucksacks? (Read 1619 times)

Jonik · « **on:** August 24, 2009, 05:54:23 PM »

Hi all,

I've recently got a new macbookpro 15.4" laptop that I am required to bring in to lectures and back. So waterproof, or at least (rather) water resistant is a main thing.

Never had to move my laptop around regularly before, so am a bit clueless about what is actually a good idea or not!

Brands I've come across, but don't seem to be water-resistant are:

PAKUMA
Swissgear
Targus

Does anyone have a rucksack they would reccommend?

Thanks

Jonik

burgers4me · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2009, 05:59:32 PM »

Laptop bag wrapped in a garbage bag?
Trust the boarding house for the cheapest solutions...

Sir Sam Vimes · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2009, 06:34:11 AM »

Hm, I'd suggest you look into what companies like Helly Hansen, Dakine and such have to offer. They make equipment and clothes for the more adventurous outdoor folks, so you can expect a high price, lots of extra compartments for cameras and stuff, which might not be good if you want to also stuff your laptop into the bag, but the quality of their things is well worth the price.
I'm fairly sure they make waterproof laptop rucksacks too, because nowadays there's alot of adventurers who bring along their computers so they can update their blogs and wahtnot on the move.
Anyways, my two cents.

SeriousCallersOnly · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2009, 07:25:37 AM »

How wet are you planning on getting? If you mean just showerproof, probably the best bet is a 'dry bag' inside a regular rucksack or laptop case. A quick search threw up Exped. For more serious stuff, there's a thing called an overboard bag, which can cope with, well, falling overboard. My brother uses one of these when at work as a sailing instructor. A surf instructor I know also uses one.

TagniK'ZuR · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2009, 07:29:29 AM »

I have a 17" Targus rucksack. It actually has an attached raincoat-like-thingy that you can put over it if it's raining or whatnot (stores in a pocket at the bottom of the rucksack)

Vespasian Swiper · « **Reply #5 on:** August 26, 2009, 04:11:21 AM »

From going to uni in 'Gods Country' otherwise known as Wales I've discovered...

1. A rucksack + umbrella is a must
2. Plastic bags around laptops in bags can lead to them overheating
3. Most good laptop bags are pretty waterproof

Mine cost me £35 or so and does a very good job of keeping the water out, but just carrying a light weight umbrella round at all times keeps me and my bag far more dry, and you get envious looks from all the stupid, very, very wet students running around in the hourly downpour...

TagniK'ZuR · « **Reply #6 on:** August 26, 2009, 04:18:10 AM »

Quote from: Swiper on August 26, 2009, 04:11:21 AM

2. Plastic bags around laptops in bags can lead to them overheating

If you put your laptop in a bag/rucksack/whatever, without ensuring that it's shut-down/suspended, there is always the danger of it overheating

Jonik · « **Reply #7 on:** September 7, 2009, 06:59:21 AM »

Sorry for the lack of response, holiday time! (and I forgot about this thread!)

I don't plan on getting very wet at all, but 3 years in Cardiff has shown me that vast quantities of rain can appear at any time, and if I'm out and need to get to lectures...

An umbrella is a good idea actually... as is one of the backpacks that comes with a waterproof bag to put around it I expect. I have a laptop sheath to put around the laptop itself that is very protective, but not waterproof I think.

I agree with the thought that most good ones are pretty much waterproof - I expect it's to avoid having to pay for people having dropped their bags in pools, something I have no intention of doing!

Cheers for the help, and if there are any more that come to mind please don't hesitate to post it up

Jonik

Lord of Winter and War · « **Reply #8 on:** September 7, 2009, 08:26:19 AM »

What about a water-proof camping dry bag. Used 'em a lot while tripping and they work really well. I am sure you could find one just the size of you laptop and accessories. Or you could get one to fill the entire backpack. That'll certainly do the job. Things like these. A buddy of mine uses a small one he keeps in a back-pack as a liner.

BlackLegionaire · « **Reply #9 on:** September 16, 2009, 09:15:11 AM »

You would be best suited by goin with something that has a military application. I would suggest going to brigadeqm.com or similar sites. If i come across any at one of the many stores that carry these item i will pass it along.

Jonik · « **Reply #10 on:** September 17, 2009, 05:51:16 PM »

I went with a pakuma messenger bag (K2). It has some rather good reviews, and if it is really raining that hard I'll hold an umbrella over it! It was also only £6 on ebay

Hopefully it'll fit my laptop, otherwise I'll be purchasing a (rather) more expensive pakuma K1 messenger bag!

Cheers for the help guys.

ARMIES

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