Commute carrying a laptop?

[He Man]

i have a kriega r25.

LOVE IT TO DEATH. it can hold life and then some.

[Labbedds]

Northface Recon

[Takster]

Northface Recon

I've got the same one...

my only issue with it is the overuse of nylon straps... they whip around a lot on the highway.

Otherwise, I don't even notice I'm wearing it most of the time, even with 10-15 pounds of stuff in it.

[jsanford]

I ride with my laptop AND gun/ammo ETC to range every Monday and just put all in backpack and net it on seat behind me-no probs. Hook Net hooks to each other under tail at rear then two more front hooks I hook to exhaust brackets-AND all this keeping my seat cowl on unscathed!  Then, when arrive, only need to undo hooks on left side of bike, slip pack out and GO! 
Did this same thing without cowl for long time in beginning, then got "brave" and since backpack is SOFT on underside and careful about hooks etc, cowl is protected and I can leave it on now. 

+1 on this (well, I don't carry ammo) bungee nets are terrific.  I carry one on both bikes 'cause you never know.

I've only used a backpack with a hard shell spine protector underneath.

[seevtsaab]

Thanks for the replies.
Got a decent laptop pack, nothing wrong with it though if I'm going to enjoy a commute on a bike I'd enjoy it more if I didn't have
a bag strapped on, tho I'd certainly do it if I needed to. Lugging a trusty old ThinkPad T42.

+1 on the padded sleeve, that would be concern 1.

I'm sure I'll give the pack a try, I'll need provisions for medium grocery stops etc as well, best case if a tail bag accomidates
the crap top.

[extra330]

I'm waiting for britishmotorcylegear.com to get the new Knox aeropacks in stock.  you can check them out at www.planet-knox.com/detail2.aspx?ID=63
Looks like a good deal.

Mike

[dutchy73]

I have the Ducati tailbag for my 696 (sorry I don't have any photos and my bike is in hibernation). Like the others have said, the tailbag has some drawbacks, the biggest being that it's in the way when you mount and dismount the bike. But its great because when you ride, you don't even know its there. I have only used it a couple times, more for overnight trips. It can hold a change of clothes with no issues and when expanded, you can get a lot of stuff in it. But the tailbag isn't meant to hold something like a laptop especially because of the weird triangle shape of it. I think that's why I lean towards backpacks and messenger bags.

For my daily commute I switch up between two bags, but mostly use a professional bike messenger bag. I work for a sportswear company and have sponsored some professional bike messengers in NYC. Since thery are the experts and rely on a hardcore bag for their livelihood, they almost all used Reload Bags out of Philly, Pac Design out of Canada, and Chrome bags. I have a Pac Design bag and it's bullet proof. Four layers of cordura and blue tarp, double & triple stitched, expandable, collapsible, water resistant and technically super smart in the way that it works. And you can also add an 'x' strap that allows you to distribute the weight across both shoulders like a backpack for heavier loads. Bottom line, it's one of my favorite bag investments and I have been using it for about 4 years now, and it still looks and works like new. I can see me having this bag around for years and years to come.

Regardless, try and always use a sleeve for your laptop to have SOME protection. But overall, I won't lie, riding with my laptop is a bit nerve racking. One good spill and my livelihood could be all over the highway...and Steve Jobs doesn't give discounts on replacement laptops.

[psycledelic]

I absolutely love my chrome messenger bag. Waterproof and it's big to hold what I need for work. Here's a link for their laptop bags, although it doesn't sound like you want this. Just another option to consider. Plus, free shipping for any order >=$100.00 through December!

http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/computer/

BIG +1
I commute from home to school to work and then back home and carry a lot of stuff (books, lunch, rain gear, etc.) and my Chrome Messenger Bag rocks!  One handed adjustments really come in handy.  Very comfortable and STAYS where you want it to.  Waterproof and has an optional laptop sleeve.  You should check them out. 

[hydra]

i've been communting with my Axio Fuse ll for 3 years now. i fit my 17" powerbook and there's plenty room for extra clothes or lunch, etc. looks smaller than it is. i don't feel any bulkiness and there are front straps that hold the bag tight to your body. plenty of lining in there to cushion your com.

they make a whole line specifically for motos.
http://www.axio-usa.com/moto.html


sorry for the large pics.
Tail Bag


tank bag


Axio Fuse ll


pramac

[J3]

I use a Ogio Merto backpack!

I have a fairly short commute, about 15 minutes, and this backpack holds a 15.4" wide screen laptop plus extras (shoes and a change of clothing, can also squeeze lunch in if needed).

Glenn

+1 Ogio Metro here too, pull the straps tight and clip chest strap and the bag is quite comfortable.  No wobbling or shifting and the material itself holds its shape well.  The LT is held in a padded pocket next to your back so the weight is nice and close to your body.

[Major Slow]

I ride with my laptop AND gun/ammo ETC to range every Monday and just put all in backpack and net it on seat behind me-no probs. Hook Net hooks to each other under tail at rear then two more front hooks I hook to exhaust brackets-AND all this keeping my seat cowl on unscathed!  Then, when arrive, only need to undo hooks on left side of bike, slip pack out and GO! 
Did this same thing without cowl for long time in beginning, then got "brave" and since backpack is SOFT on underside and careful about hooks etc, cowl is protected and I can leave it on now. 

I do the same sans  the gun/ammo but my seat cowl is a bit scratched. I commute with a standard laptop and case. 30+ miles one way. The only problem I have is it tends to be a little high and I whack it with my foot when I mount and dismount. I was a little worried about it falling off but I was reminded it is a work furnished laptop so it really doesn't matter much. No accidents in the last 2 years.