At my last job, I had a laptop for 2 years but I rarely ever took it off my desk. Totally not the case at FeedBurner. Here everyone takes their laptops home and works (or at least checks in) every night and in the mornings before going into the office. We’re also assigned support days on the weekend, so gotta have that laptop with me. I’m getting more used to it now, and more used to a startup atmosphere, but at first it was rough! Since I was 16 years old I’ve worked for huge companies with lots of money and offices all over the United States, if not the world. It was quite an adjustment.
Anyway, what I meant to be writing about here is my MacBook Pro laptop. And carrying it around. Remember, I also got my iBook around 8 months ago (note to self: get Applecare), 
and have been lugging that around so that I can work on Chicagoist and rachelleb.com where ever I am. The need for a comfortable laptop bag became critical to me. And one that I could put either laptop in, that would protect the computer, and that would not make my back ache!
Up until a few weeks ago I was using a sporty Adidas backpack. While this bag was comfortable, it always looked like I was going to the gym and it didn’t provide any protection for a laptop. It just sort of bounced around in there with my lunch and shoes and whatever else I was carrying.
I ordered this WaterField bag because I loved how it looked, but when I carried on the bus to the gym and then walked a mile and a half home from the gym it was killing my back. I need to be able to carry a bag for seriously like 45 minutes and not have problems. So I returned the WaterField bag and then I did some more research, decided I wasn’t going to get away from a backpack, but that I could at least get one that looks more professional. I ended up with the Hayes Day Pack by Timbuk2 in black. These are the things I like about the Timbuk2 backpack:
- The bag stands up on it’s own so I don’t have to worry about it sliding into people or down the bus aisle when the driver makes a crazy fast turn.
- My Adidas bag had these nice oversized zipper pulls made of metal. My Timbuk2 bag has pulls, but they have plastic on them, which is great because the Adidas pulls jingle-jangled a little too much for my liking.
- A seperate zippered area for my laptop. It’s cushioned like crazy so I don’t have to worry about the laptop getting damaged. This also makes it more comfortable on my back. Plus this compartment is lined with purple courderoy, which I find super cool.
-It’s big enough to hold not only my computer, but books, my lunch, gym clothes and whatever else I might need to lug around.
- The ratio of men to women at FeedBurner is about 9:1. My Timbuk2 bag is specially designed for a woman’s torso. All the guys were teasing me about what that actually means, and honestly I don’t have a clue, but the odds of someone at work getting the same bag as me are really slim!
10 responses so far ↓
1 Nan // Jun 29, 2006 at 8:14 am
I like it!
2 Traci // Jun 29, 2006 at 9:40 am
I am totally going to copy you …
3 Crissy // Jun 29, 2006 at 1:26 pm
Have you tried the Kensington Saddlebag ever? And if so, does this rate even better than that?
4 rachelle // Jun 29, 2006 at 11:07 pm
nope, never tried that bag.
5 Brian // Jul 2, 2006 at 9:14 pm
That’s a nice bag. I’m a crumpler man myself, though
6 Tina // Jul 9, 2006 at 4:59 pm
Yeah - this bag rocks! I got the Kensington Saddlebag at first - but it is NOT made for the female torso - and the top part kept jabbing me in the back of the neck - and it was just way to long for my back. This one fits like a glove.
7 Dominique Reeves // Sep 21, 2006 at 3:56 pm
Hi Rachelle,
We found your blog searching for “Hayes Daypack” online. We are creating a new link on our website that will feature testimonials about our bag and our new backpack line online. We would love to use some of your feedback on our website. How does that sounds? Let us know if you would like to be included in on this fun opportunity.
-Dominique Reeves
Customer Service
Timbuk2 Designs
http://www.timbuk2.com
8 Irene // Jan 30, 2007 at 10:17 am
I have had this Timbuk2 laptop bag for almost a year. I love it! I am a big fan of Timbuk2 bags (I have 5!!). However, I find that the accessories compartments is somewhat mis-placed. It’s situated between the laptop & the main compartments. So if you put too much stuff (pens, business cards, air-card, etc) in the accessory compartments, it “digs” into the laptop area. I am going to try the new Rumor Day pack which is also designed for women - with the accessory are in front of the main compartment. Stay tuned…
9 Irene // Jan 30, 2007 at 10:17 am
I have had this Timbuk2 laptop bag for almost a year. I love it! I am a big fan of Timbuk2 bags (I have 5!!). However, I find that the accessories compartments is somewhat mis-placed. It’s situated between the laptop & the main compartments. So if you put too much stuff (pens, business cards, air-card, etc) in the accessory compartments, it “digs” into the laptop area. I am going to try the new Rumor Day pack which is also designed for women - with the accessory are in front of the main compartment. Stay tuned…
10 Janet // Feb 12, 2007 at 2:48 pm
I have the waterfield designs vertigo bag and I love it. I wear it as a messenger bag and it has always felt comfortable. http://www.sfbags.com/products/vertigo/vertigo.htm.
While I really like Timbuk2 bags, I have a deep respect for companies like waterfield designs who continue to truly make their bags in SF. (Timbuk2 makes all but a few custom bags overseas now just like everyone else.) Waterfield designs customer service is also amazing.
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