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Brenthaven: The best computer backpack I've ever seen

by David Winograd Nov 8th 2009 at 5:00PM

The TUAW gang have been searching for great holiday gift ideas and I think I've found one that's been right under my nose for five years.

When I bought my brand new PowerBook G4 17" in 2004, I splurged and bought a Brenthaven backpack for it. Back then it cost a good deal more than the usual backpack -- around $75 -- but I thought it would be worth it since I lugged around my PowerBook nearly every day and it looked like the Brenthaven provided better padding than the competition.

Since then, the backpack has housed a succession of three 17" PowerBooks and MacBook Pros under very heavy use. The amazing part is that outside of being a bit dusty, it's in just as good shape as the day I bought it. No frayed stitching, no stuck zippers, no torn dividers. There is no sign of wear and/or tear whatsoever. And if there was, or ever will be, all Brenthaven bags come with a lifetime warranty.
The backpack is wonderfully designed for protection, storage, and utility. Being made of ballistic nylon it's nearly indestructible, but the design is what really sells it for me. The main section that holds the computer contains a sleeve, attached to the bag by velcro, that's extremely well padded and can be used outside of the bag if you wish. There are three file dividers, and six pockets to hold most anything. In front of that is another compartment with two large netted pockets, pen holders, and another four more pockets of varying size. Between these compartments is a deep open pocket to let you store and retrieve items quickly.

On the front are three more zippered compartments. One on top is small but quite deep, the second covers the front of the backpack vertically, and the third is on the bottom where you can store power supplies and cables.

All of the pockets and compartments are more capacious than they seem. I've often been surprised at just how much stuff I can fit into the bag.

The backpack is perfectly weighted and quite comfortable to carry for long periods of time which is important to me since my back has seen better days.

The picture in this post is of my bag, which I'm sure is discontinued, but can still be found at Amazon.com. The current line of Brenthaven backpacks are designed a bit differently and can get very expensive, with one as high as US $149.99! But if you are looking to buy one MacBook/Pro backpack for the rest of your life, or want to gift a friend with maybe not the fanciest looking, but by far the finest crafted backpack I've ever used, look no further.

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The TUAW gang have been searching for great holiday gift ideas and I think I've found one that's been right under my nose for five years....
 

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Jane

i really like this bag. i am torn between this one and
http://www.computerbackpackandbag.com/p87-DELUXE-BACKPACK.html
that one....i can't decide!

June 21 2010 at 5:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Adam

A computer backpack as the protector of your computer, should be of the utmost quality. I cannot imagine having my computer damaged due to a sub-par backpack.

To meet my needs I have been using Codi's Sling Pack computer backpack . I really enjoy the sling style combined with the protection offered to my laptop and mobile accessories.

April 06 2010 at 2:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lindan

Hi -

It sounds like everyone here is either owns a Brenthaven, or are not sure if they'd ever like to own a Brenthaven. =) Good thing is we are currently hosting a competition on our Facebook page for any person to win a FREE Brenthaven bag!! Details on our facebook page. Good luck everyone!!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3123208&id=62902363863#/pages/Brenthaven/62902363863

January 10 2010 at 11:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
brenthaven news

Hi Everyone -

Sounds like people here either already own Brenthaven bags and LOVE them - or you're not sure if our bags are stylish enough. =) Well, it's your chance to find out!! We are currently hosting a competition on our Facebook page for any person to win a FREE Brenthaven case! All you have to do is post a picture on our wall of your favorite Brenthaven bag in some kind of creative way. If you don't own any of our bags - we suggest photoshop =). Contact me for details if needed!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3123208&id=62902363863#/pages/Brenthaven/62902363863

January 10 2010 at 11:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Collin

I've owned one of these Brenthaven bags for years, and it is absolutely fantastic. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

November 11 2009 at 2:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DiaboliK

crumpler bags are way nicer in style.

November 10 2009 at 7:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tom metge

I've been using a Swiss Gear (Wenger) backback for more than 2 years now and I can echo your comments- it is, hands down, the best backpack that has ever housed any of my machines. It is a worthy home for my MacBook. There's absolutely no sign of wear- which is utterly remarkable, given that I've worn out (torn to shreds!) every other backpack I've used. None, beyond the Swiss Gear bag, have lasted more than a few months.

I would be remiss if I didn't link to it:

http://www.wengerna.com/maxxumm-ga-7303-06

November 10 2009 at 10:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jonathan

I've never encountered a computer bag better than a Brenthaven. Since my first slip bag, I've gone on to by a backpack and Switch messenger bag. These things are seriously worth the money AND now they're eco-smart!

November 09 2009 at 9:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lorin Rivers

I've had a Brenthaven for many years now, it's truly an amazing bag. It's like a magic bag, there's so much room inside it's like there's some trans-dimensional storage happening. I use the heck out of mine, commuting on bicycle, motorcycle and car. After all these years, the velcro's getting a little tired that holds the sleeve in, but that's a minor quibble.

Not a ton of style, but heaps of function.

November 09 2009 at 2:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
clint Johnson

I bought a swissgear backpack back when i bought the rev 1 macbook pro. When i upgraded to the 17 inch i bought another one to fit it. They look good and are top quality. It's lasted me two years and still going strong.

November 09 2009 at 2:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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