How can I carry a Steam Deck and a laptop (and other stuff) to uni comfortably?
So I'm currently carrying my Steam Deck and my laptop with me, alongside other items like a small textbook and a notepad with me so uni, however the deck weighs about 600g and the laptop is about 1.24 kg, and along with the other stuff it does add considerable weight to the bag.
What could I do to fix this? I'm thinking of either separating it between bags or getting a bag which can take that much weight.
60 Replies
heavy duty backpack may be the way to go. i mean, it’s how i do it but i rather enjoy having fuckhuge backpacks on my back all day
i do not recommend putting an obscene amount of weight in a messenger bag that’ll fuck your shoulders up bad
Agree, backpack. That much weight just not gonna be comfy on a shoulder bag. And the steam deck is an awkward size too, hard to find a bag that’ll fit it and a laptop without bursting
:linkThonk: what type of heavy duty backpack should i look for?
backpack
heavy duty maybe not needed but you def want two straps
idk i feel like u can just look up backpacks and pick one that you like!
I really like backpacks from Rains, but any double strap works
this is mine, it's eastpak x undercover
whenever i travel / it's my gym bag
eastpak is a good brand to look into, they do a lot of fashion collabs
sorry, should've mentioned
atm i've got with me a Kanken laptop 17"
and that's not good? sounds like it'd do what ya need it to
Definitely backpack then, ain’t no messenger bag gonna fit that
that s a big boy
But backpacks def can, if they’re big enough
it's got the Kanken Thing of having your things bulge from the bottom.
this guy?
yeah
how big is your laptop, that's what id orient the purchase around
13 inches
It's a MacBook Air
Had the same problem and getting a Jansport Main Campus was a real lifesaver
This thing is like a bottomless pit
For the steam deck and 13 incher, check out the Osprey Daylite. If you intend to carry the 17", the Nebula is also worth looking at. The only laptop backpack I've found that is more comfortable, without being mostly hideous, was a Briggs and Riley that costs like 3x as much.
Those Ospreys are only lightly gorpy, but they're still a little gorpy. If you want something more serious, the Briggs and Riley might be worth the look. It has the same lifetime warranty as their luggage, which I've heard is just about the best available
Epperson Mountaineering
Large Climb Pack - Multicolor — Epperson Mountaineering
DWR-coated 1000 denier Cordura nylon fabric 4 external YKK zip pockets Inside laptop sleeve - 15.5” Depth x 12” Width American-made, climbing-spec carabiner closure Multiple loop webbing (a.k.a. daisy chain) Military-grade tubular nylon webbing Padded, breathable contoured shoulder
🔥
it looks kinda art like tbh
£55, not too bad :linkThumbsUp:
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/tuc145900544?istCompanyId=a74d8886-5df9-4baa-b776-166b3bf9111c&istFeedId=c290d9a9-b5d6-423c-841d-2a559621874c&istItemId=qpwammxwp&istBid=t&utm_custom6=PLA&utm_source=google&utm_medium=free_listing&utm_campaign=merchant_center
Yeah they‘re pretty affordable but hold up super well
hmm :linkThonk:
i filtered by laptop size
up to 15"
anyway i've got some options so far
in terms of design in the lower half I like the JANSPORT more than the Osprey and in the higher end the Epperson more than the B&R
id recommend using some bag-in-bag and a backpack without much interior organization except for maybe a laptop pocket. the jansports are good and not too expensive. A few years back when i was in college (uni) Herschel bags were really popular and the little america or retreat are pretty decently sized, I can't attest to quality though and idk how available they are in the uk
I also forgot to say
Bonus points if the bag has YKK zippers
Not necessarily, just a nice extra
The Epperson is beautiful but the lack of waist straps would be a dealbreaker for me I think
Oh wait I didn't realize it didn't have waist straps lmao
It has little ties but given its size, I'd almost expect framing if you wanted to really get the most out of it
IMO you can live without waist straps if the main straps are good. my current backpack does have a strap I can attach between the straps (across my chest) if it's too heavy, but most of the time I carry it I have a big ass macbook and a tablet in it and don't bother using it.
will differ person to person ofc
i feel bad cause you’re asking about waist straps and my prized backpack is that big fat oakley kitchen sink but like. i cannot in good consciousness recommend you a $200 retail 10 lb (empty!!) backpack to carry a 13 in laptop and a steam deck
that would be worsening the issue not lessening it
jansport may be the way to go, idr if they come with sternum straps
Are you referring to the epperson here or the Oakley?
the oakley
i love that damn thing so much but it’s heavy as shit
(it does in fact have waist straps)
Briefcase- style laptop bag might also work
I'm also not sure about supporting the glasses monopoly lmao
I've not heard of those before :thinkies:
https://www.lttstore.com/products/backpack?_pos=5&_fid=38cdb8e57&_ss=c
Was literally designed to hold a laptop + steamdeck + other tech. My gf has one and it's pretty nice
LTTStore
Backpack
The definitive version of the LTT Backpack is now available! Featuring our updated Titanium Carabiner zipper pulls, as well as a bonded dual-layer bottom panel, this bag is purpose-built to keep your tech and accessories safe and secure. We thoughtfully designed the 22 pockets & sleeves for a wide variety of daily
wow I for some reason thought your laptop was way bigger than it is, a cross body would work just fine
messenger bag or similar
you might be hard pressed to find one that can fit anything more than just the laptop/steamdeck because the steamdeck is such an awkward and large size
so if you need to bring more, maybe stick with the backpack
Perhaps yeah
This looks ideal
https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/leather-trim-canvas-commuter-bag-3616853049225.html :thinkies:
Tbh if you want a briefcase style I would look at a “totepack”/convertible bag
That way if it starts to get uncomfortable to carry you can switch to using it as a backpack
I don't mind tbh
Choosing a backpack is hard lmao
And oh hey this is on digest :linkCool:
Hmm
How could I know if the JanSport supports the weight requirements I've got :linkThonk:
If it does then it seems like an easy choice
I‘ve had that backpack weigh 7kg at times and it held up just fine for me
Cool, thanks :linkThumbsUp:
Honestly the JanSport might just be the way to go lol
You need an internal frame and a hip belt to carry a laptop and water bottle???
I guess it's a question of whether the form fits the function. As a fashion piece, absolutely not. As a climbing pack? It's not even a question.
i was thinking just now
do i need to buy a whole new bag for this? could i perhaps try to make the bag i've got more comfortable first?
I guess more to the point, I'd feel like I was LARPing with it
Then again, not having a good hip belt is the biggest deal breaker for me, so it might be a personal thing
You say this bothers you right? You could try adding a piece of cardboard or sth at the bottom
perhaps, yeah
you are in fashion gamer chat what do you mean cosplay
as a climber, don't derail other people's threads please. I don't think Sam has any intention of climbing with this gear lol
depends
hmm... i'm trying to find some bottom padding or what to use as padding for the Kanken but i can't find anything lol
At the worst just cut out a piece from a cardboard box
i'll give that a try :linkThumbsUp: