The best computer bag I’ve owned: STM Journey

July 23, 2008 By

It has rolled over the sands of Israel. Kept my computer dry in the middle of a New York downpour. Been dragged through more than three miles of the snows and mud of Davos, Switzerland. Held my laptop and a loaf of bread in Paris, France. Kept my computers safe in the Red-Light District of Amsterdam, has visited many other cities and countries around the world. Been to dozens of airports and overhead bins. Its wheels have seen so many miles that they have been noticeably worn down.

It’s been dropped out of the back of a van, been kicked many times loading into planes and other places, squished by all our other camera gear at times, and suffered a lot more in cities around the world.

But there’s not a stitch missing. It is simply the best computer bag I’ve ever owned.

What is it? A STM Journey bag. Why don’t I carry a backpack or a single-strap shoulder bag?

Because I have a bad back and want to keep extra weight off of my back, especially in long walks like the one I took with Mark Zuckerberg back in January through the town of Davos.

Yes, I always look like a tourist. People ask me all the time if I’m going somewhere. I explain why I use a bag that looks like carry-on luggage. It saves my back.

Wheels are one of man’s greatest inventions and because I rarely lift my bag off of the ground I am just fine with packing it full of digital camera gear, extra batteries, and sometimes two laptops, along with tons of cell phone gear.

I love my bag and won’t easily give it up. I wish all my gear took so much abuse in stride.

What is your favorite computer bag?

Filed Under: technology industry Tagged With: bag, baggage, computer bag, STM

http://www.insidetransit.com/ allen stern

i gotta be honest here – i got a bag at seybold in 2000 in san fran and have used it since – i love it – it’s not super heavy, has loads of pockets but isn’t bigtime geeky (i have a rep with the ladies you know). It has a padded pocket for my laptop. I’ve used it all over the world and it still looks brand new. on the subway a few weeks ago, a man said “the bag looks like it held up better than the conference did”
http://www.insidetransit.com allen stern

i gotta be honest here – i got a bag at seybold in 2000 in san fran and have used it since – i love it – it’s not super heavy, has loads of pockets but isn’t bigtime geeky (i have a rep with the ladies you know). It has a padded pocket for my laptop. I’ve used it all over the world and it still looks brand new. on the subway a few weeks ago, a man said “the bag looks like it held up better than the conference did”
http://staynalive.com/ Jesse Stay

I love these types of posts from you, Robert – we all love seeing how you do the things you do. Looking for a bag myself – will have to consider this.
http://staynalive.com Jesse Stay

I love these types of posts from you, Robert – we all love seeing how you do the things you do. Looking for a bag myself – will have to consider this.
http://www.vastplanetblog.com/ Michael Vorel

I was happy to see this post as I am in constant pursuit of the ultimate bag and thought I was alone in my pursuit and appreciation. I make it a point to memorize the tumi line and with an old back injury of 2 herniated discs I prefer wheels just like you. Maybe it was the years of travel, endless tradeshow floors or countless airport I had to make a shift.

Right now I purchase a seperate bag for every gadget I buy and always look for size, function and mobility. If it can’t fit overhead or possibly under the airplane seat i have no interest. I gave up my larger screen laptop for a 2.8 pound Sony notebook so now the case options are easier. My favorite combo is a Tumi rollaboard with a soft tumi case or quality backpack as an accessory. I purchased a rolling case for shows and not happy with the styling or rolling of it. My goal is to one day design the case I want that rolls, expands and does exactly what I need based on the toys I have to carry.

I have a closet full of a variety of bags so based on what I am doing I switch them to match the trip. I fully agree, regardless of style off the shoulder is way better than carrying the load. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.vastplanetblog.com Michael Vorel

I was happy to see this post as I am in constant pursuit of the ultimate bag and thought I was alone in my pursuit and appreciation. I make it a point to memorize the tumi line and with an old back injury of 2 herniated discs I prefer wheels just like you. Maybe it was the years of travel, endless tradeshow floors or countless airport I had to make a shift.

Right now I purchase a seperate bag for every gadget I buy and always look for size, function and mobility. If it can’t fit overhead or possibly under the airplane seat i have no interest. I gave up my larger screen laptop for a 2.8 pound Sony notebook so now the case options are easier. My favorite combo is a Tumi rollaboard with a soft tumi case or quality backpack as an accessory. I purchased a rolling case for shows and not happy with the styling or rolling of it. My goal is to one day design the case I want that rolls, expands and does exactly what I need based on the toys I have to carry.

I have a closet full of a variety of bags so based on what I am doing I switch them to match the trip. I fully agree, regardless of style off the shoulder is way better than carrying the load. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.aimforawesome.com/ Vern at AimforAwesome

Great topic, as I have a bag that I’ve been amazed at for the last 6 years. I bought it in Maui at a surf shop. It’s called a “DaKine”. DaKine is Hawaiian slang (pidgeon/pigeon) for anything. One can say, “you know, dakine” and the other local can figure out exactly what he’s talking about. DaKine takes the place of anything you can’t think of during that instant. Perhaps it came about as the result of short term memory being almost non-existent among locals on the islands. Budz might be a part of that? Lol. Anyway – so I bought this bag and it was the most I EVER paid for a bag in my life. It was about $140 in 2002. I bought it because it was the most well made bag – the strongest and most padded bag I ever saw. There is padding in the pocket I keep the notebook in – on both sides. There is padding around each zippered pocket (3). There is great padding for the back and the straps have thick padding. The material used must be desert military grade because it has not ripped at all after severe use.

I have climbed Maui mountains with it probably 150 times. I always have my camera gear and notebook in the bag because I can’t risk a thief at the house – even with insurance I’d die over the loss. Here in Thailand I’ve taken the bag everywhere – every time I go outside – I have the bag. I’ve climbed a local mountain here 283 times… it’s 1,237 steps to the top. Big steps. I sweat like a fiend everytime – right into the back of the pack and the straps. I have washed this bag about 12 times over the years. That’s IT. It does not smell. It does not rip. It does not falter. This bag is incredibly strong and I will look for a photo of it… If you go to Hawaii or maybe in Calif. you might find a similar bag (newer model now I’d guess). Yikes. I just went to their site and found they have bags for everything you could imagine… Anyway – check them out. I found some bags on Amazon too. Best of Life! Vern
http://www.aimforawesome.com Vern at AimforAwesome

Great topic, as I have a bag that I’ve been amazed at for the last 6 years. I bought it in Maui at a surf shop. It’s called a “DaKine”. DaKine is Hawaiian slang (pidgeon/pigeon) for anything. One can say, “you know, dakine” and the other local can figure out exactly what he’s talking about. DaKine takes the place of anything you can’t think of during that instant. Perhaps it came about as the result of short term memory being almost non-existent among locals on the islands. Budz might be a part of that? Lol. Anyway – so I bought this bag and it was the most I EVER paid for a bag in my life. It was about $140 in 2002. I bought it because it was the most well made bag – the strongest and most padded bag I ever saw. There is padding in the pocket I keep the notebook in – on both sides. There is padding around each zippered pocket (3). There is great padding for the back and the straps have thick padding. The material used must be desert military grade because it has not ripped at all after severe use.

I have climbed Maui mountains with it probably 150 times. I always have my camera gear and notebook in the bag because I can’t risk a thief at the house – even with insurance I’d die over the loss. Here in Thailand I’ve taken the bag everywhere – every time I go outside – I have the bag. I’ve climbed a local mountain here 283 times… it’s 1,237 steps to the top. Big steps. I sweat like a fiend everytime – right into the back of the pack and the straps. I have washed this bag about 12 times over the years. That’s IT. It does not smell. It does not rip. It does not falter. This bag is incredibly strong and I will look for a photo of it… If you go to Hawaii or maybe in Calif. you might find a similar bag (newer model now I’d guess). Yikes. I just went to their site and found they have bags for everything you could imagine… Anyway – check them out. I found some bags on Amazon too. Best of Life! Vern
http://www.designdelux.com/ Mark Mitchell

my favorite laptop bag is a totally free not very fancy semi-briefcase given to me by the wonderful people at Absolut Vodka. The thing that makes it so special is it has a padded inner core. The laptop is easily accesable but also well protected.
http://www.designdelux.com Mark Mitchell

my favorite laptop bag is a totally free not very fancy semi-briefcase given to me by the wonderful people at Absolut Vodka. The thing that makes it so special is it has a padded inner core. The laptop is easily accesable but also well protected.
http://polizeros.com/ Bob Morris

eBags Firewall Laptop Brief
http://www.ebags.com/ebags/firewall_laptop_brief/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15030

Lots of well organized roomy compartments. Heavily padded, virtually indestructible. I’ve dropped it more than once hard floors with the laptop inside with no damage whatsoever. $70.

It’s a gear / laptop bag designed by geeks for geeks. Not just a padded briefcase. I’ve had mine 2 1/2 years on many plane flights and car trips and it still looks new.

Travel tip: I use plastic bags for the various cables and cords, and label the the bags with indelible markers. Makes finding stuff quickly much easier because I’m, say, looking for the bag labelled “iPod” and not for an iPod cable at the bottom of the bag intertwined with all the other cables.
http://polizeros.com Bob Morris

eBags Firewall Laptop Brief
http://www.ebags.com/ebags/firewall_laptop_brief/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15030

Lots of well organized roomy compartments. Heavily padded, virtually indestructible. I’ve dropped it more than once hard floors with the laptop inside with no damage whatsoever. $70.

It’s a gear / laptop bag designed by geeks for geeks. Not just a padded briefcase. I’ve had mine 2 1/2 years on many plane flights and car trips and it still looks new.

Travel tip: I use plastic bags for the various cables and cords, and label the the bags with indelible markers. Makes finding stuff quickly much easier because I’m, say, looking for the bag labelled “iPod” and not for an iPod cable at the bottom of the bag intertwined with all the other cables.
Dan Haley

Still using a bag I got as swag at an Allaire developer’s conference (’97 maybe?). It’s still holding up nicely, but definitely wouldn’t protect anything inside of it the way yours does. But then it only has to make the occasional trip home from work and back. Fits pretty well under a seat when it does have to travel.
Dan Haley

Still using a bag I got as swag at an Allaire developer’s conference (’97 maybe?). It’s still holding up nicely, but definitely wouldn’t protect anything inside of it the way yours does. But then it only has to make the occasional trip home from work and back. Fits pretty well under a seat when it does have to travel.
http://nathangilmer.com/ Nathan Gilmer

I use Timbuk2 bags a lot and love them. Very high quality. The Commute is the one a I carry my laptop in. Great bag.

http://www.timbuk2.com
http://nathangilmer.com/ Nathan Gilmer

I use Timbuk2 bags a lot and love them. Very high quality. The Commute is the one a I carry my laptop in. Great bag.

http://www.timbuk2.com
Audun Kjelstrup

I love my bag from http://www.moolight.com. It’s a shoulderbag, with real leather, hand made. It’s been with me every where since I got it two years ago, but the leaher makes it age with grace
Audun Kjelstrup

I love my bag from http://www.moolight.com. It’s a shoulderbag, with real leather, hand made. It’s been with me every where since I got it two years ago, but the leaher makes it age with grace
Jeroen

I just love my Eastpak Egghead (great name too)

I do have to carry it around, but it has padded storage for a laptop and tons and tons of extra pockets zippers and such. Also: it doesn’t immediately look like there is a laptop in there, which helps when traveling a lot.

http://www.eastpak.com (sorry, no deeplink)
Jeroen

I just love my Eastpak Egghead (great name too)

I do have to carry it around, but it has padded storage for a laptop and tons and tons of extra pockets zippers and such. Also: it doesn’t immediately look like there is a laptop in there, which helps when traveling a lot.

http://www.eastpak.com (sorry, no deeplink)
Keith

“Tourist” was not the first word that came to mind for me
Keith

“Tourist” was not the first word that came to mind for me
http://www.simonrobic.com/ Simon Robic

And can you ALSO use it as a backpack or not at all ?
http://www.simonrobic.com Simon Robic

And can you ALSO use it as a backpack or not at all ?
http://patphelan.net Pat Phelan

Just bought one, excellent tip thanks, I usually carry a back pack and end up taking painkillers for the shoulder pain when on a long trip out.
I have bought a few different types and none of them seem to alleviate the pain so hopefully this one will suit
http://patphelan.net Pat Phelan

Just bought one, excellent tip thanks, I usually carry a back pack and end up taking painkillers for the shoulder pain when on a long trip out.
I have bought a few different types and none of them seem to alleviate the pain so hopefully this one will suit
http://karynromeis.blogspot.com/ Karyn Romeis

Mine’s a bit like yours and, like you, I have a back injury. I do get a bit annoyed in the London Underground system, though, when I have to carry it up stairs and so on – so I have to be careful not load it quite as full as you do yours. I suspect mine must be of a poorer quality than yours, though, because, there are bits of it that are showing wear.

Curious as to (a) what you were doing in the red light district and (b) why you would take your laptop there. Hmm.
http://karynromeis.blogspot.com Karyn Romeis

Mine’s a bit like yours and, like you, I have a back injury. I do get a bit annoyed in the London Underground system, though, when I have to carry it up stairs and so on – so I have to be careful not load it quite as full as you do yours. I suspect mine must be of a poorer quality than yours, though, because, there are bits of it that are showing wear.

Curious as to (a) what you were doing in the red light district and (b) why you would take your laptop there. Hmm.
http://www.sigmaman.com/ Mitch Featherston

Sounds like a good, reliable bag. Thanks, Robert!!
http://www.sigmaman.com Mitch Featherston

Sounds like a good, reliable bag. Thanks, Robert!!
http://www.geoffon.com/ Geoff Smith

The muji canvas laptop bag. You can’t really tell it’s for laptops, so you’re much less likely to get mugged! It has kept my kit safe through the worst(ish) of east and south London
http://www.geoffon.com Geoff Smith

The muji canvas laptop bag. You can’t really tell it’s for laptops, so you’re much less likely to get mugged! It has kept my kit safe through the worst(ish) of east and south London
http://www.myITforum.com/ Rod Trent

Best bag ever: http://www.myitforum.com/myITWiki/MMS2005Bag.ashx
http://www.myITforum.com Rod Trent

Best bag ever: http://www.myitforum.com/myITWiki/MMS2005Bag.ashx
botchagalupe

I love this bag…

No Country for Old IT Guys
botchagalupe

I love this bag…

No Country for Old IT Guys
http://www.beilabs.com/ Jonathan

I was given a Chinese Mao bag on my 25th birthday by my friend. With the slogan “For the people” and the fact that it holds my 13″ Dell M1330 laptop perfectly, I think it’s simply awesome. I’ve had quite a few offers from Chinese people looking to buy it too….
http://www.beilabs.com Jonathan

I was given a Chinese Mao bag on my 25th birthday by my friend. With the slogan “For the people” and the fact that it holds my 13″ Dell M1330 laptop perfectly, I think it’s simply awesome. I’ve had quite a few offers from Chinese people looking to buy it too….
http://galaxyspectrum.com/ Public Relations

We actually purchases several versatile computer bags for our employees.

They have three uses. They can be easily modified to become shoulder bags or backpacks or journey bags.

They are made out of very tough, weather proof black vinyl and have a professional appearance enabling Executives to feel comfortable carrying them around
http://galaxyspectrum.com/ Public Relations

We actually purchases several versatile computer bags for our employees.

They have three uses. They can be easily modified to become shoulder bags or backpacks or journey bags.

They are made out of very tough, weather proof black vinyl and have a professional appearance enabling Executives to feel comfortable carrying them around
Shirley

I have tried many, many computer bags, it borders on obsession! The best, by far, is a computer backpack I got as a “thanks” award from IBM, where I work. It is designed well for carrying a laptop or two, books, lunch, workout clothes etc; also exterior mesh pockets that are actually big enough for a commuter mug and a water bottle; shoulder straps spaced well for carrying on your shoulders; compression straps for when it’s not packed full. Padding on the back, ergonomically shaped. Need I go on? Also, it’s the only bag I have that I can fit my T61P in, which is very wide.

It has a little IBM logo on it, but I can live with that
http://scobleizer.com/ Robert Scoble

Karyn: we were walking home after a conference in Amsterdam. I carry my laptop pretty much everywhere.
Shirley

I have tried many, many computer bags, it borders on obsession! The best, by far, is a computer backpack I got as a “thanks” award from IBM, where I work. It is designed well for carrying a laptop or two, books, lunch, workout clothes etc; also exterior mesh pockets that are actually big enough for a commuter mug and a water bottle; shoulder straps spaced well for carrying on your shoulders; compression straps for when it’s not packed full. Padding on the back, ergonomically shaped. Need I go on? Also, it’s the only bag I have that I can fit my T61P in, which is very wide.

It has a little IBM logo on it, but I can live with that
http://scobleizer.com/ Robert Scoble

Karyn: we were walking home after a conference in Amsterdam. I carry my laptop pretty much everywhere.
http://www.paxstereo.tv/ Mario Hemsley

Thank you ,Robert. I am off to buy one. My back is bad too! Thanks!
http://www.paxstereo.tv Mario Hemsley

Thank you ,Robert. I am off to buy one. My back is bad too! Thanks!
http://www.paxstereo.tv/ Mario Hemsley

Just ordered mine online from Radtech.us. Here is the info if anyone wants it. There were only a few retailers taking online orders (via Yahoo Shopping):

Items Purchased
————————————————————
Luggage: Roller Bag STM Journey up to 17″ Widescreen Color: Charcoal+Black+Red
Quantity: 1 Unit Price: $134.95 Ext. Price: $134.95
————————————————————

Subtotal: $134.95
Shipping: $24.58
Tax: $0.00
——————–
Total: $159.53
http://www.paxstereo.tv Mario Hemsley

Just ordered mine online from Radtech.us. Here is the info if anyone wants it. There were only a few retailers taking online orders (via Yahoo Shopping):

Items Purchased
————————————————————
Luggage: Roller Bag STM Journey up to 17″ Widescreen Color: Charcoal+Black+Red
Quantity: 1 Unit Price: $134.95 Ext. Price: $134.95
————————————————————

Subtotal: $134.95
Shipping: $24.58
Tax: $0.00
——————–
Total: $159.53
Adm Smith

Brenthaven. rugged, stylish, very useful for other things besides my laptop. Mine has been around the world and to the top of mountains.

http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-fusion-iii-mb.html

and it’s made in Bellingham Washington!
Adm Smith

Brenthaven. rugged, stylish, very useful for other things besides my laptop. Mine has been around the world and to the top of mountains.

http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-fusion-iii-mb.html

and it’s made in Bellingham Washington!

The best computer bag I’ve owned: STM Journey

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