Need recommendations on big but light laptop backpack

[mystvearn]

Hi,

I am currently using a Targus backpack (10 years now). The model is similar to this.
Features of the backpack include:
attached rain cover
wet pocket
secret storage area
earphones etc (though I have only used this twice)

The backpack weighs about 1.3 kg. I've used this from travel to mountain hiking to camping etc (without the laptop of course).

My problem is that airplanes have started limiting their hand carry items to 7 kg. No Problems with BA, but other airlines and international flights like Emirates, this is a problem. My laptop is 2 kg, then with the backpack already 3 kg taken there. Before this 7 kg ruling, I used to hand carry 20 kg and I could get by with 3 days of clothes in the bag. If the trip is <2 days, I would just carry the backpack as I can leave the airport faster as I don't need to wait for the bag and easier to move around with. I did result in buying a Rufus Roo however, staff at Glasgow airport was not keen on my methods of transporting my PS3 Slim and laptop on each side of the jacket

Does anyone know a big, durable but light bag good for travel? It does not have to have earphones and lots of pouches. It only needs to have 1 laptop compartment and a small compartment for other stuff like passport. I can jam pack the clothes in the other compartments. The problem with laptop bags is that the more fancy it is the heavier it becomes. Fancy in terms of pockets also limits the usefulness of cramming clothes in there. On international business trips, I will bring one pair of clothes hand carry (in case my check in bag does not arrive). I will still use the targus for other outdoor activities, I don't see anyway a fancy laptop can be light.

So far, I've found this from Targus
It is light at 0.4 kg, has a huge storage space, however is slight flimsy on the fitting as described.

Any ideas?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I use a Wenger and I find it to be bullet proof, light weight but extremely well built and stands on it's own.

Maxxum Computer Backpack 12423

 

[mystvearn]

I use a Wenger and I find it to be bullet proof, light weight but extremely well built and stands on it's own.

Maxxum Computer Backpack 12423

Thanks. However it is heaver than my current Targus at 2.2 kgs

 

[linnemeyerhere]

For sure it's quality built !

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I would recommend this for the very reason it's so well built when you wear it it holds everything on your body properly and doesn't sag. There is no substitute for quality. Previously I used both FOX and Oakley backpacks, nice style but didn't hold in the long term.

 

[mystvearn]

The current Targus I have is a great bag. Now 10 years ownership with it. It also is about 1.5 kg, which is lighter.

Thanks for the recommendation. I need something else.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

No worries you'll find what works for you.