With my second child on the way I’m trying exploring ways to get in a few workouts as part of my “normal” routine.
I’d like to run home from work a few days a week (I can take the bus or carpool in) but need to be able to transport my small laptop (Lenovo X200) home with me. I have a neoprene like case that it fits in, but am looking for a good running backpack that will hold my laptop securely (in addition to my work clothes) that is also comfortable to run with.
Fred - I asked this same q this morning, and got several good recs. I like the idea of looking at an army store, those packs are meant for the worse of the worse. Also check out REI, and one of my girls and guys pointed me towards zombierunning.com and sports authority. Congratulations on the baby, let me know how the run thing goes as this is something adding in myself.
Fred - I asked this same q this morning, and got several good recs. I like the idea of looking at an army store, those packs are meant for the worse of the worse. Also check out REI, and one of my girls and guys pointed me towards zombierunning.com and sports authority. Congratulations on the baby, let me know how the run thing goes as this is something adding in myself.
Eileen, I saw your post but didn’t want to hijack as I’m really focused on something that will hold my laptop snugly and yet still be comfortable. Thanks and I’ll keep you posted on any feedback!
With respect to the running and packing, how many miles are you looking at. The Deuter that I suggest to Eileen might very well work for you. If the mileage is such that you don’t necessarily need a camelback, then you might be able to put the lap top into the slot that the normal camelback pouch goes in. If thats the case feel free to PM me and I can measure my Deuter hydration slot and see if it would fit snugly with a lap top of similar size to yours.
Fred: no specific recommendations, but you want the backpack to be as close in size (length and width) as the laptop itself. I wrap my laptop up in a small towel, and it fits nice and snug into my backpack. Everything else (lunch and clothes, etc) goes in the small space leftover to secure the laptop. Basically there is no room for the laptop to move around.
Other than that you want a sternum strap(i think that is what they are called, the strap that connects the two shoulder straps), they stop the backpack from bouncing around to much.
Congrats on baby number 2
Do you really need to bring your laptop back and forth? Unless you have a solid state disk drive, running with it is a pretty mean thing to do to a laptop due to the jarring.
There are a number of remote desktop applications that allow you to access your hard drive/applications from a different computer, syncing software to keep 2 systems sync’d, or if it is just files a usb stick would be a lot easier to move around.
I work with Linux, and use a program called NX by nomachine.com (free) which allows me to do everything I can normally do at work on my linux workstation while I’m at home (or wherever) on my XP laptop.
I’m very happy with my 2009 GoLite Rush. Three sizes available to fit different torso lengths and if you size it correctly the load weight sits on your lumbar region and is hardly noticeable.
I think they made it considerably smaller for 2010, but my 2009 handles a MacBook and a change of casual clothes along with some odds and ends. You can probably find a 2009 on closeout somewhere.
Check out the Eddie Bauer Adventurer backpack. I picked one up about three weeks ago and am very happy with it. It was a bit larger then what I was looking for but with the wide straps it distributes the load very nicely.
the more I think about running with a laptop, is it worth the risk? You WILL get caught in rain, or just sweat, no matter how much you wrap it. as suggested on the other thread putting the phone in a plastic bag, I’ve ruined several that way - no way would risk a computer. Can you hook it up with virtual top? Besides when baby 2 gets here, not sure you’ll be needing the laptop. Thrilled to see others run commuting.
I have a north face backpack with a padded laptop pocket built in. I have run commuted with it 6 miles each way and it is comfortable. It doesn’t leak in moderate rains.
Whatever you get I would suggest one with a chest strap and a waist strap. It keeps it more secure and it won’t chafe.
Check out Gregory Rufous; I use it to run commute couple times a week, it’s very light. I use a neoprene sleeve for my laptop protection, no problem with Rufous. Also check out backpacks from missionworkshop.com; totally water proof and it’s a great race day backpack, separate compartment for your wetsuits. I’ve done 10+ miles run in the rain with the Vandal, no a drop in the bag.
there was a thread on this a while back… i remember thinking then what i’m thinking now, what others have thought: do you really have to? coudln’t you just use a flash drive somehow? or if not that, get some sort of palm pilot-ish thing, w/one of those external, roll-up keyboards?
there was a thread on this a while back… i remember thinking then what i’m thinking now, what others have thought: do you really have to? coudln’t you just use a flash drive somehow? or if not that, get some sort of palm pilot-ish thing, w/one of those external, roll-up keyboards?
I don’t have a computer at home and can’t get everything done before I have to pick-up my daughter at daycare so I work from home in the evenings after the kid goes to bed.
You can get a netbook for a couple hundred bucks. So, far from free - but for me, it would be worth it, to be able to run w/out the extra weight and, even more, the worry. i’m not trying to be harsh though - if it’s what you want to do, and you don’t mind doing it, go for it.