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July 11, 2006
i just can't purchase it online and the india train bombs
My commuter laptop backpack is showing it's age. I've been using it for six years and it's getting pretty nasty. I'm very picky when it comes to these things. Especially for the commute. I don't like shoulder straps, they must be backpacks. It must be big enough for things other than my laptop and an ipod (I carry things with me at all times like an umbrella, my extra laptop power adapter, etc.).
I've been looking at a number of sites and have decided I like a few different types. I really wish I could combine the style of the Pakuma K2 with the size of the K3 ("You ski the K-12 dude, and girls will go sterile just looking at you!").
Anyway, I just can't bring myself to buy any of these online. I know that I'm picky. And if I'm unhappy then it's back to another search and I'm not good at returning items if it involves mailing. So, I'll be off to REI and some other places over the next few weeks looking for something that will work. Any store suggestions?
On to more serious things. It's when I read things like this that I become a little stressed and paranoid about commuting into/out of Boston.
Posted by jennj at July 11, 2006 02:15 PM
Clue-ments:
I feel your pain, CF. I, too, have been searching for a new bag. Unlike you, I was set on a messenger bag. I've now spent far too much time on-line trying to settle on the appropriate combination of style, size, material, and color. Then I realize the bricks-and-mortar storefronts don't seem to have even 5% of the merchandise styles displayed on their websites. (Yes, I mean you, Apple Store on Fifth Avenue.) Even the promise of free return shipping is not always a sufficient incentive for the sight-unseen on-line purchase.
However, during my research process, I was able to read a lengthy blog segue on Jack Bauer's man-purse, which I found truly amusing. (I ended up going the outlet mall route for my bag... access to last year's styles, discounted prices.)
Posted by: Elke at July 11, 2006 09:00 PM
Look at these:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?categoryId=72
Can't seem to link to these, but take a look at the backpacks from Crumpler (scroll right):
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=5
I bought a Crumpler black and Grey "Luncheon" bag... but i didn't want to carry anything but my laptop and ipod.
Posted by: kristin Thomas at July 11, 2006 09:51 PM
no one gives a crap about boston.
its falling apart all by itself.
besides,
al quaeda knows
we're all a bunch of pansy liberals
with no real power anyway.
Posted by: jhimm at July 11, 2006 11:22 PM
Elke - Some stores do allow you return an item ordered from the web at the physical store. It's just that none of the backpacks I want are like that...oh well...
Posted by: cf at July 12, 2006 09:43 AM
kristin - Those crumpler bags look nice....hmm....do you like yours?
Posted by: cf at July 12, 2006 10:03 AM
there's two of us? who knew?
This place makes fantastic bags--between my daughter and me we own 2 messenger bags, a backpack and a couple of purses. They also pay their factory workers a living (in the usa) wage. And the treason tag is a nice touch.
http://www.tombihn.com/
Posted by: Cluefairy also at July 18, 2006 10:25 AM
cluefairy also - Oooh! Those are nice! I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do. I've actually reached a point where I may bite the bullet and order online. The nbh has offered to help me mail it back if it doesn't work.
Posted by: cf at July 18, 2006 01:24 PM