Checkpoint Flyer as an everyday bag?

[ltsching]

I currently use the Ristretto as my daily work bag carrying the Macbook Air and some files. However, I am finding the Ristretto too small for my needs. I usually carry a water bottle, a few books, power cables, and a portable hard drive. I really like the look of the Checkpoint Flyer, but am wary about using it as an everyday bag. I probably air travel once every two months so the convenience is not that crucial. For CPF owners, any pro and cons about using it as an everyday bag? My other option would be the ID, but I am more attracted to the design of the CPF. Thanks.

[ltsching]

Anyone? After seeing Maverick's video on the ID, I am now seriously thinking the ID might work better since it could be used as a regular bag with or without the laptop. I have also read that the clipping system of the CPF might be more cumbersome for everyday use since one has to unbuckle and buckle the laptop case to take the computer out and use the CPF as a regular bag.

[bagman]

I don't personally own the CPF, but agree on the (un)buckle part being a point good enough to not use it as a daily bag.

[maverick]

hi ltsching,

getting at a laptop packed in the checkpoint flyer is actually quite easy - not at all cumbersome. the two buckles on the outside of the checkpoint flyer can be unbuckled easily and then you unzip the laptop case to access your laptop.

if you want to leave your laptop behind, you can either leave the laptop case in place, or you can undo the two gatekeeper clips that keep it in place. they are actually very easy to do and undo. the concept is similar to the annex clips that hold a brain cell in place.

[ltsching]

getting at a laptop packed in the checkpoint flyer is actually quite easy - not at all cumbersome. the two buckles on the outside of the checkpoint flyer can be unbuckled easily and then you unzip the laptop case to access your laptop.

Yes. I understand. I meant when after taking the laptop out one has to re-buckle so the case will not "dangle" when using the bag.

if you want to leave your laptop behind, you can either leave the laptop case in place, or you can undo the two gatekeeper clips that keep it in place. they are actually very easy to do and undo. the concept is similar to the annex clips that hold a brain cell in place.

Any picture showing the CPF without the laptop case? What is your opinion regarding the ID and the CPF? Thanks!

[jlee97]

I also had considered the CPF as an everyday bag before settling on the SuperEgo. I can see how some may consider the CPF laptop case difficult to access because of having to unbuckle the top flap in order to get to the laptop. However, it occurs to me that you could position the zippers of the laptop case so that you could unzip them along the side to a point where you could pull out the laptop without have to unbuckle the top flap. I'm not sure this is possible since I don't have a CPF, but I think it should be feasible. Any one can confirm this?

[bagman]

I also had considered the CPF as an everyday bag before settling on the SuperEgo.
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Hi - I am also considering the Super Ego. Do you think it'd be good as an everyday bag, and occasionally to carry clothes on weekend trips? I carry a 14" laptop to work everyday along with power cable, multi-CD case, some external storage, etc. I work in a corporate environment and would like the bag to have some professional look to it. In addition to the above items, I may want to stuff a couple of day's worth of clothes on weekend trips.

[ltsching]

I have decided on the ID (Black/Steel/Wasabi) and will be using it with the Cache for my MacBook Air. The two side pockets will be really convenient for my glasses and iPhone. And the cinch-able water bottle/umbrella pocket on the side also won me over the Checkpoint Flyer. Last but not least, Maverick's video really really convinced me that the ID is a great bag. As many have expressed on the forum, it is a great service to both Tom Bihn the company and consumers alike. Thank you!

[jlee97]

I've actually tried an experiment with my SuperEgo for a conference where I carried my MBP 15" in a Braincell, 2 packing cubes and an EC 15" packing folder with enough clothes for a 4 day trip in the main compartment with some squeezing, along with all the other doo-dads in the front compartment under the flap. The downside was there was no room for shoes, and it did weigh quite a bit - I think nearly 20-some odd pounds. My wife put the kibosh on the experiment because she said I was "showing off".

But anyway, I think it shouldn't be a problem for you to pack some clothes for an overnight trip in a SuperEgo. Good luck!

[Nana8]

If packing carefully and rolling garments, the Ego can be used for a 2 day trip. I managed to get the following in my Ego comfortably with room to spare:

a pair of jeans
a pair of shorts
2 short sleeve tops
the usual under garments
2 pairs of socks
1 pair of yoga pants
small travel sizes of shampoo & conditioner & heat protector
1 Lush tin of soap
1 GHD flat iron
Kindle 2
I am still amazed by the capacity of TB Bags!

[jlee97]

Okay, after posting my last comment, it bugged me to the point where I emptied out my SuperEgo and tried to repack it as I had claimed and took notes.

BTW, the wife came into the bedroom to check on me, shook her head, and walked out without a word... I guess I gots some 'splainin' to do.

Anyway, here's what I managed to pack into my bag.

MBP 15" in 4Z Braincell
Eagle Creek 15" Packing Folder with
- 2 dress slacks
- 3 dress shirts
- 2 ties
- 2 casual long-sleeve shirts
Eagle Creek large packing cube with
- 3 t-shirts
- 4 pairs of underwear
- 4 pairs of wool socks
- 1 pair of shorts
Eagle Creek medium packing cube with
- toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, electric razor, medications)
- emergency first aid kit
In the front compartment were the following
- chargers for the MBP and iPhone
- 3-1-1 bag
- assorted pens
- backup HDD
- digital camera with battery charger
- small LED light
- headphones
- other small knicknacks

Again, no room for extra shoes, and it weighed exactly 22 lbs. I have a Q-AM strap, and it helps, but the Absolute strap may be a better bet. The laptop was definitely the bulkiest and heaviest object, and in the future, I may look into lighter options. iPad, maybe?

But as you can see, the SuperEgo makes an excellent weekend bag for one-bag trips. Hope this helps!