looking for a Laptop + Tennis backpack

[lunarthar]

Hi all,
I have a question for you. I am looking for a decently priced (about $40) backpack which can carry 2 rackets (98 sq inch mid-plus size), 1-2 books + notebooks and has an accessory pocket for keys+wallet+cellphone. Most importantly, it should have a padded sleeve/compartment for a laptop (I have a 12" laptop). I am a univ student and I am currently carrying my rackets in a cover + a backpack for my books etc which is a bother. I cycle 3 miles to the univ everyday so I would prefer something that is roomy but not too big.

These requirements seem to imply that I need a bag with 3 compartments: 1 main for books, 1 for laptop + other things and 1 for the rackets. I looked up tennis backpacks and only volkl seems to have one with a removable laptop compartment but that bag ( 19 x 18 x 8 ) seems a bit too big to me. Is there a backpack out there that fits my needs or do I just go ahead and buy a separate sleeve for my laptop? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[movdqa]

I use a Swissgear for my laptop and I think that it makes for a great school bag. That said, I can not imagine a backpack that would do a good job carrying
racquets and a laptop.

Something else to consider is that you will have a moderate amount of weight fairly high off the ground thereby raising your center of gravity on the bicycle.
Perhaps a rear luggage rack with a spring to secure the racquets to (I had one of these about 30 years ago, and the backpack for the laptop. Or some kind of contraption with panniers.

One other option to consider would be using a locker (don't know if you can get these at your Uni conveniently) to hold your racquets if you plan to do
most of your playing on campus. If not, then there's always the four racquet
route.

Oops, just saw your price point. The Swissgear is probably out of range.

 

[sloe_torture]

I tried using an Eagle Creek backpack but it didn't do a good job of compartmentalizing my tennis gear from my other belongings. If the aesthetics of a colorful Wilson Tour backpack won't bother you, then you should give it a try. My Thinkpad is protected in a neoprene jacket and is stored with the books (bigger than the notebook) in the primary compartment. I manage to carry two racquets safely in the racquet compartment and store shirts in the smaller, secondary compartment. Keys, phone, and wallet go in one of the three smaller, zipped pockets. If you look carefully you can find one easily for under $40 -- I found mine for $25 including shipping.

 

[HyperHorse]

www.crumpler.com.au
great quality bags from what ive heard.. and they sell in the US/UK & Europe...
very amusing website...

 

[emo5]

I havent tried the new Wilson tour one yet, but the older one seems to break very easily. I used it for 2 months and it tore a away due to normal use. The stitching becomes undone that, or its not strong enough. SUre it looks great but once you use it its gone.