On the topic of North Face backpacks. I have the Router backpack from them and it’s a really good fit without the GPU and with the GPU.
There is more than enough space for it and the padding is very good.
I had this backpack for a few months now and also had it with me on a few larger trips where the backpack was completely filled. The laptop was completely unharmed.
The backpack itself is also huge can be compacted with the built-in straps for a normal everyday-carry backpack.
I easily packed everything for a 7 day trip into the backpack without issue. Build quality in itself is also worth the price.
I took the same backpack as you. My Framework 16 with dGPU fits perfectly, I really like it. I was looking for a normal backpack for a long time. Thank you for your recommendation.
I got my Framework 16 in April this year, and only last week picked a bag for it. Thank you all for sharing. It really helped me choose one that fits my laptop and me (not literally ).
So I guess now it’s my turn to share:
*) The laptop sleeve in the back compartment fits my Framework 16 with dGPU, however I use the sleeve for a large notebook (an actual one, made from paper) and put the Framework 16 in the ‘open’ part of the back compartment.
A bag that costs almost as much as the laptop itself? I mean to each their own. I think quality is worth it, but I just don’t know if I would do this myself.
I’ve bought a Stubble & Co Roll-Top 20l as I’m now riding a bike to work so I needed something extremely water resistant. The FW16 without dGPU fits perfectly in the laptop compartment.
I can tell you now that the straps do wear quick. They’re not as padded or supportive as they have flattened out, more only the right side since I notice that I tend to lift my bag and put it on my right side first (more weight there temporarily) before putting on the left.
I am trying to even it out by putting it on by the left side first now. The strap is still nicely padded elsewhere, which isn’t very helpful, lol. I honestly am not sure if ANY padded straps will remain nice thick and supportive over time. It doesn’t affect comfort that I notice yet.
Recently got around to buying a proper backpack for my FW16 with the graphics module, ended up getting the Everki Glide. Fits very well and is a very nice compact backpack. It doesn’t fit with the CushCase I got for it, but the backpack is protection enough. I mostly wanted a compact backpack to be able to stow it away under airplane seats, I already have a much bigger backpack for other situations but it’s too big to carry on a plane. I also got a rain cover for it since I live in a rainy area.
I doubt a direct equivalent exists, I would’ve seen it on the forums by now, but does anyone know of something close and universal that fits the FW 16 with dGPU?
I’ve recently bought the ‘XD Design Bobby Hero XL’ which nicely fits the 16 with dGPU. It may be a tad large without the dGPU, but with it it’s a really nice fit. not too tight, not to loose.
For those with a need for a more modular solution for traveling, check the Savotta Hatka 12L. It will accept the system w/ GPU with a little wiggle room, and with some additional tweaks it can clip to a Jaakari or Kantamus 40L for easy re-build when you transfer to a puddle jumper or have to gate check the main pack. You can also add two 4L pouches to the Hatka for additional stuffs if needed. Another alternate would be the Jaakari S, but the laptop will not fit in the bladder pouch that’s inside.
I am finally in a position to travel with my FW16, so I tried Cotopaxi’s new big carry-on backpack, the Allpa 50, and am pleased to report that the laptop sleeve fits the FW16+dgpu with room to spare (so please feel free to release a bigger GPU lol)
I haven’t needed to take mine out of the house since getting it up until recently.
I have had this this bag for a while:
a few years back as part of a work event but I never really need to carry a bag with me and don’t often travel.
But recently I have needed to and didn’t think the laptop stood a chance of fitting even without the dgpu.
Well it fits exactly and snugly in the laptop pocket. The sides of the bag at the top do need to be pulled over the corners to fit and zip and will probably wear a bit on those surfaces but it fits.
The other pockets are usable but really not for a ton of items. A tablet, a notebook, and probably a folder full of documents no more than 1/2" thick and then it’s going to get tight.
The organizer straps in the other section have plenty of room for cables, chargers, accessories and the space/snugness does not change with or without the laptop, so i’m able to toss in whatever i think i’ll need for the day.
If i hadn’t gotten this from work I probably never would have looked it up on my own. But seeing their site, the bigger 17" slim might be a better fit.
The 16" JUST works and it’s comfortable. I don’t have any way to cover and protect the dGPU but even if I could I doubt there’s enough room for it and every day carry items. But otherwise it’s a nice every day use bag if you just need the laptop and some miscellanea for you day
I ended up returning the Cotopaxi because I didn’t like the sling bag part that zips off the top (and to a lesser extent, the size—I usually travel with a 28L Allpa, which I love, but does not fit the FW16 in any configuration)
After trying a few more bags at the local camera store, I settled on the Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack. The device sleeve is basically a perfect fit for the FW16 with dGPU and the bag is not overly big for a weekend trip
).
They’re not as padded or supportive as they have flattened out, more only the right side since I notice that I tend to lift my bag and put it on my right side first (more weight there temporarily) before putting on the left.
