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.
).
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.