Backpack for Radios
- Thread starter KF0SOP
- Start date
sloop
Member
Check out the Patagonia Messenger Bag....its what I use when I fly.
Hi @KF0SOP! I am a chair user as well. I use camera backpacks for photographers. They are compartmented that have movable padded walls. Most hold a laptop as well. I carry my camera and radios that way. B&H Photo in New York City, NY have a great selection.
See my QRZ bio… 73 fellow wheeler, Dave K4EET
I'm not in a wheelchair, yet, but I found a backpack at TJ Maxx a couple of years ago for $19.99/new. It is a Highland Tactical "stealth" model. It holds a full size radio, handhelds and my laptop plus accessories and I use it for field days, etc. HT has many styles to choose from. They are well made, in fact my son wanted to trade his Army issue backpack for it, I declined.
They aren't too expensive.
Tactical Backpacks | Military Style
Our tactical backpacks come in a variety of styles, perfect for camping, hunting, hiking, and more. Sturdy, versatile, and rugged. Shop our collection today!
hltactical.com
Good Luck and 73!
As a tech, I carry a Veto laptop bag. It was expensive, but like all their bags, well worth the money. I carry my laptop, about 12 programming cables, three portables, a spare battery for each. and a bunch of other crap. it does get heavy when you pack it out. its semi rigid on the back so it doesn't dig in, keeps its form and with the rubberized bottom, it stands up when placed down on the ground.
Obviously the more you pack in it, the heavier it gets.
Obviously the more you pack in it, the heavier it gets.
k6cpo
Member
Amazon has literally thousands of backpacks listed.
I'll second the kudos for Peak Design backpacks and bags. B&H Photo carries them.
I'm partial to Maxpedition backpacks, although i do agree with the camera bag suggestion due to the padding. Memory and eggcrate foam are easy enough to find these days to modify whatever you choose.
I just noticed that the URL for Maxpedition Backpacks is invalid. I think this is the site you are referencing:
Huh, I didn't know B&H carried Peak Design goods. I've purchased quite a bit from them when I was more active in photography, They're a good outfit too.
I noticed the OP has ordered or acquired a backpack. I'm curious which brand and how it stacks up.
BinaryMode
Blondie Once Said To Call Her But Never Answerd
You already bought one, but I'll just throw this out there for posterity in case someone comes along. Men Backpack Molle Tactical Sling Chest Pack Shoulder Bag Outdoor Hiking Travel | eBay For the price I'm not too sure about the quality, if they use double or triple stitching, etc. YMMV. There are others that sell for higher than this one.
Another type that's good are the Military molle Backpacks. I use one now for first aid and whatnot. It's like a go-bag.
Another type that's good are the Military molle Backpacks. I use one now for first aid and whatnot. It's like a go-bag.
No one's mentioned Tom Bihn yet. My Brain Bag from him is still going strong after thirty-five years. I now fly with the Co-Pilot.
www.tombihn.com
Holds my laptop, my iPad, a couple of radios, my toiletry kit, a backup USB battery bank, and room to spare for other gear like the hardware I'm working with for work or a second laptop. Fits under an airline seat, fully packed.
TOM BIHN Co-Pilot, Small Travel Briefcase, 10L, 12" x 10" x 5"
Sized as a small personal item; travel shoulder bag with plenty of organization. 4 pockets: a water bottle pocket, two large front pockets, main compartment. Holds a 12" tablet or laptop. Luggage handle pass through. Designed and sewn in Seattle, U.S.A., with globally-sourced materials and...
www.tombihn.com
Holds my laptop, my iPad, a couple of radios, my toiletry kit, a backup USB battery bank, and room to spare for other gear like the hardware I'm working with for work or a second laptop. Fits under an airline seat, fully packed.
prcguy
Member
I've gone through probably dozens of backpacks for carrying radio equipment and have a few favorites. There was a brand called MIL-SPEC Plus that fit my needs for a small laptop, military HF manpack radio and lots of accys. I liked it so much I got one in black, green and tan and these ran under $50ea. Very good quality and durability for low $$.
Here was two of my MIL-SPEC Plus packs full of identical radio gear.
Then I discovered Maxpedition and the benefits of a single shoulder strap where you can have it on your back then quickly pull it around front horizontal for getting into the pockets or when sitting and its very secure in that mode since the strap is still going around your body while the pack sits in your lap. This one is the Kodiak Gearslinger and I've dragged one all over the world full of stuff.
For lightweight minimalist the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is great with one big compartment that I supplement with several zip up mesh bags inside that hang from a point at the inside top of the pack.
Here was two of my MIL-SPEC Plus packs full of identical radio gear.
Then I discovered Maxpedition and the benefits of a single shoulder strap where you can have it on your back then quickly pull it around front horizontal for getting into the pockets or when sitting and its very secure in that mode since the strap is still going around your body while the pack sits in your lap. This one is the Kodiak Gearslinger and I've dragged one all over the world full of stuff.
For lightweight minimalist the Hill People Gear Tarahumara is great with one big compartment that I supplement with several zip up mesh bags inside that hang from a point at the inside top of the pack.
Two bags I have used for over two decades:
- Targus computer backpack - Unsure they make this exact one anymore, but the main feature I like is the top works like a flap that covers over the upper zipper to reduce water ingress. The bottom is some durable material and it's lasted over 25 years. There's one on eBay.
- JanSport Messenger Bag also on eBay - I switched to this lightweight nylon sling style about 15 years ago and still use the same bag today. Again, this has a flap to cover over the zipper area. Some Scotchguard sprayed on the flap and bag will help reduce/prevent moisture. While this will sling over your chair, I not only improved the padding on the strap for my shoulder, but fitted a thin coated cable running parallel along the strap secured at each end. The cable would thwart a goof thinking they could cut the strap and take off running. Inside of this bag is a padded sleeve to hold a tablet/laptop. It has four zipped pockets as well as the main area which I also carry a Canon camera with an additional lens. The side pockets hold the radios and their respective batteries.
* The messenger bag works best for me as I can slide it in front, behind, or to the side depending on circumstances. These easily hold a tablet/laptop and two handheld radios, plus other items. Unsure about your portable monitor dimensions, but the interior is roomy. Even in a wheelchair I would slip the strap in/out of a carabiner that is secured to the chair to one side at the top. Being able to swing the bag around onto your lap or to the side or back should be doable and it allows you to control the weight balance on uneven terrain.
- Targus computer backpack - Unsure they make this exact one anymore, but the main feature I like is the top works like a flap that covers over the upper zipper to reduce water ingress. The bottom is some durable material and it's lasted over 25 years. There's one on eBay.
- JanSport Messenger Bag also on eBay - I switched to this lightweight nylon sling style about 15 years ago and still use the same bag today. Again, this has a flap to cover over the zipper area. Some Scotchguard sprayed on the flap and bag will help reduce/prevent moisture. While this will sling over your chair, I not only improved the padding on the strap for my shoulder, but fitted a thin coated cable running parallel along the strap secured at each end. The cable would thwart a goof thinking they could cut the strap and take off running. Inside of this bag is a padded sleeve to hold a tablet/laptop. It has four zipped pockets as well as the main area which I also carry a Canon camera with an additional lens. The side pockets hold the radios and their respective batteries.
* The messenger bag works best for me as I can slide it in front, behind, or to the side depending on circumstances. These easily hold a tablet/laptop and two handheld radios, plus other items. Unsure about your portable monitor dimensions, but the interior is roomy. Even in a wheelchair I would slip the strap in/out of a carabiner that is secured to the chair to one side at the top. Being able to swing the bag around onto your lap or to the side or back should be doable and it allows you to control the weight balance on uneven terrain.
