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Tom Bihn ID messenger bag

Tom Bihn's ID (US$130) is a mid-sized messenger bag that can easily carry a MacBook 13-inch all the way up to a 17-inch MacBook Pro, depending on the sleeve you pick. All Tom's bags are made in Seattle, Washington and the ID shown here is constructed of tough 1050 denier ballistic nylon in steel (dark gray) and black with a deep blue interior (it's available in seven different color combinations).
Written by Jason D. O'Grady, Contributor
Tom Bihn ID bag
Tom Bihn's ID (US$130) is a mid-sized messenger bag that can easily carry a MacBook 13-inch all the way up to a 17-inch MacBook Pro, depending on the sleeve you pick. All Tom's bags are made in Seattle, Washington and the ID shown here is constructed of tough 1050 denier ballistic nylon in steel (dark gray) and black with a deep blue interior (it's available in seven different color combinations).

The front flap is closed by a large plastic buckle, to the left is a large pocket lined with 200 denier ripstop nylon which is closed by a #8 YKK splash-proof zipper. On both sides are smaller pockets perfect for mobile phones, iPods and PDAs. There's also an exterior water bottle/umbrella pocket that can be cinched down with compression straps when not in use.

The main compartment is built with 500 denier Cordura and features removable Annex clips designed to securely connect one of Tom Bihn's eight different Brain Cell (US$50) hard-sided laptop sleeves inside the bag.

Tom Bihn Archetype Sleeve
Instead, I paired the ID with the new and visually stunning Archetype sleeve (US$95) which protects my MacBook Pro with 0.25" thick closed cell foam, a #8YKK Uretech "splash-proof" zipper and an outer skin made of killer-looking genuine cork fabric. The sleeve alone is sure to be a conversation starter and the bag's no slouch either.

At US$225 the ID/Archetype combo might be a little pricey for people on a budget, but it's been my experience that quality bags built with good materials cost a little more - but they're worth it.

What do you carry your MacBook in? 

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