Bags for books [Archive] - Wizards Community

Bags for books [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Romers
03-28-04, 06:47 AM Hi gamers!

Some of you may recognise me from the Miniatures boards.

Last week something terrible happened, my bag fell apart. Held together with safety pins and a little patience its held out.
But alas, the only bag I had that could carry 10+ rpg books has finally died with the zip gone, the arm strap flailing about and the ever increasing chance its consuming my soul.

I've looked around and cannot find anything, from a gamer POV on backpacks.
While beating up a 14 year old for their school backup seems harsh, I know they get great bags for holding more books than they need. But I dont particularly want a criminal record for that, or a bag with a school symbol on it.

So gamers, role players, and munchkins, does anyone have a recommendation? Ill need explanations as to why... I carry books, mins, food, music, bring forth the candidates

Backpacks dont cost 2gp
Ratguy629
03-28-04, 07:51 AM ive never used a bag to carry my books and dice i play dnd with people around the corner so i have never felt the need to use a bag i just carry as much as i can in my arms or use like 5 smiths bags
Seeker95
03-28-04, 09:19 AM It only carries six books maximum, but I use the (faux) leather bag that came with my registration for the Learning and Training Week Conference and Expo last year.

Before that, it was a CopyPlus copy-paper box from Staples.
Kaya Kenobi
03-28-04, 09:45 AM Use Jansport. It's a great bag, has a lifetime warranty, and it carried 50+ pounds of books throughout high school and college...
Luris_Blear
03-28-04, 09:58 AM I used to have a military surplus backpack for those kinds of things, but lost it. I was able to more recently get a cheap backpack with a carry-on style extendable handle. This was found at one of the big mega-chain stores.

To be honest, carry-on luggage has all the room you need and can be very inexpensive. :D
ballekalle
03-28-04, 11:44 AM Simply use some kind of Sport Bag, they can carry alot of books (heavy, though) :D

A huge backpack is the best, a bag usually falls apart..
Seldarin
03-28-04, 12:45 PM I say get a good backpack of bag from an army dump or so. They're the best .. Ive got one too :D
And it's water resistant..
Serena DarkMyst
03-28-04, 01:21 PM This may sound funny, but when I become the famous traveling DM, I transport my gaming supplies in a suitcase. One of those with the wheels and the extendable handle so that you can drag it and it rolls behind you. Extremely durable, and it keeps everything nice and neat.
Romers
03-28-04, 05:54 PM As much as a suitcase would be appropriate I tend to walk around a bit, and use lots of public transport. I find most suitcases to be awkward for how much travel I do when I game (I normally have university or work before hand)
So thanks for the tips, I'll look into JanSport, and Army depot stuff...

thanks
Nived
03-28-04, 06:04 PM I have a jansport netted backpack that I got for free... somewhere. No I didn't beat up a kid for his backpack, I think it came with my father's SUV and he had no use for it or some such.

Anyway the max number of books I have carried in there has been 7 major thick hardcover rulebooks, 3 or so splatbooks, couple of Dragon Magazines, my three subject notebook, dice, minis, and pencils. The pack held up more than fine, made out of some heavy duty stuff, and I probably could shove couple more books in there.
neoneogeo
03-28-04, 09:22 PM I use an “Independent” back pack. I can put in two 24 packs , 10 D&D books, and a binder (DM). It has unbelievable room, and after all that in there, I can barely lift it.
Dresdor
03-28-04, 11:25 PM I just use a back-pack. Mine can hold (it's been field tested to this) 6 CORE Rulebooks (3 3.0e & 3 3.5e) two notebooks (3 subject type) 2 pads of graph-paper, 1 binder (full of char cheets & paper) 9 cans of Ski (a high sugar soda), & 2 bags of doritos.

Works well-enoguh for me.
Kaya Kenobi
03-28-04, 11:35 PM Originally posted by Nived
I have a jansport netted backpack that I got for free... somewhere. No I didn't beat up a kid for his backpack, I think it came with my father's SUV and he had no use for it or some such.

Anyway the max number of books I have carried in there has been 7 major thick hardcover rulebooks, 3 or so splatbooks, couple of Dragon Magazines, my three subject notebook, dice, minis, and pencils. The pack held up more than fine, made out of some heavy duty stuff, and I probably could shove couple more books in there.

hehe... I was able to put 100 pounds of books in my jansport... I could barely carry it around, and a stray wind would knock me over, but I still got 100 pounds of books in it... :D
Lycanthrope King
03-29-04, 12:28 AM I have a backpack usually used for school that I use to lug my books around. It does well in carrying my calculus math book, so I figure its okay.
Zherog
03-29-04, 11:28 AM I have two bags, actually. I take that much stuff when my DM show goes on the road. :bored:

My first bag is a JanSport that I got from a conference I went to. Highly durable, and this bag is my "first" choice. If I'm travelling as a player and not a DM, I still take this bag.

Bag number two was a laptop bag - nice and roomy.
the overlord
03-29-04, 12:00 PM Look through available models designed for use with Lab-Tops. Several compartments, most are rain proof. Several seizes available.

Greets
and good luck in your quest
Dr_Draco
03-29-04, 04:13 PM Something I've come up with for carrying multiple books. Go to your local grocery store (usually before 2 pm) and ask someone from the produce department for a tomato box. Tomato boxes tend to be really sturdy and are great for transporting books.

Just a suggestion, and it won't cost you a dime :).

The major con to this idea, though, is that you'll have to use both hands to carry it. Depending on how far you need to walk with it, that may or may not be a problem.

http://www.geocities.com/flammabledragon/psion.TXT Dr. D http://www.geocities.com/flammabledragon/monk.TXT
Disturbed1
03-29-04, 05:42 PM the backpack i use, ive had, and used through 2 yrs of jr high, all4 yrs of high school, and now a year of college. i just tkae my school books out, and load my dnd stuff in.

mostly what i been hearin in this topic is how far you have to walk, etc....do none of you guys have a car? do you spend so much of your income(if you ahve one) on dnd shtuff that you cant afford your own mode of transportation? i mean, if you live in a big city, and use public transportation, thats fine, but walking , and carrying your 100+ lbs of boks and crap sounds like a pain.

dis1
Darth K'Trava
03-30-04, 10:29 PM I use an old Jansport backpack that I used for college textbooks. It still holds up nicely even with a tear along a seam (safety-pinned so-so shut..) and carry several hardback books, several splatbooks, clipboard, zippered "notebook" of expandable folders for character sheets, tray of minis, pencils and dice.

And I do own a car to drive to games in.... :D
Rian Lightblade
03-31-04, 12:02 PM When I DM, I have this big green Kipling bag that can hold my PHB, DMG,MM,MM2, Plus 3 more hardcover books, my binder, pencil bag and dice box. I've used it going on eight years now. When I play I use a leather satchel bag, it holds my PHB, 2 more hardcover books (usally campaign setting books) my binder, pencil bag and Dice bag.
SilverFoxKnows
03-31-04, 10:31 PM I've got a little one that will hold dice, pens, CDs and other small items, a medium size one that will hold more than a few books and a gargantuan duffle. All three made of heavy canvas. The most expensive was the duffle at $35 but you could seriously fill up your back seat with this one. The other two were $15 & $25. Much tougher than anything you're likey to find in a chain store for the same price. Good luck.

Frank
Leomund's Roadside Diner
04-01-04, 12:04 AM This (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=35483&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=5180&cat4=&shop_method=pp&feat=dp50) is the backpack to end all backpacks, as far as simplicity, capacity, and durability are concerned. I've had my LL Bean Deluxe bookbag since my Sophomore year of high school, and after lots of abuse, it's still going strong, 7 years later. It's a beast. It's not that expensive, either.
Kaya Kenobi
04-01-04, 05:14 AM Originally posted by Leomund's Roadside Diner
This (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=35483&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=5180&cat4=&shop_method=pp&feat=dp50) is the backpack to end all backpacks, as far as simplicity, capacity, and durability are concerned. I've had my LL Bean Deluxe bookbag since my Sophomore year of high school, and after lots of abuse, it's still going strong, 7 years later. It's a beast. It's not that expensive, either.

It's a tossup... I've heard about Bean, but does it have the same lifetime guarantee that my Jansport has? After 6 years, I had to replace it, and that was only because my little brother cut it. And when it was replaced, it was at no charge to me! :D
Elzaban the Ethereal
04-01-04, 05:53 AM I prefer using my Targus laptop "bag" to carry my books and such. Has a big open former laptop space that can hold a fair amount of books and a nice divided off part that can hold dice, smaller notebooks, etc. There are some zipped pockets and stuff in it, as well as a great place to store character sheets, notepads, graph paper and the like. The main thing I like about it is that, since I have to bring my D&D stuff along with all my books when I head out to school, I can carry it alongside my backpack. And it's thin enough to just slide under my chair during classes.
Romers
04-01-04, 10:43 AM At the moment the Jansports are looking pretty sweet.

Its a mix of back support, capacity, and free replacement (if so, booooyah).

As for laptop bags, they dont carry enough unless its a double laptop bag. Then they dont have the right support either, catch 22. Mind you I carry the "Coffee table collection" some days, that is to say, enough books to build a coffee table.

I've already put out my back, and a bad bag will not be something I want to get stuck with.
Kaya Kenobi
04-01-04, 12:40 PM If you have a bad back, then use those suitcase type bags you can pull with a handle.
SnowbearK
04-02-04, 01:07 AM I have two bags that I use. One is a samsonite carry-on with wheels and a handle, enough room for all of my White Wolf core books (yes, I have all of them...) and my D&D books (core 3 plus the 5 splats, MM2, FRCS, MoF, MotP, and D&DG), my dice, laptop, peripherals (printer, mouse, paper), pens & paper, and even a change of clothes. It's about 4x2x2 ft. Total cost to me was about $30. For just the bag of course. ;)

My other is a shoulderbag normally for business/college use. It's got a laptop compartment, plenty of pockets for pens, notepads, CDs, floppies, whatnot. It can carry about 20 or so PHB sized books, and weighs in nice and light at around 80 lbs fully stocked.

I honestly couldn't tell you the maker of the shoulder bag though, as it came as part of my graduation package and doesn't seem to have a manufacturer's name anywhere on it. :confused:
Teh Lurv
04-02-04, 01:20 AM I use a duffle bag myself.
Lord Dracul
04-02-04, 03:44 AM I use a skateboader bag by Savier. It is 1/4 of the size of my Military Backpack. I stand at 6' 3" and my Military backpack stands to my waist. My Savier backpack can hold about 20 books.
klyre
04-02-04, 03:19 PM I'm just glad I've never had need of carrying all my 38 3.x d&d books anywhere... I'd need a shirpa (sp?).

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Romers 03-28-04, 06:47 AM	Hi gamers! Some of you may recognise me from the Miniatures boards. Last week something terrible happened, my bag fell apart. Held together with safety pins and a little patience its held out. But alas, the only bag I had that could carry 10+ rpg books has finally died with the zip gone, the arm strap flailing about and the ever increasing chance its consuming my soul. I've looked around and cannot find anything, from a gamer POV on backpacks. While beating up a 14 year old for their school backup seems harsh, I know they get great bags for holding more books than they need. But I dont particularly want a criminal record for that, or a bag with a school symbol on it. So gamers, role players, and munchkins, does anyone have a recommendation? Ill need explanations as to why... I carry books, mins, food, music, bring forth the candidates Backpacks dont cost 2gp
Ratguy629 03-28-04, 07:51 AM	ive never used a bag to carry my books and dice i play dnd with people around the corner so i have never felt the need to use a bag i just carry as much as i can in my arms or use like 5 smiths bags
Seeker95 03-28-04, 09:19 AM	It only carries six books maximum, but I use the (faux) leather bag that came with my registration for the Learning and Training Week Conference and Expo last year. Before that, it was a CopyPlus copy-paper box from Staples.
Kaya Kenobi 03-28-04, 09:45 AM	Use Jansport. It's a great bag, has a lifetime warranty, and it carried 50+ pounds of books throughout high school and college...
Luris_Blear 03-28-04, 09:58 AM	I used to have a military surplus backpack for those kinds of things, but lost it. I was able to more recently get a cheap backpack with a carry-on style extendable handle. This was found at one of the big mega-chain stores. To be honest, carry-on luggage has all the room you need and can be very inexpensive. :D
ballekalle 03-28-04, 11:44 AM	Simply use some kind of Sport Bag, they can carry alot of books (heavy, though) :D A huge backpack is the best, a bag usually falls apart..
Seldarin 03-28-04, 12:45 PM	I say get a good backpack of bag from an army dump or so. They're the best .. Ive got one too :D And it's water resistant..
Serena DarkMyst 03-28-04, 01:21 PM	This may sound funny, but when I become the famous traveling DM, I transport my gaming supplies in a suitcase. One of those with the wheels and the extendable handle so that you can drag it and it rolls behind you. Extremely durable, and it keeps everything nice and neat.
Romers 03-28-04, 05:54 PM	As much as a suitcase would be appropriate I tend to walk around a bit, and use lots of public transport. I find most suitcases to be awkward for how much travel I do when I game (I normally have university or work before hand) So thanks for the tips, I'll look into JanSport, and Army depot stuff... thanks
Nived 03-28-04, 06:04 PM	I have a jansport netted backpack that I got for free... somewhere. No I didn't beat up a kid for his backpack, I think it came with my father's SUV and he had no use for it or some such. Anyway the max number of books I have carried in there has been 7 major thick hardcover rulebooks, 3 or so splatbooks, couple of Dragon Magazines, my three subject notebook, dice, minis, and pencils. The pack held up more than fine, made out of some heavy duty stuff, and I probably could shove couple more books in there.
neoneogeo 03-28-04, 09:22 PM	I use an “Independent” back pack. I can put in two 24 packs , 10 D&D books, and a binder (DM). It has unbelievable room, and after all that in there, I can barely lift it.
Dresdor 03-28-04, 11:25 PM	I just use a back-pack. Mine can hold (it's been field tested to this) 6 CORE Rulebooks (3 3.0e & 3 3.5e) two notebooks (3 subject type) 2 pads of graph-paper, 1 binder (full of char cheets & paper) 9 cans of Ski (a high sugar soda), & 2 bags of doritos. Works well-enoguh for me.
Kaya Kenobi 03-28-04, 11:35 PM	Originally posted by Nived I have a jansport netted backpack that I got for free... somewhere. No I didn't beat up a kid for his backpack, I think it came with my father's SUV and he had no use for it or some such. Anyway the max number of books I have carried in there has been 7 major thick hardcover rulebooks, 3 or so splatbooks, couple of Dragon Magazines, my three subject notebook, dice, minis, and pencils. The pack held up more than fine, made out of some heavy duty stuff, and I probably could shove couple more books in there. hehe... I was able to put 100 pounds of books in my jansport... I could barely carry it around, and a stray wind would knock me over, but I still got 100 pounds of books in it... :D
Lycanthrope King 03-29-04, 12:28 AM	I have a backpack usually used for school that I use to lug my books around. It does well in carrying my calculus math book, so I figure its okay.
Zherog 03-29-04, 11:28 AM	I have two bags, actually. I take that much stuff when my DM show goes on the road. :bored: My first bag is a JanSport that I got from a conference I went to. Highly durable, and this bag is my "first" choice. If I'm travelling as a player and not a DM, I still take this bag. Bag number two was a laptop bag - nice and roomy.
the overlord 03-29-04, 12:00 PM	Look through available models designed for use with Lab-Tops. Several compartments, most are rain proof. Several seizes available. Greets and good luck in your quest
Dr_Draco 03-29-04, 04:13 PM	Something I've come up with for carrying multiple books. Go to your local grocery store (usually before 2 pm) and ask someone from the produce department for a tomato box. Tomato boxes tend to be really sturdy and are great for transporting books. Just a suggestion, and it won't cost you a dime :). The major con to this idea, though, is that you'll have to use both hands to carry it. Depending on how far you need to walk with it, that may or may not be a problem. http://www.geocities.com/flammabledragon/psion.TXT Dr. D http://www.geocities.com/flammabledragon/monk.TXT
Disturbed1 03-29-04, 05:42 PM	the backpack i use, ive had, and used through 2 yrs of jr high, all4 yrs of high school, and now a year of college. i just tkae my school books out, and load my dnd stuff in. mostly what i been hearin in this topic is how far you have to walk, etc....do none of you guys have a car? do you spend so much of your income(if you ahve one) on dnd shtuff that you cant afford your own mode of transportation? i mean, if you live in a big city, and use public transportation, thats fine, but walking , and carrying your 100+ lbs of boks and crap sounds like a pain. dis1
Darth K'Trava 03-30-04, 10:29 PM	I use an old Jansport backpack that I used for college textbooks. It still holds up nicely even with a tear along a seam (safety-pinned so-so shut..) and carry several hardback books, several splatbooks, clipboard, zippered "notebook" of expandable folders for character sheets, tray of minis, pencils and dice. And I do own a car to drive to games in.... :D
Rian Lightblade 03-31-04, 12:02 PM	When I DM, I have this big green Kipling bag that can hold my PHB, DMG,MM,MM2, Plus 3 more hardcover books, my binder, pencil bag and dice box. I've used it going on eight years now. When I play I use a leather satchel bag, it holds my PHB, 2 more hardcover books (usally campaign setting books) my binder, pencil bag and Dice bag.
SilverFoxKnows 03-31-04, 10:31 PM	I've got a little one that will hold dice, pens, CDs and other small items, a medium size one that will hold more than a few books and a gargantuan duffle. All three made of heavy canvas. The most expensive was the duffle at $35 but you could seriously fill up your back seat with this one. The other two were $15 & $25. Much tougher than anything you're likey to find in a chain store for the same price. Good luck. Frank
Leomund's Roadside Diner 04-01-04, 12:04 AM	This (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=35483&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=5180&cat4=&shop_method=pp&feat=dp50) is the backpack to end all backpacks, as far as simplicity, capacity, and durability are concerned. I've had my LL Bean Deluxe bookbag since my Sophomore year of high school, and after lots of abuse, it's still going strong, 7 years later. It's a beast. It's not that expensive, either.
Kaya Kenobi 04-01-04, 05:14 AM	Originally posted by Leomund's Roadside Diner This (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=35483&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=5180&cat4=&shop_method=pp&feat=dp50) is the backpack to end all backpacks, as far as simplicity, capacity, and durability are concerned. I've had my LL Bean Deluxe bookbag since my Sophomore year of high school, and after lots of abuse, it's still going strong, 7 years later. It's a beast. It's not that expensive, either. It's a tossup... I've heard about Bean, but does it have the same lifetime guarantee that my Jansport has? After 6 years, I had to replace it, and that was only because my little brother cut it. And when it was replaced, it was at no charge to me! :D
Elzaban the Ethereal 04-01-04, 05:53 AM	I prefer using my Targus laptop "bag" to carry my books and such. Has a big open former laptop space that can hold a fair amount of books and a nice divided off part that can hold dice, smaller notebooks, etc. There are some zipped pockets and stuff in it, as well as a great place to store character sheets, notepads, graph paper and the like. The main thing I like about it is that, since I have to bring my D&D stuff along with all my books when I head out to school, I can carry it alongside my backpack. And it's thin enough to just slide under my chair during classes.
Romers 04-01-04, 10:43 AM	At the moment the Jansports are looking pretty sweet. Its a mix of back support, capacity, and free replacement (if so, booooyah). As for laptop bags, they dont carry enough unless its a double laptop bag. Then they dont have the right support either, catch 22. Mind you I carry the "Coffee table collection" some days, that is to say, enough books to build a coffee table. I've already put out my back, and a bad bag will not be something I want to get stuck with.
Kaya Kenobi 04-01-04, 12:40 PM	If you have a bad back, then use those suitcase type bags you can pull with a handle.
SnowbearK 04-02-04, 01:07 AM	I have two bags that I use. One is a samsonite carry-on with wheels and a handle, enough room for all of my White Wolf core books (yes, I have all of them...) and my D&D books (core 3 plus the 5 splats, MM2, FRCS, MoF, MotP, and D&DG), my dice, laptop, peripherals (printer, mouse, paper), pens & paper, and even a change of clothes. It's about 4x2x2 ft. Total cost to me was about $30. For just the bag of course. ;) My other is a shoulderbag normally for business/college use. It's got a laptop compartment, plenty of pockets for pens, notepads, CDs, floppies, whatnot. It can carry about 20 or so PHB sized books, and weighs in nice and light at around 80 lbs fully stocked. I honestly couldn't tell you the maker of the shoulder bag though, as it came as part of my graduation package and doesn't seem to have a manufacturer's name anywhere on it. :confused:
Teh Lurv 04-02-04, 01:20 AM	I use a duffle bag myself.
Lord Dracul 04-02-04, 03:44 AM	I use a skateboader bag by Savier. It is 1/4 of the size of my Military Backpack. I stand at 6' 3" and my Military backpack stands to my waist. My Savier backpack can hold about 20 books.
klyre 04-02-04, 03:19 PM	I'm just glad I've never had need of carrying all my 38 3.x d&d books anywhere... I'd need a shirpa (sp?).