Fred Couples Epic Bag from Ogio

My friend, Kelly Mooney sent me a few Ogio products after we had drinks with Peter Shankman in Portland, Oregon. I’d shown up at the table with a brand new Tumi bag and was saying that I needed something that would fit both my laptop and my iPad. I wasn’t all that thrilled with the Tumi bag (it’s okay, but bulky), and she said I’d probably love the new laptop backpack from Ogio.

This bag is a dream. I can easily slide my laptop and iPad into it, as well as my digital camera, my sunglasses, two books, some magazines and notebooks, cords, and tons more. You can see that in the video. It is, to date, the best backpack I’ve ever had and it’s really keeping me happy. Lightweight enough (until I stuff it), flexible, and it really fits me nicely. The details throughout the bag make it really top shelf, including lots of padded pockets, a good use of breathable fabrics, and reinforced sewing all over the place. Yep, it’s a keeper.

I couldn’t find the exact bag on Amazon. The exact bag is this Fred Couples Epic backpack. If you want the same bag without the Fred Couples name, it’s the OGIO Epic Laptop Backpack. (amazon affiliate link).

People always ask which camera I used to shoot my video. I use the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (that’s a review of the camera).


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  • Ando
    Nice review Chris, as always.

    One thing worth pointing out with side-load laptop sections is that if you forget to do the zipper up, your lappy can take a spill. This happens even to my super organized wife, so it's not just clumzoids like myself (I'm sure that's a word).

    Keep the bag reviews coming, and if you're interested in a few other great bags or carry ideas, come check out Carryology.com
  • Chris Stone
    Chris, great review! I did a little search and found that Ogio actually sells the bag directly from their site. I imagine someone else has probably found this already, but thought I would share it...just in case :)

    http://ogiobags.com/products/fred-couples-epic-back-pack
  • Chris, have you ever considered getting a tripod? You always do these "one-armed" videos, that sometimes look a little awkward (like in this one).
  • I kinda like the awkward. It adds to the "human" ish flavor. I own some tripods. I'll use them sometimes. : )
  • Natural, raw, unscripted. There are times when a tripod is right (doing an onstage presentation, talking in front of a white board, for example), but I think 'random' vids like these work well appearing unplanned, unrehearsed, unstaged.
  • That's so funny. My arms get tired just looking at you hold up the camera.
  • J.J.
    would this bag make sense as an every day, car commuting to the office bag? or is it really in its sweet spot when traveling?

    I wonder if that big middle section could be hacked with some camera bag pad inserts to safely hold a DSLR and maybe a lens or 2?
  • I'm using it as my daily bag and it's working really well.

    You'd want to pad the middle part more, but it could EASILY work a DSLR into its space without a trouble. : )
  • Valyn
    The bag looks great but it would have been helpful to see it on you (or at least holding it by your side) so we could get an idea of how big it actually is - hard to tell when it's on the ground. As a woman, I love a good backpack (I use the Tumi backpack now) but they can't be too big. Thanks!
  • Good point. I'll shoot a better version at some point so you can see that.
  • It looks like it is going to be a heavy bag even without the contents. I wish you could have said something regarding the weight of the bag.
  • Not very heavy. It's lighter than the Victorinox bag that you see at most apple stores. Know the one I mean?
  • Chris, just a question about the contents of your bag. I noticed you had both a MiFi and a 3G card (looks like both from Verizon). Why the need for both, unless you are in two places at once? But heck, you are "man on the go"!
  • I'm sort of in transition. : )
  • You don't talk too fast! Well done, NICE BAG :) I have carried a TUMI backpack for a few years but this is the first bag I have seriously considered in a long time.
  • Two questions about the bag:

    1. When it's empty is it a heavy bag or light-ish? (weight matters!)
    2. The bottom: is it stiff and rigid or does it mash down if need be?
  • It's fairly light, when not full. It's lighter than the Victorinox Swiss bag that most Apple stores sell (know the one I mean?).

    The bottom can mash down. It's done well smooshing into overheads and underseats on planes.
  • Great review. I have been travelling for over two weeks and I am considering getting both this and the Tarmac 22. Thanks for the info.
  • Love this, looks like the perfect upgrade. The side entry compartments are a real benefit, too. And, really digging the new home here, Chris! Thanks for creating this resource.
  • lewishowes
    Good looking bag Chris... I might have to get me one of these as the single strapped shoulder bag is starting to wear on me now.
  • tom bihn bags are also excellent. and they're a great company.
  • Great video, perfect timing. I've been trying to find a bag that can house my laptop and my catalogs. Thought I might need to go messenger style, but I think this is the bag for me!
  • It's really worth a try, Michael. I stuffed mine full of books and mags (mostly galleys), and it worked out well. : ) I mean, heavy when stuffed thusly, but hey.
  • is it easy enough to carry or is it best used as a backbpack only?
  • Dominick Martinetti
    chris could you hit me back via email. feedback at slappa dot com. couldn't find a way to contact you and think you may want sneak peeks. dom
  • Dropped you a line. Thanks. : )
  • I have a bag like this a bit, but it's got camo on it...not quite as business-like. Good price though...that's about what I paid.
  • What really gets me excited is that I can house my laptop and my iPad. That's the goal.
  • Great kick-off Chris. I'm tuning in not so much because I travel alot (not anymore) but because MOTG (Go) is like a science project. I want to see what happens in the end. Your post on CB introducing the nuts & bolts of Go is, to me, a text book case of transparency. I can't wait to see what I learn.

    My initial question was how and why you would start something like Go with everything else you have going. And you answered that question with the CB post.

    And btw, it looks like an incredible bag. I assume it's named after the same Fred Couples I know of on the PGA tour.
  • I'm always happy to share what I learn, David. Otherwise, it's not as fun.

    And yes, it's for the golfer. : )
  • Way to go Chris. You've truly found your "Starbuck's oatmeal" with this one. Congratulations and great video.
  • Pris
    great review- gonna look for it.
  • Barry
    Slick bag!...been on the hunt for just a bag for a while...
  • Wants! Hook a brother up! :)
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