UKC

My benevolent paymasters have provided me with a new laptop; however, the IT guy has ignored all of my requests and so after years of throwing my tiny 11/13" laptops in whatever bag I happen to have on hand I now need to find a bag to fit a 17.3" behemoth...

Does anyone have any suggestions for a bag which would fit this without screaming that it's a laptop bag? (Read: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Targus-Drifter-II-notebook-cases/dp/B00507NAYQ )

I'm looking for something a little bit more discreet and multifunctional, I did look at the Fjallraven Kanken 17 Laptop bag however the sheer size of it makes it resemble something off the back of a deliveroo rider...

It'd fit in say a 35-45 litre rucksack?  That way it doesn't look like a laptop...

I’d agree. I use one of my cragging sacks.

And be thankful your work isn’t as generous as mine. I have to lug 2 of them around.

I bought one of these recently for a laptop with a 17 inch monitor: aptop%20bag:1:1:1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" id="guid-6357cf163b864" class="counterlink">https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7348088?clickSR=slp:termaptop%20bag:1:1:1

It's good quality, comfy to carry and a good price.

I might have to be really sad and take the laptop to a shop and have a look at packs. I have tried it in my Arc'teryx Alpha 40 pack, but the form factor of the laptop mixed with the structure of the bag makes it look like I'm carrying a paving slab and I'd be worried about the corners!

I hope you thank them for their generosity as sincerely as I have my employers...by holding my previous laptop up in the tote bag I brought it in today and politely asking how I am supposed to transport the tank they have thrust upon me!

Unfortunately screams laptop bag. This can be a problem especially when travelling, which is then compounded as someone in their 20s because we're seemingly more likely to have a high-end gaming laptop which can be an attractive prospect to thieves

I’ve got an Osprey multi activity type rucksack - Quasar 28l  -  and it takes a large laptop without showing. If you cinch the compression straps it would look empty with a laptop in as it naturally looks like a deep sac when empty.

Worth a look - mine is quite a few years old so check design and shape not changed if it is still available. Mine has multi compartment with one next to back designed for laptop protection.  

A tartan granny shopping trolley Nobody will think laptop. Safe as houses!

It's a work laptop - if someone wants to steal it. let them. It's a work problem, not a you problem.

As someone who last month was attacked and beaten by a gang to take a 4 year old iPhone, this strikes me as a bit of a shortsighted comment. I don’t care so much for the item itself, hence why the current one gets transported in a cotton tote bag, I do care however for not having a target quite literally on my back!

Have used one of these for years!

https://www.wardow.com/uk/timbuk2-heritage-classic-m-messenger-bag-1108-4-1...

Same, my Osprey Quasar is my work bag. It’s a decent size and doesn’t look like it obviously has a laptop inside. 

Sorry to hear you got mugged. That's really crap.

If you don't have to look smart or you want to avoid looking smart and an over the shoulder tote bag is OK...

...perhaps a Lidl/other insulated chilled food bag?

Zipped top so contents hidden, insulation is a bit of padding. Maybe too much space, but loads of space for other stuff or more padding.

It would look very unlike a laptop bag and unlikely to attract attention of muggers if supermarket branding makes it obviously for groceries compared to something plain black.

What about an Ortileb roll top bag or something similar?  

This one is designed to carry A3 documents.

https://www.ortlieb.com/en_us/messenger-bag-pro

alternatively make a laptop sleeve out of a Jiffy bag/jiffy bags and duck tape then bung it into any old rucsac(ideally bought second hand to look less polished)?