NCASE M1 Softshell Carry Bag for community

[charww]

UPDATE 2017-05-11: Thanks to the hard work of Wahaha360, a carry bag is now available through the main NCASE website Shop Gear: https://www.ncases.com/
New Forum Thread: http://tinyurl.com/yaeblgt2

UPDATE 2017-01-24: Original carry bag no longer available on Etsy. However, Bag V2 is under development. Check the end of this thread for news.


Esty Listing - Basic Bag

Esty Listing - Deluxe Bag

Bag Specs:
Features, all bags:

• waterproof and durable 1680 dernier coated ballistics nylon exterior
• 100% brushed cotton twill lining: soft, durable, and nearly static neutral
• 3-layer interior support for protection (all sides, bottom and top): 4mm corrugated plastic for crush resistance, 1/2" closed cell foam for impact protection, and 1/2" polyester batting for cushioning. Bottom has 2 layers of 4mm plastic sheet with baffles running in perpendicular directions.
• 1600-lb test strength heavy duty nylon webbing for wrap-around duffel-style handles with padded grip and velcro flap to hold them together
• Top closure: sturdy #5 YKK nylon coil zipper with two pulls, positioned below lip of bag to prevent zipper from hitting/scratching computer case
• Cord elastic with spring clasp on top of lid to hold oversized items like jackets or standard keyboard
• Heavy duty nylon thread and sturdy construction
• High quality woven label with NCASE/M1 logo with choice of label location (or no label)

"Basic Bag" includes:

• Pockets on all four sides. Narrow-side pockets have open tops with button and elastic fastener. Front long-side pocket has a flap with button and elastic fastener. Rear long-side briefcase style pocket is slim and flat against the side of the bag.
• Optional: Rear long-side pocket can be replaced with straps and buckles at no charge (see Deluxe bag pictures)
• Optional: Flat flaps (similar to front flap) can be added to the narrow-side pockets for a small additional charge

"Deluxe Bag" includes:

• 3 pockets: Narrow-sides feature high capacity 8-cm deep cargo pockets with flaps and buckle closures. Front long-side has a 2-cm deep pocket with flap and buckle closure.
• Cinch straps with buckle closures on rear long-side of bag for holding long and wide items.
• Shoulder Strap: 1600-lb test strength nylon webbing for shoulder strap (runs around the entire length of the bag) with shoulder grip and metal swivel clasps.
• Optional: Rubber feet riveted to bottom of bag to insulate from vibration and provide nonskid support (see picture).

Additional pictures of final bags:

Pictures of Packed Bags linked here.
As you can see, the sides are designed to flex for lifting the computer.

**** ORIGINAL POST ****
My softshell carry bag for the NCASE M1

A handful of you have expressed interest in this carry bag, wanting to purchase the bags for your own cases. After a little research, I found a seamstress who may be willing to make the bags to our specs. I’m willing to help out, represent the community, and see if I can make this happen for us, but I’m still discussing the details with her and make no promises. I have some questions for you:

1) I’d like to give her a better sense of numbers, so please reply if you may want to purchase a carry bag. This is not a commitment, just an estimate.
2) Do you prefer lighter-weight materials? This does not mean less protective or less durable, this literally means lighter weight. I’m an ultra-light enthusiast, so I prefer and used a 3oz supplex nylon for my bag instead of a heavier ripstop nylon. I’m guessing some would like heavy-weight, others light-weight. I’m not sure we can please everyone, but I’d like to hear your preferences.



Below are some changes I would make to the design of the bag. It may be opening a can of worms to ask, but the bag is for you, so please feel free to provide your input.
1) Change the lid to a zippered style, more like this:

2) Use duffel style carry handles, so the bag would not require use of a gear grips handle and the lid would not have a hole in the middle like mine does.

3) Optional shoulderstrap? Materials such as D-rings and strap webbing would add to cost
4) 2 large cargo style pockets and 2 slim non-cargo style pockets for peripherals. (My pockets are all somewhat slim)
5) Improve padding and seam reinforcement

Let me know what you think.

 

[commander_]

1) I’d like to give her a better sense of numbers, so please reply if you may want to purchase a carry bag. This is not a commitment, just an estimate.
2) Do you prefer lighter-weight materials? This does not mean less protective or less durable, this literally means lighter weight. I’m an ultra-light enthusiast, so I prefer and used a 3oz supplex nylon for my bag instead of a heavier ripstop nylon. I’m guessing some would like heavy-weight, others light-weight. I’m not sure we can please everyone, but I’d like to hear your preferences.



Below are some changes I would make to the design of the bag. It may be opening a can of worms to ask, but the bag is for you, so please feel free to provide your input.
1) Change the lid to a zippered style, more like this:

2) Use duffel style carry handles, so the bag would not require use of a gear grips handle and the lid would not have a hole in the middle like mine does.

3) Optional shoulderstrap? Materials such as D-rings and strap webbing would add to cost
4) 2 large cargo style pockets and 2 slim non-cargo style pockets for peripherals. (My pockets are all somewhat slim)
5) Improve padding and seam reinforcement

Let me know what you think.

That's a brilliant idea! I would definitely considered purchasing one considering I may go out of state for college and bought the M1 as a portable option just in case I needed to travel.

I like the idea of a lightweight bag, but I like things with a bit of weight, like it's gotta feel nice and sturdy.

The zipper is a must, good thinking there. Duffel style handles would also be great.

I'm not too much of a fan of shoulder straps, I mean it'll be good to have but I would most likely unclip it or remove it if it had one.

Pocket would be AMAZING! I would be able to fit my mice and wear a backpack with my keyboard and laptop. Perfect combo.

Also, improved padding and seam reinforcements would be great. I'd like as much padding as possible after seeing how thin the panels for the M1 were. I mean it's sturdy but it can bend with a little force. So yeah...

Thanks for giving us this opportunity of (possibly) buying a bag made specifically for the M1!

 

[Aibohphobia]

I'll get one if it isn't too terribly expensive

Don't really care either way for the weight of the materials, I just want something that will last.


Zipper is fine as long as it's a good quality one.

The duffel bag style handles would be nice so it's just one item rather than the harness and then a separate bag over that, but only if it is sturdy enough to give me complete piece of mind that it's not going to rip and drop my rig to the ground

Shoulder straps as an option would be nice

Definitely on the pockets, doesn't do me much good to have my rig without my [strike=option]keyboard[/s], mouse, and headphones to go with it.

(Just realized, even my 10-keyless mechanical keyboard is 355mm wide)

 

[TurbineTech]

Thank you sooo much for getting this thread off the ground! Now on to your questions!

First off count me in for one bag!!!

I would be using the bag to take my computer traveling with me for work and whatnot.

I think I would actually prefer the rip stop material versus the lightweight stuff. Others may disagree though???

1: I like the zippered lid

2: I could go either way on the gear grip versus duffel bag style handles. I think ultimately it would be nice to be able to just open the bag up and pull my computer out without messing with the gear grip.

3: Yes to shoulder strap! I need this!!!

4: Yes to 2 large pockets (peripherals and crap!) a couple smaller pockets would be nice as well

5: Some padding might be nice; seam reinforcement I could go either way. I doubt the whole package would weight enough to absolutely require them but they would definitely be nice for product longevity!


Thanks again, and lets get this going guys!!!!

 

[updawg]

Interested, zipper + shoulder strap.

 

[drklu]

In for one for sure and thanks for getting this going. I prefer more durability and padding. A removable shoulder strap would be ideal. Love the idea of additional pockets (preferably with velco lid flaps). Also, I would prefer black over any other color personally. I like the zipper idea as well and maybe some padding sewn into the top as well as the sides/bottom. I like the larger style zippers. Good luck I hope this works out for you!

edit: check out tacticaltailor.com. They make really nice bags and accessories and is the kind of style/build quality I would prefer.
Something like this maybe?

 

[s0skey]

I am totally interested in a carrying case/bag for my M1. I'm mainly posting to keep track of this post. I'll make more comments later in the week, alcohol and comments don't mix I've found, hehe.

 

[NickJames]

Sounds good, I prefer heavy duty for peace of mind but that's just me.

 

[cowsgomoo]

I'm also interested.

1) Change the lid to a zippered style, more like this:
Yes, zipper please.

2) Use duffel style carry handles, so the bag would not require use of a gear grips handle and the
lid would not have a hole in the middle like mine does.
Yes.

3) Optional shoulderstrap? Materials such as D-rings and strap webbing would add to cost
Yes, but removable ones would be nice.

4) 2 large cargo style pockets and 2 slim non-cargo style pockets for peripherals. (My pockets are all somewhat slim)
Yes, deep pockets for keyboard, wires and stuff.

5) Improve padding and seam reinforcement
My M1 weighs 7kg and with peripherals it'll probably weigh 8-9kg. Padding would be good for protecting both case and user, the material should be able to handle the weight.

 

[CrazyRob]

I'm also seriously interested, as I regularly take my rig around the state at least 3-4 times a year for big lan parties, not including smaller local events.

Personally, my biggest concern would be cost. I would love to see integrated handles and should straps. I always carry another bag for accessories and junk food, so I'm not too concerned about accessory pouches. As it's for a sff and thus not terribly heavy, I'm not concerned about having a super strong material, so I'd prefer whatever material is more cost effective.

 

[Dephcon]

I'm interested in buying one.

Can we line it with some sort of micro-fibre? I want to eliminate any possibility of scratching the case.

 

[Proglin]

I´m interested, but as I live in Brazil it should be very expensive to arrive here.

 

[Phuncz]

Excellent ! I'd like one yes:

Do you prefer lighter-weight materials?
I actually don't care that much, I'd much rather have more sturdy protection (think cushioning/plating) which would make it heavier than the materials will save.

Change the lid to a zippered style
Clips or zippers aren't really an issue, but with zippers you have more chance to scratch the case when opening and closing, so I'm partial to clips. But they need to be placed well so they won't indent the case when weight is applied.

Use duffel style carry handles
I'd really like handles as I expect most will, or they will need to purchase Case Grips seperately, increasing the cost a lot for buyers.

Optional shoulderstrap
While I see the advantage of this, I don't like this on expensive hardware because it allows/invites for careless handling. So I wouldn't use it, but I guess there are people looking forward to this option !

2 large cargo style pockets and 2 slim non-cargo style pockets for peripherals
Optionally you could give the two sides a large strip of velcro, allowing any and all kinds of pocket AND patches customization, like tactical gear for the army and law enforcement: https://www.google.com/search?q=tac...x6vSBfvFgZAD&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1265&bih=930

You know, when enthusiasts pimp out their case, they'd also like to pimp out their case's bag

Improve padding and seam reinforcement
Yes, yes and yes. I'd easily pay a lot more if it overly reinforced and the Ncase has overkill padding.

 

[Prelector]

Definitely interested.

Regarding the zipper top though...

With the strap change to be sides of the case, a zipper top wouldn't really be needed. Personally, I like the current flip over top, and instead of a zipper edge, I'd look at a Velcro or even light magnetic closure for the flap.

 

[CMadki4]

I saw your case/cover awhile back and was thoroughly impressed! Really cool that you may be bringing it to the community and the group of "investors" that that sweet M1! I've said it a million times, but I love seeing people work with different mediums (wood, paper, fabric, metals, etc.). Keeps things interesting. And this is a very cool and functional item many will have great interest in!

 

[Shockwave818]

Interested as well.

 

[Skott]

I'd be interested in one. I like the idea with some kind of pocket/s or attachment for keyboard and mouse. Definitely using one as a portable lanbox.

 

[Finn Human]

I would honestly be more interested in a specifically made backpack for my M1.

Then again I could just buy a backpack...

 

[AFD]

Clips or zippers aren't really an issue, but with zippers you have more chance to scratch the case when opening and closing, so I'm partial to clips.

A heavy-duty large tooth plastic zipper might be okay. Even more so, if the zipper goes around the upper outside (like a half-inch below the top).. sorta like on many camera and electronics bags..

I actually don't care that much, I'd much rather have more sturdy protection (think cushioning/plating) which would make it heavier than the materials will save.

Plastic panel inserts with padding on both sides would give a little added protection and add rigidity to the bag and would probably be worth any added weight or expense imo.

Just ideas. I really have no need for transporting my M1, but would consider buying one just for the heck of it.

Oh, and embroider the M1 logo somewhere, even a small one (if it's okay w/Necere)!!

So for me, I prefer durable fabric w/padding and protection; built-in handles w/velcro attachment flap (don't care for shoulder strap, but removable would be okay); plastic oversized zipper in safe location; 1 large exterior pocket (for mini keyboard, cables) and 1 small exterior pocket on narrow side (for mouse); maybe rubber feet or strips?; cost: under $50 would be nice, but maybe up to $100?; M1 logo to represent!

 

[charww]

Your comments have been very helpful, thank you.

Pricing: I inquired with a few manufacturers and the initial price estimate is falling in the US$75-100 range. It’s what I expected given the custom design, high-quality materials and low order quantity. Bulk material prices start at 50 or 100 lots. This thread hasn’t hit the 25 minimum order estimate I sent the vendors. I’m fine with this price, but know that price is priority for some. Should I ask how the price can be lowered? Lower price would probably come with construction compromises. Note, this doesn't include shipping.

Pricing scheme: I’m hoping the vendor can give us a price scheme like follows, so we each get what we want. Don’t know yet if it’s possible. $$XX for “Basic” bag, +/- $XX for Options A, B C, etc (such as shoulder strap, fabric type?)

Logo: I like this idea. Necere gave me permission to use on mine, but I won’t assume that is blanket permission. I will ask. The high-res file I have is the NCASE logo, no M1 like AFD showed. I had no idea how to add this to my bag, but the vendor assures me it is easy and inexpensive. Adding only $1-2 to the bag cost. It is probably a printed label, not embroidered, which I prefer anyway.

Fabric: The vendor is pricing out 1000 denier cordura for exterior. Your responses overwhelmingly want heavy-weight and I’m the only one who wants lighter weight fabric. Boo-hoo. 100% ripstop cotton priced for lining. I used 100% cotton for my bag and it is very soft, but I am asking about options for both lining and exterior fabric. By microfiber, I assume you mean the type of fabric used to clean tv and phone screens? Does static-neutrality matter at all in the lining fabric? I used cotton for that reason, but maybe it doesn’t matter because the computer gets grounded when plugged in? I’d hate to open my bag and shock my computer.

Zipper: Thanks AFD, that pic is exactly what I would want. Looks labor intensive and might be pricey. I’ll inquire. The vendor understands the case must be protected from the zipper.

 

[xinux]

I'm interested if there will be pockets for keyboard, mouse and cables.

 

[Dephcon]

Yeah maybe microfibre isn't the way to go, just as long as the inner lining wont hurt our babies!

 

[Andorski]

Count me down as interested if the bag is at most $85 USD. A possible idea that I have is to put a strap on the top of the bag to hold down a keyboard.

 

[TurbineTech]

Charww,

You're the best! Thanks again for looking into this!

When all is said and done I'll have a considerable investment into my M1 so another 75 - 100 for a nice carrying case isn't going to be a big stretch.

I'm ok with that pricing.

 

[Phuncz]

For me, the 75-100$ price (excl. shipping) is ok, since that is what I'd expect from a custom bag anyways. But it shouldn't cost more than 100$ or I suspect you'll lose many buyers.

I guess colors should be an issue regarding price, meaning more than a few colors will cost a lot more ? If that's the issue, I'd recommend getting black and silver as an option, to resemble the case's color options.

 

[charww]

A possible idea that I have is to put a strap on the top of the bag to hold down a keyboard.

There will definitely be pockets, but it didn't occur to me that a standard keyboard will surely be longer than the bag. 49cm vs maybe 40cm. I use a short keyboard that fits perfectly in the wide side pocket of my 39cm long bag. Your idea of straps for the top is a good one. Maybe two pieces of inch-wide elastic over the top of the case, a long keyboard could slide under the elastic? The downside of that is no protection from the elements for the keyboard. That's a bit of a conundrum.

I guess colors should be an issue regarding price... I'd recommend getting black and silver as an option, to resemble the case's color options.

Yes, I agree we should restrict ourselves to very few colors in order to keep costs down. I was also thinking black and silver/grey.

 

[CrazyCuz2k]

Count me in for 1

 

[Skott]

I figured a keyboard would be on the outside anyway so if its out in the open I'm okay with that. Personally mine wouldn't be out in the weather for more than a few minutes tops anyhow. Go from vehicle to building is pretty much the length of it. I live in FL however so I don't have weather problems like other places do. People up north have to deal with rain, sleet, snow, and etc., I just have to deal with rain.

The $75-$100 price I'm okay with too. That logo would look cool but I don't really have to have it on the bag. I can live without it so whatever the group wants is okay with me.

 

[miguksaram]

Absolutely in for one and my opinions tend to mirror those of Phuncz.

 

[trick_m0nkey]

In on one.

Also:
1) I’d like to give her a better sense of numbers, so please reply if you may want to purchase a carry bag. This is not a commitment, just an estimate.
2) Do you prefer lighter-weight materials? This does not mean less protective or less durable, this literally means lighter weight. I’m an ultra-light enthusiast, so I prefer and used a 3oz supplex nylon for my bag instead of a heavier ripstop nylon. I’m guessing some would like heavy-weight, others light-weight. I’m not sure we can please everyone, but I’d like to hear your preferences.
I would prefer heavier material.


Below are some changes I would make to the design of the bag. It may be opening a can of worms to ask, but the bag is for you, so please feel free to provide your input.
1) Change the lid to a zippered style, more like this: Nah

2) Use duffel style carry handles, so the bag would not require use of a gear grips handle and the lid would not have a hole in the middle like mine does.
Agreed
3) Optional shoulderstrap? Materials such as D-rings and strap webbing would add to cost
It definitely begs for shoulderstraps
4) 2 large cargo style pockets and 2 slim non-cargo style pockets for peripherals. (My pockets are all somewhat slim)
Yes
5) Improve padding and seam reinforcement
Yes

 

[AFD]

my opinions tend to mirror those of Phuncz.

Same here, for the most part.. really didn't see that one coming, lol j/k

I'm also good with the matching black and silver color choices (and inverse silver and black stitching or silk-screening if you do decide on an NCASE logo anywhere).

Might be possible to have full-size keyboards stored in one of the side pockets vertically (half in, half out).. maybe with an interior elastic strap (or adjustable strap with plastic buckle) sewn to the highest part inside the pocket to help secure it better. Elastic might be a little cheaper, but will probably stretch out over time.. plastic buckle, like below might be more secure, but might also wear against the keyboard (probably not an issue with keys facing toward case, or if protected in a separate sleeve). Elastic strap probably won't get in the way of smaller keyboard storage as much. Ooh.. or same idea, but using a velcro strap?

Dunno.. I only use mini keyboards, so just an idea.

 

[Andorski]

There will definitely be pockets, but it didn't occur to me that a standard keyboard will surely be longer than the bag. 49cm vs maybe 40cm. I use a short keyboard that fits perfectly in the wide side pocket of my 39cm long bag. Your idea of straps for the top is a good one. Maybe two pieces of inch-wide elastic over the top of the case, a long keyboard could slide under the elastic? The downside of that is no protection from the elements for the keyboard. That's a bit of a conundrum.

I'm personally okay with no protection of the keyboard. Keyboard come in so many different sizes that it would be hard to design some type of sleeve protection for the bag. Not to mention that it would take away from the bag's simple aesthetics. A two strap system should be good enough to hold it in place while a person puts their M1 in their car to drive to a LAN party.

 

[balance101]

interested

i want one with lots of padding so i can protect my m1

hope shipping to canada isn't too expensive

 

[Phuncz]

Absolutely in for one and my opinions tend to mirror those of Phuncz.

Same here, for the most part.. really didn't see that one coming, lol j/k

Awww guys !
I'm probably unknowingly copying the design ideas of the M1 (flexibility, quality, focused) but it's nice to see more people agree than disagree, it will make it easier for charww to work out something.

About the keyboards: it's not easy to satisfy everyone on this, as some people have small keyboards but some have full-sized keyboards with wrist-rests and everything. My keyboard is a lot wider than the Ncase is long and has a wrist-rest, so for me to be able to use it, it would require a large piece of stretchy material, secured to the top and bottom of the side of the bag, like this:

While I could remove the wrist-rest, not everyone will have that option or has a keyboard that is extra long.

Oh and I'm serious about it having velcro for patches:
http://www.patchesrus.com/
http://www.patch-werk.com/
(I want a "[H]ard|Forum" patch !!)

 

[charww]

1) Change the lid to a zippered style, more like this: Nah

General opinion is mixed on the zipper (vs clasp closure), though most like it. Assuming 1)both closure types would securely close the bag and 2) neither would scratch the computer, then I say we just choose the least expensive option. Agree?

About the keyboards: it's not easy to satisfy everyone on this, as some people have small keyboards but some have full-sized keyboards with wrist-rests and everything....

Oh and I'm serious about it having velcro for patches:
http://www.patchesrus.com/
http://www.patch-werk.com/
(I want a "[H]ard|Forum" patch !!)

Doh! You would throw in another wrinkle with your Extra Wide keyboard. I like the many solultion ideas though, esp. the one that was mentioned of an elastic or clasp band near the top of the side pockets that would keep a keyboard secure there too. I still like the idea of elastic on top. Good for keyboards, a jacket, whatev.

As for the patches and velcro... I.. um... A side entirely of velcro???
Velcro implies temporary... that you want to frequently add and remove your patches? If folks want NCASE and [H]ard|Forum on the bag, why don't we just make labels that are permanently fixed on the bag? I pictured 4 pockets on this bag, one on each side, lots of space for mouse, minikeyboard, headphones, power cord, HDMI cord, a book, etc.

I have a conference with the manufacturer this morning, so I'll ask some questions. We want options for individual bags, but we also want to keep cost down and therefore production process streamlined. I'll try to find out what is possible. Knowing the different types/sizes of items people want to carry in their bags helps. I love the collaborative design effort we have going. Many brains are better than one.

 

[Phuncz]

As for the patches and velcro... I.. um... A side entirely of velcro???

I was thinking more along the lines of a strip on both sides or maybe all four sides.
Ofcourse this is what I'd like, I'm not sure anyone except me would want it.

why don't we just make labels that are permanently fixed on the bag?

While Velcro isn't permanent in the strict sense, the dense ones aren't easy to peel off so they are permanent unless you want to remove them. But permanently fixed labels is something for the people with sewing skills, which I doubt many interested people here have.

Knowing the different types/sizes of items people want to carry in their bags helps. I love the collaborative design effort we have going. Many brains are better than one.

Yes indeed, although it is something that shouldn't be underestimated: you cannot please everybody. The trick is to estimate and calculate which option suits most and will be desired by most. Sometimes you'll also have to come up with your own solutions.

But never ever be intimidated by people's desires. Were you a witness of the Ncase M1 "should we increase 20mm height ?"-debacle ? Dozens of pages of endless discussion on this, in the end Necere went on his own opinion on this and I think he made the right call by doing that.

 

[Dephcon]

I can't say I'm a fan of the velcro idea. I just want a clean embroidered NCASE/M1 logo and that's it. Velcro can be added by the end user if they want to.

 

[cowsgomoo]

Full sized keyboards are not SFF!

 

[AFD]

Were you a witness of the Ncase M1 "should we increase 20mm height ?"-debacle ?

I want my M1 carrying bag to also fit a full-tower ATX case! lol, kidding

I can't say I'm a fan of the velcro idea. I just want a clean embroidered NCASE/M1 logo and that's it. Velcro can be added by the end user if they want to.

I kinda like Phuncz' idea of a velcro strip for military-style patches, but would prefer embroidery of the NCASE and maybe even the [H] logos for a cleaner look. Either way would probably be fine, and even doing both might be possible.

 

[Gookitron]

I'll be interested in one.

I would prefer a buckle top. I think it would be cool to just have two *click* sounds then open the bag like a treasure chest . Plus I think a buckle top will look more similar to high-end video/photo gear cases than, say, a gym bag. Unless going incognito was the idea....

No preference on keyboard. Those things are durable and most likely I'll be on the move with my backpack along with the proposed M1 case. Which means the keyboard will most likely be traveling on my back.

Materials (light v heavy) not so important than the cushioning material found within. I'm okay so long as my case survives the errant kick of other travelers.