NCASE M1 Softshell Carry Bag for community

[AFD]

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.

I think a buckle top would probably look nicer, but I'm really more concerned with keeping rain and snow from getting inside. I'd be good w/both buckle and zipper, but that's probably unnecessary (and an added expense).

I plan on doing 4 coats of Kiwi Camp-Dry silicon spray on the outside to semi-waterproof the bag (more than anything, I'll probably spill my coffee on it =)

But yeah, both buckles and zippers w/velcro looks pretty badass..

 

[Dephcon]

was there any intent to put a layer of foam between the outer and inner layers of the main pocket? That is a feature I'd really like to see as I originally was planning to get a pelican (or knockoff) case.

 

[charww]

So after meeting with the Professional, I'm pretty keen on this bag. She had great ideas.

Here is the protective layering we talked about:

Lining: 100% ripstop cotton (should be both soft and close to static neutral)
2 layers of 1/4" cotton batting (for squishy softness, also close to static neutral)
1/4" closed cell foam (used for camera bags and guitar cases)
then probably a hard plastic outer shell insert. I'm not sure the exact material. She had something in mind and I can't recall what it was
Exterior fabric: 840 denier coated ballistic nylon

So that wouldn't need waterproofing. This would be on all 4 sides and top. I think she wanted an additional layer of something on the bottom, but can't remember what that was either. I'm sorry, yesterday was a bit busy. The fibers in ballistic nylon are difficult to dye, so it is usually only sold in black.

She is a small business owner that I've worked with before and really turns out exceptional quality custom products. She is interested in our small order run, and I think it's a good fit. And she's giving us a very good price for a high-quality product. Mainly, I just want to connect She-Who-Will-Make-Bags with You-Who-Want-Bags. Beyond that, I don't want to be overly involved, other than ordering a bag myself.

She will undoubtedly require pre-orders for this bag, so that she'll know how much material to order and can streamline the product process as much as possible.

She is currently ordering fabric samples, and is going to make a sample/prototype bag. At this point, I think we just have a little waiting to do. But additional feedback and discussion is always welcome.

 

[updawg]

Charww thank you for taking your time to get this all arranged, I am sure everyone here appreciates it.

I have a few questions about your meeting:

Did you discuss how large will the bag be? I am hoping it is similar in size to your current bag, I am not looking for overly bulky.

Any indication on pricing? Is she allowing for modifications, as it seems some people want zippers, some want straps, some want clips, etc.


Thank you again for doing this!

 

[Phuncz]

Nice update charww ! Those all seem smart choices, concerning materials !

 

[Gookitron]

I think a buckle top would probably look nicer, but I'm really more concerned with keeping rain and snow from getting inside.

Yea I forgot about that little thing called "weather"... I don't see much of it between southern california and arizona.

So after meeting with the Professional, I'm pretty keen on this bag. She had great ideas.

<Snip>

I like the sound of the materials choices. No mention on the clip/zipper/strap/velcro/button/magnet/buckle/van der waal's D ) closure system, but I'll be happy with any type given the protective layering provided. I hope the price will be reasonable given all the stuff being thrown in.

Probably an obvious question regarding the RFQ (request for quote): Will your manufacturer provide you with some sketches/drawings before committing to the prototype?

 

[AFD]

Nice update charww ! Those all seem smart choices, concerning materials !

Agree! I'm def fine w/all black, if it means a more durable and protective outer fabric. The addition of padding and plastic plates is excellent. Also wondering what closure system she will be considering for the proto.

As long as we can see pics of the protobag before pre-order and the quality/design looks fairly decent, I'm fine with all that.

Yea I forgot about that little thing called "weather"... I don't see much of it between southern california and arizona.

You forgot about the coffee! You drink enough coffee, you get all jittery and spill it everywhere =)


Oh, and just to be clear, you did tell her she was to be making bags of holding for us nerds, correct?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bag_of_holding

 

[mwayne5]

I'd be game for purchasing one. I would absolutely love it if there was a pocket large enough to fit a 10 key-less board. Since that size board is only about an inch longer than the size of the case.

 

[AFD]

I'd be game for purchasing one. I would absolutely love it if there was a pocket large enough to fit a 10 key-less board. Since that size board is only about an inch longer than the size of the case.

The M1 is just under 10".. my Logitech K810 and Adesso ACK-595 mini keyboards are some of the smaller ones I've seen, and both are almost 11.5"

Really hoping that size will fit in the side pocket. Hey Char, what mini keyboard are you using, so we can kinda compare what might fit?


EDIT: Ooops, nevermind. M1 is just under 13.5" (not 10"), so my keyboards should fit just fine

 

[SithSolo1]

Ive got a geargrip micro LT on the way but id be interested in a well made, decently priced bag.

 

[cowsgomoo]

The M1 is just under 10"..

Then it must be magic that it can fit 12.5" graphic cards.

 

[mwayne5]

I'd be game for purchasing one. I would absolutely love it if there was a pocket large enough to fit a 10 key-less board. Since that size board is only about an inch longer than the size of the case.

Looks like my pic didn't show up

If the bag could accommodate that...that would be great!

 

[AFD]

Then it must be magic that it can fit 12.5" graphic cards.

Doh! The M1 itself is a magical box of holding, lol.

Converted the wrong dimension, without using brain during the process.. I'll go fix my post now

 

[zyler]

I bought this one. Perfect fit and it will even hold the M1 res
The only thing I'll have to do now is make a carrying handle/strap.

 

[charww]

Did you discuss how large will the bag be? I am hoping it is similar in size to your current bag, I am not looking for overly bulky. Any indication on pricing? Is she allowing for modifications

Yes, it should be very similar in size to my current bag. Not bulkier, but it will be *heavier* because as a group we nearly unanimously wanted 9-10oz nylon instead of 3oz nylon.

The intention is to offer some bag options, yes. We should limit ourselves on the number of options to keep the price down. We should probably have a poll/survey/spreadsheet or something to determine which options are most popular. The price range we've said we are comfortable with as a group is about US$75-100, so that's the goal. This price, for example, took 1/2" foam off the table.

No mention on the clip/zipper/strap/velcro/button/magnet/buckle/van der waal's D ) closure system...Will your manufacturer provide you with some sketches/drawings before committing to the prototype?

LOL. She is aware of the great zipper vs flap debate. I followed Phuncz's advice and made a decision to put a zipper on this first bag. That does not mean all future bags will be limited to zippers. I decided zipper because the flap design needs more work/discussion. A flap lid closure on the wide side of the bag will either force the pocket and duffel-handles to be lower or the flap will have to go in-between the handles. Alternatively the lid flap closure could be made on the narrow side of the bag (her suggestion).

With pictures from this thread, examining my current bag, and quick sketches she drew during the meeting, I felt confident that the concepts were well understood. We nearly unanimously want:
1)heavy, durable nylon
2)lots of padding/protection
3)duffel-style handle straps (for secure lifting) and
4)cargo pockets.
My primary concern was that the sample bag demonstrate/test those features. It will also have features that may, in the end, be options: 1)a removable shoulderstrap, 2) zippered lid and 3)no closure for pockets (like my current bag). I believe her preference, once we decide on the options we absolutely must have available, will be to make a second bag demonstrating those options. I was surprised she was willing to make 2 sample bags, but think it's awesome that she is.

I'm going to get TL;DR'd if I write any more in this post, so I'll address other questions in a later post.
PS. All you humorous posters are the best. I don't feel like I can take up forum space with "LOL" posts, but I am laughing.

 

[charww]

...mini keyboards are... almost 11.5"...Hey Char, what mini keyboard are you using, so we can kinda compare what might fit?

I would absolutely love it if there was a pocket large enough to fit a 10 key-less board.

mwayne, how thick is that keyboard? It looks thicker than standard in that pic. I've measure the depth of most keyboards at: 2.5-3.5cm

I have an adesso: 30cm x 21cm x 2.25cm
My current bag's pockets are:
37cm wide x 21.5cm tall (the zipper closure might make the pocket slightly shorter)
19cm wide x 21.5cm tall (on the narrow side of the bag)

Bag of holding, LOL, I wish. It seems unlikely/unappealing to make a pocket wider than the bag.

I bought this one. Perfect fit and it will even hold the M1 res The only thing I'll have to do now is make a carrying handle/strap.

That's a decent find for folks who want to spend less. It's probably less durable/protective. If you can, I recommend the duffel-style handles that wrap around the bottom, or using something like a geargrip.

RES - Do folks need to carry a res (reservoir?) in the bag pockets? That hasn't been mentioned before. What size is that, can someone estimate? Thanks!

 

[charww]

Regarding labels - I haven't asked Necere and Waha360 about this yet. I am fretting that the label is a legal disaster waiting to happen... having company A sell a bag with the label of company B. So I've been avoiding the issue, which is weird for me since I'm not a procrastinator. That said, a 2" x 2" label is less expensive than a 2" x 1" label, so including the M1 would probably be the way to go.

 

[Phuncz]

Lots of info charww, thanks for that !

About the Ncase M1 labels: if Necere and Wahaha360 agree that you use their logo on the bags, I won't be a legal battle. You should still ask them, but I doubt they'd be difficult about it since there other commercial entities that are taking a much more liberate "knockoff" without asking. Cases that look a lot (externally) like the Ncase M1 have been popping up.

 

[Dephcon]

a 2x2 logo would look great, very excited for prototype 1

 

[zyler]

RES - Do folks need to carry a res (reservoir?) in the bag pockets? That hasn't been mentioned before. What size is that, can someone estimate? Thanks!

Let me clarify
I meant that it's enough room for the case included the FrozenQ M1 res mounted on the back.

 

[Dephcon]

The PCI bracket already sticks out so it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Phuncz]

I guess that if it's large enough so we can put our man-hands in there to grab it, it won't be an issue ?

 

[Gookitron]

Thanks for the awesome details! The manufacturer knows what she is doing.

When you say the straps have to be lower, where would it be originally? Hypothetically speaking as it is still in discussion....
Was it initially "designed" at the middle (of bag height) and will be moved lower (towards base)? Or was the strap "design" at the top and now will have to be moved closer to middle?

I think everything inclusive in the M1 would tip the scales at 20-ish pounds (~9Kg)? Wouldn't a slightly lower strap (like middle of case height) help with weight distribution (center of gravity) and therefore stability?

I don't usually carry anything this heavy with hand straps. Usually with shoulder strap the weight is buttressed against my body so there is minimal freedom for the bulk weight to swing.

 

[Ribozyme]

I am interested as well in this and think 90 dollars is a fair price. However, how expensive is shipping to europe going to be or is it US only?

I too want side bags to fit mice, cables and a TKL-60% keyboard.

 

[charww]

When you say the straps have to be lower, where would it be originally?

Almost universally, duffel bag straps are attached near the top of the bag. The benefit of the wrap-around duffel handles/webbing is that it supports the weight of the bag at top and bottom. Very secure.

Almost universally, duffel bags open at the top with a zipper. I found very few examples of duffel bags that open at the top with a flap and those only opened on the narrow side and also had zippers. The length of the flap determines the maximum height of the pocket on that side. See how the pocket on the flap-side is lower?

If anyone is still interested in pursuing a flap-closure, can you please show me a design example, so I can understand what you are picturing? Thank you!

 

[ellroy80]

I'm also potentially interested in this. Prefer a flap closure, with the "hinge" on the long side of the bag.

 

[trick_m0nkey]

Is this still a thing?

 

[AFD]

Is this still a thing?

Think we're waiting on the seamstress to finish a prototype

 

[charww]

Think we're waiting on the seamstress to finish a prototype

Indeed. Fabric was ordered. I just sent an email asking how things are progressing. Will let you know what I hear back.

 

[CHANG3D]

THIS IS AWESOME

 

[trick_m0nkey]

Indeed. Fabric was ordered. I just sent an email asking how things are progressing. Will let you know what I hear back.

Awesome thanks for letting us know!

 

[charww]

It sounds like shipping from the closed-cell-foam supplier is slower than expected. It still hasn't arrived, but all the other fabric samples have. The original estimate was end of january for the sample bag. I've asked if that has changed with the delayed foam. Hopefully not. Will let you know what more I hear. I'm scheduled to drive down and look at the sample materials on Friday. Hopefully the foam will have arrived by then.

Edit: Yes, she has confirmed that the sample bag should still be finished by end of January, despite materials delays.

 

[TurbineTech]

Thanks for all the updates charww. Looking forward to seeing the sample bag.

 

[charww]

Just a quick update on some nice forward progress and my Friday meeting with The Professional:
The ballistic weave exterior nylon is gorgeous.
We agreed that the 1/4" foam is too thin (It really is, trust me, we don't want that), but the 3/8" or 1/2" looked great, so she is going to see if that can be worked in at our price point.
The rigid insert material is corrugated plastic sheet, which seems to be the material of choice for laptop bags. She's been researching laptop bag drop test results. I was impressed.
A lot of discussion focused on the lining fabric - finding something that was both durable (her concern) and soft (my concern). The previously discussed ripstop cotton didn't fit the bill. We both liked a heavy brushed cotton twill, which should be both durable and soft.

We received permission to use the NCASE M1 label on the bag. Thank you very much to Necere and Wahaha360.
Any thoughts on label location? I was thinking the narrow side of the bag, emulating the label on the computer itself.

A note on flap vs zipper closure: We decided to only develop the zipper closure at this point, mainly because duffel bags just aren't made with flap closures that have the hinge on the wide side. That's a different bag - more like a messenger bag. She's willing to develop the messenger bag, but someone else would need to work the design. I don't really know what is wanted in the messenger bag. Personally, I like the wrap-around duffel handles because of the very secure lifting support they provide.

I'm eager to see the sample bag. Hopefully in a week or so. After nearly a month of transporting my Wee NCASE 2-3/weekly, I am seeing the inadequacies in my current bag and looking forward to the improved version.

 

[Phuncz]

Nice to hear this is coming together !
My first thought was also for the Ncase badge in the "front" (narrow side).
Really liking the attention to usefulness, protection and durability that is going into this !

 

[Aibohphobia]

Glad to see the bag is getting so much attention to detail, I can't wait to see the prototype.

 

[AFD]

We received permission to use the NCASE M1 label on the bag. Thank you very much to Necere and Wahaha360.
Any thoughts on label location? I was thinking the narrow side of the bag, emulating the label on the computer itself.

Yay! I'm guessing suitable location of the logo would depend on size. If medium to large, then on one of the wider sides; if smaller, then several locations would probably look nice.. on handle, upper right-hand corner of wide-side pocket, or lower narrow side like the case itself. Whatever you both think looks nice.. I'm just happy it'll be on there

Speaking of the handle.. will there be like a wrap-around velcro piece to hold, that secures both handles together?

Everything else sounds really good so far, thanks for the update!

 

[charww]

Speaking of the handle.. will there be like a wrap-around velcro piece to hold, that secures both handles together?

Everything else sounds really good so far, thanks for the update!

Glad to hear it's sounding good to everyone! I am hopeful.

We haven't talked about the handle, but I've been very impressed with her attention to detail as well. I'll ask.

A few folks have asked about shipping costs. I imagine we'll be able to estimate shipping cost once we know the dimensions and weight of the finished bag, but it's impossible to guess before then. So again, just waiting.

 

[AFD]

We haven't talked about the handle, but I've been very impressed with her attention to detail as well. I'll ask.

Doesn't have to be fancy, just something simple to keep both handles connected and make carrying the bag easier. Sorta like this..

 

[aruthir]

Hi charww,

I'm interested in one! Thanks for organizing. Can't wait to see the prototype made as well. =)