Guys and Gals, I need advice on a bag

[GraysonK]

Hi Everyone,
Ok, I need help deciding.  My left shoulder is shot and I can no longer carry my beloved Timbuk2 messenger back and forth to school.  It just hurts too much and makes my arm go numb.  So, I'm on the hunt for a new Timbuk2 backpack.  I am in love with this company because their products are extremely solid and durable.  I still use my small messenger for little jaunts to and fro and don't have a problem with that because I never carry books or binders in it so it doesn't hurt.  But I've got 1.5 - 2.5 years of school left and i need a backpack and i really want to go with Timbuk2.  So, here are the 3 bags I'm considering.  I'm going to put up links to them on the Timbuk2 site and if you are at all inclined, please take a look and tell me what you think.  All of them are "laptop" backpacks but I never carry my laptop to school.  I need space for a 2" three ring binder, a book that is about the size of a laptop, pens, organizer, phone, wallet, keys, water bottle (a Klean Kanteen), and various other little EDC things.  So, please if you get a chance, take a look. 
I will say that I spoke with a Timbuk2 rep and he said that the Medium Swig would be more than enough, but while it isn't overly wide (I think 13"/33 cm) it is 20"/50 cm long.  It might be huge on me and therefore not really practical for after school life.  The Small Swig he said would just fit a 2" binder and book but not much room for anything else.  Reviews are mixed.  So, tell me what you think. 
Swig
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/backpacks/backpack-laptop/swig-backpack
Q Backpack
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/q-backpack#ReviewHeader
Zeitgeist
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/zeitgeist-backpack

[glorn]

I like the medium Swig!

I had a few timbuks back in the day and like them a lot. Still have my last messenger bag.


If I may, might I add the Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger to your list?

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Monsoon-Gearslinger-2p11.htm

Right shoulder carry with a wide strap.

[GraysonK]

I like the medium Swig!

I had a few timbuks back in the day and like them a lot. Still have my last messenger bag.


If I may, might I add the Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger to your list?

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Monsoon-Gearslinger-2p11.htm

Right shoulder carry with a wide strap.

I'm liking the medium swig too...and yes, you most certainly can direct me toward the gearslinger, but alas it is out of my budget.  I love maxped stuff, I just can't afford it! 

[glorn]

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/PYGMY-FALCON-II-Backpack-12p145.htm


Pygmy Falcon II. Same price as the Swig. 

[GraysonK]

Well, I pulled the trigger on the Medium Swig from Timbuk2.  I'll post pics when I get it and give a review, if anyone might be interested.  Glorn I would love the Falcon, but for my general purposes, I think the Swig is better and I found it for $60 so I couldn't really pass it up.    But thanks for the suggestions.  I'm excited to see what all this thing can hold and if I'll like it.  I just hope it isn't too big.  I know, weird concern, but there ya go.    As the weather continues to get nicer I'll be taking the bike out so we'll see how well I like it.  I've already got plans to see how my EDC stuff fits.    Cheers!

[glorn]

Pics, please! Lots of pics.