Gig Bags: Gator Commander vs Fusion F1

[lithoman]

I routinely commute to work in Seattle with my Squier 5-string J-Bass, as it affords me an solid hour on the Ferry to practice each day. Of course, I also am carrying my laptop and various and sundry work-a-day items. Gets a bit awkward with both a case and laptop bag, not to mention my back. So I've been considering a couple bags that would carry the bass and my laptop and maybe a bit more.

The only domestic one I can find that might meet the need is the Gator Commander. The $169 price tag doesn't faze me, but the reviews curb my enthusiasm. I think the pockets might not quite do it, and a common complaint is the backpack straps are too low (raising the head way high, and I'm already 6'3").


The Fusion F1, however, in combination with the accessory laptop backpack that clips on separately, seems like it would be ideal. Plenty of room, well placed straps, and more padding. But in combination it will be over twice the cost of the Gator. Adding further hassle to it is finding a dealer or shipping it from the UK. I've got a friend at the local guitar shop looking into the possibility of landing one for me.

Any suggestions?

[FunkyMan]

Fusion! Without a second though.

[davidAaronCarte]

My Fusion F1 is great, carry my Custom Shop Fender around in it all the time and I'm never worried
Didn't get it here, but this might be cheaper than getting it from the UK
https://fusionbagscanada.ca/index.ph...&product_id=55
I don't have any of the attachment bags, but there's a ton of storage space in the bag even without them

[lithoman]

I went with the Fusion and the attaching laptop backpack and was thoroughly pleased with it, and with customer service. I trek it a few miles a day, 3-5 days a week. I did have some concerns about some of the engineering, particularly the stitching at stress/attachment points. About 3 months after getting my bags, one of the hip pads on the bass bag tore loose. I took pictures and contacted customer support and received a new bag by the end of the week! So, -1 for construction, +10 for support! I hope they work on some of the weaker engineering points.

[davidAaronCarte]

I heard from some guys who went to NAMM this year that they were getting a handful of wear-and-tear issues on the handles/etc and have made a couple changes
The new ones are supposed to be a little more robust