Recommend me backpacks

Mugsley

I know this is like asking for mouse or keyboard or desk chair recommendations, but I need some input. Short version: I have a $15 backpack from Newegg that I bought for work trips and occasional use, but it's become my daily backpack to bring stuff into the office and it's starting to show wear.

I recently changed some of the work I'm doing, so I'm now taking my work laptop home with me every night; where previously that was uncommon. Additionally, I'm working in a more industrial environment than previous.

I was very much considering dropping the money on a GoRuck GR1 because every thing I've read about them is that they are nigh-on indestructible. Also, "yo it's the plant that makes weed" aside, Datsusara hemp packs seem to be well received.

Needs:
*Laptop compartment - current laptop is roughly a 14" HP. I need relative easy access to the compartment since security personnel check computers when entering buildings.
*Main compartment can hold notebook (8.5x11), charger, mouse, misc cords, and a lunch
*Accessory compartments not necessary but a nice feature
*Prefer ergonomic straps (i.e. "curved" instead of just straight) with reinforcements at attachment points
*Some level of water resist due to carrying stuff in the rain to/from my car or between buildings

I know that covers nearly every backpack under the sun. I'll try add some usage history (i.e. prevous bags I've used) a bit later. At this moment, I'd very much prefer a backpack to a messenger-style bag.

Budget: Considering the price of GoRucks, I'll say $200 but if I can keep it under $100 I'd be happy.

LostNinja

Here is the one I use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VQN1BVW/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1522430807&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ful+laptop+backpack&dpPl=1&dpID=51nlOIR42LL&ref=plSrch

I’ve had it for several years, and it’s gotten heavy use over the past 2 1/2 as I started my career. I carry my laptop in it everywhere for work. To and from the office when I need to go in, and when I need to perform field/site visits remotely.

I’ve never had any issue with it and it has enough space for my laptop, portfolio, various folders, and a binder when needed. Also I use the bottom compartment for the power cord/brick.

I can’t speak specifically to water resistance, but I’ve never had any issues. As far as carrying to and from my car in rain.

Artereis

Timbuk2 bags last forever and are pretty customizable, so I'd recommend checking them out. I've had one of their messenger bags for 10 years now and it looks, at worst, lightly used.

KetBra

I'd advocate any swiss gear backpack that meets your specific desires. I have had the same one for the last ~10 years, using it nearly daily, it has been from the tropics to the arctic, and is still fine.

mts

Artereis wrote: »

Timbuk2 bags last forever and are pretty customizable, so I'd recommend checking them out. I've had one of their messenger bags for 10 years now and it looks, at worst, lightly used.

They make backpacks also. I have one and it's awesome. Basically has everything you want and it doesn't scream tech. Very nondescript. Also has a handy side zippered access to all the compartments

Calica

I have the smaller version of this, and I love it:

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/backpacks/products/synapse-25?variant=19284476999

Check out the Cache system for electonics in particular.

Expensive, but gets glowing reviews for design and durability. (It's also the only backpack I've ever owned that's not too big for me, so I can't really tell you how it compares to other suggestions here.)

Iruka

Artereis wrote: »

Timbuk2 bags last forever and are pretty customizable, so I'd recommend checking them out. I've had one of their messenger bags for 10 years now and it looks, at worst, lightly used.

Its seemingly indestructible. I've had my timbuk2 (classic messenger) since college, 2006 to now, and I abused the hell out of it in college (I lugged around a 17 inch lap top in it for the 1st 4 years). The most wear its shown is some fuzzyness on the straps and the disgusting inside because charcoal and ink gets everywhere in art school. The bag has outlasted the laptop it carried, 3 interstate moves, and now constant travel.

Personally, I've always liked the colors and appreciate that its pretty easy to spot my shit, too.

Soggybiscuit

KetBra wrote: »

I'd advocate any swiss gear backpack that meets your specific desires. I have had the same one for the last ~10 years, using it nearly daily, it has been from the tropics to the arctic, and is still fine.

I will say, the quality has gone down and they aren't being made by the same company anymore. Wenger makes them now.

I've had to buy 3 in the past 5 years.

That being said, I've yet to find anything that offers more storage for the $. This is what I'm currently using.

I've had 2 of these and I had to retire one because it has hole burned in it from a 500W floodlight.

Mugsley

I used a SwissGear bag for a while but I found it to be too bulky. I ended up swapping to a BBP bag that is still serving me well as my travel bag. That Ful bag is intriguing but also looks a bit bulky (I'll double check measurements though)

I'm looking at the Incase Icon and some tactical bags as other options as well. Some Timbuk2 bags showed up in my search and are definitely an option.

Echo

I have an Adam from Sandqvist that I'm 95% happy with. The remaining 5% is that it's rather floppy without stuff in it to give some rigidity when packing stuff.

Seems there's also some models on Amazon that's cheaper than ordering directly from them.

Magic Pink

I use Embark and they're great

https://www.amazon.com/Embark-Recycled-Content-Backpack-Cushioned/dp/B01LXV2R8J/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522517745&sr=8-2&keywords=embark+backpack

I bike everywhere with them and use it all the dang time and they stay together fairly well.

tinwhiskers

I have an Authority by Timbuk2, only had it since Xmas, but like it so far.

Mugsley

I found the Timbuk2 Q bag. It'll be here on Monday so I'll let you know how it goes. I'm cautiously excited!

Edit: here's the link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSGKSR4/

amateurhour

I'll be the weird one (as I tend to be) and say try hitting up military surplus stores.

There were a lot of good packs made by the Brits, Russians, Czechs, etc. over the years that are a durable canvas which can be waxed to be VERY waterproof and a laptop compartment can be made with a simple piece of foam and some microfiber cloth.

I've made probably 8 of them over the last decade for personal use and gifts and they've all held up well.

Mugsley

I'm not sure the Q bag is going to work. The "main" compartment gets space eaten out of it by the other compartments, and the main compartment isn't wide enough to be able to put lunch items in without having to lay them on their side (i.e. tupperware, glassware, yogurt). I'm happy with the build quality and fabric quality of the Timbuk2 bag, though.

I'm going to take some second looks at others you guys suggested to see if they will work.

I was also pretty close to buying a Mainframe pack from The North Face over the weekend, but there were a few parts of it I didn't like; such as non-removable sternum and waist straps.

mts

you probably want one that is not all zippers but a top loader with a flap or roll top . gives you a bit more expansion for bigger items

something like the Rogue model?
https://www.timbuk2.com/rogue-laptop-backpack/422-3-4730.html?category=laptop-backpacks