Best Backpacks out there?

lordjeebus · 6 months

What would you use it for? For instance, are you looking for a "backpacking" kind of backpack, or something to haul a couple of textbooks around?

xsvfan · 6 months

Jansport, lifetime warranty. I have used mine since 6th grade and I'm now a senior in college. It's been repaired twice free of charge.

transition_mechanism · 6 months

Skip the high priced bs. I've got 2 Jansports: One I have had since my freshman year (17 years!) in high school and is still going, the second I recently bought for larger capacity. I didn't pay even close to $100 for either of them. Great bags, last a lifetime.

nonameattached · 6 months

School? Travel? Walking around the city?

I travel quite a bit as well as camp and hike. I have a couple of Osprey backpacks that are amazing. http://www.ospreypacks.com/ They have an amazing warranty as well: http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/all_mighty_guarantee

They're also pretty comfortable.

notsotragichero · 6 months

http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/

Best backpacks you will ever own.

snorlaxsnooz · 6 months

I've had good luck with LL Bean packs, and they make a wide variety of sizes and configuration. They are generally of good quality, and if you ever have any kind of problem, ever, they will replace it no questions asked.

One example to prove the value of the lifetime unlimited warranty: I had an LL Bean bookbag that my sister used for high school. She decided it would be a great idea to use white-out to draw peace-signs and "Goddess" all over it. When I wanted it back for law school, I felt strange about using it again with those..um...decorations. LL Bean asked no questions, and replaced it with a comparable pack through the mail.

kapolk · 6 months

Eddie Bauer backpacks still have a lifetime warranty last time I checked. I've had mine for a couple of years and have had no problems with it so far. I believe I have a backpack similiar to the trailhead one they show on their site. Here is a link to red flag deals talking about their backpack warranty.

pedalfaster · 6 months

I have a north face hot shot that was 80 bucks six or seven years ago and still looks and works great after years of daily use and abuse.

juniperlater · 6 months

Chrome is amazing quality. I have had a Chrome backpack for a few years and it still looks new. They are very solidly built.

hardly_working_lol · 6 months

Don't know where you live so disregard this unless you're canadian but I've never heard of anyone wearing through their MEC - Mountain Equipment Co-op backpack

schizofren · 6 months

http://www.haglofs.com/

Haglöfs, Check it out. I don't know where you live, but there seems to be no retailers in the US.

I personally have two of the "Tight" one large and one medium. One that I can throw around, not care if it gets dirty etc. And one that I keep nice and clean.

rainingout · 6 months

I've heard good things about goruck.

FlashGordonFreeman · 6 months

Travel Hiking?...Try Deuter ... undestroyable german backpacks.

faemir · 6 months

I've only heard good things about Dakine, and mine has last for 4 years so far.

redditorfor16days · 6 months

crumpler's stuff is very durable, and has a lifetime warranty.

bottar · 6 months

Packs I own or have owned:

Jansport (various, many years ago): Great value for the dollar. Generally a basic design, but very durable. Got through high school and college with two of these.
REI (one, many years ago); Similar quality as Jansport packs, but I think the Jansports are more durable
Dakine Terminal bag This bag lasted me about 3 years commuting daily by bike with a laptop in it. It's a great bag and is still around in good condition except: the bottom of the bag wore through faster than most. But it's repairable. The bag could easily last another 5 years of use.
Tom Bihn Brain Bag This is my current laptop back pack. It is nothing short of awesome. Iv'e broken hardware on it in bike falls and Tom Bihn sent me new free hardware to fix it. I have had it nearly 5 years and expect to have it for 10 more.
Chrome citizen: I bought one used, nearly new a few years ago. Chrome bags are very, very durable and pretty awesome all around. I'm very pleased with this bag. It's great for light loads and the occasional 12 pack with snacks.
Dana Design, now Marmot: Bought a Dana back in 94, it's still like new. I lived out of it for two months touring Europe. Used it to go back country skiing. And when the load is large, I break out the Dana. The best pack I own, but not for everyday use around town.

bbyw · 6 months

Military surplus. Cheap and sturdy.

Tip: look for items marked "Condition: Surplus - Used Good", like this one. These are actual surplus items, rather than replicas.

killuminati22 · 6 months

I got one of these Gregory packs from MEC.

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/Daypacks/PRD~5023-761/gregory-miwok-22-daypack.jsp

They are more expensive but worth every penny. They include the little things you didn't realize could help so much. The support is just incredible. Weight gets transferred to your shoulders and chest instead of your back. A really really nice backpack will rock your world.

Might want to look for something bigger if you have books but look at the travel day packs. Support and breath-ability is awesome!

CapDance · 6 months

GoRuck, I've team carried a 700lb log using the straps of this backpack. Indestructable and unfortunately pricy.

DJ_Buzz · 6 months

I will never buy another backpack from any company other than Osprey. Osprey's Almighty Guarantee allows you to have any pack they have EVER made either repaired or replaced for free, for ANY REASON.

roflpotamus · 6 months

Osprey ftw.

hevermind · 6 months

Oops, I posted this in the wrong thread by accident a minute ago. :) I have a Thule Crossover Backpack and it is very durable and well constructed. It has lasted much longer than a similar Incase backpack I bought. Thule (pronounced TOO-lee) makes roof racks and luggage, and I did a lot of research before buying the bag. It looks cool, too.

EDIT: SuperFlaccid, keep in mind that any backpack you get from some standard retailer like Bestbuy, Target, WalMart or from some skate shop is pretty much going to suck. Examples: Dakine, Ogio, Jansport, J World, Nike, Reebok. This also counts for the Incase bags that are now so ubiquitous because of Apple. All of these bags might look durable, but they really aren't. The zippers and seams won't last. They all suck. You need to look for a specialty retailer or manufacturer to find a decent bag. Osprey might be a good bag, or North Face, but make sure you aren't getting one of the ever-popular "ultra lightweight" bags because light weight and long-term durability simply do not go hand in hand. You need a bag that is thick and has really durable seams and nice beefy zippers. If you are able to go to a retailer, handle the bag, drop it on the floor, yank on the straps, beat it up. Unzip the zipper a bit and then grab each side and pull them apart to make the zipper unzip. How does it feel? Is it smooth? Do you think you could do it over and over again without fucking up the zipper? If you feel like you can, you know the zippers will last a long time. You see what I mean. Also, I recommend getting un-padded straps (by padded I mean the cushy straps like Jansport bags have) because if you actually use a backpack and put weight in it that padding will turn to shit in less than a year.

I speak from experience. Good luck.

induscreep · 6 months

Wenger Swissgear Pegasus...amazing quality.

artsielbocaj · 6 months

What type of activities will you be using your backpack for?

I use a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II for my daily use with the occasional outdoor activity (e.g., camping or hiking). It's a great bag and has an incredible amount of space crammed in a fairly compact package.

rmrgrs · 6 months

the oakley bags, the Kitchen Sink has been mentioned and i'll bring up the AP line. Both are kick ass! If you are looking for something that you can live out of for a week or so, check out the BFM from Camelbak. I used one working in Iraq and outside of some dirt and oil, the thing looks/works like its brand new.

trek1394 · 6 months

Check out Slappa. They make a great quality bag, and have some of the best customer service I have ever experienced.

http://slappa.com/

The MASK is a customizable bag, you can choose your face, lining, and insert. The bag provides plenty of space and excellent protection for all of your equipment.

sork · 6 months

LL Bean. I had a backpack from them through HS, College, traveling the world. It would need a strap repaired time to time but the rest of it held up great.

robinacape · 6 months

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2011-Pit-Boss.aspx

This would be my choice. Small enough to carry around the city but large enough to use for hikes. Also has its own water supply so you are not messing around with bottles. Also very rugged. Also reasonably priced.

Gnarwal · 6 months

I like my Ortlieb waterproof pack. It's simple and bomb proof.

jrsherrod · 6 months

http://www.ebags.com/department/backpacks

Whatever brand you settle on, you'll probably find it cheaper on this site. MFA recommended it to me for a messenger bag, but they're great for backpacks as well.

idiotsecant · 6 months

What does everyone recommend for a student bag? I'm looking for the following things (in order of importance)

1) Ease of entry! I open my bag a lot throughout the day, and having something where I would have to add even a few steps beyond "unzip zipper" or "unbuckle clasp" would be very annoying. Also included in this is how quickly I can pack all my stuff away and be out the door.

2)size and configuration. I am a fairly big guy who tends to carry a fair amount of stuff, so having enough room to comfortably fit 2-3 large binders and a few textbooks would be great, but I definitely don't want something so big it requires a frame. It has to have an external side pouch of some sort for a water bottle to slot into. It would also be nice to have a padded separate compartment of some sort for a computer. I have an HP TC1100 tablet (about the size of a closed netbook, fairly small)that I use for notes, and it tends to get scratched when jumbling around with all the other stuff.

3)Durability. I have had the same backpack since highschool, and it shows. I don't need something that will have to withstand rain or being dropped from an f14 at flight ceiling,however. This will be primarily a school pack so being resistant to getting ripped when snagged on something, and being resistant to constant rubbing

4)Price I don't particularly want to pay 200 bucks for a bag.

DrewBlood · 6 months

I LOVE my Maxpedition Kodiak. I ride bike a lot, hike, and go to school so I needed a solid mutliuse bag. This thing is amazing. Most expensive bag I've ever bought but way cheaper than a Chrome and a lot more versatile (and IMO better looking)

bingot · 6 months

I've had a laptop backpack from here for over 5 years. I call it the awesome bag because of all the pockets and stow places. Plus, it's super rugged. Timbuk2 The only issue it it's kind of heavy because it's so tough and padded.

pfpants · 6 months

I bought a backpack from Subject 10 years ago. It's still going strong after 5 years in undergrad and 2 years of med school.

mamjjasond · 6 months

LL Bean... inexpensive, can take tons of abuse without breaking, made in USA

Perk_i · 6 months

I've carried the same Tumi ballistic nylon laptop bag every day for fifteen years now. It's a little beat up, but still completely intact. It's got enough room for two laptops (work and personal) and all the assorted accouterment.

They don't make exactly that model any more, but this is the equivelent: http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4063098&prodFindSrc=paramNav

kevlarorc · 6 months

I've had an REI "Whitney" backpack for about 10 years now. I use it every day in any weather (motorcycle) and it's still holding up perfectly. Books, groceries (12pk soda + bunch of other crap at once), refridgerator, you name it! I don't think they sell that model anymore and it's a bit small since I had it when I was younger but I'm sure there's something comparable.

ImSpicy · 6 months

Good luck finding them but Abercrombie made some indestructible bags awhile back. My mother-in-law got me a yellow one at a garage sale about 7 years ago, and I swear it doesn't have any signs of wear on it.

ravjeezy · 6 months

Chrome. It will last forever.

jaberwocky6669 · 6 months

My Columbia Sportswear Company backpack is still going strong after approximately twelve years. Unfortunately, I can not find a model number, however, I doubt that they manufacture this particular pack.

cashyME · 6 months

I had a sizable Eastpak which lasted 11 years. Got it in the 5th grade, used it throughout highschool and university. I had traveled, trekked, and carried really heavy books and laptops in it. I bought a converse one and that just lasted 3 years.

mkmckinley · 6 months

I've used Kifaru, Eberlestock, and tactical tailor and they're all very durable. For something smaller and a little less expensive the Camelback military grade backpacks are amazing. I have one that's been used for years and years carrying radios, ammo, and other kit and it's still going strong.

tolndakoti · 6 months

I have a North Face Miwok backpack for 18 years since jr high. Brought it to 7 different countries in Asia and Europe (from US). I still use it today, the water proofing on the fabric is worn, but that's pretty much it.

aubbey · 5 months

My favorite is a no name army green canvas backpack that I got on clearance at the Gap for $7 ten years ago. There is nothing fancy about it, but it's been through hell and barely looks worn.

runfromtheraptor · 6 months

im a firm believer in the oakley kitchen sink... i got mine at half price and also got a date with the chick that works at the store.

1Avion1 · 6 months

I haven't bought one, but I've heard these are exceptional. They come backed with a 100 year warranty. I actually heard about them from this subreddit.

sha-man · 6 months

Ogio

mi0j · 6 months

I see no one has mentioned the Swissgear backpacks. I have an older version of the synergy backpack (4 years old maybe) and it is great. The lift handle is a steel cable riveted to the bag to prevent ripping. It has a separate padded laptop area. the back is padded for comfort and it has a waist clip to add stability and reduce back stress.

try_that_again · 6 months

I dont know if I am going to get downvoted for this but I bought a Dakine 101 and I can say that that too is solidly built and looks like what you are looking for. This is what it looks like but as you can see you can change the horrid colours. Honestly has lasted me for now and I use it everyday with 4 text books, 1 d-lock (those things are heavy), a 15inch laptop and loads of other gear. It has also been around the world with me and used for 4 weeks in China whilst trekking. It is amazing how much stuff you can get in it and that after a year it looks new. It seems like it will be a backpack of mine for a long time!

skymanj · 6 months

My old Jansport has lasted 6 years now, and still in brand new condition, even after heavy use. I would highly reccomend them.

sha-man · 6 months

Macpac

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