I have a long commute as well as a walk through the city so I’m staying away from the messenger bag, as it jacks up my neck after a while. Doesn’t have to be ready for base camp, but I carry a few lbs. of stuff between lunch, iPad, papers, Kindle…
Any suggestions / links for something comfortable, durable and preferably good-looking would be appreciated.
Thanks…
Depends on what you call good looking. I like decent padding. A light weight internal frame is nice for support.Compression straps keep crap from bouncing around.
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2011-Pit-Boss.aspx
Really, almost anything here will be good enough for you.
http://www.rei.com/category/22000113
I like the look of the Camelbak, but probably don’t need the hydration part.
I don’t mind spending a bit extra for durability. Thanks for the link, REI’s got a lot of nice stuff…
Check out the Osprey Flapjack.
Ogio makes some good bags. I use mine daily. Lots of pocket options and very comfortable.
Nice thing about the hydration is you can take it out. I use my day pack’s hydration sleeve to hold my laptop separate from everything else in the bag.
Yes, Deuter… I had one a lonnnnnng time ago, I think it was a USAT freebie! I don’t remember how long it lasted though.
If you want an indestructable, made in the usa, kick ass over the top, baddass, tactical piece of art, look no further than THE Pack by SpecOps:
http://www.specopsbrand.com/tactical-gear/packs/t-h-e-pack.html?options=cart
.
I’ve had good luck with TNF packs. I have an ice climbing pack that I’ve used for 15 years as a school bag and only the elastic rope laced across the back is worn out. Of course they don’t make that model anymore, but the features I’ve really appreciated over the years are:
Nothing of substance to add, but there’s a Kikuchiyo on another forum on which I frequently lurk. Any relation?
I’m assuming that you’re looking for something with around 25L of volume. Unless you’re carrying a lot of weight, an internal frame isn’t really necessary, but a hip belt might come in handy.
I’ve never known of someone that’s been dissatisfied with an osprey. This pack looks like a decent suggestion : http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/commute_1/momentum_26
or this: http://www.rei.com/product/788567/osprey-flapjack-pack if you want to look old school
the north face screams ‘i’m a yuppy douchebag who wants to look outdoorsy’ (auto-fred status)
REI store brand stuff would be pretty good too, for your use. http://www.rei.com/product/827133/rei-trail-25-pack
Lowe Alpine is the same boat. here’s a suggestion: http://www.lowealpine.com/eng/prod_app_det.php?catid=13&itemid=934&type=man
If you think you’re really going to beat it up and don’t mind paying/carrying extra weight look at the packs from climbing companies (arc’teryx, black diamond)
If you want a made in the USA product ULA is good. And he takes care of his workers, good guy : http://www.ula-equipment.com/cdt.asp
If you want a bargain just shop around sierratradingpost.com
A friend of mine has a tactical backpack he said he’d let me try out. Might be a little big for my needs, but it’s durability and comfort I’m after most. Seems the military should have that down by now.
Thanks for all the suggestions, folks…
Nothing of substance to add, but there’s a Kikuchiyo on another forum on which I frequently lurk. Any relation?
No Kikuchiyo is the crazy one from ‘Seven Samurai’… so I imagine I’m not the only one who’s a Kurosawa fan =)
I have an STM pack I used for work. It’s about 8 years old. Love it.
A friend of mine has a tactical backpack he said he’d let me try out. Might be a little big for my needs, but it’s durability and comfort I’m after most. Seems the military should have that down by now.
Thanks for all the suggestions, folks…
The durability is what sold me, since I beat the piss out of everything.
Make sure you get something with compression straps, and a bladder holder compartment for water.
I have a back pack from northface. it is awesome. The square shape is perfect if you commute by bike and carry you attire with you. Mine is all black.
http://www.lintcoat.com/bags/north-face-base-camp-fuse-box-backpack
Keep in mind that military packs generally don’t specifically allow for a lot of air movement between the pack and your back. Some of the newer ones are better, but most older tactical packs will make your back pretty sweaty on the bike.
ebay ible assault pack
.
I bought a $15 one from Target - worked great for over 10 years - replaced it with a free one from a convention - - don’t make a big deal out of this and pay big $$$ for over-engineering of a sack with straps
.