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Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
42 points by kostarelo on Sept 14, 2017 | hide | past | favorite | 48 comments
I've been looking for the perfect backpack for a few weeks now and really I am going nowhere. So many options, so fewer reviews, and no answer.

I am currently carrying a cheap backpack every day for the past years and now I want to buy one of a better quality.

What I (think I) need is:

- A small backpack. To fit a 13'' laptop. I would be happy if it could fit a bigger one too but I want the backpack to be slim, light and relatively small. 15'' backpacks tend to be big. I want a small backpack.

- Usually, I carry a 13'' MBP laptop, a shirt and a few gadgets like a powerbank, cables, etc. And ofc IDs, business cards, and smaller stuff.

- Good quality, to handle the sweat on the back and not be easily scratched, get dirt etc. I will use it every day going to and coming back from the office and after work, I may still do a walk before going back home. I do have another bigger backpack for traveling but this one I want for everyday use.

- Nice to have an easily accessible pocket without getting the backpack off my shoulders to put a key, a wallet, a phone etc.

Regarding budget, I would say between 80$-120$.

Have you used a backpack that fits that description? Some other recommendation/advice?



Ask HN: Good hacker backpack?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14721746

36 points, 68 days ago, 42 comments

source: https://hn.algolia.com/?query=timbuk2&sort=byDate&type=comme...


I spend too much money on knapsacks because I fetishize them. For purely utilitarian purposes a basic school knapsack is just fine.

There's a website called carryology that has comprehensive reviews of all the fancy designer and boutique backpacks out there:

http://www.carryology.com/category/bags/backpacks-bags/

Which one is best? Whichever one you feel best serves as a projection of your identity as a commuter. Casual commuter backpacks are actually really simple and it's hard to fuck up.

I'm currently using a chrome industries Barrage cargo backpack:

http://www.chromeindustries.com/product/barrage-cargo-backpa...

Why? Cuz it looks cool. Otherwise it's just some shoulder straps and a bunch compartments to hold your crap like any other backpack.


I had a SwissGear backpack that lasted me about 9 years (or thereabouts). I recently needed to replace it; looking for an everyday pack myself. I didn't want to get the same type of backpack because that type of SwissGear backpack normally goes for about $70 (I originally got it in a 50% off sale, so was worth it at $35!)...But this time I got the following military type of backpack (got it about 2 months ago): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071VV1Y1W/ref=oh_aui_deta...

I am quite abusive with my packs, and tend to hold onto them well beyond what most others might consider the expected lifecycle. And, because i don't often replace my packs, I am very choosey in what i end up going with. But, so far, this orca backpack that i bought recently is holding up fairly well. Because it has the MOLLE webbing/strips, I can expand it by buying add-on components (like small packs/kits, like water bottle holder, etc.), and strapping them on the pack itself. This is the first military type of pack that I've gotten because I find the more devices i need to carry, and the more durable that i need a pack to be, the more expensive the options are for non-military (civilian) style of backpacks (like my old SwissGear) pack. I don't know, maybe you can find an inexpensive non-military backpack for every day use...but nowadays, it seems like (some) military packs are being designed with civilian use-cases (like carrying numerous electronic devices) in mind. You might want to consider looking at such packs. Good luck!!


If you're like me and you find outdoor/active brands offerings look too tactical, and prefer a more casual design, I'd check out Everlane: https://www.everlane.com

Here's one of their smaller bags: https://www.everlane.com/products/mens-street-nylon-zip-back...

And you can also learn about where that particular bag is made: https://www.everlane.com/factories/nylon-bags

In my experience, with their transparent pricing, the quality is unparalleled for the money and it's great to support ethically sourced goods.


That looks functional, minimal. Good recommendation


Highly recommend - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1BBWHR/ref=s9_acsd_hps...

The backpack features 3 compartments (Laptop - can hold 2 laptops and unzip so it's on the inside - hard to steal while carrying), 2 inner zipper sections, great for cables/wires/etc. Also has place for pen and powerbrick. Love these backpacks from TIGGERNU


I think Eastpack exists in the US, and I highly recommend one of those. They're pretty solid, light and waterproof. Style depends on your taste, but they have plenty of models.

Oh, and they're quite cheap, too.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_3_8?url=search-alia...


I can attest - Eastpark survived my middle and high school, and was passed on in pretty good shape, despite not being particularly well treated :)


there are entire web communities dedicated to this question. look at carryology.com, edc.com, thewirecutter.com, /r/onebag.

some good brands i like are: timbuk2, mission workshop, topo, chrome, minaal, and tom bihn.

if i had to recommend one bag to start with it would be the tom bihn synapse


I've used the same timbuk2 backpack since 2011 for both travel and daily use (including train & bicycle commuting) and am very happy with it. The most similar current model is http://www.timbuk2.com/spire-macbook-laptop-backpack/306.htm...


I'll second Chrome. They're a fantastic bag. I had a Herschel that got tears in high traffic areas, and Chrome has had no such issue for me.


I have a Chrome bag which is great for durability, is waterproof, and fits well. But has poor protection for the laptop. It has minimal padding, and no top protection if the pack falls upside down. I now my laptop in a sleeve after denting it when the pack fell off a chair.


Tom Bihn gets my vote. Great bags, high quality, reasonable prices, American made.


I would highly recommend Crumpler. A little expensive BUT they will last forever and have a lifetime warranty to back taht up. Might be easier to claim if you lived in Australia though. I took a 10 year old bag in to have the very robust (but sadly defeated) zipper repaired.

Currently I have their Dry Red No 5 in blue https://www.crumpler.com/au/dry-red-no-5/


Peak Design: https://www.peakdesign.com/everyday-backpack


Check out Deuter.

I've been using a "Giga Bike" daily for about three years and it's held up perfectly.

It might be a little large for you (28L), but they have a few smaller models, and compression straps help somewhat.

I particularly dig the "airstripes" design, which 1) suspends the pack away from your back to minimize the sweaty shirt effect, and 2) provides the right amount of friction so the weight isn't all on your shoulders.


I've had the Timbuk2 Spire (2 maybe?) for about a year and a half. It's fairly slim, can hold 13-15" laptops, can also hold some gear like chargers, powerbanks, a set of clothing, and smaller stuff like you mention. Also does well in rain (at least not torrential rain, but decent rain).

I think it's usually marketed as for bicyclists, but I've found it works really well just for walking/commuting.


I have wisport sparrow 20 II:

https://www.amazon.com/Wisport-Sparrow-20-Rucksack-Black/dp/...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FEPurcHzmU

For me it's perfect for carrying a laptop every day to work or for field trips.


I have this bag. It meets all your requirements and is relatively inexpensive. Jansport is BIL too. https://www.amazon.com/JanSport-Outside-Specialty-Night-Back...


BIL? And any drawbacks to this model?


Sorry, BIL == "Buy It for Life". Jansport will repair or replace any damaged backpack, forever, even after they no longer manufacture that style. If they don't make the style anymore and it needs to be replaced, they'll replace it with an equivalent.

I love this backpack and there aren't any drawbacks that I've noticed. I carry it everyday and have done so for a little over a year now.


Incase used to make a laptop sling bag which was very slim and durable: it was my favorite bag ever and I'm sad I don't have it anymore. They do not currently sell a laptop sling bag AFAICT. (If anyone knows of a bag like this one: https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2007/7/1/review-incase-sling-... please let me know).

Recently I've been using a Timuk2 Command backpack, which is pretty minimal, but can expand quite a lot and is also very durable. I've had mine for almost 2 years and have done a lot of traveling with it and it is in excellent shape. The only downside is the laptop pocket is not easy to access without moving the straps and the actual laptop compartment is side loading which requires unzipping the whole thing. Good news is my lapop fits in the tablet slot so that's where I keep mine day to day.


Reminds me of this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laptop-Backpack-Spigen%C2%AE-Klasde....


I'm a big fan of the Osprey Daylite. Simple, lightweight, small and low profile, and durable. I've had mine for years.

https://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/daylite-DAYLITE.ht...


I bought a North Face Jester (2nd Edt) six months ago and love it. Fits a 13in laptop comfortably with a padded sleeve, padding on the straps and back (great breathability), lots of pockets and space.

The only criterium I think it fails to meet is a pocket accessible without taking the backpack off your shoulders.

Mine was £55 on sale at Christmas but it's possibly the best bag I've ever had.

Edit: here's the link https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/jester-2

I'd also add that it's fairly lightweight, so on days I'm not traveling with a laptop I'm happy enough to throw it on my shoulder with just my normal daily essentials (kindle or tablet, phone charger, USB battery, notebook, wallet, pens, keys, etc).


The Briggs & Riley BRX Excursion, at $145, is slightly more than your stated budget, but I've had an older version for three years; it has been and still is excellent. On a daily basis I do not carry as many cables as you but when travelling with full gear I find it comfortable and convenient. The thin outer pocket with the vertical zipper at the top is accessible with one shoulder strap on and fits my phone and wallet. Let us know what you decide and how it goes!

https://www.briggs-riley.com/shop/function/backpacks/brx-exc...


Right now my trustiest steed in Backpacks/Bookbags/Backsacks/Packbags is the Canvas Daypack by Booq.

https://www.booqbags.com/collections/macbook-laptop-backpack...

As a seasoned traveler, I am very happy with shape, capacity, sleekness, deep side/saddle pockets, and the sexy chequered inside. If you are only carrying small things, you will probably want a pack one tier smaller, but if you have books and computer often, this is a great pack.


I got this one[0] which comfortably fits my 15" MBP, chargers, display adaptors, umbrella, notebooks, cards, headphones, etc. and is very durable. Sometimes I walk with it for 10-15 kilometers and it is very comfortable to carry around.

I got it for ~$100 at a Costco sale. The retail price on the website I linked is so much higher but I recommend checking Costco to see if they still have it.

0: https://www.luggagepros.com/kenneth-cole-reaction-back-stage...


I have been through a few in the last couple of years and my favorite to date (and one of the two I still own and use) is Thule Subterra Backpack 30L [0]. Side zipper for laptop to get in and out easily with a large main compartment. Feels great and so far has been pretty durable. Doesn't have an easy access pocket, but the slide zip for the laptop makes it a win for me

[0] https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0ZLG5F


Check out the Minaal Daily and the Aer Fit Pack here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SUSBNqDRlg&t=920s

Also, the aer flight pack is pretty great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2LAzO909gg&t=3s

I have all those. Minaal is the best quality. Aer's quality is pretty decent though (for quite a bit less cost).


I bike 4 miles everyday to and from work, often with a laptop and always with a lunch. I've replaced my backpack with a timbuk2 bag 6 years ago and haven't looked back. I bike in pouring rain and snow and it still looks great. The cross strap evens out the load on my shoulder, works better than backpacks that gave me shoulder pain. Lots of great pockets for easy access. I doubt I'll need to replace mine but if I lost it I'd replace in a heartbeat.


My wife has a Fjallraven Kanken backpack she uses for daily use to work that she likes a lot. They have a specifically sized 13" backpack:

https://www.fjallraven.us/products/kanken-13-laptop-backpack

MSRP is $110, which is within your budget, and it looks like Amazon has it for $89.


Second this. I have one for casual use. Super functional and light.


Thule Crossover

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XANKVO/ref=oh_aui_sear...

Also has 25 year warranty I believe.

The build quality is superb, and it works as a 2 day trip backpack. You can pack enough clothes for a weekend trip.

Plus water resistant :)


I use a Dakine backpack I got from REI during some sale. It's not my first Dakine bag. I don't think I've ever worn one out, and they're not very expensive.

I have a Lowe Pro that I keep meaning to get fixed (zipper broke). It has a pocket on the bottom for a SLR camera. You can easily fit two laptops, the camera, and all your cables in it.


I can't recommend Thule enough. 5 Years later and my backpack still have a "new one" colors and feel. The only issue so far is the clip of the zipper which pretty much all of them broke but they are easily and cheaply replaceable.

It has absolutely nothing defected in its texture. But I should note that I'm particularly careful person.


https://www.slimfoldwallet.com/products/slimpack-backpack

Best backpack ever.

- lightweight, you can carry 15" laptop and it's going to weight the same as 13" in a normal backpack

- waterproof ( London weather ...)

- looks classy even if you are wearing a suit :)


Nice idea but not enough zip pockets inside to keep things separate (for me)


Out of budget, but Tom Bihn is nice and also extremely durable: https://www.tombihn.com/collections/backpacks/products/synap...


I keep thinking about an 'under the jack pack' https://www.betabrand.com/womens/more/unisex-ultra-thin-lapt...

Keep your phone/wallet in your pocket?


Hmm, nah thats too extreme I think. I still may have to carry something bigger.

It's not just phone/wallet. It may be some changes, a business card someone just hand it to me, my headphones.


"Hiraku PC bag"

- 【レビュー】ひらくPCバッグを勧める6つの理由と新旧モデル比較 | 部長ナビのページ https://nabi1080.com/bag/27434


I have a Peak Design and a few Riut[1] bags. Love them all, but currently using the PD daily. A bit heavy but customizable.

1. https://www.riut.co.uk


Been loving the Solgaard Designed Lifepack - not quite durable enough for my lifestyle, but it's got the powerbank and cables built-in-ish and my favorite feature: a rain fly in case it rains.


Everki Altas can fit two laptops, a TKL keyboard, a trackball and two chargers. There will be enough space left for an over-the-ear headset.


And it looks compact and stylish.


> really I am going nowhere

Then why do you need a backpack? :-D


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