Lots of in depth write-ups here:
https://thewirecutter.com/search/?s=backpack
Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
11–20 of 97 posts
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#12Tom Bihn Brain Bag. 7 years old, going strong. Love it, daughter loves hers.
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#13Goruck GR-1. Benefits: - Padded laptop compartment helps keep laptop safe and easy access - Built like a tank, will last forever (made in USA!) - Outer and Inner organization pockets - Panel loading, can be fully opened by a side zip and easy to pack/unpack - Big enough for multi-day travel. I have used it as a carry on pack for upto 7 days (did laundry on the road). - Discreet enough (black) and fits into a corporat…
Ditto. I've been using a GR1 for seven years now. It's been through multiple GORUCK events as well as countless flights and road trips. When it gets dirty or starts to show sweat stains if I've been training with it a quick trip to the car wash and it's clean again. Without question one of the most versatile and resilient items that I own.
I too have no affiliation with the maker.
Edit: I literally have a closet full of mission-specific packs. Ice climbing, backcountry skiing, multiday hiking, rock climbing, speed ascents, etc. The GR1 isn't suited to any of those things. But it's ideal as a multi-purpose EDC that will literally not wear out in a human's lifetime.
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#14REI trail 40: https://www.rei.com/product/136586/rei-co-op-trail-40-pack-m...
It's great for commuting: fits large laptops in sleeve, has space for 2 mugs on each side (coffee and water), and has 2 support straps (chest and waist). It's also good for hiking and travelling. I've had mine for 4.5 years and it still going strong.
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#15A 5 years old eastpak
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#16Whoa, so I do like the Wirecutter link just because first you have to identify your needs. Then you have to identify your budget and what else is important to you. I have a lovely Swiss Guard laptop (and more) backpack I use every day, but I also have a $10 Best Buy thin and light backpack that is perfect for my ultrabook when I'm heading to Dungeons and Dragons. I see these $400 recommendations, and I think - OK if money is no object and you have some sort of really high end needs that fit the bill, that might make sense. But is that you?
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#17Tom Binh synapse 25
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#18I'm using this bag from Decathlon: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/intensive-25l-black-id_8496248.h...
If you want some backpack recommendations you should go to /r/onebag
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#19I used a Booq backpack (not the one they currently sell) for the better part of a decade before the internal wood pieces broke. I used it for days in a wide variety of environments and it was excellent. Internal space was a bit limited at times, but it was professional looking and fairly water resistant.
Re: Ask HN: What backpack are you using?
#20The $10 Amazon Basics backpack. Laptop sleeve, big hole that has straps for my back for everything else. Small pocket in front with zipper. So far lasted 4 years in the rain and weather with its thin cordura. Why complicate things?