Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
81–90 of 141 posts
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#82Approx 7 years ago I bought a cheap no-name backpack in a supermarket. I needed it for a short journey and thought that I trash it after that trip. It turned to be so good, that now I use it everyday, also during walks and cycling.
It's still in good shape, I just had have the zippers fixed. I guess fixing was more expansive than backpack. :)
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#83I use a Chrome Soyuz for its water resistant laptop pocket and tough construction. Unfortunately Chrome no longer manufactures this bag. https://www.amazon.com/chrome-2011-soyuz-laptop-black/dp/b00...
I have this bag and absolutely hate it. All of the compartments other than the laptop sleeve are precisely sized to be as useless as possible. It's also ridiculously heavy for its tiny volume. Just out of curiosity... how do you pack yours? I've tried repeatedly to get used to this bag, and I just can't find a way to use it that works for me. The main compartment is so tight that any sort of jacket or sweater gets wr…
I put my laptop and all cords plus maybe my phone in the water proof pocket. The front zip pocket I reserve for bandaids, money, and maybe a notebook. I put small stuff in the front pockets such as earbuds or mice. Inside I pack a jacket, external hdd, soylent, platypus water bottle, and other large items.
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#84Currently a cheap Held MC backpack. I doubt that it will last for long, but there are some good ideas here what to look for next.
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#85I have a couple of backpacks. My recent favorite has been the Qwstion Simple Bag: http://www.qwstion.com/en/bags/simple-bag-washed-black.html
It is not fancy - just literally a bag with two almost stringy straps. No fancy compartments except a small pocket type thing inside and a small zip-up pocket outside. The straps also double as a drawstring to close it. I like it because it expands easily to fit everything I need - laptop + charger, synth, gym clothes, lunch, whatever. The strap is also attached in such a way as to let you easily switch carry mode - eg it can quickly go from a backpack to a tote bag.
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#86I love my Osprey Stratos 26l [1]
I use it for my daily bike commute, as well as for hiking, skiing and as day pack for traveling. It combines (almost) all of the features I'm looking for in a daypack:
Mesh ventilation keeps my back dry when riding my bike in summer. Phone, key and wallet fit in the waist strap pockets for fast reach. Rain cover keeps my stuff dry for the occasional downpour. 26l is large enough to fit in a 11" MacBook and basic climbing gear, small enough to not be bulky. CamelPak fits in to keep me hydrated when in the mountains.
The only feature I miss is being able to remove the waist straps, if I so wish. Larger backpacks, e.g. from Deuter, support this.
If I would use my backpack solely for bike commuting, I'd buy a Deuter Giga Bike [2]
[1] http://www.ospreyeurope.com/gb_en/hiking/stratos-series/stra... [2] http://www.deuter.com/US/us/bike/giga-bike-80444.html
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#87I have a Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ( https://www.tombihn.com/collections/backpacks/products/synap... ). I'm very happy with it. Seems like it will last a lifetime. The pockets are well organized and usable. Cons: it's expensive.
I've had the same Tom Binh Brain Bag backpack for about 15 years and I love it. Wearing it right now in fact. I also have an insert accessory for organizing papers, pens, etc. and a padded laptop protector.
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#88I have an Osprey Metron 25, which is great for commuting by bicycle.
Their lifelong warranty is excellent. They sent me a new waist strap, free of charge, after I had lost the original one. They also sent me new buckles a couple of times. Of course quality could be better -- why do these buckles keep breaking? But communication with their repair shop was always excellent. The guy quickly managed to find fitting straps and buckles despite the backpack being out of production. Probably they discontinued the pack because of its flawed design that leads to broken buckles.
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#89https://www.incase.com/shop/bags/incase-icon-pack/black/ Bought my first one in 2007 and the zipper only gave out last year. Bought the current version soon thereafter. I ride the bus and I love the side pockets that give me easy access to my pass. I pack a laptop, two books on average and a lunch. There are all kinds of isolated compartments for things like legal documents, battery packs, and e-readers without openi…
I had a similar model and the zipper broke as well due to putting shoes in the main compartment. It was just barely too small. I did like the bag, but definitely only good if you intend to carry a few things around.
Re: Ask HN: Do you carry a backpack? Which one?
#90I have something like the Ogio Renegade RSS[0]. I'm not sure the exact model but it looks like that one. I received it for free from my last job and it is amazing. The best backpack I've ever had.