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...
Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
21–30 of 50 posts
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#22there 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
Tom Bihn gets my vote. Great bags, high quality, reasonable prices, American made.
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#23Everki 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.
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#24I 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.
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#25I 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!!
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#26Everki 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.
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#27I 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?
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#28I 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.
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#29The 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...
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#30I 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 :)