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Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?

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Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?

#31

Post by memco »

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.

Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?

#33

Post by kostarelo »

memco wrote: post #31

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…

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

Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?

#34

Post by WillPostForFood »

_asummers wrote: post #10
dmschulman wrote: post #2

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'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.

Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?

#35

Post by Fricken »

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.

Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?

#37

Post by youngtaff »

rkwasny wrote: post #36

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)

Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?

#38

Post by nadc »

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.

Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?

#40

Post by qrv3w »

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.
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