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.
Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
11–20 of 50 posts
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#12I 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.
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#13I 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...
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#14[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#15Thule 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 :)
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#16I 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
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#17I 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...
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#18I'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.
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#19there 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...
Re: Ask HN: Best backpack for everyday use?
#20I 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).