Backpack Recommendation with a purpose

March 6, 2011 5:39 PM

Iam looking for a durable backpack that can work as a laptop carrier or daypack. Cost <$100 if possible Capacity 20-30L Weight: below 2lb (preferably) Preferable to have: compression straps, padded laptop pocket+fleece lined pockets, YKK Zippers,flat bottom/stands on its own Nice to have: Closed side bottle carrier, Dont need overly complicated set of pockets. 3 compartments are good Anyone know of a pack that might fit the criteria?
posted by radsqd to clothing, beauty, & fashion (8 answers total)

I like the Incase backpack a lot. This is exactly $99.95, though. There is a smaller one for $79.95, depending on the size of your laptop. A sturdy, not complicated case.
posted by jabberjaw at 5:56 PM on March 6, 2011

Plus points for fitting in as airplane carryon
posted by radsqd at 5:57 PM on March 6, 2011

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Pack-Trail-Backpack-Black/dp/B0001N6EZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299462896&sr=8-1

I love this backpack, which works for school, day trips, long distance travel (including air travel) and carrying my laptop around. But I also use a laptop sleeve. Extremely durable for the price.
(The colour in the link sucks but it does come in a variety of really nice colours. It is also actually much finer than it looks in the picture.)
posted by xm at 6:01 PM on March 6, 2011

check out Patagonia's bags. There are at least 2 that fit your needs.
posted by k8t at 6:07 PM on March 6, 2011

Except for price, you'll probably find something you like among Tom Bihn's offerings. His packs are handmade in the USA, which is reflected in the prices.
posted by brianogilvie at 6:18 PM on March 6, 2011

Seconding Tom Bihn bags. My Brain Bag has proven itself virtually indestructible after nearly a decade of regular use.
posted by itstheclamsname at 7:50 PM on March 6, 2011

I have this North Face Surge backpack, and I love the hell out of it.

If there's an REI store nearby, you might want to go there and look through their selection. They usually have a lot of backpacks that are travel/work-appropriate, including some of the models mentioned above, and it's always helpful to look at a backpack in person rather than just on the internet.
posted by Cimrmanova at 11:24 PM on March 6, 2011

Seconding the REI suggestion- their outlet store has some great deals on packs. For instance, the Osprey Talon 33 is on sale for $89 and it had free shipping when I bought one last week. The Talon 44 is at $110. (Osprey is top of the line in terms of backpacks- my only concern is no real laptop sleeve.)


REI outlet Backpacks:
http://www.rei.com/outlet/category/22000016
posted by MansRiot at 8:56 AM on March 7, 2011