i want a perfect backpack

September 14, 2021 9:51 PM

I need a grownup's backpack that is relatively light, and -- this is most important -- distributes weight in a way that doesn't hurt my back.

I have to carry a laptop, often some books, and a few miscellaneous other things like a lunch, a water bottle, a small umbrella, etc.
This doesn't have to be as big as a weekend bag.
It should look ok with women's clothing.
The main thing: I have to walk quite a long way between buildings at work and want it to not hurt my back. I also have to walk up 6 double-length flights of stairs to my office every day. I work at a university with slow elevators packed with well-meaning, laughing and talking students whose masks are falling off. I'm too covid-cautious to join the elevators but I have a back issue, and lugging my stuff up those stairs has not been fun.
I want this backpack to be under $200 (as far under as possible). It doesn't have to be gorgeous leather but should not look like a high schooler's pack, if possible.
I did see previous questions on this topic, but they are several years old and not exactly about distributing weight.

posted by nantucket to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (16 answers total)

I googled "Professional hiking day backpack", and this is what came up for me.

I recommend this search term because:
Professional: style
Hiking: gives you the belts to redistribute the weight
Day: size
Backpack: type of bag.

Here is why I think it fits your needs: sleek and simple design, belts around chest and hips can be used to redistribute weight, under $200, not high schooler bag/slightly hip design. I think even if this isn't the right fit for you, looking for something with belts around the chest and hips will be what you need to help your back.
posted by Toddles at 10:38 PM on September 14, 2021 [1 favorite]

looking for something with belts around the chest and hips will be what you need

especially hips. That's where the bulk of the weight should be supported; anything involving your spine should be mostly for stability, not for load. In particular, you do not want weight hanging off shoulder straps.
posted by flabdablet at 10:43 PM on September 14, 2021 [6 favorites]

I'd second the recommendation for an Osprey backpack - I have a couple and they're far more comfortable (and, importantly, adjustable) than any other kind of backpack I've had. The range is quite broad; the Archeon range are from their "everyday" rather than "technical" range (which tend to have more options for things like hydration packs and ventilation).
posted by parm at 3:34 AM on September 15, 2021

nthing Osprey
posted by asimplemouse at 6:06 AM on September 15, 2021

I don’t have specific product links because it’s dependent on the bag you get, but backpack organizer inserts are available on Amazon and other sites by the dozen. Using one of those might allow you to get a simpler and thus lower cost backpack (definitely get one with hip belts, though!) while still keeping things secure. If you can keep your items centralized and stable, and place your heavier things at the right height for balance, it can really help. I have borrowed an osprey bag once though, and it was great although too long for my short torso.
posted by Mizu at 6:27 AM on September 15, 2021

I'll fourth the Osprey recommendation. I've used one of their laptop backpacks for 7 years, and they replaced it for free twice when one of the zippers delaminated. Since then, no issues. I ordered 3 or 4 different ones to start and tested them for fit fully loaded, then returned the rest. Key to me is finding something that fits my frame (not too wide in the shoulders), and that has a sternum strap. I find if I have that strap buckled, the hip belt is unnecessary, but YMMV — I was working around a shoulder issue instead of a back issue when I picked this one out.
posted by deludingmyself at 6:33 AM on September 15, 2021

I’d also suggest looking at used items at thrift or hiking recycling stores. You’ll get first class materials and construction, at a fraction of the price. And I think old bags get less attention from thieves.
posted by nickggully at 6:40 AM on September 15, 2021

Response by poster: These are great suggestions, thank you. Does anyone have a suggestion for a particular Osprey? I am 5'3" and one of the negative reviews in a sea of 5 stars on Osprey said the pack was uncomfortable for someone of this height.
posted by nantucket at 7:11 AM on September 15, 2021

Weirdly, my solution to this wound up being a diaper bag. I got it on Amazon but it looks like it's no longer available, but I love it because it has a million pockets, is designed to carry a ton of stuff without hurting me, and is pretty waterproof/stain resistant for obvious reasons, because I commute in all weather and am kind of a slob. So search for professional/work-appropriate diaper bags and see how that strikes you.
posted by bowtiesarecool at 7:13 AM on September 15, 2021

I am 5'2 and really like my Osprey Talia backpack, which appears to be a retired model. The straps adjust to help me fit it to my height. I think the semi-rigid frame helps a lot too.

Do you have access to an REI or similar sporting goods store? I really recommend trying one on in a store if possible. They'll have weights so you can see what it will feel like filled.
posted by esker at 7:20 AM on September 15, 2021 [2 favorites]

this company is out of business (ignore the date of the article) but they make backpacks that ride on your hips that worked for me....perhaps you can find one used?

https://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/our-new-macbook-bag-bbps-hamptons
posted by lalochezia at 7:24 AM on September 15, 2021

I'm 5' 3" also and have an Osprey Pixel, which is also a retired model but appears to be available to some degree. At the time I just ordered a bunch of bags from eBags.com for my try on and return spree, because the number of commuter bags in stock at REI (even here in Colorado at the flagship store) was less than I could get shipped to my house online. I can't remember everything I tried, but I do remember that my attempt to research my way to the right bag totally failed. I was sure I knew which of the 4 bags I ordered was going to work best based on dimensions and reviews until I filled them up with laptop, books, and water bottle and strapped them on my body, and realized a slightly larger bag hit better on my frame than the one I'd IDed as The One True Bag.
posted by deludingmyself at 8:28 AM on September 15, 2021

Patagonia might have good options, too. They have some designs intended for women’s bodies and put a lot of thought into weight distribution. They do tend to have an outdoorsy aesthetic.
posted by Comet Bug at 9:21 AM on September 15, 2021 [1 favorite]

I'd look for backpacks designed for women, which is really just a way of saying "smaller people" in some designs. That might help with the sizing issue. Also it might mean the style is more professional rather than rugged (??).
posted by bluedaisy at 9:38 AM on September 15, 2021

May be too late but my wife just got this one from Amazon. It doesn't mention the insulated compartment but it does have one. It's just one of the side pockets and big enough for a water bottle. Also has a shoe compartment and a place to put a battery so that you can charge your phone from the USB port on the strap.
posted by Grumpy old geek at 9:57 AM on September 15, 2021

Coming in here to recommend Deuter. I'm 4ft 11in tall and in the days when I used to have to carry files to and from the office, I bought a Deuter Women's backpack. It was incredibly comfortable on my short torso and very well-made.
posted by essexjan at 11:33 AM on September 15, 2021