Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with backpack

Durable School Backpack

Srudolph — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:43:03 -0800

My son needs the most durable school backpack we can find. He is a sophomore and for reasons that pass my understanding, doesn't use a locker, but carries all his books and his laptop with him all the time. He needs a seriously heavy-duty backpack that will last longer than a couple of months.

He doesn't need any bells and whistles -- no extra pockets or straps or rings for hanging things or zippered compartments. It just needs to be killer strong and large enough for six classes' worth of textbooks. And a laptop.

Any suggestions? THANKS

Need a nice backpack for a heavy commuter!

bienbiensuper — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:34:12 -0800

I need to find a laptop backpack styled similarly to this messenger/briefcase bag: good hope bag My boyfriend can't carry messenger style laptop bags anymore (shoulder/back problems), but he luurrrrves his laptop bag. His birthday is coming up and I want to replace his bag with something as similar to this as possible.

I found the official backpack version of this bag from the same brand/maker - but it's too round on top and not as well styled (imho).

This bag is beautiful, but out of my price range (I want to spend ~$150). Something along these lines would be perfect!

Help me Bag an Apple

GJSchaller — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:58:20 -0800

Looking for a good backpack for a 17" MacBook Pro I'm looking for recommendations for a durable, long-lasting, and comfortable backpack that can contain a MacBook Pro, as well as the rest of my geek gear. I'm not a HUGE gadget freak (I don't carry an entire IT closet on my back), but I do have some accessories, and some occasional books. I am not fond of shoulder slings or messenger bags. The 17" requirement makes things a bit trickier.

I've found several bag suggestions online, but need feedback on which are actually good (outside of on-site reviews). I live in NYC, but the Apple Store doesn't have a wide variety in stock - I'm trying to think outside the box for better bags that might not be sold in retail. One of the sites I've seen is Tom Bihn's Brain Bag - has anyone had any experiences with them?

Camera + Backpack, together at last

WayOutWest — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:06:28 -0800

Can you recommend a backpack to carry my camera? I have a Nikon D70 with one additional lens. I'm looking for a backpack, not a messenger style bag, that will carry my camera and assorted other things that you'd carry in a day pack while holidaying/touring through Singapore, Vietnam and Japan.

I've looked at Crumpler whose style/design I admire, the issue being that their bags are a touch to big for me and everyday use. I've also looked at the Lowepro Fastpack 200, which I've only seen on the web and don't mind, but kinda screams I have a camera in here (maybe just because I'm really familiar with Lowepro?)

Any reviews on the Lowepro or other suggestions? I'm all ears, or eyes as the case may be.

What kind of backpack is this?

ohsoferrety — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:27:34 -0800

What kind of backpack is this, and where can I find it? I've seen people around with backpacks that are kind of a mix between a one-strap backpack and a messenger bag, similar to this. What is this style called and where can I find it?

What do cool kids' backpacks look like these days?

cider — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:34:34 -0800

If you have kids between the ages of 7-12 (or know kids in that age range), do they use a backpack, and what sort of backpack do they use? If you could point me to images of similar backpacks online, that would be especially helpful. (This is for a book illustration -- I don't want anything that will be hopelessly outdated or dorky, and I have no idea what the kids are carrying these days.)

What's the best way to carry all my stuff outside when I work out?

melodykramer — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:33:38 -0800

What's the best way to carry keys, water, mp3 player, and wallet when you're working out outside? Do you have a favorite fanny pack (how...not chic) or have you come up with some alternative arrangement? Would you please share? I've decided to try to run around Philadelphia and start exercising outside. Except I keep my wallet and keys and phone and iPod in my pocket -- and carry my water -- and everything jangles about like a bell ringer at Christmas.

I was wondering if there's a brand of belt pack or backpack that works especially well with people doing things like running, skipping, and running stairs. The belt packs I encounter on the street are particularly hideous -- and I'm looking for practical, not aesthetic -- but I'm not even sure those belt packs stay put should their owners decide to race around a track.

So...how do you secure your stuff? Thank you.

WTB Bag of Holding +?? Help!

strixus — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:24:38 -0800

I'm searching for a new around campus backpack, but I have some very specific requirements - help me, hive mind you're my only hope! I've been wanting to buy a new backpack for a while now, but I've been totally unable to find a bag that meets my requirements. Besides needing to be durable, water resistant, and all of the usual things for a good backpack, here are my requirements:

1) Needs to be an actual backpack, not a messenger bag. I used to love these, but can no longer use any bag that has only one strap due to hip problems. I love things like the M-15 bag from the military, but it is too small for my needs.

2) It needs to be secure for a laptop - padded and preferably have its own compartment. It also needs to have room for the power adapter for said laptop. You'd be amazed at how many laptop bags don't have a good place to put a laptop power cord.

3) It needs to have LOTS of room, separate from the laptop. It needs to be able to carry the approximate weight of 3-5 small books (200 pages each), or about the thickness of a ream and a half of paper. And it needs to do so in a way that doesn't mangle said paper or books. My current bag is huge, but tapers at the top in such a way that it mangles papers. When carrying 200 + student exams, this is a problem.

4) External pockets for things like phone, keys, pens, etc. I carry a lot of other stuff with me during my day and need a way to keep it all easily accessible.

5) Place to store a water bottle or soda bottle. This is really important, as I generally carry one with me at all times.

Any recommendations are appreciated. I've looked at a ton of bags, and none seem to be what I need. They are either too small, the wrong strap type, or don't seem durable enough.

Searching for an attractive laptop/gym bag.

metamush — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:55:44 -0800

This public transit commuting young woman needs a bag that will fit her 15 inch Macbook Pro as well as gym clothes/sneakers. This public transit commuting young woman needs a bag that will fit her 15 inch Macbook Pro as well as gym supplies. Duffel bags are out of the question. Would prefer it not to be a backpack.

Backpack repair 101

mudpuppie — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:07:43 -0800

One of the two straps on my backpack is literally (no, really, literally) hanging on by a thread. The strap itself, where it's detaching from the bottom of the bag, is very frayed. How can I reattach the strap to the backpack? Specs inside. My everyday backpack is a small REI number. Smaller than your average Jansport, and therefore not subjected to all that much weight, backpack-wise.

The part that's frayed is the part where the strap was sewn into the seam between the front and back of the backpack (it's two-tone, not all one piece), at the bottom of the bag. Immediately above the frayed spot is the buckle that adjusts the length of the strap.

1) What's the best material to use to reattach the strap to the bag so that it's fairly sturdy? 2) And how do I do it? Should I reattach it at the seam, which is where it was sewn in before? 3) How do I deal with the frayed part? If I cut it off, there won't be enough of that loop left to sew back onto the bag. Should I simply reattach the part above where the fraying begins to the bag?

Note that my sewing skills are limited to replacing missing buttons, and I've just learned that my ability to describe sewing-related problems is equally weak. Sorry if this isn't very clear..

a backpack that won't warp or crumple paperbacks

limon — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:25:20 -0800

I need a backpack that won't warp or crumple paperbacks. Cheap, plain, no frills. Should simply hold books in place and maybe a binder. I don't carry a laptop or any fancy accessories. Bonus if it doesn't make me (25 y/o grad student) look silly.

Size matters. Seriously.

eunoia — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:14:31 -0800

What size backpack do I need for a 17 day trip that will include four different flights, train trips & hostel/apartment stays? At the end of May, we'll be flying to Milan from New York then traveling by train through Italy for a little less than a week (and probably staying at hostels) and ending up in Rome. From Rome, we'll fly to Barcelona, stay for 4 days in a furnished apartment and then fly to Paris and stay for four days in another furnished apartment.

I would really really like to be able to bring along only one piece of luggage, preferably a backpack. I'll be bringing my laptop (~6.5 lbs/16"), but because the Barcelona apartment has a washer, I'll only be bringing about a weeks worth of clothes.

I also don't want to check this [hopefully] one piece of luggage. All of the European airlines have the same carry on baggage requirements: It can measure no more than 55x40x20cm and there is no weight limit. I despise those rolling suitcase things so anything of that sort is not an option.

If I do go with a backpack (and at this point, I can't think of any other alternative), how many cubic inches (ballpark) should I be looking at, keeping in mind that I plan to pack as lightly as possible (aside from the laptop), but want to be able to pick up a souvenir or two?

Where to hike in March near Fresno for Snow and Fish

farmersckn — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 02:05:18 -0800

Where should we (Me +1) backpack next weekend (Mar 28/29) near Fresno, CA that has SNOW, WATER and FISH? My and my buddy want to stay at least one night - I suppose we could camp the night on Friday at the trail head if we need the extra time.
He wants to fish.
I want to build a snow shelter.
We want to be home Sunday night so we can work Monday.

We are both in excellent shape. He has backpacked several times and this will be my first experience.

He has gear enough for the both of us including snow shoes.

We have talked a bit about hiking somewhere in the Dinky lakes wilderness (island lake?) but I thought I would tap the hivemind to see if we are biting off too much or if there might be a better place to go for what we are looking for.

Thanks in advance!

Backpacking backpack suggestions

Autarky — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:39:44 -0800

I'm in the market for a backpack. A backpacking backpack, that is. Uses will generally be 3 season backpacking for anywhere from a weekend to a week, at the most. My budget is 200-225. Suggestions? Am I right to think I should be looking in the 4000 cu. in. range for volume? I've done a fair bit of backpacking, but I've always just borrowed gear and now I've started slowly accumulating my own so I don't know a whole lot about technical aspects.

Suggestions for specific brands are okay, but I feel like I already have a pretty good idea of that (Lowe Alpine, Gregory, Marmot, Osprey, etc.) Specific pack suggestions would be best. I'm 5'11 and male if that makes any difference.

Also, 225 would be stretching things. Stuff in the 175-200 range would be ideal. I realize dropping 400 on an Arcteryx bag would get me higher quality, but I just can't do that.

Help me grab a bag

TheOnlyCoolTim — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:53:35 -0800

I would like to know a superior form of backpack. It should be primarily appropriate for day to day backpack and school usage but also useful for light travel use or light camping use. I am ~6'4", usually weigh about 185 pounds, and male. A backpack is a item of function, so I do not care at all about the aesthetics.

Durability is the prime concern; I am tired of buying a normal backpack and within a year it's deteriorating and after a few years it's useless. This would ideally be the last backpack of this type I buy in my life; I don't like today's throwaway consumer goods.

Waterproofing is another important concern. I am not as afraid as most people are these days to get wet when it rains, but I've found normal waterproof backpacks to be barely so, and then the rubber layer on the inside flakes off ant they're not at all.

Comfort and adjustability also matter.

I think the durability and waterproofing I like for my day to day use covers most of my requirements for the level of travel and camping I'm thinking of. Basically in addition it should be big enough for several day's worth of clothes and sundries or a couple nights of camping. Despite my last question this pack is not intended for actual serious backpacking, so don't really worry about things like strapping on tents and sleeping bags or that it won't have a frame. I'm just thinking I'd like to be able to use it to hike a few easy miles and plop down for a night or two and for that I will strap my big luxurious sleeping bag to myself in an ad hoc fashion and carry my big luxurious tent in my arm.

I'd prefer zipper closures, but with powerful zippers that will not break or malfunction.

I also prefer an absence of goofy specialized pockets or features for MP3 players, water bottles, laptops, and cell phones.

No wheels.

organize my pack

Zed_Lopez — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:26:39 -0800

Pen/small item organizer insert for backpack exterior pocket? I'm considering a new backpack (as in I have it and have to decide whether to return it.) Most things about it are good, but it lacks the bunch of pockets for pens and other things that I've come to rely on. The exterior pocket is about 11"x12" -- anyone know of an organizer insert that would fit that space?

Searching old questions, I already saw Tom Bihn's Freudian Slip. It's too big, but that's the sort of thing I'm looking for.

SeaTown Luggage Logistic

pranalaxmi — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:34:36 -0800

I'll be getting off the amtrak in Seattle on Thursday with a bicycle, a cumbersome backpack, and a laptop bag. Within an hour, I need to hit an appointment with a stock agency fairly near to the station. The only friend I know in Seattle is finishing up his term finals and can't pick me up - with car and roof rack - until later that evening. Question is: how should I lighten my load for 4+ hours, so that I can hit my appointment, and wheel around downtown?

How to keep backpack drive in rain while biking?

amedia — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:19:31 -0800

Anyone have any good DYI ideas on how to keep your bag dry in the rain while biking? Some kind of plastic cover with elastic? Not interested in buying a new pack, just want to keep the one i already have dry.

Help be find a bag to buy for my girlfriend

Cogito — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:54:16 -0800

She wants shoulder bag, but it needs to be cute, light and simple. She's desirous of a shoulder bag, or possibly a backpack. Here are her specifications:

- Doesn't have to be very big or have tons of compartments, simple preferred
- Must be cute, but not little-kid cute, just stylish
- As light as possible

I'm aware of Timbuk2's custom bags, so tell me about other stuff I may not have heard of. Price is not much of an issue, but let's keep it < $500.

What to pack for one year?

Flying Squirrel — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:16:50 -0800

How to pack for one year? I am very ignorant of the logistics for what I'll need, despite having read onebag.com and other travel resources. I'd love to hear advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation!

My question is -- what type of luggage, and how much should I bring for one year?

I'm traveling to New Zealand in a couple days with my boyfriend. We're from Canada. We both have one year working holiday visas, no jobs yet. We're stopping in Fiji for 5 days on the way over, then flying to Auckland, where we have a hostel booked for 2 days. After exploring Auckland, we're going to travel around the north island for a little bit, and make our way to Wellington and decide which city we want to settle in. Since we will be in one place for an extended period of time, I'm not sure what type of luggage to use and how much to bring.

I was originally planning on bringing a suitcase on wheels, but got horrified reactions from everyone who has actually done this type of travel. (I have never traveled for more than 2 weeks). So I got a good, large, backpack, and despite my cringing at the thought of looking like a pretentious would-be mountaineer, I'm willing to do whatever is the most practical.

Do I try to fit everything into my 60L backpack? I'll also have a small carryon daypack as well. Is it a ridiculous idea to also bring a small suitcase for additional items to store somewhere until we get a permanent place?

Here's what I'm thinking about right now:
- I know I can buy everything I need. But New Zealand is more expensive than Canada for many things, and I don't know if I want to replace a lot of shoes, clothes, etc.
- I'm not concerned about the extra baggage charges (if any) for taking an extra suitcase. We're allowed two pieces of 20kg luggage before extra charges.
- how many pairs of pants, shirts, shoes, socks, underwear, etc. is right?

I'm sorry this question isn't more articulate -- I'm getting a bit frazzled in these last few days. I'd love to hear from anyone who has packed for a year -- what is the most feasible?'

Is a backpack really the way to go? This is the model I just got, although I may take it back if a suitcase is more reasonable.

This is the first trip of this kind I have ever been on, so please excuse my ignorance and I appreciate all your help!

Which backpack fits my needs?

nitsuj — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:54:03 -0800

I'm looking for a travel backpack with removal daypack that is gadget friendly. I currently have an Eagle Creek Voyage 65L, which is just a tad too big for the regular 2-3 day trips I've been taking recently. Further, its removable daypack is slightly too small -- it fits my laptop, but has no other features to keep my gadgets (phones, chargers, cameras, iPods, etc) properly organized.

So... I'm looking for something new. It needs to be gadget friendly so I can remove the daypack with my laptop and other gear in it without having to lug my clothes everywhere.

Something smaller than 65L would be preferred: I need to be able to carry about 2-3 days worth of clothes in it at a time.

Mac desktop alternative to Backpack

dyslexictraveler — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:52:21 -0800

Free or low-cost Mac alternative to 37Signals Backpack for storing personal information in? I’ve been a paying member of 37 Signal’s Backpack for several years now, and while I’m happy with what Backpack does for my needs, I’m thinking about transitioning my data off of the service to something that’s cheaper or free.

What I like about Backpack: I like the UI, and I like that it’s super easy to make a project page about something I’m doing or planning where I can just throw information at it and create lists and notes and link to other pages on the web. I’ll occasionally upload files and images to backpack pages, but for the most part I use it for text data of one sort another.

Why I think I should change systems: While I like it, it’s not free if you want to have more than 5 pages, and a lot of the things that make Backpack appealing to others as a paid service don’t apply to me: I don’t use it as a GTD system (I use OmniFocus), I don’t use the calendar feature (I’m locked into my work’s Exchange system) I don’t share my pages with others, and I don’t think I get a lot of benefit out of having all my data online.

So, I’m thinking I should be able to setup something similar on my (Mac) laptop that accomplishes the same thing and does not require a monthly subscription. I know there are a lot of solutions out there, so I’d love to hear your recommendations. (To be clear I’m not opposed to an online solution, I just don’t want to pay for one)

Messenger bags versus backbacks?

whir — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:46:55 -0800

Why do you prefer a messenger bag to a backpack / bookbag (or vice versa) for bicycle commuting? Should I get one? My old backback is beginning to show some serious fray, and I'm looking at getting a new one. I see a lot of other bikers wearing messenger bags. They are so common that it seems like there's got to be something going on there, but the bags have always looked impractical to me, so I'm hoping to find out why people like them with an eye to possibly buying one.

In particular, does it tire one's shoulder out to have all the weight on one side? And doesn't the bag tend to slip around when you're biking around? Why do you prefer the bag over a regular two-strap backpack? ("I think it looks cooler" is a perfectly acceptable answer.)

My commute is mostly flat through heavy urban traffic, and I have road-bike style drop handlebars.

Recommend a light, safe laptop bag

ManInSuit — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:41:31 -0800

Help me choose a light laptop bag, comfortable to wear, with good protection for my 14" widescreen. Hey. I’m looking for a recommendation for a laptop backpack.

I don’t plan on carrying much in it - just my laptop (a 14” widescreen thinkpad), powersupply, maybe occasionally a book or two. So I don’t need anything huge.

Here’s what I think I’m looking for (though you’re welcome to tell me I’m wrong, and should want something else)

- I like backpacks better than messenger-style bags - I feel like the better-distributed weight makes a big difference.

- Light - under, say, 2.5 lbs, though even lighter is even better. I want it to be, you know, not heavy when I carry it around. (Or will a 3.5 better-constructed bag magically *feel* lighter because of construction, padding, whatever?)

- Comfortable to carry for a while.

- Laptop doesn’t slide around in the bag,

- Reasonably good protection for bumps and jostles, if, say, I leave the bag in the milk-crate in back of my bike rather than wearing it, protecting the laptop both from external bumps, and other stuff in the bag.

- A bit weatherproof would be helpful, but not super-critical

I don’t care too much what the bag looks like. I’d rather not pay a ton, but if there’s a super-awesome bag, I don’t mind spending a bit more. I’m a not-small man, if that’s a variable.

Is there anything else I should be thinking about/looking for?

Bonus points if there’s somewhere I can actually see the bag (in Toronto) before buying it.

Thanks thanks for suggestions!

What are some good backpacks for petites (women's)?

jdruk — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:30:33 -0800

What are some good backpacks for petites (women's)? Hi all!

I'm having awful back problems from carrying a messenger bag with me everywhere, but when I put a normal backpack on my 5'1" body, I look like some sort of comic book turtle-villain.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a modern, stylish (not kids'!) backpack that is designed for a tiny person? Bonus points if it's under $75.

Any and all ideas much appreciated - Julia