I Lack a Back Pack

October 2, 2013 10:07 AM

I'm shopping for a new backpack. Criteria: I'd like it to have some style and polish so as to go with nice casual clothes; to be at least big enough to hold a 15" laptop; to be brown, olive, or khaki in colour; and to cost $100 or less. I love this one but the site that carries it is apparently untrustworthy. Super shoppers of MeFi, what can you recommend?
posted by orange swan to Shopping (17 answers total)

Are you looking specifically for leather?

If not, Herschel has nice simple backpacks for decent prices (and they're available in Canada, which I assume is where you're posting from). They do seem to be really popular this year though.
posted by Paper rabies at 10:18 AM on October 2, 2013

Response by poster: I'd like leather but don't want to pay several hundred dollars for a backpack.

And yes, anything I purchase must ship to Canada.
posted by orange swan at 10:19 AM on October 2, 2013

If you're in Toronto, Te Koop (Queen W east of Spadina) has the biggest in-store selection of Herschel bags (they have lots of other ones too, but other than the Fjallraven they'll all be too gourmet). I think the Little America covers your bases--the interior 15" laptop sleeve is especially handy. I got one at the dreaded Urban Outfitters for $90. Yes, you may look like an OCAD student. But for the price and quality it might be worth it.
posted by Beardman at 10:29 AM on October 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

If you can stretch your budget, consider the Duluth Laptop Scout Bag ($140). IMHO it is worth it -- Duluth Packs are known for high quality and guaranteed for life.
posted by susanvance at 10:57 AM on October 2, 2013

I bought almost exactly what you are looking for on eBay and got a used REI commuter backpack that is ideal, but they don't make them anymore. Maybe look at women's daypacks and/or laptop bags to get ideas? There's definitely many kinds and it's just such a pleasure to have just the right bag - I have one that has a handy side umbrella/water bottle holder, a nice little pocket that just fits my phone and all the key ring/card holder doo-dads.
posted by readery at 11:04 AM on October 2, 2013

MEC has a good selection of day packs and laptop bags.
posted by islander at 11:07 AM on October 2, 2013

How about Everlane? Their stuff looks quite nice indeed.
posted by undue influence at 11:23 AM on October 2, 2013 [2 favorites]

Was popping in to suggest Herschel and Everlane. Also Baggu
posted by kitkatcathy at 11:24 AM on October 2, 2013

Buying a Kelty Pack was one of the best decisions I ever made. Especially nice is their vintage line.
posted by dis_integration at 11:28 AM on October 2, 2013

Try this one by Otium. I have it - it's pretty good.
posted by lasamana at 1:13 PM on October 2, 2013

Sorry didn't see it should be more dressy.
posted by lasamana at 1:15 PM on October 2, 2013

Best answer: I've got one of these Everlane bags and it's been great. Roomy and durable.
posted by Rallon at 1:26 PM on October 2, 2013 [3 favorites]

I have an Everlane snap backpack (in reverse denim, which is really like a light dove gray) and love it. Probably a little dressier in charcoal.
posted by amaire at 1:41 PM on October 2, 2013

Incase backpacks. They look sleek and are supposed to be well made. Herschel bags suffer from shoddy workmanship these days, according to reviews I've read while doing my own bag search.
posted by mlo at 3:04 PM on October 2, 2013

Mountain Equipment Co-op has some nice bags, although many of the are more rugged/nylon than you probably are looking for. (But hey, cheap shipping in Canada). I've got a bookbag (in a less classy version) and I really like it.

This one might work, though. Another daypack. How about a sling pack? And they've got some nice messenger bags although they're spendier.
posted by leahwrenn at 5:26 PM on October 2, 2013

I have a osprey Momentum 34. Recently took it for a business trip with clothes and labtop and works well in a business casual setting. Perfect for a carryon lugguage with side handle or as a backpack.
posted by radsqd at 7:11 AM on October 3, 2013

Response by poster: I've had a good look at all your links. The two that really appealed were the Duluth Laptop Scoutmaster Pack (the Scout Bag is not look big enough to hold anything besides a lap top) and an Everlane backpack in sand, and ended up ordering the Everlane. I liked the lines of the Duluth Scoutmaster better, but the Everlane came in a more pleasing colour shade and was less than half the price.

Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions!
posted by orange swan at 11:22 AM on October 5, 2013