Backpack with suspended mesh back panel AND organizey bits?

November 9, 2015 8:13 PM

I get sweaty, and having tried a backpack with a suspended mesh back panel (aka trampoline suspension aka tensioned-mesh panel), there's no going back. But these all seem to be gormless with one giant chamber and maybe one or two small pockets -- I also want the sort of organizer panel and multiple compartments you get from a commuter daypack. And a hip belt to put the load on my hips. Anyone know a specific backpack with all of the above?

I'm looking for something in the neighborhood of 25 liters of space. (And ventilation "chimneys" where foam ridges lift the pack off of one thin stripe of your back don't count as a suspended back panel.) thanks!

posted by Zed to Shopping (7 answers total)

There are workarounds if you can't find something more compartmentalized - I usually divide stuff up into a bunch of stuff sacks based on general function (kitchen, toiletries, clothing, navigation, etc.), and I've known other people who cut up gallon jugs to create little bins within their packs. There's a small amount of extra weight involved, but you'll get some of that with added panels on the interior of the pack. As a side benefit, I usually use my clothing sack as a pillow, so I'm happy with my system.
posted by LionIndex at 8:55 PM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I should have spelled this out -- I'm not a camper; I'm an urban pedestrian. What I want is easy access to any of a bunch of things I might be carrying, not having things sorted when I empty the pack to bivouac.
posted by Zed at 10:07 PM on November 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Osprey? They kind of overdo the separate compartments for my tastes, but they fit your description and are high quality.
posted by domnit at 10:09 PM on November 9, 2015 [3 favorites]

Best answer: I recently bought an Osprey Momentum 30. It has separate (and dry) space for a laptop, a compartment that fits magazine-sized stuff, and the usual big compartment. It has a small zip compartment at the front which I find small after my previous Northface experience and an additional non-closable compartment in the front where you could stash some stuff. I'm not entirely satisfied with the compartments, but you may be.

My shopping experience: I went to REI and tried on all the backpacks without a load and then with a load. I opened pockets, I looked at reflective bits (I walk to work very early in the morning and it is dark out a good proportion of the year), I tried out straps, zippers, handles etc.

I think you'll get good suggestions here but your best bet is really to go to a brick and mortar store and try stuff.

Additional pointers for future shoppers: the women's versions of the same model backpack often carry a smaller volume than the men's. Yes, women are often smaller than men but that the same model was different surprised me. Backpacks marketed to cyclists shouldn't be ignored - I wouldn't have found this one if my +1 hadn't strayed to the cycling section.
posted by sciencegeek at 2:35 AM on November 10, 2015 [1 favorite]

Another work around, should you end up needing it, are purse inserts. There are fifty billion styles and configurations of purse inserts/organizers. I hope you find your unicorn!!
posted by PorcineWithMe at 3:14 AM on November 10, 2015 [3 favorites]

I purchased two Kelty backpacks on Woot a couple of years ago, and had to give one to a friend, because I couldn't possibly use two of them. We both show up at places with our "go bags" and they're the orange and green Kelty's. YMMV.
posted by Sphinx at 4:52 AM on November 10, 2015

Response by poster: The Osprey Radial does come vanishingly close to what I want. thanks, folks.
posted by Zed at 6:49 PM on November 10, 2015