Seeking reccomendations for a new maximalist backpack

November 26, 2021 3:30 AM

Alas, LL Bean is no longer making the Turbo Transit Pack, and its replacement, is vastly inferior.

The Turbo Transit pack is nearly perfect except a) LL Bean isn't making it any more b) it never included water bottle pockets.

While I'm aware of the possibility of buying a replacement second hand, I think it might be time to explore alternatives.

What I loved about the Turbo Transit pack is that it had a high capacity (42 liters), multiple compartments, and lots of pockets. Moreover, it was "only" 18.5 inches tall, which is the maximum height for me to carry comfortably. The locker on the bottom was also amazing.

My must haves
-backpack with 2 shoulder straps
-no taller than 18.5 inches (Yes, 19 inches is too tall)
-at least 35 liter capacity
-top open, not clamshell
-at least "dual main compartments"
-water bottle pocket
-reasonably high quality
-not looking for a backpack with an external frame

Nice to haves
-all the pockets
-separate laptop compartment or built in laptop sleeve
-some degree of water resistance
-waist strap
-machine washable
-some sort of warranty

(The current trend for tall sleek minimalist pocket less backpacks is so not my thing.)

I wouldn't say that cost is no object, but it's not my largest concern here. There is a reason why I'm asking this question on Black Friday.... sigh. I am mostly agnostic about the "style"/ "type" of backpack. I am also open to creative solutions... backpacks that expand or zip together.... a tactical backpack with added molle pouches?

Please, Metafilter, help me find a new bag of holding.

posted by oceano to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (11 answers total)

The WireCutter calls these Carry On Travel Bags. Perhaps some of their recommendations would help?
posted by blob at 6:20 AM on November 26, 2021

WireCutter staff are on strike and ask that people not cross the picket line/use Wirecutter this weekend. I'm sorry I can't add a good bag rec to compensate.
posted by Frowner at 6:35 AM on November 26, 2021 [20 favorites]

North Face may have one you like. There’s a 30l at 18” with water bottle pockets and several compartments: Hot Shot.
https://www.asos.com/us/the-north-face/the-north-face-hot-shot-backpack-in-burgundy/prd/24250846
posted by xaryts at 6:47 AM on November 26, 2021

a tactical backpack with added molle pouches?

Goruck has a military-adjacent vibe that not everyone will appreciate, but they make a very high-quality (and priced accordingly) backpack.
posted by box at 7:03 AM on November 26, 2021

The Tom Bihn Brain Bag at 18.1 inches height and 36 liters capacity comes close. It has a special exterior clip for water bottle, thogh.

Goruck has a military-adjacent vibe that not everyone will appreciate,

I'd go so far as to say I'd be careful what accessories/hairstyle I was wearing with a big ol' tacticool pack + MOLLE pouches, because when I see those on a white dude (if that's what you are) these days, I find myself evaluating the odds he's some kind of white supremacist.
posted by praemunire at 7:19 AM on November 26, 2021 [4 favorites]

Fair point.

Mystery Ranch avoids the worst excesses of tacticool (though there's some overlap in their target audiences). If you'd rather signify in a different direction, check out Cotopaxi or Freitag.

Topo Designs might have something you'd like. Or how about a classic JanSport?
posted by box at 7:44 AM on November 26, 2021 [1 favorite]

This backpack from Tortuga is the best one I've ever owned. I
posted by emelenjr at 8:18 AM on November 26, 2021

We love our Tom Bihn backpacks.
posted by Hey, Zeus! at 8:20 AM on November 26, 2021

Seconding the recommendation for the Tom Bihn Brain Bag. You can add a clip-in laptop sleeve in each compartment, and it has removable waist and sternum straps. The exterior pockets are large enough for a moderate-sized water bottle. I've had one for nearly two decades, and while I mostly use a smaller bag, there are times the Brain Bag is just what I need. Plus it's made in the US by workers who are paid a decent wage and benefits.
posted by brianogilvie at 8:22 AM on November 26, 2021 [2 favorites]

Atlas 12 by LA Police Gear, who sells tacticool stuff, but economically. This is 18 inches tall, 35L, and has MOLLE attachment points if you need to add stuff. $60 during Black Friday, it's surprisingly economical.

And yes, it has hydration pack pocket and hose openings.
posted by kschang at 11:12 AM on November 26, 2021

To add another option to the pile, I have long been a fan of my Red Oxx bags, and it looks like they have an option that ticks most of your boxes.
posted by fifthrider at 6:13 PM on November 26, 2021