Bagfilter
November 29, 2022 1:37 PM Subscribe
I've used the same old LL Bean book bag for everything for years. It's falling apart! I'm trying to find something to replace it that's a bit nicer, but as ever, buying a replacement backpack is a trial.
The basic requirements are
- About the same capacity (the LL Bean quad is 33 L).
- Securely holds a tall Hydroflask waterbottle on the outside.
- Several compartments. My current bag has one big compartment, one full-height outer compartment that fits many small things, an semi-enclosed outer-outer zipped section where I can stash a wet umbrella if I need to, and a tiny pocket above that that I can also stash things in. It doesn't have to (and probably won't?) be arranged like this, but I like having these auxiliary pockets to stash stuff.
- Bombproof enough to use for more or less everything- commute, groceries, under-seat airplane carryon, light hiking...
- Not totally out of place as a commuter bag
Ideally, it wouldn't have a separate laptop compartment. A lot of bags seem to have a whole separate quick-access compartment with its own zipper to hold a laptop; I barely ever carry a laptop, and when I do my bag's flimsy internal laptop holder works okay, since the laptop has its own sleeve. So it seems like it would be a waste of space and zippers to have a laptop compartment in my new bag. I like being able to just stuff a huge amount in it when necessary and if a chunk of the internal volume is being set aside for a laptop that seems like a downside.
Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful! Do you own a bag that works well with a similar use-case? Maybe I should just acquiesce to getting a bag with a laptop compartment like the The North Face's "Surge" or "Router"?
The basic requirements are
- About the same capacity (the LL Bean quad is 33 L).
- Securely holds a tall Hydroflask waterbottle on the outside.
- Several compartments. My current bag has one big compartment, one full-height outer compartment that fits many small things, an semi-enclosed outer-outer zipped section where I can stash a wet umbrella if I need to, and a tiny pocket above that that I can also stash things in. It doesn't have to (and probably won't?) be arranged like this, but I like having these auxiliary pockets to stash stuff.
- Bombproof enough to use for more or less everything- commute, groceries, under-seat airplane carryon, light hiking...
- Not totally out of place as a commuter bag
Ideally, it wouldn't have a separate laptop compartment. A lot of bags seem to have a whole separate quick-access compartment with its own zipper to hold a laptop; I barely ever carry a laptop, and when I do my bag's flimsy internal laptop holder works okay, since the laptop has its own sleeve. So it seems like it would be a waste of space and zippers to have a laptop compartment in my new bag. I like being able to just stuff a huge amount in it when necessary and if a chunk of the internal volume is being set aside for a laptop that seems like a downside.
Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful! Do you own a bag that works well with a similar use-case? Maybe I should just acquiesce to getting a bag with a laptop compartment like the The North Face's "Surge" or "Router"?
I just bought a Gregory Juno 30 to replace a worn out North Face backpack. I couldn't believe how much more comfortable it is than my old backpack. I regularly carry a laptop, book, some folders, a pencil case, a sweater or sweatshirt, a snack, a thermos, and a 32 ounce HydroFlask, as well as assorted miscellaneous stuff, and I walk a mile to and from work. The new backpack doesn't hurt my shoulders at all, and the harness system is adjustable to customize the fit.
I thought 30 liters was going to be a little small for my needs, but the design of the backpack is so thoughtful that it fits everything.
The Juno is the "women's" version, with a slightly narrowed harness. The "men's" version is called the Citro.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 3:38 PM on November 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
I thought 30 liters was going to be a little small for my needs, but the design of the backpack is so thoughtful that it fits everything.
The Juno is the "women's" version, with a slightly narrowed harness. The "men's" version is called the Citro.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 3:38 PM on November 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
I have a Timbuk2 Never Check backpack as my commute bag/airline carryon.
It has two smaller front compartments, and then some smaller organizing compartments in the large central compartment. It does have an unobtrusive padded laptop pocket, but it doesn't detract from the volume of the bag. It also has zippers that allow it to expand.
posted by Lycaste at 4:16 PM on November 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
It has two smaller front compartments, and then some smaller organizing compartments in the large central compartment. It does have an unobtrusive padded laptop pocket, but it doesn't detract from the volume of the bag. It also has zippers that allow it to expand.
posted by Lycaste at 4:16 PM on November 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
I recently purchased the Roark 3-Day Fixer 35L Bag and am quite happy with it. It's a convertible - can be a backpack, shoulder bag, or you can hide away the straps and hold it like a briefcase. Multiple pockets. Has a separate side pocket for a large bottle/flask.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 5:04 PM on November 29, 2022
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 5:04 PM on November 29, 2022
sfbags.com This one's good the essentials backpack but they have a good bit of options to choose from. Made in San Fran, CA, good customer service. excellent quality. i had a timbuk2 bag years back, but i like these more. i know you said no laptop compartment, but it's worth a peruse.
posted by VyanSelei at 7:14 PM on November 29, 2022
posted by VyanSelei at 7:14 PM on November 29, 2022
Tom Bihn do a range of attractive, very sturdily made backpacks in a wide range of colours, several of which have the features that you are looking for.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 7:42 PM on November 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 7:42 PM on November 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
I've had an ogio metro backpack for years, and it's sturdy, plenty of pockets, laptop sleeve, side water bottle access and cable routing. A little on the pricier side. Durable and i like all the storage options. The contoured thick straps and buckle between them really help when i have it loaded/overloaded.
Seems discontinued, but they have a wide range of new backpacks, ogio backpacks the renegade pro appears similar. But you should explore what options you need.
posted by TheAdamist at 3:15 AM on November 30, 2022
Seems discontinued, but they have a wide range of new backpacks, ogio backpacks the renegade pro appears similar. But you should explore what options you need.
posted by TheAdamist at 3:15 AM on November 30, 2022
Seconding Tom Bihn - their bags are fiercely durable. They have a lifetime guarantee, and the company will repair them (at a fee).
posted by BekahVee at 11:41 AM on December 1, 2022
posted by BekahVee at 11:41 AM on December 1, 2022
Secon, er, nthing Tom Bihn. I've had a Brain Bag for a few years now and my inner bag fetishist is kind of angry that it will never need to be replaced, nor can I see how it would be improved upon.
posted by whuppy at 8:52 AM on December 3, 2022
posted by whuppy at 8:52 AM on December 3, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Dr. Twist at 2:03 PM on November 29, 2022