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ISO: everyday backpack that is built to last

Astrid

Veteran

My current everyday backpack has holes yet again... This is my third backpack of this model and while the first one was used for almost ten years (and at school too!) the last two were done in very fast even though they were used much less often. So I need a new backpack. I don't need it right this instant, but I want to get an idea what to look for so that I can have an eye on sales and the like...

I'm searching for an everyday backpack which is not a hiking backpack. I don't need a hipbelt and I don't want a toploader with flap and clip - I'm in the city and not in the mountains. I don't schlep my (heavy) laptop around, so I'd prefer a backpack without laptop compartment. In case I ever get one light enough to carry regularly I can always get a padded sleeve for that. Size should be 20-25L, maybe 30L tops (but only if it has compressions straps). And the most important thing, I want something that is built to last. I don't want to start this search allover again in two years.

Any ideas? Maybe just brands to look at? I really like the Tom Bihn Synapse 19 for well thought out design, but of course the price is something else.

Shopping

22 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Doro

Hi Astrid, have a look at the Haglöfs Corker - it's one of my favorites It's slim, stands on its own even when almost empty, and has net compartments of different sizes built in. I've had it in red for at least 5 years and it has held up really well.
http://www.amazon.de/Haglöfs-.....8&...

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Doro! I think I had a look a this one a few years back. I think I decided against it because it wasn't squishable. I do have a Haglöfs backpack already, the Tight XS - bought to use as personal item on flights.

Anonymous

I paid a lot for my tom bihn bag, but I love it and don't regret the expense because I know it will last. I've been using my western flyer travel bag every other week (to and from BF's) and it is like new. The linings are excellent. That is a key differentiator. That, and the fact that they are made in seattle, in what appear to be good working conditions.

I definitely love this bag, but it's possible one of the reasons why is because I paid so much for it .

I know I'm talking about a different bag, bit the build quality is excellent on all of them.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I have two Tom Bihn bags. You've seen the second one. The first one is an earlier version of the Cafe Bag with laptop padding. At the time I bought it (which must have been 15 years ago, because I was still working in an office), I'd just gotten a new model laptop and there were almost no bags out that fit it properly. I emailed the company and asked if they were planning a new size and Tom (!) emailed me back that it was in development and I could order in advance. I got one of the first ones off the line! It still looks perfect and I should probably sell it, but I haven't been ready to give it up.

I do feel your pain on the international shipping and customs $$ on top of the already hefty price tag, though. Have you looked at LL Bean? We've gotten several of my son's school backpacks there and, save one (the lacing on the Turbo Transit Pack didn't last), they've all survived several years until he grew out of them.

These looked good and not too gear-y:

Carrabassett Backpack

Field Canvas Classic

Mountain Town Waxed Canvas

Heathered Deluxe

Gaylene

Veteran

I love my Fjallraven Kanken Daypack. This Swedish pack is super tough, waterproof, and comes in a host of colors. It's not the cheapest pack, but I'm not buying a new pack every few years either.

ETA: the company also makes a totebag that can be carried by the leather handles, slung on your shoulder, or worn as a backpack. That tote is my travel companion and i get flight attendants asking me where they can find it.

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Astrid

Veteran

Smittie, thanks for chiming in! Yes, I heard about the great quality, that's why I'm always stealing looks at the website even though they're in the US. I found them when I was searching for a carryon travel bag myself. I love the look of the Aeronaut 30, but I couldn't justify the cost. I got an Osprey Farpoint 40 instead. I think if it was only the price tag on the website I might even go for it, it's not that much more than other expensive backpacks and as you said, I like the fact that they are made in Seattle under good working conditions. Worth to pay more for ethical production and great quality. But with the shipping costs (maybe customs too) added we're in another price range alltogether...

Jenn, thanks! I get not being able to let go of your laptop bag, I think I would have difficulties too. And LLBean wasn't on my list, no. That would mean international shipping too... From the ones you linked to none really speak to me.

Gaylene, thanks! Ah yes, the Kanken - you're old enough to get away with it. It's one of the most often seen backpacks in Berlin and I'm not part of the group using them, be it stylistically or otherwise. I think if I would buy it I'd feel like being back in fourth grade, when you were wishing for that backpack that seemingly everybody except yourself owned... I do like the look of the totebag better, do you have the Totepack No.1? How tall are you? The straps look awfully long. Do you find it comfortable to carry over a longer time in backpack mode? Because I'm really looking for a backpack over a totebag and most reviews I read use it in backpack mode only occasionally, which makes sense. It's a tote first and foremost.

Anonymous

I love Fjällräven's Kånken backbags. They have retro look which I adore, and they are made to last. Suitable for city life very well. I've had mine for almost 15 years and it's still holding strong.

Anonymous

Oops, sorry, Kånken was already mentioned and you didn't like them.

Astrid

Veteran

No worries! I think it's just not the right one for me.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I often covet the backpacks by Etsy trader treesizeverse, but they're more expensive than I remember. I think he's put his prices up since I last looked. Still, if you use it daily it's an investment, right?

Astrid

Veteran

Approprio, those look very cool! But the price... And they're all toploader style, with those straps - they don't look like they're easily accessible. I don't want only one big cavernous compartment where my small things get lost in.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Astrid, yeah, I know, they're pricey. But nice to look at, no? Anyway, a good solution for a cavernous bag is to make your own compartments. I have a few zippered pouches in various sizes which I use in totes and backpacks when I need them. I prefer them to built-in compartments, which I always loose things in.

Anonymous

I love the aeronaut too, but they only had the 45L ones when I was looking. Osprey is amazing and has a great return policy...Or maybe that's Eagle Creek.
There is Moop bags. They do waxed canvas. Again, expensive. But good working conditions and maybe shipping isn't as bad.

ETA: I have a bit of an obsession with luggage for a while

Astrid

Veteran

Approprio, I agree with you - to a certain degree. I want at least a few options to keep my things where I can easily get to them. Opening the bag completely, opening up an organizer in the bag and so on, that's much too complicated for my taste for an everyday bag. If I would use it for travel, alright. But if I have to open up all those snaps and zippers just to get some tissues out in a crowded subway I would go crazy...

Thanks Smittie. I've already taken the scissors to my Osprey, so I fear there won't be any guarantee left on it. But even so, it's a lovely bag. And it was priced below 100€. Those Moop bags look great! But same issue with shipping and taxes, so it's not really less expensive. And yes, I can relate, I'm the same. Shame most of my bag loves are so expensive. I've spent quite a bit time looking at luggage since I set travelling light as one of my goals.

rachylou

Veteran

I got a backpack from Ikea of all places. Cheap and I'm liking it. I truck my heavy laptop in it, commuting shoes, and lunch.

Astrid

Veteran

I didn't know Ikea made backpacks...

Word Lily

Veteran

I wonder if you can find someone (Etsy?) who will custom make you one? That's how I got my current waxed canvas messenger bag. You might even be able to find someone more local so taxes/shipping wouldn't be as bad.

Staysfit

Veteran

It's too bad you've eliminated a traditional looking backpack. Jansport bags come with a lifetime guarantee and I know for a fact that they honor it. I have had mine/or some version of mine since my freshman year of college and they have repaired it once and replaced it once. (Medical texts and notes are heavy; we didn't have easy access to computers). My freshman year was 32 years ago, so the bag is durable, and clearly well worth the price paid. It has been a lifetime backpack.

Daria

Astrid, have you looked at LLBean? Although I imagine shipping it to Germany will be a pain.

Commuter Day Pack

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Runcarla

Veteran

Timely thread! I just converted over to using an old backpack vs my gym bag due to having too much hanging off one shoulder (purse, gym bag). It is an old Swiss gear that is quite comfortable, but not my favourite look.

I like the look of the Kanken posted by Gaylene. Retro-Urban looking that I think will work for me. I've seen them in a shop on Queen St. In TO before I decided to start with the pack. Will check them out in person.

Gaylene

Veteran

Sorry not to get back earlier, but finally found my measuring tape. The straps on the Totepack No. 1 have a 15" drop. I'm 5'6" and that drop makes the tote very comfortable hanging under my arm when I carry it on my shoulder. The leather handles are also easy on the hands.

The conversion to a backpack is rather ingenious since one of the shoulder straps gets pulled through two loops to create two straps for backpack mode. When I wear it as a backpack, the top of the bag is just below my neck and the the base of the bag rests in the small of my back. The 4" width means the pack snugs in to my back even when loaded so it is very easy to carry up to 6 K. (*laughing*. So totally Canadian--i think metric for,weight and use Imperial for heights, length and width!)

But what is interesting is my 5'2" niece and my 5'9" sister also find the straps comfortable as a backpack because you can adjust how much you pull through the loops--at least to a point.

I like the easy convertibility when travelling around since I dislke wearing a backpack when sitting down in streetcars and the subway, or if I'm shopping in a crowded or sketchy area.

ETA: But are you old enough, Carla, to carry a Kanken? ;). But I do know what Astrid means about certain groups co-opting something. I can't get passed the soccer hoodlum vibe of a Burberry plaid scarf. I'll wear the plaid on the lining of a coat, but that's it.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks for the suggestion! I will try to look into it...

Staysfit, thanks! Why would you think I don't want a traditional looking backpack? I just don't want a hiking backpack like below in pic#1 and I want one where there's the possibility to access some items quickly.

Thanks Daria - I had a quick look when Jenn suggested a few, but I didn't spend long on the website.

Carla, I think the Kanken will be great for you! Seriously, I would consider it if I wouldn't live in Berlin - I have a Fjällräven jacket which is years old and it's great quality.

Gaylene, thanks! There's no hurry. The 15" drop sounds rather long. I have a crossbody bag that where I can shorten the strap to about that length. It feels definitely more like a satchel hanging on the side and less like a totebag with that length (see pic #2). That makes me fear that it won't sit high enough in backpack mode either. But I can keep it in mind as an option and try it in a store, this one is definitely going to be available somewhere.

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