#47

I recently bought a backpack - after realising that my Tom Bihn messenger bag, much as I love it, was knackering my back.

After looking at all the lovely and cool and trendy bags I ended up with

https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/en-gb/tnf-gb/vault-backpack-chj0

(& paid a lot less than that for it on Amazon)

I can carry film making kit (Drone, several cameras and couple of go pros), laptop, iPad, hard disks, midi controllers etc (& shove a clean shirt in)

it’s not cool. it’s not fancy but it has turned out to be a good backpack :slight_smile:

1 Like
#48

just got one of these that i am quite happy with.

#49

Gulp! Wow, that is pricey for a backpack!

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#50

not really sure I can fully recommend my favorite backpack because it’s clearly too expensive (it was when I bought it, and it’s gotten more so since then).

what I can say is that I’ve enjoyed no longer wearing cordura backpacks anymore and I have embraced having a backpack with almost no internal organization for work and travel.

3 Likes
#51

Also surprisingly low key for visvim

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#52

For business-y travel I use a Tom Bihn Tristar:

For recreational travel I use a Dueter AC 38 (similar to the newer:

)

I have to say, though, threads like this are how I ended up with 19 packs. I gave quite a few away, and have banned packs from my GASsing.

#53

If you’re into that price range, I have been using a Veillance Nomin pack for years and it’s the best I’ve ever had. The newer version is slightly different, but apparently also awesome.

#54

I agree with the Mono Flybye - holds so much but remains compact, sturdy and comfortable. Mission Workshop are also great bags.

Love this thread!

#55

having had timbuk2 packs in the past, and Patagonia currently, they are both fine. My parther has a topo bag and I’ve got to say that it’s legit – the build quality is amazing. I’d add https://organicclimbing.com/collections/bags to this list for incredible quality, small family run business and best of all, custom colors / features as standard practice. Great prices too! I just wish the retro pack was a bit bigger so it could fit a 15" macbook

I’m all about super basic functionality here, I’m really not interested in 20 pen pockets & a flece lined tablet pouch…

2 Likes
#56

I am coming back from a hiking trip and this thread showed up in my view, so couldn’t help but post this here:

I have the Windrider 3400, and I absolutely love it. Bought it about 9 months ago - by far the best trail backpack I have ever bought. Very lightweight, very durable, very comfortable, very fashionable. Kind of in love with dyneema now (originally designed for catamaran sails, but turns out it makes a great ultralight backpacking fabric as well).

Probably not great for carrying synthesizers though.

4 Likes
#57

I’ve always liked how the Hyperlite bags looked - nice to see something that seems technically great while also looking better than virtually any other true hiking backpack.

also, FYI for folks interested in Topo bags - most of them seem to be made in Vietnam rather than Colorado, USA now, which is a bummer :expressionless:

1 Like
#58

Tossing in an honorable mention for Mission Workshop bags - have had their Rambler for years and it stands up to a lot.

3 Likes
#59

+1 for dyneema.

Another alternative to Hyperlite is Pa’lante. Frameless packs with some really nice features and built in a garage by some nice fellows in Utah.

Literally about to hit the trail for a 3 day thru-hike with mine this morning.

#60

big MW co-sign; i’ve been using my rambler daily for 5+ years as an every day everything bag. the ability to get huge makes it the ultimate grocery-getter. very comfy to wear while on a bike. love the structure and minimal design (on the bag anyway, i really don’t like the look of the website/brand in general these days).

1 Like
#61

I’ve used a Goruck GR1 daily for about 5 years and it still looks the same as the day I bought it. Very comfortable to wear, opens clamshell, well padded laptop compartment that still opens and is usable when the bag is stuffed, fits a surprising amount of stuff, works under airline seats. Water resistant… I bike commute in the pouring rain with it and have never had anything get damp. With careful planning I’ve been able to travel for 5 days with just that bag.

You do have to get past the GRAR AMERICA marketing, but I like having a bag that is just an unbranded anonymous black. https://www.goruck.com/gr1/

#62

953767
HipstamaticPhoto-553709668.953767.jpg3024×3024 2.32 MB

secondhand patagonia :slight_smile:

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/patagonia-bag
new to me…

1 Like
#63

Kids at work gave me a gift voucher, so got a Berghaus trailbyte.

Swallows a lot of stuff.

#64

I second the GORUCK recommendation! The GR1 is the best bag I’ve ever owned. It’s indestructible, feels insanely comfortable when filled with weight, and opens totally flat to make packing and unpacking extremely easy.

#65

Does anyone have a recommendation for a backpack that can carry a handful of 12" records - I’m not looking for a dedicated record bag itself, got one already. More looking for something that can double up as a commuting bag, weekend travel, small gig bag etc etc.

#66

I would check out mission workshop. I have the rhake, which I absolutely love. They have a larger version which would likely work for records as well. They are pricey but I use mine every day bike commuting with computer and everything else I need and I’ve had it for over a year, and it looks like new.