Goruck GR-1.
Benefits:
- Padded laptop compartment helps keep laptop safe and easy access
- Built like a tank, will last forever (made in USA!)
- Outer and Inner organization pockets
- Panel loading, can be fully opened by a side zip and easy to pack/unpack
- Big enough for multi-day travel. I have used it as a carry on pack for upto 7 days (did laundry on the road).
- Discreet enough (black) and fits into a corporate env without looking too tactical
Have no affiliation with GoRuck, am a happy customer
Ditto. I've been using a GR1 for seven years now. It's been through multiple GORUCK events as well as countless flights and road trips. When it gets dirty or starts to show sweat stains if I've been training with it a quick trip to the car wash and it's clean again. Without question one of the most versatile and resilient items that I own.
I too have no affiliation with the maker.
Edit: I literally have a closet full of mission-specific packs. Ice climbing, backcountry skiing, multiday hiking, rock climbing, speed ascents, etc. The GR1 isn't suited to any of those things. But it's ideal as a multi-purpose EDC that will literally not wear out in a human's lifetime.
I love that there's no wasted space to "organization". I found all my backpacks wasted so much space with padded pockets I didn't need. The benefits of being able to customize with packing cubes or molle attachements allow this bag to carry more than bags larger than it.
i bought a GR2 a few years ago and it's the best backpack i've ever owned. it's a pleasure to use. i promise i'm not a shill, it really is an exceptional product.
it looks attractive, bears weight far more comfortably than any other pack i've ever owned, it's easy to clean, it's waterproof, and the ability to open flat means that it's easy to pack very densely. i was able to live out of my 26L pack for nearly a week, and it goes with me wherever i travel.
the MOLLE straps are functional, and i strap my water bottle to them all the time. gotta be careful to avoid that overly tacticool look though!
i'm a total fanboy since my purchase -- the high price point was definitely worthwhile.
Whoa, so I do like the Wirecutter link just because first you have to identify your needs. Then you have to identify your budget and what else is important to you. I have a lovely Swiss Guard laptop (and more) backpack I use every day, but I also have a $10 Best Buy thin and light backpack that is perfect for my ultrabook when I'm heading to Dungeons and Dragons. I see these $400 recommendations, and I think - OK if money is no object and you have some sort of really high end needs that fit the bill, that might make sense. But is that you?
The $10 Amazon Basics backpack. Laptop sleeve, big hole that has straps for my back for everything else. Small pocket in front with zipper. So far lasted 4 years in the rain and weather with its thin cordura. Why complicate things?
I have Osprey Quasar for over a year. (https://www.backpacks.com/osprey-quasar-backpack)
I use it everyday, has dedicated laptop sleeve, and it can expand to quit large size if needed.
It is a good choice for good money, the only thing I dearly dislike is a plastic keys clip. I have actually found my keys self-unclipped a few times.
I bike commute with it every time, sometimes with a laptop, and it is wonderful. I really enjoy that it sits on my back comfortably while pedaling and has enough venting to not leave me crazy sweaty.
I've been happy with a Dakine Duel 26L. I know that's going to seem too pedestrian to some because it's pretty inexpensive, but it fit my requirements.
First, it had to be relatively compact. Specifically, it had to fit under a standard economy-class airplane seat with room for my big feet.
Second, I wanted something more vertically oriented than usual. Most backpacks have multiple pockets in a "sandwich" configuration, so everything slumps into the bottom of each one and the top remains completely slack. I hate that. Having two decently sized outer pockets in an over/under configuration really helps. The straps (it's meant to be a skateboard pack) are occasionally handy to hold a jacket or hoodie instead of stuffing it inside.
It's not as weatherproof as some, certainly not as stylish, but it has survived a dozen week-long coast-to-coast trips and still seems barely worn. I looked at a lot of camera and other packs that might satisfy my preference for verticality even better, but for one third the price this one has done just fine.
I like Dakine's Mission. Similar size, but the one large front organizer pocket is great. Side pockets for a small charger and mouse. Main compartment can handle my 15" gaming laptop fine. Jacket can easily be strapped to the back using the skateboard straps. Has waist straps for when your kit is really heavy (15" mac + Surface Pro + Chargers + notebooks?) I own two, one for work, one for the gym. They handle washing extremely well too.
I have been using a Thule Crossover backpack for almost 8 years now, and it’s still as good as new! The laptop compartment is well padded and it’s got a hard-shell compartment for smaller electronics. It is incredibly well built. I have the older version which is not produced any more but in the meantime Thule have introduced an almost identical model (the main difference is the tablet compartment in addition to the laptop compartment), link here: https://www.thule.com/en-gb/au/backpacks/laptop-backpacks/th...
PS there is also an even newer model, the Crossover 2. But it’s different and I don’t know if it’s as good as the one I have.
+1 on this. Picked mine up around about the same time as you. Built tough. It's a little too big for my daily though these days as I live close enough to walk to work. I bust it out for anything beyond that though.
I love it. It's spacious enough that I can pack everything I need for a week away from home, yet compact enough that it fits under the seat in an airplane. Kind of pricey but sturdily built, I've had it for six or seven years now and it isn't showing any signs of wear or tear.
For just around town, I like Timbuk2 messenger bags. Sadly, they stopped making the Especial messenger bag, which was the best product they've ever made.
I use an Osprey Aether 70 for search and rescue. I used to use a Kelty Tioga 5500, but the external frame snagged branches in awkward situations. I've also done the Bataan Memorial Death March, civilian heavy, 10 times, with all but one or two of them using the Kelty. When I tried the Osprey for that, it was too hot.
One of my two upright tubes on my (third) Tioga broke during BMDM this year after a punishing training schedule, so I'm going to use something different for 2020. However, I was doing three training runs a week with bulky dried food (beans and lentils) taking my pack weight to 40 pounds and that's not what the Tioga is designed for, so it's my own fault, not Kelty's.
Might help to state some of your requirements. I need a laptop compartment, a separate document compartment, a large storage area, external water sleeve, and one or more external easy access pockets. Bonus for a electronics or sunglasses hard case. I didn't need to worry about rain.
I got an Ogio (I think at Target). Tried to find the same model on Amazon just now and don't see it, but lots of similar options. I like that it fits my reqs and has a hard top strap (aluminum) for hanging from hooks in stalls. The two large compartments help keep thing accessable for travel. Commuted several years (trains and flights) and still going strong. I wouldn't use it for extreme weather or terrain.
[+] [-] infiniteseeker|7 years ago|reply
Have no affiliation with GoRuck, am a happy customer
[+] [-] crikli|7 years ago|reply
I too have no affiliation with the maker.
Edit: I literally have a closet full of mission-specific packs. Ice climbing, backcountry skiing, multiday hiking, rock climbing, speed ascents, etc. The GR1 isn't suited to any of those things. But it's ideal as a multi-purpose EDC that will literally not wear out in a human's lifetime.
[+] [-] cjoelrun|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] lunchladydoris|7 years ago|reply
I used to go through a bag every 2-3 years so it speaks to the build quality of the the GR-1 that it still looks this good.
[+] [-] cryoshon|7 years ago|reply
it looks attractive, bears weight far more comfortably than any other pack i've ever owned, it's easy to clean, it's waterproof, and the ability to open flat means that it's easy to pack very densely. i was able to live out of my 26L pack for nearly a week, and it goes with me wherever i travel.
the MOLLE straps are functional, and i strap my water bottle to them all the time. gotta be careful to avoid that overly tacticool look though!
i'm a total fanboy since my purchase -- the high price point was definitely worthwhile.
[+] [-] sramam|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] 0x54MUR41|7 years ago|reply
* https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13369197 (Jan 10, 2017 - 135 comments)
* https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14721746 (July 7, 2017 - 42 comments)
* https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15250044 (Sept 24, 2017 - 48 comments)
[+] [-] neogodless|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] piffey|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] void_nill|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] maq1234|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] larrymyers|7 years ago|reply
I bike commute with it every time, sometimes with a laptop, and it is wonderful. I really enjoy that it sits on my back comfortably while pedaling and has enough venting to not leave me crazy sweaty.
[+] [-] greb22|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] notacoward|7 years ago|reply
First, it had to be relatively compact. Specifically, it had to fit under a standard economy-class airplane seat with room for my big feet.
Second, I wanted something more vertically oriented than usual. Most backpacks have multiple pockets in a "sandwich" configuration, so everything slumps into the bottom of each one and the top remains completely slack. I hate that. Having two decently sized outer pockets in an over/under configuration really helps. The straps (it's meant to be a skateboard pack) are occasionally handy to hold a jacket or hoodie instead of stuffing it inside.
It's not as weatherproof as some, certainly not as stylish, but it has survived a dozen week-long coast-to-coast trips and still seems barely worn. I looked at a lot of camera and other packs that might satisfy my preference for verticality even better, but for one third the price this one has done just fine.
[+] [-] pureliquidhw|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mastazi|7 years ago|reply
PS there is also an even newer model, the Crossover 2. But it’s different and I don’t know if it’s as good as the one I have.
[+] [-] joshka|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] anderber|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] domlebo70|7 years ago|reply
I think it looks great. It's well built, and should last me my lifetime (if looked after)
[+] [-] MrMember|7 years ago|reply
I love it. It's spacious enough that I can pack everything I need for a week away from home, yet compact enough that it fits under the seat in an airplane. Kind of pricey but sturdily built, I've had it for six or seven years now and it isn't showing any signs of wear or tear.
[+] [-] cjg_|7 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Glench|7 years ago|reply
With some recommendations from friends, I ended up with the Timbuk2 Especial Tres. I love it because:
- it carries a ton of stuff (rolltop bags are great for this. I use it to carry a week’s worth of groceries home with me on my bike)
- waterproof (for biking in the rain/winter)
- sits much more comfortably on my back than the Chrome bag
- buckles for securing the top instead of Velcro that will wear out or breakable zippers
- good laptop compartment and organization pockets
Here’s a link (no affiliation): https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E1O36AC?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_...
[+] [-] tonywebster|7 years ago|reply
Their Tech Pouch in particular is an amazing design, and has organized all of my random cables and adapters. https://www.peakdesign.com/products/tech-pouch/
For just around town, I like Timbuk2 messenger bags. Sadly, they stopped making the Especial messenger bag, which was the best product they've ever made.
[+] [-] Peteris|7 years ago|reply
https://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=18&Sub=75&PID=8446
[+] [-] nmdeadhead|7 years ago|reply
One of my two upright tubes on my (third) Tioga broke during BMDM this year after a punishing training schedule, so I'm going to use something different for 2020. However, I was doing three training runs a week with bulky dried food (beans and lentils) taking my pack weight to 40 pounds and that's not what the Tioga is designed for, so it's my own fault, not Kelty's.
[+] [-] sethammons|7 years ago|reply
I got an Ogio (I think at Target). Tried to find the same model on Amazon just now and don't see it, but lots of similar options. I like that it fits my reqs and has a hard top strap (aluminum) for hanging from hooks in stalls. The two large compartments help keep thing accessable for travel. Commuted several years (trains and flights) and still going strong. I wouldn't use it for extreme weather or terrain.
[+] [-] t3rabytes|7 years ago|reply
Prior to that, Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L.
[+] [-] jakobov|7 years ago|reply
My version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S87MSKW/ref=oh_aui_sear...
New version: https://www.amazon.com/DAKINE-Factor-22L-Laptop-Backpack/dp/...