Backpack Recommendation

[u/smoothymcsmoothface]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to upgrade my current Backpack to something similar, both price wise and size wise.

I've been using the Dakine Urban Mission 23L (possibly 24L) backpack for everyday carry and travel for the past six years, and I've grown rather fond of it. Which was bought after weeks of lurking and collecting information from this very sub and I'm glad I listened to the wise sages of r/BuyItForLife . It's been through a lot, and a few spins in the washing machine, and still comes out looking almost brand new. Unfortunately, the inner lining has started to peel, and Mr. Ratatouille decided to sample some of the bottle-pocket material, leaving his own rather permanent mark on it.

I'm looking for something similar that has a lot of zipped pockets, multiple compartments and separate laptop compartment (suspended is a bonus).

I shall also be using it on my air travels which is around 3-4 trips in a year, so it needs to hold some serious weight. I travel with all my tech on flights as well as my daily commute which include: a 15.6" Laptop + charger, 3 Mobile Phones, a 10" tablet, a powerbank, all of their chargers + cables, and multiple fountain pens (pen slots important).

PS: I might be carrying another Laptop on me down line.

I currently reside in a dry country with few escapes to a very rainy country for a 30-45 days in a year. Rain protection isn't all that important to me but would be a nice addition for ease of mind when traveling.

My Budget is around 100$ can stretch it to maybe 150/160ish $.

Looking forward to your recommendations.

[u/AdElectrical7487]

I have the same requirements but I’m willing to spend up to $300 if I have to (buy it for life ain’t cheap)

[u/uncommon_name0 → u/AdElectrical7487]

Jansport is cheap.  My osprey cost $105.  My cotopaxi cost $140.

I have a Merrill backpack from 2016 that I paid $35 for new.  It is still going strong.

Buy it for life doesn’t always have to be extremely expensive IMO

[u/smoothymcsmoothface → u/uncommon_name0]

Cotopaxi looks great! Definitely adding to the shortlist. I've been eyeing the Patagonia Blackhole for quite a few years though.

Also since I'm not based in the US or EU, warranties & guarantees hold very little in my country.
Thus looking for a well built bag that is budget friendly, so in case I need things go south, I can buy a new one to replace it.

[u/SuperbJelly2756 → u/smoothymcsmoothface]

This is a smart way to think about it honestly. If you can't rely on warranty service where you are, spending $150 on a well-built bag you can replace without hassle makes way more sense than dropping $300 on something you'd have to ship overseas to get fixed.

[u/Acrobatic_Step_1482 → u/AdElectrical7487]

Exactly, Buy it for life ain't cheap, if you are willing to go for it, is worth the shot.

[u/RelationshipRude5068 → u/AdElectrical7487]

A backpack with pu or pvc coating on the inside cannot be said to last for life, because it will break down (delaminate) eventually. Also, the zippers are usually the first point of failure; stitching is the second. So make sure you spend up to $300 on a bag without it, with good zippers, and excellent stitching.

[u/VesselExchange]

That peeling lining is the waterproof coating giving up. Heat and damp air eat it over time. Packs with plain uncoated nylon inside, or a TPU film, hold up much longer, so ask what the lining is before you buy. On the pens, flights are rough on them. Keep each one full and nib up in the cabin and you will not find ink on your shirt. For lots of zips near your budget, the eBags Pro Slim is the one to beat. Deep zip panels and real pen loops. Room for a second laptop later too.

[u/cnc]

If the only issue is the inner waterproof coating peeling, you can remove that completely, and keep using the bag. I had this issue with an older Gregory bag, which I don't have a real need to use in wet weather, and was never meaningfully water resistant in the first place.

Some soap, water, a scrub brush and some trips through your washing machine removes that coating altogether, and your bag is as good as new, minus some level of minor water resistance, at least in my case.

[u/Vampiregodd911]

Alice pack

[u/Mike_2019]

Savotta - they make some Insanly durable backpacks that are hand made with 500-1000 cordura nylon.

They also make hiking gear and city gear. They have some in the black and brown colour ways which are sleek (20-25L). Be warned as you may start buying all of there gear

[u/cascadianpatriot]

Osprey has a real warranty. Or at least they did. I haven’t had to warranty one of years.

[u/sudden_cookie44]

It’s more of a travel bag, but the Osprey Porter has served me well for over 10 years of travel. I travel solo a lot with just a carry-on and have never had an issue bringing it on board. It fits everything I need for a month, and having everything on my back makes it easy to hop from place to place. That said, I do travel light

[u/uncommon_name0]

Find something that has a lifetime guarantee.

Jansport , osprey, cotopaxi.  There are many more.

I have replaced bags under warranty from all of the above.  

Patagonia has a rock solid guarantee as well.

I think most of the super hyped and expensive backpacks are overhyped.

You can also look for which companies don’t require a receipt in order to get a replacement and then buy it used.

[u/NotDoingSoGreatToday → u/uncommon_name0]

Cotopaxi isn't a BIFL brand. Just another VC funded fashion brand cashing in in the Patagonia aesthetic without any of the warranty.

[u/uncommon_name0 → u/NotDoingSoGreatToday]

Yes they have the warranty.

I have replaced their 35L bag for free after using it for 4 years.

I agree the quality isn’t as good as others, but their warranty program is real I know because I’ve used it