Reply With QuoteHighstreet chic or a proper one? Do you have a budget in mind?
Due to my job, I'm travelling frequently for usually rather short amounts of time (3-4 days). I am looking to purchase a backpack which could accommodate both my notebook (so a padded compartment) and the neeeded not-so-fancy clothing. So far, Jack Wolfskin J-Pack De Luxe seems to be a good choice, but I was wondering whether you could recommend me also some other choices.
Many thanks,
Christian
Highstreet chic or a proper one? Do you have a budget in mind?
Go for a tactical one, you'll blend right in
I've read good things about Caribee luggage:
...search online for the best price, colour options and other models.
I have a North Face Big Shot II which seems to do the job.
I picked up one of these a few months ago and it works well for me although it is quite large:-
http://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?sei...productID=9100
Looking at your original suggestion this may be too big. Also have another crumpler bag which is pretty good, Muli Large, which may be more suitable for you. I use it as a day to day work bag.
Last edited by StuS; 16th March 2015 at 13:47.
I have the Blade 24, which might be a touch small but the Blade 30 might suit?
http://mobile.snowandrock.com/arc'te...cp-product/296
Pricy but will last forever and also can be used as a briefcase.
Eastpack?
I went thru my fancy backpack with internal pockets and separation pseudo tactical phase, and that style of backpack can be great, but.. I don't think I've had one, even from good quality manufacturers that didn't wear thru. You learn how well made a bag is when it's chucked on and off choppers and carried to and from accomodation to a work cabin on a rig, getting covered in crap most days of it's working life, pretty quick.
the probem with dividers is, if you don't use as intended, they actually limit space.
The east back is basically an oldschool day sack (although they make all sizes) that has a front pocket, and main section. No dividers, no earphone holes, not water pockets etc etc no high speed operator features. Just solid, sturdy and well made. Thirty year guarantee, tough nylon and inside is PVC lined so decently water resistant. I have a laptop pocket, wallety type thing that slips in and off i go. Its been going strong for 8 months in and out of trucks, cabins, choppers and offshore rigs, and looks new coming out of the wash.
Sometimes simple is best, very impressed.
Timbuk2 all day long.
I have a few of their bags and the quality is superb - I also like the ability to custom design online with my choice of fabrics and features. Lifetime warranty as well - although my oldest one still looks brand new (if a little grubby, needs to go through the wash :-) )
Just ordered one of these for the same purpose
http://www.amazon.co.uk/eBags-Mother...rds=ebags+lode
Has loads of pockets and zippers, the rucksack straps hide away, comes with a shoulder strap, opens up like a suitcase, expandable, lieftime guarantee, cabin size but just shy of 55 litres of space......................and oh yes it has a laptop compartment.
+1. I've had dozens of backpacks, and tbh Eastpak / Jansport are the best. Good enough quality to use for anything, and not too expensive to worry about damaging / breaking. I've an Eastpak duffel bag which is without doubt one of the best things I've ever bought and no doubt will last me a long time yet!Originally Posted by tekbow
I've currently got a MAKR backpack which is lovely, but it's almost _too_ well made in that it's made of really thick material / with thick leather and a chunky zipper, but it's just not that comfy to wear!
For men of TZ quality it has to be Tumi ;)
Many thanks for the excellent suggestions, will check on them!
Yes agree, had two over the last 6 years and use them till they fall apart . Snow , desert , sea , city you name it .
And as it happens I've just had an email from them with a discount code for 30% off, code is WINKWINK
Have had this one for 5 years. Does the job.
So far, the Crumpler seems to be in pole position. It's not too big btw, a 40 liters volume makes perfect sense for my requirements.
If there are also other suggestions, do please kindly let me know.
Osprey have a good selection and are very well built with excellent customer service
Ogio metro
I have a few ogio bags and the metro is excellent and has two full size laptop compartments as well as plenty of space for everything else.
Something modern I'd look at Deuter, for something retro look at Fjallraven (especially the "Rucksack No. 21)
Something from the Eagle Creek range - lifetime warranty as well.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Backpack
Jansport range - all day long
Does it have to be a rucksack?
Would you be better off with a "briefcase on wheels" or cabin bag?
Something like this........
I agree. I have the Tumi Virtue Diligence in raven (v dark blue). It's great, lots of compartments and it comes with a laptop padded section (which is removable), has hard wearing leather trim. Looks smart but is also very comfortable and practical.
For functional sports pack, Osprey everytime.
That's why I use Tumi - they don't fall apart! Also had very good experience with Briggs & Riley.
X2 and get off to Bicester for a deal. Instead of an arm and a leg, it will only cost you a forearm and shin.
We saved about two grand on the luggage replacement trip over Christmas.
Paul
I'm assuming that you don't want to look like you just came down from the summit of Everest? That rules out many of the packs which have ice axe straps and all sorts of climbing and walking paraphernalia dangling off the back. (If you do then Osprey are the best packs on the market today for proper outdoor use)
Business alternatives that can be recommended are Briggs and Riley, Eagle Creek, Hedgren, Lowe, Caribee ...... and I actually like the look of that Jack Wolfskin which looks a sound choice. I don't like the majority of the Eastpak/Jansport range because I've never found one that was really comfortable and some of their designs lack flair imo.
You also need to decide what size you need, because packs are very easy to fill. Passport/mobile phone/pen pockets can be useful, but can also be insecure unless they are on the inside of the bag. Some packs have a zipped expandable section to accommodate the extra stuff you accumulate on a trip. True travel packs will often have zip-away harness to save you from getting tangled when you have to carry the thing as a bag. For the same reason, compression straps will keep the pack as small as possible and stabilise the load. A chest strap stops the harness sliding off your shoulders. Additionally the pack should have a good top and also possibly a side handle for when you have to carry the bag rather than sling it on your back.
Keep in mind that some of these pack designs can weight around 1.5kgs EMPTY! And if you are going to be carrying a lot of weight you will benefit from one that has a padded hip belt.
Take a look at the Osprey Farpoint 40 as an alternative to the Jack Wolfskin http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/osprey-farpoint-40-travel-pack-64110286?channel_code=110&id_colour=123&product_co de=73497685&utm_source=google&_$ja=tsid:45886&gcli d=CjwKEAjwoZ-oBRCAjZqs96qCmzgSJADnWCv8ypx1-kGDm3f-H_K5dJksx-3YAK5KSFHigBooVyPjZhoCMZbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Osprey don't make boots/fleeces/tents etc - they specialise in rucksacks and do it very well indeed. (No connection with the company but a delighted customer)
Last edited by UKMike; 18th March 2015 at 01:50.
I have a Goruck GR1 which looks good and is very well constructed.
Yes it's "tactical" and their website has a lot of military stuff on it. But if you ignore that the backpack is really nice. Bit expensive though and may be hard to find.
As has been shown above, there are many excellent choices and it really does depend on what you want in terms of style.
If you want something less polished looking but functionally excellent and built to last, I'd also recommend looking at 5.11 - in particular the Rush 24
http://www.511tactical.com/rush-24-backpack.html
You can buy them in the UK and the quality is on another level. Yes they do have a tactical look but I know quite a few people who use them for laptops, ipads and general use; the main reason being the excellent build quality and storage systems in-built.
Not sure if it meets your criteria, but I have just bought a Musto canvas and leather backpack from one of their outlet stores for £40.....
Sand canvas with brown leather straps pocket .detail.
Main compartment has drawstring top and poppered cover.
Front pocket.
Another vote for North Face. Have had mine for over 10 years. Use it almost every day for work, on the bike, and its done a few air miles too. Apart from a few of the string zip pulls wearing out (easily replaced), its still in surprisingly good nick.
I find ones with shoulder straps really useful, that way I can wear it on my back to carry things like laptops and spare clothes.
Many thanks once more for all the kind advices.
As I'm a trainer/ HR consultant by profession, I am looking for something not exceedingly 'tactical'/military, nor for something of an escalation/ alpine type. On the other hand, a very formal backpack (there's an oxymoron if there ever was one) is also not what I want, as I rarely suit up, even for business contexts (most of my customers are in the automotive industry, so jeans/ chinos and a squared shirt will do just fine).
In the end, in a typical 'please advise me and than I'll go for a completely different choice' manner, I decided that this: http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...tl_85854231381 looks actually cool and suits my needs; it has stellar reviews and seems to be really well built. There's a Thule shop in my home town so I checked their offers; they did not have this particular model, but they ordered one and I'll receive it fairly soon. Those that were available appeared to be excellently made.
Nevertheless, I'll probably also order eventually an Osprey Farpoint 40 for longer travels, many thanks UKMike for the recommendation.
Cheers,
Christian
Herschel Little America backpack, has a velvet padding compartment for your notebook.
You are welcome Sir. Enjoy your travels.
True man maths in action. Spent 4 grand to save 2 grand :) I like your style!
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