Backpack for 15.6-17.3" laptop and general EDC use

Submitted by MrMrRubic t3_y8w4oi in BuyItForLife

I've been looking through this sub for a backpack because I've had 4 backpacks these past 4 years and all of them have broken. Most i find recommended here are not possible for me either they're not for sale in my country (Tom Bihn), impractical/too small (Timbuk2) or from brands that are apparently low quality (Samsonite).

I'd like something akin to the no longer for sale Asus ROG XRanger, with lots of room, pockets, strong zippers etc. Max budget 200€. I'm in Norway, so most brands available in Europe is available for me.

Currently I have ordered a Targus Citygear, but I am open for discussion. I kinda want to buy the LTT backpack, but with the current carabiniers breaking easily, I can't justify spending €400 on it.

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1Vyxjy1NYXVgs8EEKxMe t1_it3h2dd wrote

Check out Bagaboo and Chrome, they started out as messenger bags that were designed to be sturdy enough to hold up to that kind of abuse. They don't seem to have many of the outside pockets as you might like, but they usually are equipped with good insides. I've had my chrome messenger bag for, I don't know, probably 15 years and it's still good (with medium use, I'm not a messenger). The bagaboo I got more recently, so I've only had it a couple years, but it seems to be built even stronger. I believe they are all waterproof, but I haven't read every single bag's specs. It started with a messenger in Budapest personally making them from his experience on the streets, I'd assume they have grown now and he isn't the only person making them. You can add the basic model or scroll down and click on extras to customize colors, add random enhancements, embroider logos, etc. Also lifetime guarantee on some parts (I didn't read it). The matching laptop sleeve I got is also built like a truck.

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PicnicBasketPirate t1_it4q7ba wrote

Maybe a Jack Wolfskin backpack.

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I can't speak for any of their current lineup, but I have one of their older backpacks, bought in 2008. It's seen me through 8 years of college, lugging around 20~kg of laptops, books & groceries daily. It was regularily stuffed to bulging point, has seen a fair chunk of Europe and was just generally abused.

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All the zippers, buckles, straps and mesh pouches are still intact and working. The fabric is a bit threadbare but it still works. I've relegated it to be my climbing gear bag since I've got a Kriega backpack even though the Kriega isn't as nice quality but it's way more comfortable on the motorcycle.

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Parking-Length1356 t1_it4quz6 wrote

Check out Osprey Backpacks they will repair or replace anything that can be considered a manufacturing defect (so just don’t set it on fire or stab it intentionally) and it should be the last pack you ever buy … I think this even extends to second hand gear but not positive

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Capital_Ad_8315 t1_it4x56l wrote

Eagle Creek is definitely worth checking out! I got my bf the convertabrief YEARS ago and it’s still looking amazing and going strong. Don’t know if they still make it, but if they do, jump on it. The company also has great warranty.

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wrongplug t1_it59ox5 wrote

Knack bags built tough and they expand

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modoken1 t1_it5dwi9 wrote

Replying to 1Vyxjy1NYXVgs8EEKxMe (#155,535)

Will second Chrome! I have a few different of their bags (the citizen messenger, a backpack, and a smaller messenger). I use the Citizen when I bike to work and the backpack when I take the train, and have been alternating between the two for almost 10 years now. Chrome makes great quality stuff.

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T_WRX21 t1_it5ekrx wrote

Replying to madeindex (#154,608)

Mission is absolutely legendary. Their bags are unbelievably good, and well thought out. I'm a field tech, and I drag my Khyte bag everywhere, and it still looks new.

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Zach_ry t1_it5yc24 wrote

I was also considering the LTT backpack and ended up going with the Everki Atlas (EKP121, the larger version). It's only been a couple weeks so far, but the brand comes pretty well recommended, there's a lifetime warranty, and the build quality definitely looks/feels high quality. Good water bottle pocket too, the biggest problem with my last backpack was that the water bottle pocket ended up just being stretched elastic that doesn't really hold the water bottle well.

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PangeanWrites t1_it90nlf wrote

I had a Herschel pop quiz for like 5 years for everything. Work, travel, skating around.

I threw it away recently because I honestly treated it so badly and it started smelling, but never broke on me.

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blba_zena t1_itc1om2 wrote

Mixed Works Falcon S or M, http://mixedworks.com

Polish brand, crazily durable (Cordura), waterproof lining, rolltop closure survives any zipper. There is an option for integrated laptop sleeve.
I use the backpack daily for the last ~ 7 years and it is the most versatile bag and will survive many more years of daily beating.

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Baledur t1_itgml00 wrote

Check out recycled firefighter

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Previous_Bed_6586 t1_iticnlv wrote

I've had my North Face Hot Shot for 13 years. It's gone on every trip with me, including military training, camping, hiking, and festivals. I use it every day and it's been fantastic. I believe I paid $100 USD for it.

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hoo-doo t1_itiy4c2 wrote

I've been super happy with Banjo Brothers backpack. The styling is promoted for cycling but I've used my bag 5 days a week for a decade and it's just starting to show some signs of wear. Another nice feature is the replaceable waterproof liner.

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heebeegb96 t1_iu44g1w wrote

Lots of good recs on this thread, however, I feel like the answer is always Patagonia if they make it. I brought in a 10 year old pair of shoes (yes, they made shoes at one point). They were absolutely destroyed, took them back with no questions. Their black hole bags are great, probably not as cool as many of the brands recommended but it's def BIFL worthy.

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