I start college in a few months and want a simple backpack with a laptop sleeve to use for college and beyond. I was gonna go for Jansport as a friend of mine has a dark blue Jansport backpack that they've used for over 8 years and it looks brand new even today. But Jansport isn't available easily in India and they sell for like over $100 USD here in India. Any other alternatives?

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SloChild t1_j9q7a3h wrote on February 23, 2023 at 8:03 PM

You might want to ask this over at r/backpacks It's a sub dedicated to this type of question.

Rixtertech t1_j9qeu4j wrote on February 23, 2023 at 8:49 PM

You might also tell us the screen size of your current and expected future laptops. I use a Kelty Redwing 40 that works well with my 17" screen even after slipping the laptop into a semi hard case.

space_vortex09 OP t1_j9rfg83 wrote on February 24, 2023 at 12:50 AM

My screen size is 15.6 inches, this may be even lower in the near future as I plan to use my laptop exclusively at home (it's a beefy gaming laptop so it's huge and has like 2 hours of battery life) and switch to a 13" iPad Pro instead for college use.

So all I need is something that can hold a small laptop and 2-3 medium sized textbooks.

hotassnuts t1_j9qiam9 wrote on February 23, 2023 at 9:10 PM

Just made this purchase after researching intensely. Went with this the Osprey Nebula. It has a laptop section that can easily hold my large laptop, it can hold 2 drink containers. Possibly the best backpack I've ever owned. I also purchased a hanging clamp on so I can hang it up in a closet.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/nebula-32-NEBULA32F22.html

https://www.rei.com/product/153244/osprey-nebula-daypack-mens

SnooPineapples6099 t1_j9qifvz wrote on February 23, 2023 at 9:11 PM

Anything Mission Workshop

remyrem t1_j9yeqh4 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 2:02 PM

Came here to say this. The Sanction. Absolutely worth the price. Beautiful Rucksack. Fantastic quality. I use mine for work (engineer lugging around lots of devices) and for travel (I can pack a week’s worth of clothes and a toiletry bag). Even enough for a 2-day business trip; fits cloths, toiletries, and my gear. It wears in so nice. Waxed canvas quality is (chef’s kiss) if you’re looking for that. You will not be disappointed.

SnooPineapples6099 t1_j9zt8he wrote on February 25, 2023 at 7:51 PM

Preach!

grue2000 t1_j9qpsvu wrote on February 23, 2023 at 9:56 PM

They're not cheap, but I like Ogio backpacks.

The upfront cost is more than offset by the fact that you won't have to buy another for a very long time.

space_vortex09 OP t1_j9rgmdi wrote on February 24, 2023 at 12:58 AM

This one is the only viable suggestion so far as Ogio is the only one that has an official Indian subsidiary and all the other brands suggested were over twice my budget of $40-50 USD and I'd have to import them.

This Ogio Rockefeller is just what I was looking for, thanks.

grue2000 t1_j9rseqe wrote on February 24, 2023 at 2:26 AM

My pleasure.

greanteem t1_j9rgy4i wrote on February 24, 2023 at 1:01 AM

I’ve had a Dakine backpack with a laptop sleeve since 2007. I replaced it once under warranty in maybe 2013. Still going strong.

Expensive-Fault7505 t1_j9rjwqg wrote on February 24, 2023 at 1:23 AM

My husband has been using the same OGIO backpack everyday for about 4 years and it still looks brand new

shogzilla t1_j9s8s7t wrote on February 24, 2023 at 4:37 AM

Crumpler; Australian, so likely more easily available. Still pretty expensive; think 2-300$USD. But definitely overbuilt for life; I'm still using mine after 20 or so years, and it's still functionally like new, just acquired a patina of stains over the years.

space_vortex09 OP t1_j9sdkt1 wrote on February 24, 2023 at 5:22 AM

My original budget was $50 USD maybe 60, which is why I was looking at Jansport as the US prices for their backpacks are in that ballpark. I took a look anyway and they look great and if they were officially available in India I'd somehow justify the massive price jump by telling myself that this might be one of the last backpacks I'll ever have to buy but they're not available here, even websites that sell luxury/high end goods don't have them.

Thanks for the suggestion, I have family in Australia so if they're visiting I'll ask them to bring me one.

Elthus t1_j9sbx2l wrote on February 24, 2023 at 5:06 AM

I bought my Oakley Kitchen Sink back in 2012 and it's still my go-to bag. This bag has been with me since Junior year of Highschool. I took this bag with me to basic training. Took this bag with me to college. Took this bag with me every year to our Annual Trainings for the Guard. This bag has been to Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida, South Carolina, Oregon, and Colorado. I take an annual camping trip with my brother, and this bag still comes with. No rips, no tears, no separation at the seams.

https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/92060A

It's a more expensive bag, but I have for sure gotten my money out of this.

southcounty253 t1_j9scbvy wrote on February 24, 2023 at 5:10 AM

My North Face Recon is going on about 7 years now, still in awesome shape and it's been all over.

jamadail t1_j9t1jli wrote on February 24, 2023 at 10:21 AM

Have this for 5 years, with some business travels, it holds up really well https://www.everki.com/us_en/laptop-backpacks/features/travel-friendly.html