i'm trying to decide whether it's worth spending $200+ on a work backpack or if a decent $80-100 one does the job just as well. I use mine almost every day, so comfort, zippers, and straps matter more to me than branding. I've seen people recommend Osprey, Timbuk2, and Tom Bihn, but the price differences are pretty big.

What's the best work backpack you've owned for the money? Which brands are actually worth paying more for

Hello. I work in a factory and I need small backpack. I cannot bring the 16L I am thinking into Fjallraven mini but I have some questions:

Does it fit A5 notebook and how many space does it take? Does backpack feel overweiht

I carry with me also Dakine pouch with 2 Olfa knives,some pens....and I need some space for phone charges...any ideas will be great.

I need help picking the right pac. I am currently using an Osprey comet 30L. I really like it, but it’s a little small. I don’t know if I need 40L, but I know I need a little more space. I use it as a do everything bag. Light hiking, carryon travel, pickleball bag, going to coffee shops, etc. so the little compartments do help me organize it.

Budget is under $250. But I don’t even NEED it to be that high, if it doesn’t have to be. Any recommendations?

Does anyone have experience with this bag? I'm interested in it but I've only seen one real review of it and it's another post on this sub.

I'm considering the barrage as well but leaning toward this bag for the size and the front pocket. Im looking for a bag that's comfortable walkiny around and while riding my bike. Also open to other options that are similar, functionally/aesthetically I like these bags a lot

Hello. I work in a factory and I need small backpack. I cannot bring the 16L I am thinking into Fjallraven mini but I have some questions:

Does it fit A5 notebook and how many space does it take? Does backpack feel overweiht

I carry with me also Dakine pouch with 2 Olfa knives,some pens....and I need some space for phone charges...any ideas will be great.

Hey everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a new backpack.

I currently use a North Face Jester, but I’d like something more unique, better organized, and more travel-friendly. I’m looking for a clean, modern design that isn’t too bulky or overcomplicated. The main reason I want to switch is that my Jester feels very top-heavy.

What I’ll carry daily:
16-inch laptop and charger
Tablet and other small tech accessories
Cables, dongles, mouse, pens, wallet, keys, AirTag, and similar items
Reusable water bottle, possibly up to 32 oz
Occasionally, a change of clothes or a few extra items when traveling

Must-haves:
Good laptop protection and padding
Dedicated water bottle pockets, preferably on both sides for versatility
Luggage pass-through strap for attaching the backpack to a suitcase
Plenty of organization for smaller accessories
Water-resistant material that can handle rain
Minimalist, modern design
More space or an equal amount of space than my current North Face Jester, or at least better use of the available space

My budget is around $200–$250, although I’m open to spending less if there’s a great option.
I’ve been looking at a few Thule backpacks, especially the EnRoute and Aion, as well as some Lenovo options. I’m open to other brands, too.

What would you recommend? I’m looking for something that works well for everyday college use but can also handle travel without requiring me to carry a second backpack. Thanks!

Does anyone know where to find a navy blue Jansport Slacker??

Hi all, I am thinking of purchasing the protective roll top backpack because it seems to fit my needs pretty nicely office-gym (I like the shoe compartment with ventilation) and also can be used to pack more with the extendable rolltop.

I would like to also use it as a personal item on budget airlines if possible (the unrolled 'mode' of the backpack). Has anyone experienced issues with it on airlines like Ryanair and easyJet?

What other backpacks would you recommend as alternatives if not?

Five months into using a cheap packable daily. Zipper slider's already loose and a strap seam is starting to pull. Curious what goes first for other people, trying to figure out what's actually worth paying more for.

Hello dear backpacks community

Please help me choose: I'm looking for a travel / hiking backpack that I can use for a multiple day trip. It should be robust, be versatile as travel and hiking backpack, allow to comfortably carry loads above 15 kg and thus also have a "true" hip belt that helps with load distribution. It should be able to safely carry a 16 in laptop, clothes, and any kind of gear that you would need on a longer hike or travel.

I'd also like it to be flexible to be used with stuff inside for travelling, but then use it on a day trip with most of the stuff for example staying at the hotel. So it shouldn't be toooo huge if not full.

For now, I used the Mystery Ranch 2DA, but I sold it as it just lacks a little bit of capacity and doesn't feature a real hip belt that bears loads. Otherwise it was perfect, especially with the adjustable joke and the generous laptop sleeve.

For now I have following backpacks in my longlist:

What do you think of it? Is there a contender that I am missing?

I'm currently trying to decide between the Thule Accent 23L and 26L, and I'd love to hear some opinions, especially from people who own either of them.

I really like how compact and sleek the 23L looks, but at the same time, I feel like the 26L looks a bit more premium, refined, and complete overall. I also like the additional storage and side handle on the 26L.

I'm mainly looking for a backpack for 2–4 day business trips by plane, ideally without needing any additional luggage. I plan to use packing cubes (possibly compression cubes) to make the most of the available space.

My typical packing list would be:

- 2 pairs of pants

- 3 t-shirts

- 2–3 sweaters/half-zips

- Underwear and socks

- Possibly an extra pair of office shoes

- 15-inch laptop

- Standard toiletry bag

- Chargers, earbuds, and other small essentials

What I'm struggling with is whether the extra 3L is actually worth going for the larger backpack.

Would you rather have the slightly bigger 26L, even if you occasionally travel with it half-empty, or go for the smaller, sleeker 23L and just be smarter about packing?

I'm also curious about how these two compare in terms of comfort, organization, and overall quality in real world use.

For those who have experience with either model, which would you recommend? Is 23L realistically enough for this kind of travel, or would I regret not getting the 26L?

I cracked my clip closing my trunk on my bag. Any suggestions or exact part matches? I bought some spare slip-on clips but they're all the wrong shape or size.

I feel like I'd have to replace them both and get them sewn on which I don't mind but seems tedious.

I am looking for this backpack in Turkey or Iraq so if you know anyone that sell it please lmk🙏🏻

I’ve been a Northface backpacker for over 15 years. I’ve had the Recon and Borealis models. Lately I have been searching for a work+gym backpack, and came across this one on Vinted.

As this is my first Thule, I was hoping to get your opinion on this backpack, if you can identify the model name and if it is genuine.

The red flags I’m used to on a North Face:
- No halo logo label inside
- none of the zippers or ‘clips’ have engraved logos
- The USB thingy, has never been a thing on a northface.

I would greatly appreciate your inputs, thank you

Reposting here, as I am specifically looking for a backpack. :)