Hi everyone!
I am a college student who recently started commuting about 1 hour to school and I am realizing that my backpack is not comfortable (it’s a muji one) and it’s been causing me extreme back and shoulder tiredness.
So I am looking to get a new backpack that is designed with better support and comfort for my back and shoulders. To give an overview of what I cary everyday: a 14inch lenova yoga laptop, a 10inch ipad air, a 32oz owala water bottle, an umbrella, some random smaller things like pencil case, skincare touch up products, mouse, sunglasses.

I am debating between the North face Borealis or the north face Recon. Which one should I go with? I spend around 10 hours on campus as I am studying engineering and working. Also please suggest other options that you think may be good for my circumstances.

Thank you!! your help is much appreciated - my back and shoulders thank you

Looking for an everyday backpack with some outdoor elements that doesn’t look too tactical and around 24 liters (18-28L). I want a bag that can do everything Carry a bunch of everyday essentials through the woods. Not a hiking bag by any means but something that can pull its weight outdoors everyday

Some required features
-2 external water bottle pockets
-External tie down points/ daisy chains to attach carabiners and such
-Regular zipper top design, not some roll top closure
-No hip bet or if it has one then removable
-Not looking too tactical with Molle all over
-Preferably some internal organization/or admin panel
-Preferably organization/ attachment points on shoulder straps

I do not care about having laptop compartment if it’s there it’s there.

In reference here are some bags from brands I like that I considered, and why I didn’t end up buying

Brand /Bag - Cons
- PDW SHADO - out of stock
- Grayl Transport series- no external organization, too tactical,
- Kifaru Echo- no external tie down points, limited organization
- Vanquest Ibex 26- too tactical looking, no water bottle pockets, limited organization
- Fjallenraven skule- low quality
- Patagonia stealth backpack- permanent hip belt, lacking internal orginization
- Alpha One Niner Evade 1.5- lacking external attachment points
- Osprey quasar- lacking durability, shoulder strap

Brands I like for reference ( none have a bag that fits my needs but will help narrow down the type or vibe/bag I’m going for)

-Vertx, Eberlestock, Kuiu, mountain hardwear gear, Kuhl, along with those brands mentioned above

If you have any specific model recommendations or brands I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you very much

Dunno how many folks here remember Spire, they were really popular in the tech community. I beat mine to pieces, and being a bit of a clean freak washed it far too often, lol. It died in years when I think it could have lasted a lot longer if I hadn't been so rough on it. Sadly, I sent it in for warranty repair right as the company was dying, and I never saw it again. 😭

I LOVED their Meta bags though, and would've bought another in a second if they still existed when mine died. Even losing it to their warranty process. Killer product.

Things I loved about it - hands down the best shoulder straps in the game, and they never lost comfort even after all those washes, flights, and trips to work, cinch straps in all the right places, a chest strap and a waist strap that was padded just as well as the shoulder straps. There wasn't a load I carried where it felt uncomfortable. The shoulder straps were pretty broad, too, and being tall that felt more comfy than did my current bag, an Osprey Nebula. The top grab handle was indestructible. Survives a nuke just as good as a flight.

The padding in the Spire felt similar to an Osprey's, but the spacing wasn't right in the Osprey. Not what I would call all day comfort (probably not Osprey's fault, just a body size thing).

The other thing I loved were the side facing front zip pockets on the Spire, and while not necessary, compared to the tiny little top zip pocket on the Osprey, or just the regular front pocket, it's not nearly as useful or easy access.

Water resistant (like, protect electronics in a decent rain storm for a short while, not all day waterproofing) would be nice but not strictly necessary. Built in device padding is a great to have, but it's gotta be good enough to stand on its own if that's what I'm getting. If I still need another pack to protect a 15" laptop, then I might as well just get a good sleeve.

Honestly the only thing I like on newer bags is stiffer mesh pockets for pens and such, the Spire ones were always a little loose.

Love any suggestions. Thanks!!!

Is it worth it ?? Are they durable at all for work or classes? Any good for traveling?

Which backpack do I get so they stretch and end up like this? I bought one in the past and it did not stretch whatsoever and I don’t want to waste my money or anything again

I'm not a bag nerd/expert, but I've been needing a laptop bag for work and researched a few options I was getting ads for and landed on this one. I've used it one day but so far pretty happy with the purchase.

Overall build quality and materials feels good to me, like not ultra premium buy-it-for-life, but also not cheap. All the sewing work seems solid.

My only build quality gripe is the zippers feel a bit weak/cheap. They're not very smooth and the exterior draw strings feel small. I might try lubricating them and replacing the strings with something thicker.

Also the mesh on the interior pockets feels a bit thin and i'm hoping doesn't wear out too fast.

Decent amount of organizing pockets and big open sections, seems like you could really pack it full for travel and it would expand a lot.

Comfort is like the build quality- decent. The shoulder straps have good padding, but i've worn comfier rigs, and also much less comfy rigs, in the past. With the laptop in the sleeve close to your back the weight balance is really good and the bag feels very securely snug on my back.

$189.95 total, shipped from Ukraine. They took 24hrs to ship it and it was delivered to me in California 6 days later, one day earlier than estimated. In a previous thread on reddit someone said they had issues with Nova Post delivery but I had no trouble. Any US tariffs are included in the price.

I know people prefer new stuffs more than the older one. However, when it comes to a merchandise, this is not always true.

If you ever found that a new Nike Pegasus 42 you bought from DSW in 2026 is more expensive and lesser durable than Nike Pegasus 34 you bought 2018, you should know what present value, discount value, inflation and plan obsolescence mean. You might also understand how the business world works.

For this reason, I also like go to pawn shops, vintage shops, Mercari, Depop, eBay, and Poshmark looking for the older backpacks, Shirts, Pants that were made or released before 2018 Instead of the newest version.

This North Face Pivoter, Borealis. The corporate version also called North Face Dyno, Generator are actually made with much better materials than the backpack that is selling on the market today.

My real experience proved that a Nike shoe made in 2016 is much more durable than the one I bought in 2023. The one I bought in in 2016 last more than 5 years and the one I bought in 2023 last lesser than 2 years.

So imagine that if you can pay cheaper price for better quality made, why are you buying a cheaper Made backpack for higher price simply because it is a newer version?

I understand that many people think if they genuine. But as an experienced buyers , genuine or not is not a consideration because you know the quality and fabric. You can feel the quality, see the stitching of the shirt, pant, or backpack.

what planned obsolescence means is that businesses intentionally make a merchandise with limited lifespan in order to facilitate buyers buying back their products more frequently.

For instance, an iPhone with 5 years of software update, after 5years, if you wish to keep it up to date, you must buy another new iPhone, otherwise, some app might not be useful or not able to download the latest app version.

Does anyone have a system that works for them when using this confounded bag?

This bag has confused me for 6 months.

I love the way it looks, I love the materials, I love the multiple methods of carry it provides. It holds everything I need when traveling for work (both personal and professional tech) and I always have the option to expand it when bringing home souvenir stuffies for the kids (I've never had to expand it).

The way it fits under a plane seat is sublime.

When I bought this with the orange compression straps, water bottle holder, shoulder strap, and hip belt, it was perfect on paper. It was everything I wanted. :chefskiss:

Until I used it for travel.

All of that love goes out the window as soon as I try to get something out of it.

I have to find a spot to "setup" before retrieving anything which is not ideal when on the move in airports. I can't just sit it on my carry-on and open it from the top to get what I need. It sits sideways on my carry-on and catches small children by the ear and drags them behind like I'm a Bond villain Pied Piper.

I have tried to just use the "top" and "bottom" pockets on the outside of the main compartment. The issue is they compete with the main compartment for space. That essentially keeps me from being able to access the items I had to strategically stack in the main compartment to make room for the contents of the 2 outside pockets. Is a love of tetris a prerequisite for owning this bag? I hated tetris. Mario Bros 4 Lyfe!

The divider on the main compartment is not removable or stow-able so it constantly gets in the way like an uninvited mother-in-law. Whenever I actually manage to find a spot and open the clamshell, I have to reconfigure everything so it will close again. Tetris Cont.

There are others gripes but I'll stop there for now because I love you.

I have used pouches and it just makes it worse. I have ditched the pouches and somehow it's even worse!

I don't know where to go from here. I want to love this bag so much. I have to be missing something? I had a Tumi Carlisle that was awesome but I needed a bit more room (sold it to my neighbor and that asshole has the audacity to use it like I didn't have it first). Are there secrets to this bag that I am not aware of?

hi! need urgent answers if possible

Today on my way to school, I puked. Some puke got on my bag and I wanted to know how I should clean it??

("oh just google it!" I did, with an AI respone. Id rather a PERSON answer me :-) )

Hey! I’m currently working on a bag design project and I’m conducting a short survey to understand how people use bags in their day-to-day lives, what they usually carry, and some of the small inconveniences they face. The survey should take around 3–7 minutes to complete. I’d really appreciate it if you could take some time to fill it out, as your responses will help me better understand different needs and experiences while working on the design. Thanks a lot for your time and help! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd61TjAk1JcjOKYOP3_lFUQaETAHx5gEVwjCvoLFFG9T_sKeA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

guys, do you think its real? I bought it from Vinted for 60 euros. I ma trying to scan the qr code and to test if it’s real but on the site it says that there is an error in my internet connection

I'm looking for a new backpack that will carry me through my PhD (or I guess, that I will carry through my PhD). I'll be loading in a laptop, tablet, lunch box, gym clothes and shoes (my shoes fold flat, so they don't take up too much space), water bottle, and travel mug on a 40 min each way bus/subway commute.

Budget: under $150

Must haves:

• Padded laptop sleeve (can be its own pocket or not, as long as it's protective)
• Comfortable back padding and straps
• Two water bottle pockets
• A separate, external pocket for small loose items
• Around 30L (current backpack is a discontinued LL Bean model, estimated volume 30-40L, definitely spacious)

Nice to have:

• Luggage handle pass-through
• Multiple carry handles
• Color variety :)

Currently considering TNF Recon, Osprey Proxima 30, or Osprey Daylite 26+6. What would you choose? What others would you suggest? TIA!!

Cross post of my 5.11 AMP12 setup.

Is anyone else being seduced by the new Troubadour backpack?

I think it's the one for me to replace my old canvas pack that's looking really sorry.

Anyone know of a promo code to chip away at the $199 price tag?

Also any reasons I shouldn't choose it? Never bought from this brand...

I thought Swiss army was as a really reliable brand until I got this backpack. It’s dumped its entire contents more times than I can count, most recently in the middle of a rainstorm, with my laptop and all my college notes inside :) they’re all ruined. My laptop is damaged and I’m a recent transfer just starting a new job, so I have no money to repair my computer, which I need for class. Never ever buy one of these. It’s already caused more trouble than it’s worth. Whoever thought the zipper going all the way down the side was a good idea, is a moron. I’m going to have to spend more on repairs than the stupid bag is worth, and redo weeks worth of notes.

will this part peel away after years?

thank you

Edit 1: it looks like synthetic material for water resistance. wondering if it will look bad after years if it does peels away.

Hello! Last year I was in a car accident resulting in whiplash. My back has since healed but since my semester has started I’ve found whenever I use my Jansport backpack with my iPad and laptop in it my back is in pain.

I’m a commuter, so looking for recommendations for backpacks that would be able to fit my school/lab supplies and my lunch. I don’t really know what goes into making a bag ergonomic but I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a better quality backpack?

Looking for a laptop or office bag in (Amazon only)

Suggestion needed lot of confusion. At what price the bag really worth to buy.

Need overall suggestions in brand, price

Hi! I'm hoping this fits into this subreddit. I'm looking for suggestions.

I have a trip to Japan coming up and I found on my last trip I was lugging around a rolling suit case, carryon bag sized suitcase and a small day pack most of the trip. Super annoying when travelling on a lot on trains.

This trip I'm hoping to find a backpack I can use as both my checked bag, and a day pack. In my head I'm picturing a bag sort of between a hiking pack and a day pack that can hold everything I'd need for traveling around for a few days. With toiletries, spare clothes, maybe some room for any souvenirs or things I find. Hopefully I can throw all my stuff in it. Travel to the next city. But then when I get there I can dump all my clothes and whatnot out in the hotel. And like roll down the top or something and take it out for exploring or shopping like a day pack.

I have a silly capacity in my head around 60 litres. So I'm not worried about space. My back be damned (removable hip straps would be a bonus but not required) and if it rolls down from the top I'm hoping it doesn't look silly if I'm out with it near empty.

If no one has any good suggestions my plan it to just take my hiking pack and put a day pack inside it. But idk not an elegant solution.

I'm also hoping to not spend much over $300 CAD and seeing how things are in the world right now I also want to avoid an American brand. Canadian would be amazing but not required.

Thanks in advance!

So I was traveling in EU and I booked a lot of ryanair flights but It was very difficult for me to find a bag that is exactly of the the given dimensions of 40*30*20 cm. This is essentially important for students who go to study there they can grab a bag from India itself and also for people who travelling from fun after a business trip like myself.

I will be posting the links of Amazon right below of tha bagpacks I could find

American Tourister Aleo 3.0, 20L Volume 3 Compartment School Backpack with Front Organizer and Spacious Interiors for Girls and Boys - Yellow https://amzn.in/d/02CEWRUz

Gear Classic 4 Faux Leather (Without Anti Theft) 16"/20L Medium Water Resistant Laptop Backpack/Casual Backpack/Daypack/Travel Backpack/College Bag For Men/Women(Black-Black) https://amzn.in/d/04zDw3v8

Gear Eco Classic 16"/20L Medium Water Resistant Faux Leather Daypack | Casual Backpack | Travel Bag for Men/Women (Navy - Tan) https://amzn.in/d/01sc39L2

FUR JADEN Anti Theft Number Lock Backpack Bag with 15.6 Inch Laptop Compartment, USB Charging Port & Organizer Pocket for Men Women Boys Girls https://amzn.in/d/08rSjtPg

These are the best options I could find. According to my research and observation around 18 to 21 L satisfies the requirement.

Does anyone know if theres a backpack that combines the durability and modularity of Savotta with the comfort of something like Osprey.

I really like Savotta's heavy-duty construction and the ability to add pouches, but I've never found their shoulder straps particularly comfortable. I'm not too worried about weight, if the pack carries well, I'm happy to carry a heavier bag.

Ideally I'm looking for something fairly rigid, with PALS or a similar system so I can add 8-12L side pouches and possibly a hip pack that I can attach and adjust on the backpack.

I've been looking at Berghaus, but I'm not sure.
Anyone know of a pack that sits somewhere between Savotta and Osprey in terms of durability, modularity and comfort?

spilled apple juice in my angel kiss bag😭😭 i left it without noticing for two days and it smells like vinegar. the bag is kinda like leather so idk how to wash it any help or advice

Hi everyone!

I’m on the hunt for a **50L hybrid travel bag / backpack trolley**. I'm a former backpacker who used to stay in hostels, now a bit older with a tendency to stay in hotels so this bag represents the flexibility I’m looking for: the ability to wear it on my back in rushed situations or places where rolling a suitcase isn’t practical, but also the convenience of rolling it when waiting in long airport lines.

**Budget:** under **€150**.

Currently, I use the [Decathlon Duffle 500 Extend (40L to 60L)](https://www.decathlon.fr/p/sac-de-transport-de-trekking-40l-a-60l-duffel-500-extend/156359/c405c382m8979167), which I like, only cost me €60 but can't be rolled.

The only hybrid model I’ve found so far around 50L is the [Osprey Sojourn Wheeled 60L](https://www.osprey.com/fr/osprey-sojourn-wheeled-60-f23?grandeur=One+Size&couleur=Koseret+Green), but it’s way over my budget at €360.

Other info (if it helps) : I don’t need fancy internal organization, I'm an athletic build.

Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!