Nice backpacks?

[CNY rider]

Slightly OT.....
I am looking for a nice, small backpack.
The type of thing you wear walking around a city, or take with you on an overnight. In civilization, not in the woods.
It's not for camping.
It's replacing my Filson Ranger backpack, which took some unfortunate rodent damage last year.
Filson has updated theirs......something like this:

https://www.filson.com/rugged-twill-ranger-backpack.html#sku=20137828-fco-000000074

Made in USA preferable.
Thanks for any suggestions. :beer:

[charliedid]

Why not replace it with same?

I almost bought one of these but ended up getting a regular klettersack.

https://www.mysteryranch.com/urban-assault-pack

[fredd]

Chrome, if you like the looks.
or MER bags, those are the coolest

[FlashUNC]

Inside Line Equipment. Easy peasy.

[tuscanyswe]

Mission workshop. Expensive but nice.

[Octave]

Mission workshop. Expensive but nice.
+1

I've posted about this elsewhere on the paceline but I've had a Mission Workshop bag going on 10+ years now used in all types of weather (was my commuting backpack through 5 Chicago winters and summers and now 5 years in Southern France), taken it on every trip I've been on for the last decade, shoved it in cars, planes, trains, bushes, hung it in trees, spilled countless foods and drinks inside, carried sharp objects and approximately one billion kilos of vegetables from the local market to our kitchen. Aside from replacing the plastic buckle with a metal one, I've not had to do any maintenance and it is still the robust, weatherproof and everything-proof bag I bought back in 2009.

[whateveronfire]

Tom Bihn and Trakke are my favorites. The Tom Bihn Synapse 19 and Luminary 15 or 12 are all pretty amazing. Trakke just reissued the Arkaig. I keep keeping myself from buying it.

I have a couple I'd sell including a Trakke Bannoch if you want to pm me for details.

[Veloo]

This is one that I use. I wanted something that could attach to a rack for the sweaty days. You can detach the backpack straps and opt for a shoulder one.

https://www.basil.com/en/miles-daypack-nordlicht-zwart.html

[DRZRM]

I'll second the Mission Workshop bags. They really do hold up very well and their sizes run the gamut for any carrying need.

Also, ReLoadbags.com

They make full custom, so you can get any color/size/extras you want, but their off the peg stuff is great too if they have what you need in stock.

Here is their backpack page (https://www.reloadbags.com/category-s/2033.htm).

[Frankwurst]

Duluth Pack might be worth a look.:beer:

[Spaghetti Legs]

I have a Marmot Urban Hauler for multi-purpose use. The straps are slotted through the top of the bag so you can use as handles. It’s good for trips to the market, carry on bag for plane flights, etc. the straps are kind of thin so not as good for extended use as a backpack. For that, I prefer messenger bag style so I’ve had a Timbuk 2 bag for many years.

[jemdet]

Seconding MER bags from Brooklyn. I just ordered a second cordura bag from him. My first has been indestructible.

He also works in canvas which would match the aesthetic of the one you posted.

[19wisconsin64]

Chrome makes some great backpacks and bags. Not just courier bags but regular backpacks for work and travel too. You can custom order them, made in the good 'ole USA too.

[ftf]

I have a chrome messenger that's 15 years old, it shows some wear, but it's still functional, though I stopped using it everyday about 4 years ago. I don't know if their quality is the same these days.


Reload is a great option as well, same with mission.

[ibis]

For something unique and functional, check out www.freitag.ch (https://www.freitag.ch/en/shop/bags/backpacks#F600)

[efixler]

Check out Matador. Super simple, light-weight, packable, waterproof.

Not padding or support, but it turned out, for me at least, that I didn't really need any after all. It's completely replaced my Osprey/North Face bags that I used to think were the cat's meow.

[zzy]

My older rapha backpack is the best I've found for riding and travel. It's almost the exact max for a personal item on a plane and expands further with an additional zip out compartment perfect for a helmet or shoes. It's also the first backpack I've liked for commuting as it sits lower and the straps splay further out so they don't dig into me. It fully unzips so both halves lay flat and has lots of dividers. I'm normally an anti rapha guy, and don't love the hot pink raincover, but it's a fantastically practical bag.

[donevwil]

Take a look at what Waterfield (https://www.sfbags.com/collections/laptop-backpacks) has to offer. I have one of their messenger bags and it is beyond excellent in function, durability and appearance.

[572cv]

I'm amazed by the number of backpack bags here that look good that I've never heard of. This is a really crowded marketplace!

These are pretty good for traveling. Not sure if it is what the OP had in mind, but they are thoughtfully designed and well made, at least in my experience. Add 'em to the pile:

https://www.minaal.com/collections/bags

[Steve in SLO]

Look into Mystery Ranch. They have some nice city styles and are bulletproof.

[scoobydrew]

North St. Bags

Pricey, but made in Portland, Oregon. Multiple color options and fabrics depending on bag type. They make a sweet 28L "travel pack" that would be perfect for short trips.

For more cycling oriented bags, check out Road Runner Bags made in Southern California.

[MattTuck]

No experience, but the Peak Designs Everyday Backpack (https://www.peakdesign.com/products/everyday-backpack?variant=29743300771884) gets generally good feedback. It is expensive, but in the same ballpark as the Filson.

[AngryScientist]

As posted elsewhere, Swift is having a sale, and this looks nice. the other swift stuff i have is pretty high quality.

https://builtbyswift.com/shop/sonora-daypack/

[Clean39T]

As posted elsewhere, Swift is having a sale, and this looks nice. the other swift stuff i have is pretty high quality.

https://builtbyswift.com/shop/sonora-daypack/

One thing to watch out for with the Swift pack, or any other pack that has that same material on the back (pack-cloth / cordura), is that it will shred your clothes in no time....any fleece, sweaters, or wool jackets will get pilled to holy heck after just a few times of coming in contact with it. I much prefer designs that have a smooth/slippery back, or a raised padding system that is smooth....my Mission Works pack was very good in that regard..

[CNY rider]

Wow so many great packs to check out.
This is one reason I love this place. Such a huge collective knowledge base.
Thank you for all the suggestions.

[pdonk]

I am intrigued by Topo bags, they look really nice. - https://topodesigns.com/collections/bags

My wife has a YNOT bag that has worn very well, plus on some models they do mass customization so you can pick and choose what colours and features you want.

https://www.ynotmade.com/en/shop/?category=Backpacks

I have a north street shopping bag and based on it, would consider one of their packs.

[pdmtong]

I saw one of these limited production $700 bags in person - I have to say it was pretty nice. Way out of my budget though.
https://loyalstricklin.com/collections/leather-bags

The older Rapha backpack does actually work pretty well, especially when used for bike commuting (laptop, jacket).

I enjoy these threads too - plenty of choices mentioned I might not have thought of or known about.

[arimajol]

After a decade with a timbuktu, I just picked up a Road Runner Bags backpack on their cyber monday sale. It's great. https://roadrunnerbags.us/collections/backpacks/products/medium-anything-pack

[ltwtsculler91]

Check out Bellroy. They have a whole line of different size city backpacks (and other bags & leather goods). I have the MAAP collaboration Shift backpack which was been wonderful both around town and on the bike..

[zetroc]

For me it starts and ends with Mission Workshop. I've got one of their earliest backpacks and it's held up to everything I can throw at it. I did have to have them replace the zipper pulls on the expanding section, which they did free of charge the next day after I brought it to them. I've also got one of their newer backpacks which is even better, and a messenger bag. They've got my money and my loyalty for the craftsmanship and the customer service.

I am thinking about an ILE photo backpack though. Eric does a great job.

[CNY rider]

For something unique and functional, check out www.freitag.ch (https://www.freitag.ch/en/shop/bags/backpacks#F600)

Those really are cool.
Probably too cool for me.
But very cool.

[zzy]

I had a Freitag mess bag for years and it ALWAYS had a weird plastic smell. Very waterproof tho.

[SlowPokePete]

I got one from Oveja Negra and LOVE it!

https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.com/collections/backpacks

Super high quality...I've got a pretty wide assortment of their bike packing bags.

SPP

[crankles]

+1 for ILE.

My two criteria on commuter backpacks: easy access and bright interiors. This negates virtually all roll tops and a host of other black interior packs.
I find my ILE race day bag is great for commuting. Eric just came out with a larger version too if you plan on running away from home.

[RFC]

Searching for a backpack will take you deep down the rabbit hole. I have a bit of a backpack and briefcase jones. For business and casual, but not hiking or riding, I use a Roots leather backpack. Very classy and it matches my bomber jacket. ;)

[charliedid]

Just want to add. I suggest NOT buying g a backpack designed for cycling for everyday use.

My 2 cents


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[daker13]

I thought Chrome bags were now made overseas, no?

I love my Baileyworks knapsack and use it generally, but it's a cycling pack... very nice, though.

[polar8]

Check out Mission Workshop in SF. Really high quality, lifetime warantee type stuff

[CNY rider]

Searching for a backpack will take you deep down the rabbit hole. I have a bit of a backpack and briefcase jones. For business and casual, but not hiking or riding, I use a Roots leather backpack. Very classy and it matches my bomber jacket. ;)

I hear ya.
I'm a few hours in and it keeps going down.
But I'm enjoying it.

[doomridesout]

As much as I want to love my small cottage industry bags like Road Runner and MW and the like, the bigger companies like Osprey do a better job designing packs around the anatomy of your back, with venting channels and the like. Unpopular opinion, but I’m giving up on the little guys for my next backpack.

[RFC]

As much as I want to love my small cottage industry bags like Road Runner and MW and the like, the bigger companies like Osprey do a better job designing packs around the anatomy of your back, with venting channels and the like. Unpopular opinion, but I’m giving up on the little guys for my next backpack.

I agree. I've got an Osprey Daylite Plus for day hikes. Superior design and materials.

[RFC]

I hear ya.
I'm a few hours in and it keeps going down.
But I'm enjoying it.

Just get out before you lose you mind or you'll stay there forever.;)

[pasadena]

ILE, MW both great.
I have a MW Vandal and it's super lightweight (very important), w/ back padding and straps, waterproof zippers. Great bag.

The best designed backpack i've come across-
T-Level Infinity. Designed for cycling.
Great design with a ton of features built in that others don't do.
Ergo padding (called T-Aero, venting back), full side access, laptop, reflectors, etc, etc. So many great features packed into one design.

It's my fav pack.

[tsarpepe]

waiting to see when someone will dare to suggest a bag for under $100 :eek:

[weaponsgrade]

I have an ILE Radius that I really like.

[slowpoke]

Since you did say "small", I'd recommend the Mission Workshop offerings as well. However, I want to emphasize two things:

- The Vandal / Ramblers don't have the best pocket layout. Putting a pen in them generally means they get lost, or they fall out of the small side-zippers.

- The Sanction / Fraction I see all over SF. Half the time, the bags are stuffed to their gills and it doesn't look like it'd be easy to take things out without having to unpack everything.

You should ask yourself if you can continue to live with a rolltop (minimalistic, but not easy access), or if you want the easier accessibility of a panel zip.

Tom Binh bags are highly functional, but they're often not the most aesthetic. However they have a strong following for a reason.

[martl]

Slightly OT.....
I am looking for a nice, small backpack.
The type of thing you wear walking around a city, or take with you on an overnight. In civilization, not in the woods.
It's not for camping.
It's replacing my Filson Ranger backpack, which took some unfortunate rodent damage last year.
Filson has updated theirs......something like this:

https://www.filson.com/rugged-twill-ranger-backpack.html#sku=20137828-fco-000000074

Made in USA preferable.
Thanks for any suggestions. :beer:

The Fjäll Raven Stuff might fit that description. Hefty pricetags, but good quality.

[Billybob62]

I really like the stuff Jandd makes:
https://www.jandd.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamTxt=&txtsearchParamCat=5&txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch&iLevel=2&subcat=23

[deechee]

I've never seen most of these brands; the kids around here just use Fjalraven or Herschel bags which look like the cheap bags I used as a kid. I don't get it. Do people never encounter rain or snow? Or carry their bags in their hand? And these bags look like top loaders. I am past digging through my bag for whatever is at the bottom. Side zippers all the way.

I'm currently using this Vaude (https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Products/Eco-Fair-Collection/Green-Shape/PETair) . I appreciate Vaude's green and cruelty free statements, and people compliment the bag. Its super comfortable, and I've used it on the bike occasionally with no issues (laziness). The only downside is the zipper isn't the strongest so it's hard to close the bag when you've overstuffed it. I can't imagine having a backpack without a suspension system. To be honest, I wish it were a smidgen bigger.

[EricChanning]

I recently bought a Peak Design 20L everyday pack for all weather commuting and possibly travel.

It's waterproof without looking technical. Carry straps, waist belt and sternum connecting strap can be easily hidden.

Since it was designed with photography in mind, it uses interior padded separators which you can adjust as needed. It also has lots of small item storage sleeves. It's great for organizing things like gloves, jackets, caps, etc.

I bought this because of the functionality. I'm tired of digging through roll top style bags to find what I need. Anyone with a top loading bag knows that you can easily end up taking out half the contents out to reach something thing that has fallen to the bottom of the bag.

This 20L pack opens on both sides and it means you can get at what you need easily and without taking the bag completely off and no more digging to find things. Build quality is top notch.

[ftf]

For something completely different there are these:

https://packs.point65.com/collections/classic-hardshell-backpacks

[slowpoke]

I've never seen most of these brands; the kids around here just use Fjalraven or Herschel bags which look like the cheap bags I used as a kid. I don't get it.

Herschel and Fjallraven make simple backpacks, but the shoulder straps generally leave more to be desired if one's carrying loads for longer periods of time.

For something completely different there are these:

https://packs.point65.com/collections/classic-hardshell-backpacks

OP asked for a small backpack. These were "cool" in the early 2000s, but fell out of favor for good reason: unnecessarily heavy and hard to access.

[Skenry]

Huge fan of Eddie Bauer, cheap and lifetime replacement. I usually go for the larger Bacon, but this is the smaller version, the Butter:
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/82300185/butter-pack-16l?sp=1&color=Pimento&size=ONESZE

[tsarpepe]

The Timbuk2 Swig backpack is currently on sale for $59:
https://www.timbuk2.com/products/1620-swig-backpack-sale

[rnhood]

That Timbuk2 looks good but, it seems to me that it's a pretty bad idea have slots for the phone, passport and iPad on the back with only the flap covering (or partially covering) them. Kind a theft waiting to happen, if you know what I mean. But maybe I am interpreting this incorrectly.

That Eddie Bauer "Butter" is price competitive, and appears to be a very nice pack. Some other nice recommendations in this thread.

[Tickdoc]

Why has it taken so long for someone to suggest Italian and Leather?

I mean this one doesn't say Campagnolo on it, but it might as well!

Really a classy number if you ask me, and quite a bargain at $249:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0004/0769/9566/products/Leather_Backpack_Cenzo2_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1578584 952

[Likes2ridefar]

Why has it taken so long for someone to suggest Italian and Leather?

I mean this one doesn't say Campagnolo on it, but it might as well!

Really a classy number if you ask me, and quite a bargain at $249:


If you are going to heft around that kind of weight why not go all in? :) saddleback leather...

[chrismoustache]

For another option, check out Moop bags.

https://www.moopshop.com/collections/all-backpacks

They are simple, good looking, and made in Pittsburgh. I've been impressed with their workmanship and the waxed canvas they use is really great stuff.

[ibis]

Why has it taken so long for someone to suggest Italian and Leather?

I mean this one doesn't say Campagnolo on it, but it might as well!

Really a classy number if you ask me, and quite a bargain at $249:


I used to see a few people carry these at Interbike back in the day...

https://www.brooksengland.com/backpacks (https://www.brooksengland.com/en_uk/cycle-bags/rucksacks-backpacks.html)

They looked uncomfortable (stiff), but I have no first hand experience with their bags.

[whateveronfire]

If you are going to heft around that kind of weight why not go all in? :) saddleback leather...

Saddleback stuff is nice, but wow are their bags heavy. I would never want to use their backpack however great it looks. I've sold everyone I've had except for one small ipad one and I've tried a bunch including an older model of the backpack.

[ftf]

OP asked for a small backpack. These were "cool" in the early 2000s, but fell out of favor for good reason: unnecessarily heavy and hard to access.

Well, they have a smaller one, and a larger one, as for being heavy, and hard to access, I have experienced neither, I guess it's heavier than a cloth bag, but no heavier than a good quality leather one, probably even lighter. And the access part, again perhaps they fixed this issue.


Also it does have CE certified back-protector integrated in it, which makes it great for motorcycle use.