Backpacks

[gaseousclay]

ok, fellers, I need a backpack. My current Eastpack backpack is dying a slow death. i've had it since college but it's easily 20 yrs old and is slowly unraveling.

As for style and fabric, i'm open. I don't need anything ridiculously expensive as this will only be used as an occasional weekend carry bag. So far i've only looked at Manhattan Portage and North Face. Fjallraven seems ok but i'm not sure I like their current offerings. I do have a Gravis backpack at our house, but since I no longer live there I really can't be bothered to go digging around for it or asking my soon-to-be ex-wife where it might be.

Any recommendations?

[bentin]

Mission Workshop will make the best one, whether you need all of that is up to you:
missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/

[gaseousclay]

Sept 14, 2015 11:20:07 GMT -6 bentin said:

Mission Workshop will make the best one, whether you need all of that is up to you:
missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/

oof. their bags are $300+. they look nice and all but it's not what I'm looking to spend.

[bentin]

The guys from Mission started at Chrome. I've heard Chrome's quality has taken a hit recently, but I have a twelve year old Chrome messenger that's been on a few hundred flights, been used as a daily bike commute bag and generally just abused, and it still looks like new. I'm a big believer in spending more, less often, so if/when it dies, I'll replace it with a Mission, but the Chrome bags are certainly better priced:
www.chromeindustries.com/us/en/bags/backpacks

[Deleted]

i'd say it really depends on what you'll be using it for. i have an old north face surge that i've been using as a travel pack for nearly 10 years (for trips up to a week).
for bike riding, i have a timbuk2 especial medio that has some great features for my daily commute and has held up great in a variety of weather.
for hiking i really like boreas' gear.

[Deleted]

For outdoorsy/military style packs and bags, you should check here:

www.greyghostgear.com/mobile/Category.aspx?id=1817

Killer deals on QUALITY name brand military grade gear. What this website does, is buy up discontinuing items in bulk at a discount, and then flip them.

[Deleted]

Sept 14, 2015 13:10:12 GMT -6 gaseousclay said:

Sept 14, 2015 11:20:07 GMT -6 bentin said:

Mission Workshop will make the best one, whether you need all of that is up to you:
missionworkshop.com/products/bags/backpacks/

oof. their bags are $300+. they look nice and all but it's not what I'm looking to spend.

I went with 5.11

If I used one a lot mission would have been the one but it mostly hangs in the closet.
They also make less tactical looking ones.

[bruns]

Duluth scout pack? If it's your thing. Lots of other styles as well:

www.duluthpack.com/scout-pack-backpack.html

[Winterland]

My now 9 year old boy's Duluth Pack that has been in repair at Duluth Pack. $40 for repair. It is a nice pack but a few holes were starting on the bottom. He is hard on it, dragging on the ground, hauling rocks and other sharp objects etc. I just called today as it has been 6 weeks and we wanted it for the start of school, which we missed. They said another 4 weeks or so. I complained but not sure if it will make much difference.
I thought of adding some leather to the bottom either from the inside or the outside. Would make it more durable. I think this pic was the 2nd year in. We purchased it in kindergarten. If we have to pay $40 every 4 years I guess that is not so bad. I think it will last him till Jr high and more. He might need a bigger one then.
I did notice some of his fellow students with a Duluth Pack later the year we purchased his. Started a trend.
His is the small day pack. I borrow it when going to festivals, hikes etc.
www.duluthpack.com/backpacks/school/small-standard-daypack-backpack.html

[jaesch]

I'm a HUGE fan of my Topo Designs Klettersack. I've had it for a few years now. Quality is top notch. Plenty of room, lots of pockets. Can't say enough positive things about it. Topo Designs Klettersack


I liked the Klettersack so much that I've ended up with the small duffel bag and their dopp kit as well.

[gaseousclay]

Guess I won't be needing a backpack afterall. I was picking up my son yesterday from our house and found my old Gravis/Tokion backpack: www.khmj.com/products/tokion-x-gravis-backpack. Can't believe I bought this thing almost 15 yrs ago.

[scooter]

I've been looking for a 2 day bag. A backpack/suitcase, that can be opened wide, and handle carried. I found this appealing...



Made by Frost River, in Duluth, Minnesota. It comes in 2 sizes (brief, luggage). I would be after the larger(luggage) version. $280

I'm aware of the story behind Frost River. But, does anyone here have any personal knowledge of their gear ? Does anyone know of a suitable alternative option ?

[nate001]

I don't own any frost river products, but they certainly are popular here in Minnesota. Their history is in producing bags for canoe guides in the boundary waters, so they needed to be really rugged.  Interestingly, Duluth Pack is a company, also based in Duluth, that has similar products. You might check them out too if you haven't already. I think it would be hard to go wrong with a bag from either company and they both offer guarantees and will repair normal wear.  Good luck. 

[scooter]

Thanks, nate001 . I did check out several other companies, Duluth Pack being one of them. I did not find anything that caught my attention, though. My focus was MiUSA. I looked at GORUCK, and though the GR2 would've worked, the price tag and overly tactical appearance took it out of play. Topo has their travel bag. While it's at a little better price point, it has 4L less capacity, and unless I went with the blacked out version, I would've had to settle for some ugly color combos. The bright red handles just weren't doing it for me. I also checked out Timbuk2. Not all of their bags are MiUSA. But, anything ordered custom is made in San Francisco. A few weeks ago, I custom ordered my daughter's school backpack from them, and was impressed with the quality, for the price. They have nothing that would work for me, though. So, I went with Frost River. I'll try and throw together a little review, when it gets here. 

[jasutinsan]

Please do—I’m interested in the luggage backpack as well. What accessories did you go with?

[scooter]

Oct 8, 2017 20:03:21 GMT -6 jasutinsan said:

Please do—I’m interested in the luggage backpack as well. What accessories did you go with?

 For now, I went without accessories. For my purposes, I didn't see a real need for the shoulder strap. I liked the accessory bags. But, I've got a dopp kit, and I wasn't sure I'd need the extra bag for anything. Time will tell. If I find a need for one, I'll order one.

[Deleted]

Tactical Tailor makes shine AWESOME MiUSA gear. Most look military-ish, but there are some slick options. Also, check out Grey Ghost Gear Outlet...

[Ambassador]

Oct 8, 2017 20:03:21 GMT -6 jasutinsan said:

Please do—I’m interested in the luggage backpack as well. What accessories did you go with?

What about this one?