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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 10:49:04

Title: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 10:49:04
Hi, I am in the market for a new backpack as mine is worn down and is very uncomfortable. I was wondering what backpacks you guys use and if you have any suggestions
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: azhdar on Thu, 30 April 2015, 10:49:50
Dakine.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: JPG on Thu, 30 April 2015, 10:51:43
I use a Timbuk2 especial 3, but it's mainly because I use it to carry my laptop to the job when I use my bike. It's a backpack focused on bikes. It's 100% waterproof (tested under hard rain) and very solid and comfortable.


You should ask with kind of need you have for this backpack since it will orient you selection a lot!
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: exitfire401 on Thu, 30 April 2015, 10:52:20
Oakley kitchen sink. Mine is going on 5 years of use, and the only sign of wear is a little bit of worn out nylon on the back from friction with clothing.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 10:58:57

I use a Timbuk2 especial 3, but it's mainly because I use it to carry my laptop to the job when I use my bike. It's a backpack focused on bikes. It's 100% waterproof (tested under hard rain) and very solid and comfortable.


You should ask with kind of need you have for this backpack since it will orient you selection a lot!
School use, but I also need it because I am going on a European trip this summer and I am only packing a backpack
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Thu, 30 April 2015, 11:01:10
Go Ruck GR2.  Granted it is probably overkill for what you are needing.  It will last forever though.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: JaccoW on Thu, 30 April 2015, 11:05:49
A Häglofs Corker Large (http://www.haglofs.com/gb/en/Backpacks-and-Bags/CORKER-LARGE/p/339210.2AQ). But most of the time I use bike panniers or shoulder bags to move around.

Soon I will be getting a Millican the roll 25L (http://www.homeofmillican.com/smith-the-roll-pack-25l.html) for travel as it has a bit of ventilation and can be made flat. Probably not ideal for books though seeing as the bottom does not have any padding.

But you will need a bigger pack than 25L for backpacking around Europe. Unless you want to be a smelly drifter.  :p
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: pichu23 on Thu, 30 April 2015, 11:24:30
I'm using the "Little America" from Herschel. It's pretty comfy but I don't know if it's what you're looking for tho.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: demik on Thu, 30 April 2015, 11:36:54
Going to Europe with only a backpack

#stuffwhitepeopledo
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 30 April 2015, 12:36:25
For "backpacking" style packs, I hear good things about Osprey. They also have some "travel" oriented packs, such as the Farpoint series, that get good reviews. You can use the Farpoint 40 as a carry on for air travel.

If you like "tactical" packs, I highly recommend the Spec. Ops Brand T.H.E. Pack (http://www.specopsbrand.com/t-h-e-pack-tactical-packs.html). It's practically bombproof, made of 1000D Cordura, with double stictched seams throughout. Little in the way of organization, though, with only a large main compartment and two "dump" compartments. I owned two of these packs, until one got stolen. :(
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: Infrared on Thu, 30 April 2015, 12:40:01
Anything Swiss Army should be good and confy
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 12:49:37

Anything Swiss Army should be good and confy
My current one is Swiss army, and as it has done me good, their current models don't look very good IMO
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 12:50:36

Going to Europe with only a backpack

#stuffwhitepeopledo
We don't want to have to check any luggage. I have no say in it, but I also have packed 10 days worth of clothing into a backpack before; so it should be relatively easy
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: iri on Thu, 30 April 2015, 13:30:53
i use a 36L Deuter Gigant for 4 years. it has been with me everywhere, from marshland to alpine highlands, and is not noticeably worn. it's not waterproof though.

I am going on a European trip this summer and I am only packing a backpack
are you going to take a taser and a gun with you? Yurop is dangerous.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: henz on Thu, 30 April 2015, 13:48:25
best **** around

http://www.haglofs.com/kr/en/backpacks-bags/cat/backpacksAndBags

EDIT: I have a tight pro medium.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 15:01:26
i use a 36L Deuter Gigant for 4 years. it has been with me everywhere, from marshland to alpine highlands, and is not noticeably worn. it's not waterproof though.

I am going on a European trip this summer and I am only packing a backpack
are you going to take a taser and a gun with you? Yurop is dangerous.
No, but we are going to be buying cheap bikes when we travel, as we don't want to bring ours and risk them getting stolen
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 30 April 2015, 15:03:55
I'm considering picking up a Mission Workshop Sanction at one point. Really liked it. Of course it's a bit pricey like the GORuck so I gotta explore more options.

Going to Europe with only a backpack

#stuffwhitepeopledo

Rofl
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 30 April 2015, 15:09:11
Going to Europe with only a backpack

#stuffwhitepeopledo

Oh my god, so glad you said this.

Anyways, I usually get the best backpack that I can find at the thrift store.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 30 April 2015, 18:38:02
A couple of older threads that might provide some additional insight:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45529.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48574.0
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 18:51:07
A couple of older threads that might provide some additional insight:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45529.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45529.0)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48574.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48574.0)
Thanks!
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: iri on Thu, 30 April 2015, 18:52:07
would anyone of you be so kind to explain me why demik's quote is so hilarious?

No, but we are going to be buying cheap bikes when we travel, as we don't want to bring ours and risk them getting stolen
that's a good idea (i'm being serious now)
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: exitfire401 on Thu, 30 April 2015, 18:52:53
Going to Europe with only a backpack

#stuffwhitepeopledo

Oh my god, so glad you said this.

Anyways, I usually get the best backpack that I can find at the thrift store.

Actually, this is a really good idea too. The older a bag looks, the less attention it gets.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: jonathanyu on Thu, 30 April 2015, 19:04:14
fjallraven rucksack no.21
 :) I love it, so comfortable and durable
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 19:13:51
fjallraven rucksack no.21
 :) I love it, so comfortable and durable
I want one, but have no clue what size to get
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: jonathanyu on Thu, 30 April 2015, 19:22:20
fjallraven rucksack no.21
 :) I love it, so comfortable and durable
I want one, but have no clue what size to get

I have a M size one, let me take a picture  ;)
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: noisyturtle on Thu, 30 April 2015, 19:23:12
Whatever you do just don't buy one of those hexagonal plastic shell backpacks, because they look stupid as hell.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 30 April 2015, 19:23:27
fjallraven rucksack no.21
 :) I love it, so comfortable and durable
I want one, but have no clue what size to get

I have a M size one, let me take a picture  ;)
Thanks : D
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: smknjoe on Thu, 30 April 2015, 19:35:56
I've had this one for a few years and it's held up well. Holds a lot of **** too: http://www.ebags.com/product/swissgear-travel-gear/scansmart-backpack/205059
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: noisyturtle on Thu, 30 April 2015, 19:39:30
I've had this one for a few years and it's held up well. Holds a lot of **** too: http://www.ebags.com/product/swissgear-travel-gear/scansmart-backpack/205059

Those seem very popular. Like Jansports were in the '90s. They seem to be of high quality.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: smknjoe on Thu, 30 April 2015, 19:41:39
Yep. It's very comfortable too. Plenty of padding where you need it. Price ain't bad either. I think I got mine for around $55.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: JaccoW on Fri, 01 May 2015, 04:10:43
would anyone of you be so kind to explain me why demik's quote is so hilarious?
How many Mexican, Asian or African people do you see backpacking through Europe?
In general those that can afford it will stay in hotels.

It's really mostly white people and the adventurous that will go backpacking. ;)

Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: iri on Fri, 01 May 2015, 05:14:20
two gazillions of asians and quite a few latin american youngsters. can't remember if i met a mexican backpacker yet though.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: JaccoW on Fri, 01 May 2015, 05:21:44
two gazillions of asians and quite a few latin american youngsters. can't remember if i met a mexican backpacker yet though.
Yeah South American people come to Europe to backpack quit often. And as for Asians, it's mostly the Japanese and Taiwanese that go backpacking.
Most of the Chinese people I see are there on group tours. Give it a few years/decade or two and even they will be roaming around freely.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 01 May 2015, 07:47:18

Anyways, I usually get the best backpack that I can find at the thrift store.

Actually, this is a really good idea too. The older a bag looks, the less attention it gets.

Yea, plus I don't care if I rough it up.  Just make sure it's comfortable.  It also helps that I am willing to sew items, in case some seams are loose.

two gazillions of asians and quite a few latin american youngsters. can't remember if i met a mexican backpacker yet though.
Yeah South American people come to Europe to backpack quit often. And as for Asians, it's mostly the Japanese and Taiwanese that go backpacking.
Most of the Chinese people I see are there on group tours. Give it a few years/decade or two and even they will be roaming around freely.

Interesting.  Didn't know the travelling-through-Europe fetish was so widespread.

would anyone of you be so kind to explain me why demik's quote is so hilarious?


http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/23/19-travelling/
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: Dubsgalore on Fri, 01 May 2015, 10:11:45
Osprey > all
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 01 May 2015, 10:51:51
Osprey > all

Hang out on backpackinglight.com and preach that philosophy.  It could get ugly.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: Dubsgalore on Fri, 01 May 2015, 11:11:16
Osprey > all

Hang out on backpackinglight.com and preach that philosophy.  It could get ugly.

oh god  :))
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: Axollott on Fri, 01 May 2015, 12:31:38
would anyone of you be so kind to explain me why demik's quote is so hilarious?
How many Mexican, Asian or African people do you see backpacking through Europe?
In general those that can afford it will stay in hotels.

It's really mostly white people and the adventurous that will go backpacking. ;)
Mexicans do backpack around Europe, but most Mexicans that do, look European, so you wouldn't know their nationality until speaking to them or hear them speak. Our ancestry is mostly European now. The Mexicans that you see in the States are mostly indigenous since this is a unfair world and race is still something affecting a person's economic growth in this corrupt, mafia style nation. Just look at the presidents in most Latin American countries, they are all European descendants.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 01 May 2015, 13:06:07
Osprey > all

Hang out on backpackinglight.com and preach that philosophy.  It could get ugly.

oh god  :))

What you said is basically the equivalent of going on here and saying "QFR > all".

I have owned a couple Ospreys, by the way, I think they are great for what they are.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: tbc on Sat, 02 May 2015, 14:40:17
Whatever you do just don't buy one of those hexagonal plastic shell backpacks, because they look stupid as hell.

oh so much #dattruth
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: Sygaldry on Sat, 02 May 2015, 14:54:33
Got my NorthFace Recon for $45 with a free CamelBack Eddy bottle 9-10 years ago for college and it's still going strong.

Yes, it's NorthFace so it gets a lot of hate for being so "trendy" but considering it has lasted so long, I'm pretty sure people are just jumping on the anti-hype train without any actual conclusive evidence or experience with their products.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: Dubsgalore on Sat, 02 May 2015, 14:55:56
Osprey > all

Hang out on backpackinglight.com and preach that philosophy.  It could get ugly.

oh god  :))

What you said is basically the equivalent of going on here and saying "QFR > all".

I have owned a couple Ospreys, by the way, I think they are great for what they are.

I use it for school and it works hella good for me
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: demik on Sat, 02 May 2015, 15:14:41
would anyone of you be so kind to explain me why demik's quote is so hilarious?

No, but we are going to be buying cheap bikes when we travel, as we don't want to bring ours and risk them getting stolen
that's a good idea (i'm being serious now)

Seems to be a trend of recent college grads taking a year off to backpack through Europe. Usually white kids with money.

Anyway. I like 5.11's stuff. Same with goruck and I've read nothing but good things about them... But they are pricey as hell.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Sat, 02 May 2015, 15:16:40
would anyone of you be so kind to explain me why demik's quote is so hilarious?

No, but we are going to be buying cheap bikes when we travel, as we don't want to bring ours and risk them getting stolen
that's a good idea (i'm being serious now)

Seems to be a trend of recent college grads taking a year off to backpack through Europe. Usually white kids with money.

Anyway. I like 5.11's stuff. Same with goruck and I've read nothing but good things about them... But they are pricey as hell.
Hopefully if they are that expensive they would last a long time. I have to go to Europe because my brother is going for a school trip, so my dad insists we both go.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: demik on Sat, 02 May 2015, 15:28:08
That's dope.

And I think they are military spec so they should be tough.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: jonathanyu on Sat, 02 May 2015, 16:07:35
fjallraven rucksack no.21
 :) I love it, so comfortable and durable
I want one, but have no clue what size to get

I have a M size one, let me take a picture  ;)
Thanks : D

(http://i.imgur.com/Unueted.jpg)

 :)) Not sure where I put my ruler...
It's the perfect size for me(I'm 172 cm tall), but the volume of this backpack is just 20L, so 2-3 days clothes are maximum.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Sat, 02 May 2015, 16:18:17
fjallraven rucksack no.21
 :) I love it, so comfortable and durable
I want one, but have no clue what size to get

I have a M size one, let me take a picture  ;)
Thanks : D

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Unueted.jpg)


 :)) Not sure where I put my ruler...
It's the perfect size for me(I'm 172 cm tall), but the volume of this backpack is just 20L, so 2-3 days clothes are maximum.
Awesome! That gauges it enough for me, my current backpack is smaller than that, and I think I could fit maybe 5 days depending on how I pack it, and what I pack, and then just wash it.
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: JaccoW on Sat, 02 May 2015, 16:46:15
fjallraven rucksack no.21
 :) I love it, so comfortable and durable
I want one, but have no clue what size to get

I have a M size one, let me take a picture  ;)
Thanks : D

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Unueted.jpg)


 :)) Not sure where I put my ruler...
It's the perfect size for me(I'm 172 cm tall), but the volume of this backpack is just 20L, so 2-3 days clothes are maximum.
Awesome! That gauges it enough for me, my current backpack is smaller than that, and I think I could fit maybe 5 days depending on how I pack it, and what I pack, and then just wash it.
(http://i.imgur.com/duR9HLM.jpg)
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: sethk_ on Sat, 30 May 2015, 14:05:48
I ended up going with a Fjallraven No.21 Large, now we wait for it to come  :D
Title: Re: Backpack Suggestions
Post by: WolfTickets on Sat, 30 May 2015, 14:31:39
REI Trail 25.  I bought it clearanced for $30 on their website 1 1/2 years ago.  I'm not sure if they make it anymore, but it's been awesome.   Pockets everywhere, drink bottle pockets on both sides, and plenty of room in the main pouch.