I've had the same Tom Binh Brain Bag backpack for about 15 years and I love it. Wearing it right now in fact. I also have an insert accessory for organizing papers, pens, etc. and a padded laptop protector.
A present for myself when I scored my first big internship in college. It was amazingly handy when I was in school, and after school when I was traveling a lot for work. Now that I'm not traveling as much and only really take my laptop and a notepad on my daily commute, it's a bit oversized for my needs. But I still love it and use it every day (even with the empty space in it).
The ability to switch between backpack format and messenger bag format is my single most favorite feature. It seems like a gimmick, but there are certain situations or environments where one format is superior or more appropriate than the other, and being able to switch in 30 seconds is really useful in those cases.
I'm harsh on my daily drivers like bags and shoes, and am used to them wearing out quickly because of that. But this bag is still as good as new after 5+ years of being mishandled. Will definitely splurge for another Tom Bihn when I decide to get a more appropriate bag for my current work style/needs.
I've been using the same Axio backpack for the last ~15 years. When I bought it, they gave lifetime guarantee. It still holds perfectly well after all this time, nothing broken. My MacBook Pro 15" fits well into this backpack by the way.
I wonder if they still create backpacks of the same quality with lifetime guarantee. Could be bad for business :)
- Large multi-compartment backpack with a padded sleeve for laptops
- Holds up to 15.6 inch laptop and some ultra-slim 17 inch laptop
- Mesh water bottle pockets at side
- Organizational compartments for pens, keys, and cell phone
Internal Dimensions: 12" x 4.5" x 17.5" (LxWxH); External dimensions: 15" x 7" x 19" (LxWxH)
- Large multi-compartment backpack with a padded sleeve for laptops
- Mesh water bottle pockets at side
- Organizational compartments for pens, keys, and cell phone
Loved the design and it really looks that it could last a lifetime in any conditions.
Even though I never intend to go rucking (learned what it is just now) and I imagine all this americanism drives the price up, I will keep this on the radar for a time when I have more money :)
I use a backpack on an almost daily basis. I currently use the Aer duffel pack. I won't try to sell you on it except to say that I am happy with the bag. Here is the product page.
I carry a "SteeSeries" gaming backpack, made by PORT [0], it is huge, and could fit my large laptop, tablet, books, large earphones and clothes with no problem.
The build quality is above average, but for the price it is great.
After buying a lot of backpacks, I settled on the 5.11 12 hour RUSH as a good compromise in size. It is just large enough for my Dell XPS 13, or probably most 11-12 inch laptops. Plus it has a lot of organizational features and flexibility. I can take all of the organizing pouches out of the bag and attach them to the outside of the backpack if I need extra space.
I'm happy with my Chacabuco/32L and can't even
remember how long ago I bought it.
Use it for:
- city use,
- "pack dad" use (carry extra jackets for my children),
- day hikes,
- carry on bag
- ski bag (carry stuff on downhill ski trips)
Have thought about trying to do an UL overnight backpack
trip with it for kicks.
Have taken it back once to Patagonia for free repairs, and
another time for a free replacement of some plastic gizmo
that fell off.
Nit picking:
- The elastic shockcord doesn't work right for me - it seems
more cosmetic and doesn't really cover the rare use case of wanting
to, say, quickly strap on some sandals on the back and know they
don't fall off (they did..).
I've used the shockcord netting to hold my bike lock... But then, I've found that the Chacabuco was not my bike bag of choice after a couple trips. Replaced it with a hand-me-down CamelPack for exploration and panniers for daily commutes.
I've been using an older version of the Swiss Gear Pegasus backpack (the one with the side pockets that stick out [0]) daily for the past ~12 years. I don't know WTF they made this thing out of, but it refuses to fall apart. Interior volume is slightly too small for a weekend trip, but it's more than adequate for going to/from work.
I don't use my Swissgear backpack anymore [1], but I actually did wear mine out and sent them a friendly email and they sent me a brand new one, free of charge, and I got to keep the old one, too. Customer. for. life.
I currently use a GORUCK GR1 and it is bombproof. It is my work and play backpack. I drag it through literally mud and over rocks on weekend climbs/hikes/trail runs, wash and dry it in front of a fan in time for the work week. But I do wish it had more affordable organizational options.
1. Because I often have to climb through tight places for work, and the Swissgear was pretty bulky and didn't compress well.
I have this bag and absolutely hate it. All of the compartments other than the laptop sleeve are precisely sized to be as useless as possible. It's also ridiculously heavy for its tiny volume.
Just out of curiosity... how do you pack yours? I've tried repeatedly to get used to this bag, and I just can't find a way to use it that works for me. The main compartment is so tight that any sort of jacket or sweater gets wrinkled instantly. God help you if you ever want to throw in a sandwich that isn't in a steel box.
I used to have one and felt the same way. Other than a laptop and a t-shirt you aren't getting much in there yet it's still a medium-sized bag. The most frustrating thing is that the mouth of the bag is smaller than the compartment, it's like working on a ship in a bottle.
I put my laptop and all cords plus maybe my phone in the water proof pocket. The front zip pocket I reserve for bandaids, money, and maybe a notebook. I put small stuff in the front pockets such as earbuds or mice. Inside I pack a jacket, external hdd, soylent, platypus water bottle, and other large items.
Bought my first one in 2007 and the zipper only gave out last year. Bought the current version soon thereafter.
I ride the bus and I love the side pockets that give me easy access to my pass. I pack a laptop, two books on average and a lunch. There are all kinds of isolated compartments for things like legal documents, battery packs, and e-readers without opening the main two compartments. The laptop has its own compartment. There's little pocket on the very top for your phone.
I don't think this bag can compete with others when it comes to storage space, but it will take the best of them when it comes to user experience. The placement of some of these pockets/ compartments is very well thought out.
I had a similar model and the zipper broke as well due to putting shoes in the main compartment. It was just barely too small. I did like the bag, but definitely only good if you intend to carry a few things around.
I received a Everki Titan https://www.amazon.com/Everki-Checkpoint-Friendly-18-4-Inch-... from a friend of mine after he no longer needed a backback which could hold a 17"+ laptop. I use it as my mobile office for PC repair. Surface Pro 3, tools, cables, adapters, flash drives, and a Canon PIXMA iP100 for printing invoices.
- Loads of room for chargers and Macbook Pro dongles :-)
- Lots of zippy bits and stretchy cargo nets for sorting stuff
I find the messenger bag config is better for my back. I always used to wear a backpack with the strap on one shoulder, and it was definitely affecting my back & shoulders. This is much better and pretty comfortable, and I carry a ton of stuff in my bag.
I used this LL Bean quad pack [0], but in green. It had good back support and was sturdier than most.
Also, LL Bean has a lifetime return policy if you are ever unsatisfied [1].
I now carry this Patagonia Refugio 28L [2]. Smaller, less heavier, and more suited to my needs than the previous backpack.
For travel, I use carry-on packs that would allow for, say, a 2-week trip to Europe or SE Asia.
1. Osprey Farpoint 40. All-around favorite. It does everything well, although having slightly less volume. I don't mind because it overpacks well and helps keep total weight in check. Give me a 45L pack and I tend to overpack it and push carry-on limits. Great straps, good suspension, good hip belt (but not quite as good as Tortuga and certainly not better than the MEI).
2. Tortuga Pack v2 (v3 out now, but think v2 was much better). Until the Farpoint, this was my clear favorite for me. Very comfortable. Not flashy or good-looking, but really effective. v3 is considerably heavier and looks very nice (maybe too nice). I don't want my pack to look like I bought it from a Prada store. I prefer the rugged utility look of Osprey. Best at having quick-access pockets.
3. PacSafe VentureSafe 45L. If you're going somewhere where there is no safe in your room or you worry about pack slashers, this is the pack. Its basically like carrying an emergency safe that will protect valuables while you're out of your room. Not as supportive as Osprey or Tortuga, though (weaker straps, no suspension, and weak hip belt). Really good pack in every way but a little lacking in comfort and quick-access pockets.
4. Minaal v1. I hate saying anything bad about this company because I love upstart companies like Minaal and Tortuga. The pack is better IMO than the Patagonia Headway for comfort and support, but its not very stiff. You have to pack it carefully. Put a tablet in the back when overpacked, and you'll worry the tablet is bending. I don't use mine anymore. Totally ineffective hip belt BTW.
5. I've tried Patagonia's Headway carry-on and the Tom Bihn Aeronaut. While they are nice packs, they don't distribute weight very well and can become uncomfortable pretty quickly. No suspension. Weak straps and hip belts. I wouldn't want to walk long distances with them. Bought both and returned them.
6. Haven't tried the GoRuck, but I understand they're quite heavy (good materials, well-built). I don't see better storage options than the Osprey. People love them, however. Or at least, they seem to love the company. I place a premium on added weight, so I probably won't ever buy one.
7. I have an MEI Voyageur, and its without a doubt the most cushioned pack I've used, but its so close to exceeding carry-on limits, you risk overpacking it and having it checked. And if you underpack it, the pack tends to sag and support diminishes. I don't use it anymore.
8. Timbuk2 Aviator. This pack is so close to excellence. Unfortunately, way too small for me (35L or something), but its a good stiff pack, good straps, good pockets, and extremely well-built. All makes for a very comfortable pack. If this pack was, say, 42L, it would be a very close competitor to #1 and #2.
I have a timbuk2 classic messenger large. For work it holds a 15" laptop easily plus charger, lunch etc.
I also walk alot, and use it for errands. I often fit a weeks worth of groceries in there. Have brought it traveling etc. I've had it since 08 and still in good condition.
140 comments
[ 4.7 ms ] story [ 194 ms ] threadCons: it's expensive.
I have the Western Flyer travel bag (the lightweight Halcyon variant, not ballistic nylon) rather than a backpack: https://www.tombihn.com/collections/travel-bags/products/wes...
A present for myself when I scored my first big internship in college. It was amazingly handy when I was in school, and after school when I was traveling a lot for work. Now that I'm not traveling as much and only really take my laptop and a notepad on my daily commute, it's a bit oversized for my needs. But I still love it and use it every day (even with the empty space in it).
The ability to switch between backpack format and messenger bag format is my single most favorite feature. It seems like a gimmick, but there are certain situations or environments where one format is superior or more appropriate than the other, and being able to switch in 30 seconds is really useful in those cases.
I'm harsh on my daily drivers like bags and shoes, and am used to them wearing out quickly because of that. But this bag is still as good as new after 5+ years of being mishandled. Will definitely splurge for another Tom Bihn when I decide to get a more appropriate bag for my current work style/needs.
I wonder if they still create backpacks of the same quality with lifetime guarantee. Could be bad for business :)
My backpack looks quite a bit like this one: http://www.digitalrendezvous.net/2008/06/08/urban-roaming/
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-Laptops-Up-17-I...
- Large multi-compartment backpack with a padded sleeve for laptops
- Holds up to 15.6 inch laptop and some ultra-slim 17 inch laptop
- Mesh water bottle pockets at side
- Organizational compartments for pens, keys, and cell phone Internal Dimensions: 12" x 4.5" x 17.5" (LxWxH); External dimensions: 15" x 7" x 19" (LxWxH)
- Large multi-compartment backpack with a padded sleeve for laptops
- Mesh water bottle pockets at side
- Organizational compartments for pens, keys, and cell phone
http://www.511tactical.com/rush-12-backpack.html
http://www.goruck.com/gr1-rucksack-black-/p/GEAR-000574
Even though I never intend to go rucking (learned what it is just now) and I imagine all this americanism drives the price up, I will keep this on the radar for a time when I have more money :)
https://www.aersf.com/duffel-pack-00001
Special things I found 1. Lot of compartments 2. Shock absorbers at bottom part to protect laptop 3. Color highlighting and design
The build quality is above average, but for the price it is great.
http://www.portdesigns.com/Portal_Upload/Images/catalogue/pr...
http://www.511tactical.com/rush-12-backpack.html
I'm now bagless, and looking for a replacement.
The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is at the top of my list.
Slimmer, much more manageable. Course all I throw in there is a Dell XPS 13 and a book.
Use it for: - city use, - "pack dad" use (carry extra jackets for my children), - day hikes, - carry on bag - ski bag (carry stuff on downhill ski trips)
Have thought about trying to do an UL overnight backpack trip with it for kicks.
Have taken it back once to Patagonia for free repairs, and another time for a free replacement of some plastic gizmo that fell off.
Nit picking: - The elastic shockcord doesn't work right for me - it seems more cosmetic and doesn't really cover the rare use case of wanting to, say, quickly strap on some sandals on the back and know they don't fall off (they did..).
[0]: http://www.staples.com/SwissGear-Pegasus-Laptop-Backpack-Bla...
I currently use a GORUCK GR1 and it is bombproof. It is my work and play backpack. I drag it through literally mud and over rocks on weekend climbs/hikes/trail runs, wash and dry it in front of a fan in time for the work week. But I do wish it had more affordable organizational options.
1. Because I often have to climb through tight places for work, and the Swissgear was pretty bulky and didn't compress well.
Just out of curiosity... how do you pack yours? I've tried repeatedly to get used to this bag, and I just can't find a way to use it that works for me. The main compartment is so tight that any sort of jacket or sweater gets wrinkled instantly. God help you if you ever want to throw in a sandwich that isn't in a steel box.
Looks cool though.
These are pretty good bags. They seem to have become ubiquitous in Vancouver.
http://www.fjallravencanada.com/kanken-laptop-15-inch.html
Bought my first one in 2007 and the zipper only gave out last year. Bought the current version soon thereafter.
I ride the bus and I love the side pockets that give me easy access to my pass. I pack a laptop, two books on average and a lunch. There are all kinds of isolated compartments for things like legal documents, battery packs, and e-readers without opening the main two compartments. The laptop has its own compartment. There's little pocket on the very top for your phone.
I don't think this bag can compete with others when it comes to storage space, but it will take the best of them when it comes to user experience. The placement of some of these pockets/ compartments is very well thought out.
Not as rugged as some of the other models discussed here, but very stylish IMHO.
Everki stopped making it a few years ago and have replaced it with the Beacon https://www.amazon.com/Everki-Backpack-Console-18-Inch-EKP11... which I'm considering seeing as how my bag is finally starting to fall apart.
Or maybe I'll go big and get the GoRuck GR1 that was suggested in this thread :)
http://www.timbuk2.com/classic-messenger-bag/116-4-3827.html...
- Compartment for laptop
- Loads of room for chargers and Macbook Pro dongles :-)
- Lots of zippy bits and stretchy cargo nets for sorting stuff
I find the messenger bag config is better for my back. I always used to wear a backpack with the strap on one shoulder, and it was definitely affecting my back & shoulders. This is much better and pretty comfortable, and I carry a ton of stuff in my bag.
I now carry this Patagonia Refugio 28L [2]. Smaller, less heavier, and more suited to my needs than the previous backpack.
[0] http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/513705?nav=ftlink
[1] http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/91558?feat=816-CL1&page=quad-...
[2] https://imgur.com/a/SZTsc
For travel, I use carry-on packs that would allow for, say, a 2-week trip to Europe or SE Asia.
1. Osprey Farpoint 40. All-around favorite. It does everything well, although having slightly less volume. I don't mind because it overpacks well and helps keep total weight in check. Give me a 45L pack and I tend to overpack it and push carry-on limits. Great straps, good suspension, good hip belt (but not quite as good as Tortuga and certainly not better than the MEI).
2. Tortuga Pack v2 (v3 out now, but think v2 was much better). Until the Farpoint, this was my clear favorite for me. Very comfortable. Not flashy or good-looking, but really effective. v3 is considerably heavier and looks very nice (maybe too nice). I don't want my pack to look like I bought it from a Prada store. I prefer the rugged utility look of Osprey. Best at having quick-access pockets.
3. PacSafe VentureSafe 45L. If you're going somewhere where there is no safe in your room or you worry about pack slashers, this is the pack. Its basically like carrying an emergency safe that will protect valuables while you're out of your room. Not as supportive as Osprey or Tortuga, though (weaker straps, no suspension, and weak hip belt). Really good pack in every way but a little lacking in comfort and quick-access pockets.
4. Minaal v1. I hate saying anything bad about this company because I love upstart companies like Minaal and Tortuga. The pack is better IMO than the Patagonia Headway for comfort and support, but its not very stiff. You have to pack it carefully. Put a tablet in the back when overpacked, and you'll worry the tablet is bending. I don't use mine anymore. Totally ineffective hip belt BTW.
5. I've tried Patagonia's Headway carry-on and the Tom Bihn Aeronaut. While they are nice packs, they don't distribute weight very well and can become uncomfortable pretty quickly. No suspension. Weak straps and hip belts. I wouldn't want to walk long distances with them. Bought both and returned them.
6. Haven't tried the GoRuck, but I understand they're quite heavy (good materials, well-built). I don't see better storage options than the Osprey. People love them, however. Or at least, they seem to love the company. I place a premium on added weight, so I probably won't ever buy one.
7. I have an MEI Voyageur, and its without a doubt the most cushioned pack I've used, but its so close to exceeding carry-on limits, you risk overpacking it and having it checked. And if you underpack it, the pack tends to sag and support diminishes. I don't use it anymore.
8. Timbuk2 Aviator. This pack is so close to excellence. Unfortunately, way too small for me (35L or something), but its a good stiff pack, good straps, good pockets, and extremely well-built. All makes for a very comfortable pack. If this pack was, say, 42L, it would be a very close competitor to #1 and #2.
I also walk alot, and use it for errands. I often fit a weeks worth of groceries in there. Have brought it traveling etc. I've had it since 08 and still in good condition.
I bought the current model but I'm not very happy with it, so I'm still using the old one.
https://www.riut.co.uk/