Time for a new backpack!

walwalka

2[H]4U
Joined
Sep 10, 2006
Messages
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Well, my faithful Ogio backpack decided to rip today, which puts me in need of a new one. I'm look for any recommendations you guys have. It will need to hold my 15.6" laptop, charging cable, up to 3 textbooks and my notebook. I don't really have a budget but lets cap it off at $200.

note: not sure where to put this, Sorry if it is in the wrong section.
 
try oakley, i have the oakley contact and the oakley kitchen sink, both very sturdy.
with plenty of pockets.
 
Let's narrow it down a bit more.

Do you need a waist belt? I don't know what your books are like, but that's potentially quite heavy.
 
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I still love my Ogio Metro, if it was a bit bigger (Mastermind, almost...if it just had that big pocket that holds a 1L bottle, it'd be perfect), it'd be perfect. I've had some fraying, and the handle's plastic reinforcement snapped when it was being stored on a coat hook with about 40 lbs of books in it for weeks at a time, but it's still going strong after almost 7 years.

But, the Ogio Epic has been very good for me as well.
 
I use a Maxpedition bag. Pricy, but it's got a ton of fantastic features, and it's built to a ridiculously durable standard. Also, adjustable enough that no matter what the load, I can make it fit more like a glove.
 
I am a huge fan of TimBuk2 Messenger bags. If you are dead-set on the backpack idea I would check out some nice technical daypack style bags. I have an Osprey Talon 22 that I love. It does not have a dedicated laptop sleeve but you can use a neoprene sleeve to protect your lapper. Typically backpacking / hiking backpacks offer amazing quality, light weight design, comfortable straps and new pockets for your gadgets.
 
I use a plain Jansport (http://www.amazon.com/Jansport-STUDENT-BACKPACK-STYLE-TDN7-4ut/dp/B005H7CZTU/ref=pd_sbs_sg_14), and a laptop sleeve if I'm carrying a computer. I've been using mine for well over a decade and it has not so much as broken a single stitch.

I have a Timbuk2 that I got from a friend, but it wears much faster, holds less stuff, and is less comfortable to wear. The Jansport is tried and true; it looks like the day I bought it, it's more capacious than any backpack I've owned, and it has a ton of pockets for every little knickknack I carry (headphones, pens, napkins, flash drive, and tools are always - 24/7 - in the bag, each in a designated place, and easy to get to).

Expensive messenger bags are a passing metrosexual fad. At some point the world will realize that the bags we carried in sixth grade are as good as it gets.
 
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Not into messenger bags, they are much to metro and will not hold all of my stuff. I own the Ogio EPIC, it has been great backpack. I think I'm going to find somewhere that sells them and buy another. A waist strap is not needed, I usually have ebooks on my laptop. Sometimes I do have to cary extra books. I really don't want to have to use a separate sleeve to hold my laptop. That just seems like a bunch of extra fumbling around. I like the looks of the maxepdition bags, but they don't have a dedicated laptop pouch from what I can find. I bought some extra time to find a bag and stitched the old one up till I find something that I truly like.
 
I like the looks of the maxepdition bags, but they don't have a dedicated laptop pouch from what I can find.

That is an issue I've run into, because Maxpedition is more focused on firearms and anything outdoorsy than dealing with sensitive electronics. It'd definitely be appreciated if they just released a handful of differently sized tablet/laptop pouches to add on, but again, not their focus. Still, the one I have has a pocket which just happens to fit my laptop well, and a pocket which fits my tablet in its sleeve well, so I've coped.
 
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I purchased one of the Targus backpacks almost 2 years ago and it is still in great shape. There is enough room for waaaaaay more than what your wanting to carry so it would give you plenty for carrying more later.

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Backpa...MM10/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328468833&sr=8-1

And now it is only $55.48! I paid around $80 when I purchased it.

We sell that backpack at my work, I think I pay like 40 for it. But I don't really like the feel of it.

zchen, my may order the covert 18 backpack. It looks like just about everything I need and it's not girly..
 
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