Good Backpacks

soggywalrus wrote:

I am looking for a new backpack because my old one has worn out. I want something that is kind of small/I don't want something big, requirements being I need it to be able to fit 2 pairs of shoes and a pair of spikes/flats (or just one pair and some spikes), and still have room for clothes on an overnight trip/extra clothes for after a race, and some room for food and a water bottle. I might be asking too much but I want to make sure I get a good backpack that will last me a while.

Look for something around the 40L range, preferable a top-loading backpack with the option to open it from the side. It'll be more versatile. Your best bet is to head to a store like REI and try out a few.

40L is pretty huge for his contemplated use.

What style do you want?

Honestly, it's hard to beat Jansport or LL Bean for value. Both have lifetime warranties where they'll take back stuff that's basically just worn out. (I would never ask for a new backpack just because I put ten good years into one and it finally gave out, but it's nice to know they stand behind their products.) I used a Jansport Superbreak through high school and college. It cost about $30. I probably still have it somewhere. I like that it's unstructured. It holds a surprising amount when it's stuffed full, but I also used it traveling with nothing but a book, a camera, a water bottle, and a windbreaker, and it didn't look like it was comically under-filled.

Osprey makes great hiking bags that are very light and distribute weight well, but they look a little techy and they won't last as long as a school-style backpack.

If you want something higher end, but not luxury, you can't go wrong with Tom Bihn. Check out the Synapse, which comes in a couple sizes.

If you want something that says, "I'm an athlete," most running brands have some kind of backpack, Nike and New Balance in particular.

Topo Designs also makes decent stuff, but a little too mountain-hipster for my taste.

If you want a design that's really optimized for travel, check out clamshell packs. Patagonia, Timbuk2, and Cotopaxi all make them.

North Face is the way to go as far as backpacks go.

soggywalrus wrote:

I am looking for a new backpack because my old one has worn out. I want something that is kind of small/I don't want something big, requirements being I need it to be able to fit 2 pairs of shoes and a pair of spikes/flats (or just one pair and some spikes), and still have room for clothes on an overnight trip/extra clothes for after a race, and some room for food and a water bottle. I might be asking too much but I want to make sure I get a good backpack that will last me a while.

Buy a GoRuck once and be set for life.

Stay away from backpacking packs (Don't go to REI) unless you actually plan to backpack. The padded waiste belt will be a pain. Don't get me wrong, REI is perfect if you are looking for backpacking packs. But I don't think that's what you want.

I have a LLBean Continental Rucksack that is 30 years old and is still great for what you are talking about. I also have a JanSport Big Student Backpack which is renarkably big and would probably work for your needs. Both would be perfect for what you describe.

REI makes some good backpacks for around town. I used their "undergraduate" model for a several years for bike commuting. it had a place for a laptop, 2 places for clothes, pen pockets and outside pockets.

they aren't overkill and are good deals when they come on clearance.

Coffee Grind wrote:

Stay away from backpacking packs (Don't go to REI) unless you actually plan to backpack. The padded waiste belt will be a pain. Don't get me wrong, REI is perfect if you are looking for backpacking packs. But I don't think that's what you want.

I have a LLBean Continental Rucksack that is 30 years old and is still great for what you are talking about. I also have a JanSport Big Student Backpack which is renarkably big and would probably work for your needs. Both would be perfect for what you describe.

REI has all sorts of backpacks, not just for backpacking, and a you actually try them on in-store. I bough a 39L Jansport that is still going strong after 8 years. Hip belts can also be pretty thin and unobtrusive, and add comfort if you ever carry more weight. OP doesn't have to buy a top-loading backpack, but I prefer for their simplicity and leaving no space to waste.

Kelty for me! Some of the best backpacks ever made and have been around for a very long time. (+40 years) I used them when guiding on Mt. Rainier in Washington Sate and also on trips in Nepal. Can't go wrong with a Kelty.

Perhaps you're looking for something a little bit smaller than that?