What's a good brand of backpack?

[N8Magic]

I am going hiking/camping this week, and I was wondering what a good brand of backpack to buy is. I would like to spend a reasonable amount (definitely < $100.00), and I don't need a hardcore huge backpack.

Any suggestions? (My Columbia pack was a POS, it had a serious blowout on my last camping trip.)

 

[teckmaster]

Jansport always worked for me. I still have a Jansport from Jr. High School which was about 7 years ago now

 

[LiQiCE]

I second Jansport ... I've had the same Jansport backpack since Junior year in High school which was 7 years ago and its still going strong... They claim to have a lifetime warranty on the bag too, so if it ever rips they will replace the bag ... Even though Jansports are generally more expensive than cheap bookbags they will last a lot longer. I used to buy no-name brand book bags for ~$10 a piece every year, and I'd end up with holes in the bottom of the bag by the end of the year. Still hasn't happened to me with my Jansport in 7 years..

 

[Cosmo]

karrimor all the way. Had one of those babies (70 litres) with me during one month in Patagonia and it was great. Extremely reliable and flexible with a good and simple (ie doesn't break) system for adjustment of straps and back.

 

[kikokam]

jansport is alright.... i like eddie bauer better.... have it for 4 years now and planning on going in to exchange for a new one when i graduate

 

[rob3rt]

Jansport is the best deal. I've been using the same bagpack for over 7 years. They have lifetime warranty on them, and I've had them repair it once so far...

 

[Technics1200]

Jansport - this is the only brand of bags I ever purchase.

 

[axelfox]

Arteryx hahha

 

[LakerGod]

Jansport all the way...it has a lifetime warranty thingie which means that if anything goes bad, you can send it to them and they'll fix it. I've had to do that a twice in the past 6 years for the zipper, and they sent it back pretty quickly fixed and looking fresh...haha.

 

[badluck]

I'd say The North Face, but that might cost you more than $100

 

[MomAndSkoorbaby]

L.L. Bean. I have had mine for over 10 years and looks like the day I bought it! It also has a lifetime warranty.

 

[N8Magic]

Thanks for all the posts everyone!

Keep 'em coming!

 

[McPhreak]

The best backpack I ever had I bought from REI (I don't know if they have it where you are). But they sell a brand called Eagle Creek. I've had that backpack for quite a few years until I decided that it was just too dirty to wear any more. I know there are a few other companies out there that carry this brand, unfortunately, I don't know who they are. North Face makes good backpacks as well, but as someone pointed out, they are fairly expensive. BUT, if you have a Costco next to you they sometimes actually carry North Face backpacks for CHEAP! I went from Eagle Creek to North Face to Jansport and finally to my Banana Republic messenger bag and I must say that the Eagle Creek backpack is the most sturdy and practical out of all of them.