Who makes the best backpacks (daypack, not hiking?)

[beer]

I have an REI now and it's just showing it's age. I've been carrying a full load (2000 pages of books + laptop + binder + spirals + accessories) for over 18 months (walking 2 miles a day), took it everywhere from the beach to ATVing through the jungles of Cozumel and I think it's just worn out.

I need an extremely, extremely durable backpack. I cannot use a messenger bag since I carry far too much with me to comfortably carry in such a bag.

Your opinions please!

 

I've had two backpacks that have stood the test of time: Timberland and The North Face. I'm currently using my TNF Recon backpack and it's on its fourth year. The nylon is great, the zippers never get stuck, and the mesh pockets are great for carrying stuff. My Timberland pack was good also, but it wasn't as nice-looking.

Get a TNF pack.

 

[bleeb]

I'm using my OLD OLD North Face bag for more then 5 years. Just coated it with DWR and it works great. Took it through 4.5 years of school (Seattle RAIN), snowboarding, hiking, and many trips.

 

Oh, and when you order it, go through eBags.com - they've always got MAD coupon deals.

 

[GoSharks]

depending on the if the wear is normal or due to a defect you could take the rei bag back to rei for an exchange... NOTE i am not advocating cheating the company into a new bag.

 

[vi edit]

Irrelevant but amusing fact - I have a plain basic black canvas backpack from when I was 10 (I am 26 now) that I still use on a daily basis to carry around stuff for work.

It hasn't ever been repaired or patched up in any way. Hows that for durability?

 

[iBold]

sell your old backpack along with it's story of adventures on eBay! hah

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[bigrash]

I'm using my North Face bag that I've been using for the last 5 yrs. I use it to carry books for college now and also used it for ski and hiking trips.

The bag is still in excellent condition, but I need to get a new one cause I'm getting bored of it after all that heavy use. You bet I'm buying North Face again

 

[Ns1]

lol i've been using my jansport backpack for 5 years

+ a lifetime warranty, that works quit well

 

[parsley007]

another vote for jansport...that lifetime warranty is what makes it worth it for me

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: beer
I have an REI now and it's just showing it's age. I've been carrying a full load (2000 pages of books + laptop + binder + spirals + accessories) for over 18 months (walking 2 miles a day), took it everywhere from the beach to ATVing through the jungles of Cozumel and I think it's just worn out.

I need an extremely, extremely durable backpack. I cannot use a messenger bag since I carry far too much with me to comfortably carry in such a bag.

Your opinions please!

Geez that's a lot of crap to carry around. Is it all really necessary?

 

[HiTek21]

almost all my backpacks have been jansport. Any other brands have fallen apart or the zipper broke.

 

[ThePresence]

My external frame pack is made by Jansport, but that's not what you're looking for...

 

[Warthog912]

Columbia - By far

I've used em all (brands), goin through about 2 a year. Columbia packs seem to be the best and most durable for me. I have 2 of em that I switch out every now and then. Great packs, little expensive though IMO

later

 

[TechnoKid]

jansport here. I have one that is over 6 years old and still going. But I bought a new one recently from costco.

 

[BillGates]

I just got a Kelty pack from REI for $75 and so far it has been great. It had a hydration bladder inside but I took it out right away. I don't know that I'll ever use it other than for liquor on the boat maybe, but the build quality and looks are great. Very comfortable to wear too.

I purchased that one strictly out of looks. I needed a new backpack after having a Jansport pack for probably 12 years. It was still fine but it was time for a new one...

Link

 

[SilentRavens]

Jansport

 

[SilentRavens]

dp

 

[FuZoR]

wow you have alot of stuff...
i usually have maybe one class textbook, 12" Powerbook, and notebook... fits fine in a small jansport that i been using since JHS.

I really hate carrying around those bulky bookbags but if you have alot of things.. check the bigger jansports or north face.

 

[Ketteringo]

Jansport with the gel shoulder straps. Lifetime warranty. Its worth the $100+ up front to get a backpack that will last the rest of your life!

 

[Supermercado]

I've had good luck with my Eastpak.

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: beer
I have an REI now and it's just showing it's age. I've been carrying a full load (2000 pages of books + laptop + binder + spirals + accessories) for over 18 months (walking 2 miles a day), took it everywhere from the beach to ATVing through the jungles of Cozumel and I think it's just worn out.

I need an extremely, extremely durable backpack. I cannot use a messenger bag since I carry far too much with me to comfortably carry in such a bag.

Your opinions please!

Geez that's a lot of crap to carry around. Is it all really necessary?

Considering I commute to class, yea, it's necessary. I have about 13 books for 5 classes now, my english anthology is two volumes of 900 pages each, I have a 600 page government book, and most of my engineering books are about ~500 pages or so, although the paper is much thicker.

I need my laptop obviously

 

[Zorba]

Jansport - I've had the one I have now since 9th grade (I am not a Senior in College ). I'm a engineering student, so I always have a ton of crap with me (usually at least 3 books and I usually keep all 5 or 6 of my notebooks with me, plus some binders, etc.) I have yet that have a problem with my pack, not bad for a 30 buck bag.

 

[Schadenfreude]

Originally posted by: Zorba
Jansport - I've had the one I have now since 9th grade (I am not a Senior in College ). I'm a engineering student, so I always have a ton of crap with me (usually at least 3 books and I usually keep all 5 or 6 of my notebooks with me, plus some binders, etc.) I have yet that have a problem with my pack, not bad for a 30 buck bag.

I've had my Jansport bags rip on me - oddly enough, the bags I got form Old Navy abd Eddie Bauer held up pretty well . . ..

 

[cressida]

not in any particular order
REI, Northface, Columbia, Eddie Bauer
I would choose Northface or Columbia for your condition