Posted: 8/26/2014 4:27:12 AM EDT
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So I'm in college again and the backpack I've had for close to a decade is getting kind of worn out and not sufficient. Looking for a new one, hoping y'all might have some suggestions.
What I absolutely need: -It must be decently sized and compartmented. I'm in an engineering program, I have to carry a laptop and charger, a few notebooks, a few textbooks, pens/pencils/erasers, calculator, etc. I like having things in neat little separate compartments: laptop in one, books in another, writing tools in another... but at the same time, it needs to be able fit in a classroom without everybody else tripping over it, so no external-frame camping packs. -Related to that, it has to be comfortable for holding the 30 lbs of books and shit. -It must have a water bottle pocket that can hold a 1qt nalgene well. Gotta hydrate bro, and I can't have it falling out and breaking. What I would really like: -Civilian styling. I'm not military and never have been, so regardless of suitability for zombie attack I'd prefer not to have a coyote tan one covered in PALS webbing and velcro for patches. Don't want people thinking I'm a poser. -A detachable part that can hold a few clothes and toiletries. I'd like to be able to leave the main part somewhere convenient still be able to go get swole at the gym while not being smelly later, and I don't want a second bag because I need my hands free for texting, tacos, etc. I have a guitar bag that'll do this so hopefully somebody has had this idea for standard packs. What I don't care about: -Hydration bladder. -Music pocket. -Carabiners, sleeping bag straps, rain fly, and other camping stuff. This is for school, I have a camping pack for camping. -Gun storage. -Ballistic plate pocket. As far as budget, let's say the cheaper the better. I'd really like it to be under $100 but I know you gotta pay for quality. |
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LL Bean? Lifetime warrentee. If you tear it up send back for a new one. Plus you can get your initials monogramed on it and no one will want to steal it.
LL Bean Backpacks 
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I use an OLD LL bean
also - never used it but there are some "non-tactical.....tactical" backpacks (built as a day pack but minus all the molle webbing) - link |
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North Face seems be doing well in this commuter/traveller backpack area. There's even a category of TSA approved stuff now for laptops. I have a a good amount of better outdoor gear and sometimes it just doesn't translate well to an urban or campus environment. This is what North Face seems to be targeting with their features. A friend of mine picked up a Recon and I seem to recall it had numerous pockets and organizing areas while being well built and comfortable. She uses it for cycle commuting with a laptop and has been happy. My only reservation would be how long the construction could consistently handle the weight of several sharp cornered textbooks. eta. it's not a reservation because i looked at it and think it's shitty. it's because when i saw the bag, i didn't look or consider it with that type of a load in mind. |
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Quoted: LL Bean? Lifetime warrentee. If you tear it up send back for a new one. Plus you can get your initials monogramed on it and no one will want to steal it. LL Bean Backpacks http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/287359_0_45?rgn=0,0,1950,2250&scl=4.55607476635514&id=uyqc-3 Edit. My bad, wife says he has had it since at least the 5th grade. Damn years are flying by  |
5.11 Covrt18 - Meets all your requirements; main compartment would house both books and laptop, but laptop has a padded sleeve built-in.
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Choice 1: GoRuck GR-1
Choice 2: HPG Tarahumara GR-1 is way outside your price range, but will literally never die. It's worth saving for. They make a slick version that looks a bit less intimidating. The Tara is one of the better day pack types that I have ever used. It's my go to on the bike and anything else that does not require more than 1 night out. Both are from exceptional companies whose gear is sourced and made in the USA. I abuse gear like mad and keep it around for years and years. Still have some made in the USA North Face and REI back before they really started to degrade in quality for the short term gain. The above two choices are as good as the NF & REI early stuff. |
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Quoted:
5.11 Covrt18 - Meets all your requirements; main compartment would house both books and laptop, but laptop has a padded sleeve built-in. http://i.imgur.com/oi2VHHk.png I love mine, but for what the OP wants, I wouldn't spend that much for a backpack, maybe $50 at most. 
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$29.99 Good to go... http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html |
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Quoted:
LL Bean? Lifetime warrentee. If you tear it up send back for a new one. Plus you can get your initials monogramed on it and no one will want to steal it. LL Bean Backpacks http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/287359_0_45?rgn=0,0,1950,2250&scl=4.55607476635514&id=uyqc-3 So far the LLB Turbo Transit is winning but I'm still looking for suggestions to see if there's one with a removable bag. |
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This is always the answer: http://oddinteresting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TMNT-backpack.jpeg  Campus will be locked down once people see those four glocks clipped to it. |
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OGIO Mastermind is the finest backpack I have ever carried. I am 42 years old and have carried a few. My OGIO has been all over the world and I have carried it for 5 years. I am getting ready to replace it with another one just like it. It's like 80 bucks. You can't go wrong. Trust me.
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I went through this decision process a few months ago, and bought an Eberlestock X4. About $150 from OpticsPlanet's Ebay store. Two separate compartments with easy access. There's a slot for holding my 14in laptop.
Plenty of room to carry water bottles. Small bags (same brand/color) are available on Ebay for ~$20.  |
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If I'm looking to spend $100 or less, and don't want armor, why would I get $400 of armored backpack? Quoted:
I used a North Face "recon" pack through grad school. It meets all of your criteria except for the removble section. It looks very nice. How much does that mesh panel on the back expand to? Could I cram light shorts, shirt, and a small towel in there? |
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Quoted:
If I'm looking to spend $100 or less, and don't want armor, why would I get $400 of armored backpack? It looks very nice. How much does that mesh panel on the back expand to? Could I cram light shorts, shirt, and a small towel in there? Quoted:
If I'm looking to spend $100 or less, and don't want armor, why would I get $400 of armored backpack? Quoted:
I used a North Face "recon" pack through grad school. It meets all of your criteria except for the removble section. It looks very nice. How much does that mesh panel on the back expand to? Could I cram light shorts, shirt, and a small towel in there? Can't recall - I'll dig it out later and get you a report. Heck, I might even decide I don't need it anymore. |
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This is what I use for school. I love the thing.
It's a Pelican S105. 
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Quoted:
If I'm looking to spend $100 or less, and don't want armor, why would I get $400 of armored backpack? Quoted:
If I'm looking to spend $100 or less, and don't want armor, why would I get $400 of armored backpack? Because I didn't read your fucking wall of text, I read the title. Next time put relevant shit in your title, thanks. Or actually, click. Have a great day, I insist. 
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Quoted:
Because I didn't read your fucking wall of text, I read the title. Next time put relevant shit in your title, thanks. Or actually, click. Have a great day, I insist. Quoted:
Quoted:
If I'm looking to spend $100 or less, and don't want armor, why would I get $400 of armored backpack? Because I didn't read your fucking wall of text, I read the title. Next time put relevant shit in your title, thanks. Or actually, click. Have a great day, I insist. Sounds like somebody's having a case of the mondays. |
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I use a Travel Pro Crew 9 Business Backpack for travel upto half the year some years. Has survived a lot of handling and abuse at airports and hotels. I would buy one again in a hearbeat. Has tons of organizer pockets inside.
http://www.amazon.com/Travelpro-Luggage-Business-Backpack-Black/dp/B0089AXX0C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409098668&sr=8-1&keywords=travelpro+business+backpack 
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Quoted:
If I'm looking to spend $100 or less, and don't want armor, why would I get $400 of armored backpack? It looks very nice. How much does that mesh panel on the back expand to? Could I cram light shorts, shirt, and a small towel in there? Quoted:
If I'm looking to spend $100 or less, and don't want armor, why would I get $400 of armored backpack? Quoted:
I used a North Face "recon" pack through grad school. It meets all of your criteria except for the removble section. It looks very nice. How much does that mesh panel on the back expand to? Could I cram light shorts, shirt, and a small towel in there? You can definitely get shorts and a shirt in there - while it leaves you plenty of room, the towel would have to be small. It would be quite easy, though, to strap the towel across the bag, using the two side cinch straps to hold it down. I used to often carry a coat that way. |