Able Carry, TropicFeel, Maxpedition, Mystery Ranch, Eberlestock, Patagonia, North Face, Gregory, Aer, Goruck, Evergoods, Bellroy, Boundary Supply, Alpaka, Mous, Black Ember, Minaal, Triple Aught Designs, Osprey, Decathlon, Eastpack, Jansport, Fyro, Nomatic… so many backpack brands I bought, tried and/or researched during all my life, and finally I feel comfortable in making my top 5 EDC and work backpacks. So according to my daily needs and preferences, this is my Top5 and 5 honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions: Matador Beast 18L, Fjallraven Raven 20L, Pakt Mode 22L, Gregory Nano 20L and Osprey Talon 11 VSN

5- Gossamer Loris 25L
4- Savotta Kahakka 25L
3- Cote et Ciel Green Ladon 13,5L
2- Nomadix DayTripper 25L
1- Direct Action Halifax Small 18L

Hi all,

For years I used to use a backpack for everyday carry. I had a few basic requirements, found something that worked, and got on with life. I honestly don’t remember thinking very much about my bag at all.

Then I saw a Crumpler messenger bag that I really liked, which led me towards smaller crossbody bags. Eventually, I discovered slings through YouTube, and that’s where I’ve ended up.

The thing is, I’m now spending a ridiculous amount of time thinking about bags. Capacity, organisation, pocket layouts, what fits where, whether I’ve chosen the right one, whether I should keep or return something, and whether another bag might be better.

I’ve tried different bags and keep questioning my decisions. I can find reasons to like one bag, then watch a review or discover another option and start reconsidering everything.

It’s got to the point where I’m wondering whether I should just go back to a backpack. Not necessarily because it’s a better bag, but because I never had this level of anxiety and indecision when I used one.

I suspect YouTube and the constant exposure to new gear have played a part. What started as a practical choice has somehow become a search for the perfect bag, and I’m not sure that perfect bag even exists.

What I’d really like is a set-and-forget everyday backpack. Something comfortable, practical and well made, with enough organisation to keep my essentials in order, room for a water bottle and umbrella, and without a load of unnecessary compartments or gimmicks.

I’m not looking for a huge travel pack or a technical hiking bag. Just something I can use for everyday errands, going out and general day-to-day carry.

I’d be interested in hearing from people who have found a backpack they’ve stuck with for years, rather than those who enjoy constantly rotating through different bags. What made you settle on it?

And if you’ve gone back to a backpack after getting into slings and smaller crossbody bags, did you find yourself enjoying the simplicity again?

I’d genuinely appreciate a few tried-and-tested recommendations. I’m hoping to find something that works, stop researching, and get on with life.

How does this bag measure up to other bags of similar design? Like is the Nyco material any good for edc? Or to weak?

My son used a LLBean pack as his personal item but now that he is a tall teen, he is looking for something that is not as kiddish but he can still toss under the seat for school trips with a sweatshirt, an ipad etc. I have an Osprey but the back panel is too stiff for this use. Looking for something with one large compartment and maybe a laptop sleeve.

Apart from a Jansport what other brands should I look at? I generally shop for features not for a carry all pit.

Hey all, I'm looking for a multifunctional backpack. The backpack itself cannot be too big, since I plan on travelling with it (I have to be able to bring it on a plane with me as carry-on luggage).

I intend to use it for airsoft (light and small load, gas cans, spare gear, water bladder etc.) multi-day hiking (bigger load, but no tents etc). Basically an all-rounder and needless to say, must have very good support on the body. I already have some back issues so I'm happy to pay more for a very, very good backpack.

I would prefer it it to have molle over the entire backpack, to make sure I can kit it out for every scenario. Does not have to be in a camo pattern, but no bright colours if possible.

Any and all recommendations are welcome! :)

Thanks!

I'm an IoT engineer who does loads of work in the field. But there's weeks when I'm working only in the office. Sometimes I need to go to field suddenly, so I'd like a big backpack for carrying bulky (sometimes heavy) tech stuff, but not a trip backpack. A backpack for carrying mainly tech stuff, e.g. a laptop, many chargers, power bank, notebook, papers, two phones, other electronic devices and sometimes some tools and components, water bottle etc. Any recommendations? I'm willing to spend $150 USD aprox.

(When I work in the field I also carry a toolbox, just if you were wondering).

I have been looking into getting a new bag. My old bag is some 20$ no brand bag that is nearing the end of its life. I need a bag that can do it all, that could be a daily carry, be used for a weekend trip on its own, be used as a day bag when traveling, etc. I have been looking at the rework toshi v2 since it is very popular and checks all the boxes for me, however I can not decide between the 20 or 25 liter version. I fear that the 25 liter might be too big for an everyday bag or daypack, I’m 175cm at 80kg. If anyone has any advice/thoughts or has another bag that I should consider please let me know and thank you in advance.

I´m looking to spend around 80€ on a backpack I can use for everyday activities (school, work etc.), the Gym (I carry rather much there) and weekend trips. I don´t need an extra compartment for shoes and it should be water-repelling

I'm planning a 2-week trip to Japan, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and I'm still trying to decide what bag to bring.

I was originally going to use a regular backpack, but I'm not sure I want to carry everything on my back while moving between cities. I've been looking at rolling backpacks as an alternative. Being able to roll it through stations and airports, then carry it up stairs, sounds useful. My only concern is the extra weight from the wheels and handle.

I've looked at options from bagsmart, osprey and cotopaxi, but I'm not set on any particular one yet.

For those who've traveled with a rolling backpack, how did it work out? Was it actually useful to have both wheels and backpack straps, or would you just stick with a regular travel backpack for a trip like this?

Every packable I've owned does this past about 50-60% capacity, the bottom sags, the load shifts, and it ends up feeling like a grocery bag with straps. Is this just how packables are, or is there a build out there that actually holds shape loaded?

Hi

Like many of you, I fell into this bag hobby by accident. The straps on my old backpack tore on the way to my rowing club, I bought a CamelBak to replace it, and its quality got me curious. YouTube reviews did the rest, and a few years (and quite a few bags) later, here I am. Aer, Evergoods, Goruck, Peak Design, Waterfield, Bellroy, Able Carry, Pioneer Carry, Mission Workshop, Ula, Rework, Trakke, Wandrd, Tortuga, Fyro, Modern Dayfarer, Troubadour, Osprey, Arc'teryx, Pakt, Filson, Porter Yoshida, Nutsac, Sympl, Boundary Supply, Yeti, Mystery Ranch, Matador and many others are part of our imagination... you know how it goes.

Recently the algorithm did its thing and showed me \*\*B.Craftsman\*\*, a small Brazilian brand making full-grain leather backpacks. As a collector, beauty is usually my first criterion, even though I love technical materials like X-Pac, Ultra, Dyneema and waxed canvas. These caught my eye immediately, with that rustic-but-refined look only good leather has.

I bought the \*\*Ragnar in blue\*\*, and it just arrived (first photo). In person it's beautiful: the blue has a nice pull-up effect, the antique brass hardware suits it perfectly, and the stitching is clean. It's a busy design with lots of straps, but it fits the old military rucksack style. For me it checks about 95% of the boxes 😄

I've already ordered a second one, the \*\*Arya in caramel\*\* (the second photo) and I'm planning a custom one in olive green. They offer custom leather colors for an extra fee.

During the process I talked with the owner, Nico Batista, who was incredibly enthusiastic and patient helping me pick the right leather color.

Not sponsored, not affiliated. I just think it's great to find a brand in my own country making bags at this level, and I thought some of you might enjoy discovering it too. You can find them on their website or through the Shop app, which is how I ordered mine.

Big hug!

Link

[B.Craftsman](https://www.bcraftsman.com.br/collections/mochilas)

I've been using the original XD Design Bobby since around the time it first came out in 2016. Mine is the red-and-black version, and I bought it back when the brand wasn't nearly as well-known as it is today.

After all these years, I'm finally considering retiring it, as it's starting to show its age. I'm currently looking at the Bobby Hero and Bobby Hero XL, but I'm unsure which would be the better successor.

I'd particularly like to hear from people who owned the original Bobby and subsequently upgraded to a newer XD Design model. How do they compare in terms of build quality, materials, comfort, and everyday usability? More importantly, has the durability held up over time? The original has lasted me for years, so I'd like to know whether I can reasonably expect the same from the newer models.

I'm also open to recommendations for backpacks from other brands with a similar aesthetic and functionality.

I'd mainly use it for my everyday commute to work, carrying a 15-inch laptop, a paper tablet, and a few other work essentials. I'd also like something practical for occasional travel. My original Bobby has worked well as a personal item alongside a suitcase, although its storage capacity isn't ideal when I need to carry more than just my electronics and a few essentials (I have another cabin-size optimized bag for travelling on low-cost air carriers).

For those who have used the newer Bobbys or switched to another brand, what would you recommend? Is XD Design still worth buying, or are there better alternatives in terms of durability, organisation, and storage capacity?

It's a little strange replacing a backpack that's been with me for so long! :)

My whole packing system is built around never paying for luggage by staying inside personal item size. Every airline technically allows it, but I keep hearing about Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair and Wizz Air rejecting bags that supposedly fit. Has anyone actually tested this across a bunch of flights?

I’ve tried to determine the make and model of both packs, but not quite nailing it. Anyone here know?

Edit: Thanks everyone! Appreciate the help!

I'm experimenting with a removable internal insert to help backpacks stand upright without modifying the bag. For people whose bags tip over, would you actually consider buying something like this, and what would you expect to pay? ( Please be as honest as possible, need some reference points) Thanks!

Does it look like a wing?

My friend's birthday is coming up, and I wanted to get him a new backpack because the one he uses is a 5-year-old, ugly backpack that he bought at a random shop for probably like 20 bucks. It's ripping apart at the seams because he carries it everywhere and for everything: as a carry-on bag, to work, to school, everything. It's probably seen much more places than I have and is at the brink of death any minute. I wanted to get him a new one, that looks more decent for when he goes into the office, ideally meets the size requirements of a "personal item" on board (or a bit bigger) and is well-structured with compartments for laptop, clothes, etc. My budget is 100 euros, but a bit more could be okay! We are in europe, so hopefully it's a brand that can be found here

Sorry if this is a big ask! I am not a backpack person at all and i got so lost with all the ranking articles:( appreciate all help