*New* backpack thread

[kbutton]

I’m looking at Prime Day stuff and wondered if anyone had any tried and true or avoid at all costs backpack brands (or even specific backpacks, if that’s easier). I like to look in person to be sure zippers are solid and such, but my high school student is headed to vocational school and could use a new backpack. Small to mid-size is best as he has orthopedic reasons to not overload one.

We are also open to the day hiker backpacks that look like regular backpacks but are more supportive. That style is actually on our short list.

Recommendations/cautions are not limited to Prime Day stuff; it’s just what I happened to be looking at.

 

[Carol in Cal.]

I’ve always been happy with Osprey brand.  Sturdy, functional, adjustable.

[Arcadia]

43 minutes ago, kbutton said:

Small to mid-size is best as he has orthopedic reasons to not overload one.

Laptop requirements if any? My teens need to bring their laptops to class so they have to use typical size laptop backpacks meant for 15.4” laptops. When my DS19 used his 13” laptop as his class laptop, he could use smaller backpacks.

I have an Osprey backpack and I take public bus and trains. I add an additional sternum strap to mine to make it more comfortable for me. Mine can take a 17” laptop and is TSA friendly. 
Do you have a REI nearby? For us REI has lots more choices of backpacks than Dicks Sporting Goods. We also have a North Face outlet nearby and their bags go for 50 to 60% off MSRP. So I could try almost all their backpack models there for fit and comfort. 
The backpacks for hiking/backpacking or those with a dedicated laptop compartment tend to have the most support for weight bearing. 

[Denise in IN]

My ds who lives and works in the city (walks/public transportation everywhere, uses his backpack for work, leisure, and travel) loves his Timbuk2 Authority backpack.  Price on Amazon is pretty good right now.

[Kassia]

My kids who travel a lot love their Osprey bags.  I'd like to get one too! 

[Arcadia]

6 minutes ago, Kassia said:

My kids who travel a lot love their Osprey bags.  I'd like to get one too! 

Osprey and North Face backpacks have different cutting for ladies and guys. So you might want to try on your kids’ backpack for fit. I have a narrow shoulder frame so even the ladies model is not a good fit. The guys model was a more pragmatic choice and better fit for me and I added a third party sternum strap to make it fit better.  I have a long torso and high waist.
 

https://www.osprey.com/eu/blog/post/womens-specific-fit#:~:text=Women generally have narrower shoulders,woman's neck%2C shoulder and chest.&text=Ergonomically shaped harness is contoured,more comfortable women's specific fit.
“How does Osprey’s women’s fit differ?

1. Narrower Shoulder Width

…

2. Curved Harness

…

3. Shorter Torso Length

…

4. Different Hipbelt“

[kbutton]

35 minutes ago, Arcadia said:

Laptop requirements if any? My teens need to bring their laptops to class so they have to use typical size laptop backpacks meant for 15.4” laptops. When my DS19 used his 13” laptop as his class laptop, he could use smaller backpacks.

I have an Osprey backpack and I take public bus and trains. I add an additional sternum strap to mine to make it more comfortable for me. Mine can take a 17” laptop and is TSA friendly. 
Do you have a REI nearby? For us REI has lots more choices of backpacks than Dicks Sporting Goods. We also have a North Face outlet nearby and their bags go for 50 to 60% off MSRP. 

He will be issued a Chrome book with its own case—probably a small one, and the case will be one that anticipates drops.

We have some camping stores, but I am not sure about REI. I know we have Bass Pro, Cabela’s, and such. My older son just bought a store brand hiking backpack (but not a full hiking pack for longer hikes) for a trip, but I can’t remember what the brand is. He is using it on a trip this week, and I wish there had been time for my other son to try it before Prime Day. I wasn’t thinking!

I will look at what has been recommended, but it sounds like I have a promising brand or two. 🙂

10 minutes ago, Arcadia said:

Osprey and North Face backpacks have different cutting for ladies and guys. So you might want to try on your kids’ backpack for fit.

Good to know! This kid has totally different structure than the average because of a genetic condition.

If I order online because of an amazing deal, I will be sure to check return parameters.

[prairiewindmomma]

I would recommend getting to a REI and doing a pack fitting with weight in it, and then coming back and looking on amazon for that specific brand and size. If ergonomics matter, then you want a good fit.

Gregory packs fit best here, fwiw, and I also wear a men’s cut. I have two Gregory packs—one for hiking (larger load) and one for everyday with laptop sleeve.

Dh and ds carry Swiss Gear airflows for their work bags. Ds has about 3 miles of daily walking as part of his commute in all weather.

[Navymom]

Another vote for Osprey, I can comfortably wear mine for hours. 

Mine (I have a lot of Osprey🙂) all look like new, even after multiple uses.

 

 

[Arcadia]

6 minutes ago, kbutton said:

We have some camping stores, but I am not sure about REI. I know we have Bass Pro, Cabela’s, and such.

Bass Pro has a good selection of North Face and Osprey backpacks online. I would call your local store to see what stock they have before driving down. I carry two water bottles (40oz water and 32oz coffee) so I use the compression straps to further secure them. I do buy a slightly bigger capacity (34 liter) than I need so that it is easier to pack stuff instead of “playing tetris” when packing to go home. 

[Arcadia]

2 hours ago, kbutton said:

avoid at all costs backpack brands

I would avoid Fjallraven if it is for school and you need a water bottle. I have a Raven 28 laptop backpack and a Kanken 15 backpack. The water bottle compartments and the main compartment share the same space. If you put a binder or textbook or notebooks in the main compartment, the water bottle compartment becomes hard to use. My Kanken 15 is for when the main compartment holds just my wallet, power bank and iPad mini and I got mine on clearance. My Raven 28 is for putting under the airplane seat when traveling because it has a lot more compartments than the Merrell trailhead banff backpack I used which has only one water bottle compartment. 

[prairiewindmomma]

👆🏻This, about Fjallraven. Dd has a Kanken also, and it does not distribute weight well, even with the added pads for the straps. A water bottle does not sit nicely in it, nor does a laptop.

[YaelAldrich]

I severely dislike my Land's End business backpack. Not enough zippers (one of the main compartments only have one zipper pull, not two) and after only 1.5 years is falling apart - loosening seams and threads coming apart. 

I plan on doing a refund or exchange after I get bank to the States.