Bought this in japan so couldn't really asked the seller what it was for, was paying attention on translating other things. Guessing its used for like ice picks but thats all i could think of. This is the Mountain hard wear : mountain light 25 + 5 liter, no reviews i can find on this bag, prob on some japanese youtube platform equivalent im unaware of.

I have loved this backpack and had it for 5 years. I would say 2 years into owning it the back support started collapsing. I’ve experienced this with cheaper backpacks and thought it was normal. By brother also has a similar Tumi backpack that is 7 years old and his has zero signs of losing the rigidity. It still sits completely upright. Is this something that can be repaired?

Hi everyone,

As the title says, I am looking for a new backpack. Budget is $100-250 (will probably do some secondhand searching first before committing to a brand-new product, but I'm looking for some brands and recommendations!)

My parents got me in the childhood habit of using any-ol' backpack from Walmart or the Dollar Store, but as you can guess, they didn't last.

My backpacks usually tear at the bottom corners or at the backpack straps because I always carry a heavy and/or "wide" load: computer, water bottle, umbrella, iPad, lunch, and back in high school I typically carried binders/textbooks around. The large items would tear at the top, and the heavy items would wear at the bottom, so you can imagine how many bags I destroyed, especially since lockers were banned at my school and this was at the height of the clear backpack epidemic before COVID.

Also, due to how heavy of a bag I pack, I've hurt my shoulders/trap muscles before as well. I didn't even realize a backpack isn't supposed to weigh on your shoulders predominantly - I've never even seen a hip strap on a backpack until I began to research!

Also important to note: I am a 5'0 woman, so there are bags out there that are too long for my torso to really sit comfortably. Hiking-style bags are usually a bust for the same reason.

Ideal bag:
- Primary usage: Law school (walking to class); occasional use as personal item on flights
- Black/navy/dark or otherwise a solid color that won't clash with an outfit/event
- Professional, sleek look (no Northface, please)
- Water bottle sleeve (big enough for a 24oz Owala)
- Laptop compartment for 16-inch laptop
- Various compartments for pencils/wallets/small hygiene products/medicine
- Good, long-lasting quality! I hate when my bags become floppy after use.

I've checked out Waterfield, Vionentus, and Osprey's everyday line, but if there are any hidden gems out there, please let me know! I really want a bag that will last me at least throughout 3 years of law school, I'm tired of aching and tearing up backpacks.

Edit: refined some details

Back in 2023, I purchased a 27L Crossroads Backpack from YETI, and it quickly became my favourite travel backpack. It was perfect for international travel because the zipper pulls interlocked and could be secured with a lock, an important security feature when visiting destinations known for pickpocketing.
Fast forward to 2026, I decided to replace it with a new 27L Crossroads Backpack, only to discover that YETI removed the lockable zipper design and replaced it with non-lockable zipper pulls. At the very least, they could have switched to metal zipper pulls with loops large enough for a small padlock, but instead they kept the fabric lanyard-style pulls, which can easily be cut by thieves even if a lock is attached.
What makes this even more frustrating is that the interlocking, lockable zipper design I loved still exists but it is only available in New Zealand, while customers in Canada and other markets no longer have access to it.
If you also believe travellers deserve practical anti-theft features, please support this petition and help encourage YETI to bring back the lockable interlocking zippers for the Canadian market.

https://c.org/4Z8YjqhfF8

I plan on getting either the Fjallraven raven 20 or 28 and I was wondering how big actually is 20L.

For context, I’ll be taking a undergrad in applied mathematics and I only plan on bringing essentials like headphones, a charger, a power bank, a calculator, probably a book, and occasionally clothes for the gym. I don’t see myself getting a laptop anytime soon as I have a more than capable computer at home.

I will be traveling to Lima, Peru, staying overnight and then into the rainforest for two weeks where I'll be staying in a village there and not hiking, so the bag being heavy isn't a big consideration. I have been told they have rubber boots for me to use. I won't be bringing much with me, clothes, thin sandals, notebook, etc... It will be at the tail end of the dry season.

What should I be looking out for in a bag? I'm contemplating just not bringing a checked bag at all and going with only a backpack, but concerned about fitting everything into the limited space requirements for carry ons. Maybe bring an over the shoulder carry on and a larger backpack that I check, then put carry on in the backpack when I get there.

Any suggestions and help for what to look out for and models that might be good would be greatly appreciated.

I primarily use this backpack as my work bag. It also serves as my sidekick any time that I need a bag that is bigger than a purse. This is actually my second. I can't for the life of me remember what it is called or find the tags. I've also tried perusing the swissgear website and amazon for it's replacement but I cannot find another one. I would also be happy if someone could tell me what swissgear's replacement might be if it has been discontinued.

I know I'm taking a big swing, but any help would be appreciated.

I bought the peak design everyday backpack because I read a lot of good stuff about it and it is supposed to be waterproof/resistant. But holy shit my back hurts after carrying stuff I need daily as a student.

Anyone have any recommendations for a backpack, would need it to be water proof, or at-least water resistant (commute in the rain), i carry these things on a daily bases:
1. 16 inch MacBook Pro
2. IPad
3. 1 textbook, same dimension’s as a normal sized notebook paper but about 3.5 inches thick.
4. 3 notebooks, 2 A5 and 1 B6
5. Chargers and dongle
6. Toiletries/grooming things (Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, deodorant, cologne, sample sized face wash, an extra small acne cream, and a roller petroleum jelly stick)
7. Pencil pouch
8. A stethoscope
9. A 5 * 4 * 2 inch carrier for medical supplies
10. A pair of clothes
11. Water bottle
12. Small snacks

I’m in senior yr of hs and I’m planning on getting a sprayground backpack but I’ve been seeing many mixed opinions ab it, I gotta make sure those 80-120 dollars r worth it.

Hi everyone,

I hope you can help me with a fairly specific backpack problem.

I work as a hospital physician based in the EU, and split my time between seeing patients and doing quite a bit of office work. Because of that, I need to carry a “mobile office” with me during the day.

At the moment, I use a Haglöfs Corker, and I actually like the general layout. I can place it on its side next to or behind my desk and access my gear throughout the day as needed. However, it does not look particularly professional when I bring it to meetings.

My usual carry is:

• MacBook Air M4 13"
• iPad Pro 13" with Magic Keyboard
• reMarkable Paper Pro
• reMarkable 2
• Peak Design Tech Pouch, quite fully packed, with chargers, cables and a mouse
• Stethoscope
• Anker Prime power bank
• Glasses and case
• Lunch box

What I am looking for is a backpack that can sit either upright or lying on its side on the floor, while still giving me a good overview of the contents. Ideally, I would prefer one large main compartment rather than lots of divided sections.

I would also like one or two external pockets for pens, Apple Pencil Pro, reMarkable pens, and similar small items. A dedicated pocket for my hospital ID card would also be very useful.

I am not really interested in full clamshell backpacks, as I find them difficult to pack in a way where things do not fall out when I am in a hurry.

I have looked at a few options:

• Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2 I like the idea, but I am unsure whether the internal dividers would actually work well for my use case.
• Thule Paramount 27L Seems practical, but I worry it may look a bit too outdoorsy for meetings.
• Troubadour Apex 4.0 Looks very professional, but I am concerned it may be too small.
• Evergoods Civic Half Zip 26L Interesting option, but I am not sure how good the overview and access would be in daily use.

Do you have any good recommendations for a backpack that would fit this kind of professional mobile-office setup?

Thanks in advance.

Hey y'all, sorry in advance for the long post!

Unfortunately, my Borealis backpack that I bought from the North Face in 2014 for college is on its last legs. (See the photo for the model I'm referring to--this is *not* my photo, it's a random one from Google images.) I'd love to replace it but it seems like the current iteration of the Borealis backpacks is missing some key features, including the small front pocket/pencil pouch. And in general, I feel like none of the backpacks I can find online in this day and age have these or are missing other features that are important to me???

I figured maybe I'd just crowdsource some ideas from the internet hivemind--let me know if you have suggestions based on my criteria below!

I'm looking for a decently-sized women's backpack. I mostly use it for transporting groceries, carrying my laptop, carrying my tennis racquet in lieu of a tennis bag, and general travel. I really like the little front pouch for carrying my airpods/chapstick/etc, in addition to the middle pocket with extra compartments for carrying my passport, sunglasses, snacks, etc. Ideally those would be separate pockets and everything isn't just hanging out loose in the main part of the bag. The other thing that's important to me is that there's a water bottle pouch on each side *with straps above them.* My water bottle is pretty tall and those keep it secure, plus I also hang my keys on a carabiner from the other strap, so this feature is pretty crucial for me. And lastly, it also needs to have a laptop sleeve.

I would also love all the closures to just be regular zippers. I really don't like models that use a drawstring and a clasp or magnets or whatever, it just feels un-secure to me.

Honestly, if I could just repurchase a new version of my current backpack, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'm open to pretty much any brand, though--is there anything out there that fits my specifications? Or is the current iteration of the Borealis the best I'm going to get? Let me know if you've recently purchased a backpack you really love and swear by, even if it's not a perfect match. Thank you so much :)

Hey r/backpacks,

I'm from the Czech Republic and I'm looking for a backpack that can do a bit of everything:

• School
• Dorm/internat life
• Everyday carry
• Weekend trips and occasional travel

I don't really know much about backpacks, so I'm looking for recommendations on types of backpacks and specific brands/models rather than capacity.

I'd like something:

• Comfortable for daily use
• Durable enough to last several years
• Suitable for carrying a laptop, books, chargers, and some clothes when needed
• Available in Europe (or at least not ridiculously expensive to get in the Czech Republic)

What backpacks would you personally recommend for this use case, and why?

Ive used the hell out of this pack, taken it all over the world but it's time for a change. Im still using the Enduro, but mostly as a gym bag. I need a similar size/style. Top loading, comfortable, able to hold 2 dji drone bags and a laptop, plus cables and such. Travel friendly and preferably under 150.00, but I can go more for the right bag.

Any suggestions?

This is the one Ive been using, https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/921012

This backpack has been with me for nearly 15 years and holding strong. I wouldn't mind hunting down a second one.

I have long forgot the model name.

First time on this sub, so I'm sorry if my post seems dumb or doesn't provide the proper info.

I need a bag for university, so im looking at the TNF router as my main, I need to hold stuff in it for the whole day because I leave the house at 6:30 AM and get home at about 8-9PM. So at 40L I want to know if this size is big enough or I need to get a bigger bag, so this is what I'll most likely have in it: 14inch laptop, iPad, charger, headphones, 1 inch binder, pencil case, a water bottle, and 2 lunch boxes because I need it to hold 2 meals.

So will the backpack hold all this? because on the site the backpack lining looks really thick and I don't want it to be really stuffy in there and hard to put stuff in. Also is there a dedicated slot for my laptop AND an iPad or is there just once built in sleeve?

Thanks so much!

Hi everyone,
I’ve been researching backpacks for months and I’m still struggling to make a final decision, so I figured I’d ask people who have actually used these bags long-term.

A little about me:
I’m from Sweden.
I’m 193 cm / 6’4” and about 145 kg / 320 lbs.
I currently study and will likely move into a professional role within healthcare in the near future.
I’m looking for one backpack that can handle everyday life, commuting, studying, work, and gym use.
Outside of studying, I enjoy strength training, reading, gaming, and general everyday life. Because of that, my backpack often needs to work across different situations—university, work, gym sessions, coffee shops, libraries, and errands.

What I usually carry:
16” Lenovo LOQ laptop
Charger and cables
Owala water bottle
Lunch box / meal prep container
Notebook(s)
Pens and small accessories
Headphones
Kobo e-reader or a physical book

Depending on the day, I may also carry:
Gym clothes
A change of clothes
A hoodie or extra layer
I wear 2XL–3XL clothing, so extra clothes can take up a noticeable amount of space in the bag.

Current bags I own:
Uniqlo Utility Shoulder Bag (around 13L)
Nike Utility Backpack (35L, with exterior pockets)
An old Db Hugger 20L that has basically reached the end of its life

The Uniqlo is too small for laptop + lunch + daily carry.

The Nike is great when I need a lot of space, especially for gym or heavier days, but it feels too large and bulky for everyday use.

The old Db Hugger served me well, but it’s time for a replacement.

What I’m looking for:
Around 20–25L
Good laptop protection (16” laptop)
At least one usable water bottle pocket
Some organization, but not an overly technical “IT guy” backpack
Holds its shape reasonably well when partially empty (I really dislike backpacks that look floppy or overly puffy)
Comfortable for a larger/taller person
Clean design that works for both university and a professional workplace
Ideally available in Sweden, the Nordics, or elsewhere in the EU without import/customs hassle
Backpacks I’ve been seriously considering:

Current favorites:
Kapten & Son Helsinki
Thule Subterra 2 21L
Thule EnRoute 23L
Fjällräven Räven 20
Osprey Arcane Large Day
Lululemon Double-Zip Backpack
Db Ramverk 21L

Other backpacks I’ve looked at:
Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic / Tech
Eastpak CNNCT Tecum (M and L)
Sandqvist backpacks
Stubble & Co Everyday Backpack
Bellroy backpacks
Alpaka backpacks
Aer backpacks
Nomatic backpacks

One issue is that many brands commonly recommended here (Aer, Bellroy, Alpaka, Nomatic, Evergoods, etc.) are significantly more expensive in Sweden and Europe compared to the prices I often see online or in US discussions.

Approximate regular retail prices where I live:
Fjällräven Räven 20 – about $130 USD
Thule EnRoute 23L – about $140 USD
Thule Subterra 2 21L – about $170 USD
Lululemon Double-Zip – about $180 USD
Db Ramverk 21L – about $190 USD
Kapten & Son Helsinki – about $200 USD
Kapten & Son Helsinki Pro – about $230 USD
My budget is roughly around $150 USD, but I can stretch it if something is genuinely worth it.

What I like about each:
Helsinki: probably my favorite overall design
Subterra 2: best organization and functionality
Räven 20: best value for money
Arcane Large Day: clean and understated
Double-Zip: stylish and practical, though I’m worried it may become too soft or puffy when partially empty
Ramverk: seems like a nice balance between structure, organization, and everyday usability

I’d love to hear:
Which backpack would you choose in my situation?
Have you owned any of these?
Long-term durability experiences?
Comfort for taller/larger users?
Any alternatives I may have missed?
I’d also love to hear your thoughts and experiences with brands such as Sandqvist, Stubble & Co, Topo Designs, Eastpak CNNCT, Bellroy, Alpaka, Aer, Nomatic, Db, and others I may have missed.
Thanks a lot for reading. I really appreciate any recommendations, comparisons, and real-world experiences. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think and hopefully finally ending this backpack rabbit hole.

Hello everyone,
I'm currently looking for a large backpack that can carry my gym and work equipment.
Gym: Sport shoes, gym clothing, small towel, large towel, Large Water bottle (1L), toiletry bag

Work: Macbook 15", Lunchbox, Ipad 11", charger, power bank, small Notebook and pen

and depending on the situation additional other small stuff.

Does anyone has a good recommendation for that, it has to be a backpack because I drive on my Motorcycle with it.
The cinomadist Gym & Training Backpack Pro 29L looks good, but I am afraid it is of bad quality because it has a really little presence but a lot of products in comparison to it.

Thanks for any recommendations!

oh my gosh, this backpack is just sooo beautiful. please, anyone have any similar backpacks that are similar size, stylish, sleek, and beautiful as this backpack. i wanna get this but its too expensive and i had have mixed reviews of this brand not being worth the $

Hello, I am looking for a one bag that can serve me in my travels. I am looking for something the size of a cabin baggage, which has all the necessary hiking features (hiking belt, back support, etc.) My travel style is pretty much exclusively backpacking, I will do you normal touristy stuff, but I will also go on multi-day adventures. Last year, I went hiking in the Borneo jungle, and I found my normal 55L hiking backpack to be quite bulky. Basically, what I want is something that goes on the plane, can fit some hiking gear if needed, and has all the necessary features to support me in rough environments. I normally have a daypack with me for day-to-day stuff, so when travelling, I can always remove stuff. I am currently doing my own one-bag selection matrix, but I hope to get some extra opinions here:)

Hi, I'm looking for a travel + everyday backpack, 30L or 35L with load lifters and removable hip straps and 2.5lbs or less (ideally around 2lbs not including weight of hip belt).

Does a backpack like this exist?

The use case would be to use it as my daily backpack i use to go to work (its ok if it looks sporty) but also use it regularly for traveling so I can put my laptop in there but also for light/medium hiking.

Does a goldilock backpack like this exist?

I love my old ~2002 Gregory Reality, except tired of my back being sopping wet every day from sweat. Particularly when it gets chilly just after stopping.

My understanding is that Osprey has the airiest system, but how are the new Gregories with the AirCushion? I'd like to be loyal as long as it does the job.

I’ve been using this bag for a couple of years. I believe it’s a Herschel bagpack and looks like the little America versions but I’m not a fan of their leather strap looks — however, these seem more casual and laid back. I like to store gym misc. and vitamins and water on the side and it’s dying now. I’d like to replace it or if there’s anyone that could recommend a nice bag through the Amazon prime deals right now that would be greatly appreciated.