Backpacks - need some ideas...

[JMax]

So far I have used various bags from Chrome Industries and now it was time to try something different. My first Code Of Bell, now that they're available in colours other than just black. Practice will show whether the many small pockets are a blessing or a curse.
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Real nice.

At some point try Defy Bags. Recently bought the full size Insidious to go with the Jr. They also make messenger type bags, backpacks, briefcases, etc.

A bit pricey but there are a few Insidious in different material on eBay now for under $150.

 

[MrProper]

Real nice.

At some point try Defy Bags. Recently bought the full size Insidious to go with the Jr. They also make messenger type bags, backpacks, briefcases, etc.

A bit pricey but there are a few Insidious in different material on eBay now for under $150.

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That's right, you mentioned that before. It's funny that someone wrote about this Defy Insidious on Reddit today. And the name of the company sounded familiar to me, precisely because you mentioned it before.

 

[jchance]

I am considering getting a quality bag for every day use. I like the functional use of the cross body bag, but I feel this style is seen everywhere. Nice look to it though.

The second one is more plain, but I feel a bit more unique and lesser seen. I like that it’s a bit bigger.

Any thoughts?

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I like the waist bag on its own, but find it looking funny on a person. Maybe I’m just not used to seeing it yet. I do like the Y’2 Leather Waist Bag though

 

[Authenticstyle]

https://howlandhidesupply.com/products/fletcher-knapsack

 

[Trouser Bark]

I've been backpacking in the mountains for more than a half century and have had many packs. I see several in this thread that look like they might be pretty spendy and there's a place for that of course but I've only actually ever been complimented on one style of pack out of all that I've had.

It's an old yellow canvas and leather weekender pack made by Jansport maybe 40-50 years ago. It's instantly recognizable as vintage gear, it works really well and it's the one that will get a compliment while deplaning.

Odd that some of the spendier travel gear may look pretty but not be as practical or as coveted.

 

[Edward]

I am considering getting a quality bag for every day use. I like the functional use of the cross body bag, but I feel this style is seen everywhere. Nice look to it though.

The second one is more plain, but I feel a bit more unique and lesser seen. I like that it’s a bit bigger.

Any thoughts?

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These have an interesting look for city wear with a black leather jacket. The second one is shaped very much like a handbag I remember my mother having many years ago (though hers was neither leather nor as cool as this). If you're going to be carrying it all day I can see that shape hugging into the body comfortably, which is of course the design intent. The only drawback is that those curves will cut out a lot of useable space as compared to had it been squarer - but if it's a good size for the bits you want as an EDC (I can't quite tell from the photos what size these bags are), that might not matter. If you're not carrying a laptop or anything bigger than a novel, you can get away with a smaller bag. One that I use a lot is a Wested repro of the MkVII British gasmask bag / the Indy bag. It has the internal division in the main pocket that means you can't fit in something that requires the full width of the bag; an A4 magazine is out. I can't, however, fit a 500ml bottle and my reading / sunglasses down one side, with a novel or similar in the other. For any day I don't need a laptop, tablet, or A4 sized physical item, it's a great EDC, especially with a cotton tote bag folded up and tucked in in case I need to carry something bigger home.

I like the zips and the designs on these bags; they very much echo MC jackets, which I'm sure is the idea.

I've been backpacking in the mountains for more than a half century and have had many packs. I see several in this thread that look like they might be pretty spendy and there's a place for that of course but I've only actually ever been complimented on one style of pack out of all that I've had.

It's an old yellow canvas and leather weekender pack made by Jansport maybe 40-50 years ago. It's instantly recognizable as vintage gear, it works really well and it's the one that will get a compliment while deplaning.

Odd that some of the spendier travel gear may look pretty but not be as practical or as coveted.

Intended use is definitely a thing that needs to be born in mind. I've collected a bunch of bags over the years that all get used for different purposes as circumstances require. If it's actually gonig to be taken out in the field and thrashed, though, I'd definitely be wary of spending too much on something such that it isn't readily replaceable.


The last backpack style I bought was about three years ago - one of these https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/646665992/leather-rucksack-roll-top-leather?ref=yr_purchases

I went for the large size in green, the idea being it would go with either blacks / greys / w.h.y. or Autumnals. That was a touch limited as when it arrived they'd made the straps black, but hey ho, that doesn't matter in use. It's not a bag for carrying a change of clothes, but for me for the office (or as hand luggage flying or for work trips), it's perfect for a laptop, a couple of books, a drink or two, some pens and my reading glasses. Proper padded pocket in the back for the laptop, and in a ****ed space on a train or a plane, the double-entry nature of the front pocket is very handy. The buckle is more of a modern look than I would normally go for, but very practical on the move. I hate with a passion those fake buckles that are really just a front for a clip or a magnet underneath, but I can concede their practicality as a real buckle can get tiresome if you need to open and close it on a regular basis while on the move. The roll-top and airline seatbelt-style buckle here is excellent. It's quick to use, but secure (in the sense that your stuff won't spill out - obviously it's not going to stop a skilled thief behind you in a crowd; spatial awareness is everything there). A bag I would buy again. It's a bag I use a lot for work when I'm in the office or going in to teach; I've also flown with it on a number of occasions and it's ideal for that, particularly now many airlines are cracking down on hand luggage sizes.

For something I'd take out to the wilds and worry less about it getting a scratch I'd love to have a Saddleback Leather bag, though unless the pound ever recovers from its post-2016 slump against the US dollar, I don't much expect to be in a position to buy one of those any time soon. (A pity; I do have one of the briefcase style I bought used and a couple of their ID wallets, and they are superb. Would have loved one of the suitcases too.)