The Backpack Thread

Those straps look grim to use as a daily backpack.

I bought a Highlander Forces 30L one the other day after someone here recommended it and it's been fantastic. The wee 20L one looks just great as a day pack, with side pockets etc.

Otherwise, for sidepockets on that Savotta just bosh some molle whatevers on the side.

Obvious answer is 90s Karrimor ;)

Would if I could. I’ve searched but you can’t get them in the UK anymore. Savotta looks great, but like you I could do with a pocket or two outside.

Those straps look grim to use as a daily backpack.

..haha, good point, I certainly wouldn't carry a bunch of rocks in one of these, but for what I carry on a daily basis it'd be fine

Otherwise, for sidepockets on that Savotta just bosh some molle whatevers on the side.

I meant little quick-access pockets for small things like phone / wallet / AirPods etc.. but yea, do realize this is a military-type backpack after all, and that's just the way these are designed basically.

Would if I could. I’ve searched but you can’t get them in the UK anymore.

Ah, that's unfortunate.
They are actually being sold under a different branding as well (saw somebody on the train a while back with the exact same rucksack as mine, but it wasn't "pinqponq" labelled but something else, can't remember the name unfortunately..)

Have you looked at Restrap? I've not tried out their latest version but have had a previous one for years and it's brilliant. It still looks brand new but they also offer free repairs for life.

One of these?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fond_of_Bags

I have a particular dislike of the TPU material they use, otherwise they’re on point.

Turns out you can still get T-level stuff, albeit direct from SK.
https://www.espionage.co.kr/m/product_list.html?xcode=032&type=X&gf_ref=Yz1QS3A5bHM=

Bought myself my first non-cycling bag, the "Osprey Talon Tempest". I absolutely love the way you adjust the hip belt, which is apparently standard on most hiking bags. Why don't cycling bags do this!

I really like my Osprey Archeon as a day pack, although haven't ridden with it. Nice minimal, but stiff back plate, and really like the stretchy pockets, good for stuffing a jacket rolled on the top as well.

Nice but pricey, but relatively cheaper on SP still

https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/3180023

Fair enough! The version I have isn't TPU. It's more like a waterproof cotton/cordura fabric. The same as their framebags etc I believe. Might be worth keeping an eye out for an older version?

I really like the Atom Packs Nanu in the 25l capacity range.

One of these?

No, those apparently are different brands with different products (pinqponq and their backpacks / bags being one of them), what I saw was like an exact clone of the pinqponq backpack I have but with different branding.

This reminds me, I have an Aer Duffel 2 I'm no longer using and was going to flog [but as usual haven't got around to] if anyone is looking.
I wanted a single do-it-all bag and this lacked waist straps for hiking. Otherwise two thumbs up.

My fjallraven that I’ve had for the last 15 years just got knicked in town. Luckily no valuables lost. But wondering if there’s a good casual backpack replacement out there.

Was looking at the mad lug but the logo is a bit much on the small backpack but their roll tops seem okay?

For casual id be tempted by Topo Rover if I could find at sale price.

My day to day is Atom Nanu, which was pricey but v.nice.

In the mad lug style, maybe Eastpak

ooh, all good suggestions. I have narrowly missed all the black friday sales, but potentially something good will turn up post xmas.

but also £45 does not seem bad for the urban rolltop at madlug.

the urban rolltop at madlug.

Yeah that looks good, still big logo.

Alpkit another option maybe at £30

Any suggestions for smallish (20l maybe) clamshell backpacks without a laptop sleeve?

Something to use for a weekend away where it's easy to get clothes in/out.

Not technically a backpack, but any recommendations for a large messenger for commuting, so space for clothes, laptop etc? Ideally with a support strap.

Got a MW Monty off someone here and love it to bits. Chromes come up quite frequently here which also work well? Just have a less structured shape and they don't sit on my back nearly as nicely but marginal gains really.

My fjallraven that I’ve had for the last 15 years just got knicked in town. Luckily no valuables lost. But wondering if there’s a good casual backpack replacement out there.

You don't say what your budget is or how big it should be, but I think Patagonia has some great options.
Bit pricey maybe, but the quality of their stuff is really good (and their "worn wear" repair program does work nicely in my experience).

I also saw this Lowe one around town a lot lately, looks really nice and simple I think (would have bought one myself but I needed something a bit bigger, and with a padded laptop sleeve).

Getting another Fjällräven one surely is an idea as well, although they really are fucking expensive for what they are in my opinion.

I bought one of these https://www.baileyworks.com/shop/professional/super-pro.html in New York in about 2005, used it daily until Covid then 2 or 3 days a week since and it's still going strong. Whether they will ship to UK or not i don't know but I couldn't recommend more highly

Another recommendation for MW. I have a Monty now after using a shed for many years. Suggest the non-arkiv one as the clips are easier to use.

I still swear by my 24l Chrome Citizen,it just works so well, really well made, just goes on and on no fuss. It's my ride to work bag and it dose it carrying all sorts of stuff. Not cheap but worth it, IMO.