When it comes to daily drivers, never a bad idea to go for a bag that’s ultra durable. After all, what gets more used and abused than our backpacks? Imagine how disastrous it would be for your pack to spill open on the street, scattering your belongings as you silently regret skimping on such an essential part of your loadout. Or worse, have something important in your bag fall and get damaged out due to poor construction. Fortunately for the fans of the overbuilt, there is a healthy selection out there of bombproof bags designed for commuting, work, school, and everything in between. Whatever you’re hauling, we might have the bag for you.
A new addition to the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault line is the 24L version which still sports its distinctive 3-zip design for easy rapid access to the interior. Further dialing in the organization are various interior pockets for smaller items, and a floating padded laptop sleeve to protect your critical tech. A zipper top pocket and water bottle pockets keep essential within reach from the outside.
Easily transition from work to play with the Flowfold Denizen, whose straps neatly stow away to transform from backpack to tote bag. X-Pac construction keeps the bag lightweight yet durable enough to withstand abuse from the elements and various adventures. Generous pockets inside and out, as well as a padded laptop compartment and water-repellant zippers keep your gear intact no matter where you go. Bonus points for American-made quality backed by a lifetime warranty.
For the photographer on the go, the award-winning WANDRD PRVKE Pack is a great option for a versatile daily backpack. The laptop sleeve opens flat to quickly go through TSA checkpoints, and side zips offer easy access to cameras in the main compartment. A large water bottle or tripod could be stuffed in the side pocket that also zips flat until you need it. The included rain fly can be discreetly stashed in the bottom, and the roll top even expands for an additional 5L of space for an extra jacket or unexpected souvenirs.
The EVERGOODS Civic Panel Loader 24 checks all the right boxes for a city-focused backpack that thrives in any environment. A streamlined profile in durable 500D HT nylon coupled with 3D-patterned foam shoulder straps and strategically placed pockets afford a comfortable carrying experience suitable for active lifestyles. A sturdy side handle also gives the option of side carry in tighter commuting situations.
Old world durability meets present day technology in the Filson Dryden Backpack. Built out of heavy-duty CORDURA nylon, the Dryden is accented with bridle leather handles and attachment tabs for a touch of class. Coil zippers and leather tassels access the wealth of organizational pockets on the interior and exterior, and a hidden zippered back panel houses a 15” laptop. Weather resistant and ergonomic, this handsome pack is made to withstand the hard wear of daily use.
No conversation about indestructable bags is complete without GORUCK getting a mention. The Bullet Ruck is one of their smaller offerings at 15L, but is still packed with the heavy-duty features of its bigger siblings, making it a solid everyday option for your essentials. It opens flat for ease of packing, and sports 3 rows of MOLLE webbing along the front for attaching different accessories. A hydration bladder can be clipped to an inner D-ring, and a handful of interior pockets help you organize your loadout.
Known for creating utilitarian products with a timeless aesthetic, Brown Buffalo delivers yet again with the Conceal V3. Tucked away under the slim and unassuming profile is a a well-considered interior: a mesh pocket for small items, dump pockets large enough to fit 32oz water bottles, and a removable Black Ballistic laptop sleeve that can be used separately as a shoulder bag. The hook and loop field on the back panel could also take other packing cubes in case you decide to forego the laptop sleeve, allowing further expansion or customization.
Glide through your daily commute with the sleek and minimal Black Ember Citadel R2. The durable 800D Microhex textile is laser-cut for a durable, over-engineered pack that satisfies lovers of the stealthy blacked-out aesthetic. Every bit of the Citadel R2 is designed for maximum ergonomic comfort, from the EVA foam shoulder straps to the contoured and ventilated back panel and Maglock sternum strap. And here’s another one for the photo crowd: Black Ember offers an optional modular DSLR pack that can be attached to the inside back panel.
For a pack that blurs the line between modern laptop bag and convenient one-bag carry-on, consider the Weekender from North St. The made-to-order backpack features a generous interior that opens flat for easy packing, and is decked out with rows of hook and loop panels for customizing with packing cubes or modular pouches. A padded top-loading laptop pocket is tucked away in the back, and the front features a couple zippered pockets, as well as mounting points for additional stowage.
Able Carry had their beginnings on Kickstarter with their bestselling Daily Backpack. Designed for life in busy Hong Kong, it’s a great urban all-rounder: large internal pockets that keep your belongings organized and secure, wide cushioned shoulder straps and vented back panel for whole day comfort, and discreet attachment points on the side. Their A-frame construction keeps the bag from sagging when empty and also relieves strain on the shoulders when carrying. a full load .
Why is there never ever any First Tactical, Maxpedition, Vanquest, Condor, 5.11, etc. etc. You guys never consider these other, arguably more common, brands for some reason.
Yep. Brandon raises an excellent general point. To be fair you did feature a Vanquest Pouch a few weeks ago.
Personally, since most if these bags are online only, we need some way to compare.
How do these bags compare to The North Face, to the various Maxpedition lines, etc.
David Hughes went right to the point regarding the Mystery Bag relying on a zipper to be weight bearing. Holy Smokes! How do you guys decide on what to feature?
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