My cheap no-name Chinese backpack is finally falling apart, after over 20 years of absolutely solid service.

I want something that will last at least another 20 years, will hold a modern 16" laptop (e.g. Macbook), and will also let me toss a pair of jeans and light jacket in, when I ride home from work in the spring and fall afternoons.

I’d like to avoid American brands if possible.

Looked online at the SwissGear 5698 and Endure, but don’t know how well they’re built, or if they’ll hold my junk.

Any recommendations?

  • VibeSurgeon@piefed.socialEnglish
    1·
    2 months ago

    If you’re going to be riding a bicycle, then I highly recommend using a pannier - being able to carry stuff on the bike as opposed to on the body is fantastic.

    • Swordgeek@lemmy.caOPEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      I need it for general commuting - on the train, walking, and also biking. I just mentioned the bike because of the need for clothing space. In Spring, it might be +5 in the morning (need something on my arms and legs) and +25 in the afternoon (shorts and short sleeves baby!).

      • VibeSurgeon@piefed.socialEnglish
        1·
        2 months ago

        You could look to pannier/backpack hybrids, these may be appropriate for your use-case. Personally, I solve this issue by having two different bags - a pannier for cycling and a backpack for other times.

        Panniers can come in pretty large sizes, I’m usually able to accommodate a laptop + accessories + a change of clothes. Pannier racks fit two of them, so you can always double the carrying capacity when it’s warranted.

  • Redkey@programming.devEnglish
    1·
    1 month ago

    I’ve never had one myself, but a few of my friends have had Crumpler bags for years and they swear by them.

    Crumpler is an Australian company started by some bicycle couriers who couldn’t find really sturdy bags that suited them. I believe that the story goes that one of them was trying to carry a slab of beer (24 cans packed in one flat layer) to a friend’s party when his bag broke apart, and that was when they started making bags for themselves.

    They’ve been around since 1995, and have quite a range of bags and backpacks now.