I haven't carried a backpack since college, but for various reasons, I'd like to have one now.

Some considerations:

- Not looking for a huge pack. Just something appropriate for EDC in a casual urban, or light day-hiking environment.

- I don't use hydration systems, so those pockets aren't important. I'd rather have an external water bottle pouch, but that's not necessarily a deal breaker either.

- I'd like something more structured than just a one-compartment "stuff sack" design. At the same time, I'd rather not go with a pack that has too many "single-purpose" features I'll never use, as seem to be found on lots of "tactical" packs.

- I'm mainly looking at two-strap designs, but could be talked into a sling. I have a Maxpedition Versapack, which I love, but for larger volumes, I'm not sure.

- I'm interested in durability, so I'd prefer something a little on the thicker side material-wise, I think. Not sure how durable 500D really is. Water resistance is also a consideration, although no problem carrying a simple pack cover.

- I'm not military and would rather not look like I might be - especially when I'm traveling out of country. Some MOLLE is fine, but not a priority by any means.

I've done a little looking online and determined quickly that I might as well ask the experts, so here I am.

(For reference, the closest I've come to what I think I'm looking for is the 5.11 Rush12, but see my comment about MOLLE - LOL.)

Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Happy to answer any questions if further clarification would be helpful.

Thanks!

-Rob

I have an Osprey Momentum (26L but they have a 32L). The material is thin but durable. It carries lots of light things in many pockets. It’s not made for tons of bulky gear. It took a day or two to break in the straps. I removed the waist strap. I didn’t want any pockets on any strap. Great for my basic needs and more than enough for when I need it.

Lifetime warranty.

Watch YouTube demo vids.

On clearance too direct from Osprey!

Direct Action Dust Mk II or Dragon Egg Mk II.

I have the Dust and it is awfully nice for $139. Checks off quite a bit of your boxes and a few you didn't mention. The Dragon Egg is slightly bigger with a few more features and overall, it is a very good line.

Mine is in Shadow Grey which surgery scream at you. Very subtle color.

I got this for my trip to Europe and it worked great. Heavy duty fabric and lots of compartments. Padded shoulder straps, etc. It's a screaming deal at $18.99 on Amazon:

KROSER Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch School Computer Backpack College Casual Daypack Travel Business Laptop Bag Water-Repellent with USB Charging Port for Women Men-Black

I also have an Osprey...can't remember the exact model at the moment. I purchased a medium sized one, with minimal pockets, compartments, etc. So far, it seems to be awesome in quality, fit and finish.

I have a few different packs, depending on the needs.

My most versatile pack is an Oakley Bathroom Sink (I have the urban camo design). Plenty of room, nice storage areas. It’ll hold an average sized laptop if that’s a necessity. I like that it also has a built in glasses holder, lined with soft stuff to keep them scratch free. Not military looking, but definitely fetches lots of compliments as it just looks cool. I have had it for about 6 years and used it daily for a solid three years. It’s still in like new condition. I can’t say enough good about the bathroom sink. It’s an incredible bag, super comfortable to wear for long periods, handles a heavy load well and distributes the weight nicely. The durability surprised me, functionality is awesome, and it looks pretty damn cool.




The second is a Patagonia. It’s about 20 years old. It’s the ancient version of the Nine Trails 14L. It’s a good pack, but it’s super small. Its incredibly durable, and a great pack. But it’s only got two storage areas, and again, it’s small. If you’re looking for a micro pack, here is none better. If you want to carry more than a t-shirt and a liter of water, this bag would be too small.

I have a CamelBak Mule that I use everyday. Very versatile even if you don't use the hydration bladder. When I want something a little bigger I have an REI Trail 25, although it is more of a one compartment design. For a larger travel pack I have a Kelty Flyway, which is a laptop friendly version of the Redwing.

All nice packs.

What's your price range?

Vertx makes well-designed, comfortable, extremely high quality EDC-oriented backpacks that don't look "tacticool", but they can be a little pricey at full retail ($150-$200).

https://vertx.com/concealed-carry-bags-and-packs

I've had good luck finding deals on lightly used Vertx packs on various forums classifieds. (Like $60 for a $200 Gamut.)

Or, since they recently updated some of their designs to 2.0 versions, you may be able to find an online retailer with a few of the older generation versions on sale.

You wear a backpack to court, people gonna think you're the intern!

I'm like you, hadn't carried one in year/practically ever. Prior gig gave them out as swag one year and I was hooked. So much so I had them logo-ed for my current employers and they all love them too.

Highly recommend Ogio Squadron for versatility and durability. I carried one daily for 7 years, it showed no wear and all zippers were still like new. They no longer list this particular model on their site, but it's the one I've used for going on a decade now. Enough difference sized compartments and pockets inside compartments for most needs without being so many it's chopped up and confusing. Once you settle in to this or one like it, you'll immediately be able to find whatever you need.

Link to AMZN

If that's too big or whatnot, I'd still look at other options from them. Good stuff.

If you like the 5.11 Rush 12 except for the MOLLE, have you checked out the 5.11 Covrt 18?

Slightly larger and slightly more expensive, but similar features and much less "tacticool".

https://www.511tactical.com/covrt-18-backpack.html

I used a condor sling bag for work I liked it better than a regular backpack and it has held up very well.

Maxpedition Lithvore. Now on sale for $69 for the tan.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
What's your price range?

Vertx makes well-designed, comfortable, extremely high quality EDC-oriented backpacks that don't look "tacticool", but they can be a little pricey at full retail ($150-$200).

https://vertx.com/concealed-carry-bags-and-packs

I've had good luck finding deals on lightly used Vertx packs on various forums classifieds. (Like $60 for a $200 Gamut.)

Or, since they recently updated some of their designs to 2.0 versions, you may be able to find an online retailer with a few of the older generation versions on sale.

What Rogue said! Vertx is good stuff.

Don't bother with sling style packs. Poor weight distribution, and they have to sit high and tight to be comfortable.

Honestly, the weight of the pack and the suspension system should be primary features. If it's not comfortable, it's not going to be useful.

I would look for a pack that has a rigid and contoured back panel, and that is made of lightweight nylon. Don't worry about the hydration sleeve--the hydration pouch and drink tube is usually sold separately and the sleeve is basically just a compartment divider. The sleeve does double duty in some backpack designs as the laptop compartment.

Look at the REI Ruckpack 28, the Traverse 35, and the Trail 25. Unless you do your sightseeing in a suit, you'll look fine wearing one.

If you are really into the heavy duty nylon, then you might consider the GoRuck GR1. I have the GR2, and it's bulkiness and weight make it less useful to me. It's also expensive as fuck, so there's that. Personally, I would go with the lightweight hiking packs previously listed.

If you want the best, although they may be too military looking for you. Check out the many different styles of GoRuck back packs. Quality and lifetime guarantee are hard to beat. Good luck in your search.

.

I was just starting to look for a new travel pack on Sunday. Something that did not take up a lot of room or chew into my luggage weight limit too much.

So far, I like what I read in the following article and maybe it is something for you to consider...

Retail price: $80
Weight: 1 lb
Volume: 1159 cu-in 19L
Dimensions: 20"x13"x9"
Harnessing style: Fixed Harness
www.SoldierSystems.net/2019/10/01/stuff-i-like-in-and-out-pack-from-mystery-ranch/


In and Out Pack from Mystery Ranch
Like the name implies, the In and Out Pack is a self-stuffing pack which compressed down to a 8.5″ x 4.5″ x 4″ envelope.

When open, it has a 19 liter capacity, but unlike most other stuffable packs, the In and Out offers comfortable shoulder straps and plenty of features.

In fact, I haven’t transitioned mine back into storage configuration since I picked it up at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. It now accompanies me as my carry-on for air travel and you’ll also find me wearing it during trade shows.

Features:
-Contoured shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap
-Two, external zippered access pockets
-One, side stretch-woven water bottle pocket
-Two tool carry loops with secure straps
-Side compression straps
-2 L (70 oz) hydration reservior pocket against frame with ports to drinking tube above shoulders

Offered in a wide variety of color schemes, check the site for current availability.

Manufacture's website:
www.MysteryRanch.com/in-and-out-pack


Video Link:

https://vertx.com/ready-pack-2-0

I have an original in gray and love it. 3+ years and looks new.

I just bought a glock back pack, but it hasn't arrived.

When you say EDC, I take it to mean carrying a pistol concealed.

For that purpose I use a Condor Elite Sector Sling Pack Bag.

It has a hidden back compartment that has lots of hook and loop for fastening holsters and mags. I find it comfortable to carry. There are MOLLE attachments, but not many and it doesn't scream tactical.

https://condoroutdoor.com/cond...ctor-sling-pack.html