quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:
Check out Mountainsmith. I use them when I'm on photo trips to carry all the stuff I'd have to either pack in pockets, or sling around my neck. They are considered a premium pack.

https://www.mountainsmith.com

I carried a Mountainsmith pack with me during my Forest Service career. It served as both hunting and survival pack. I would call it a weekender size pack. Couldn’t ask for more. I don’t see it in the line of packs any longer, but the “Grand Tour” model looks to be about the same size.

I purchased my Tom Bihn Synapse 25 back in August of 2013. I more than likely got the idea from here. I use it all the time. I like / love the front water bottle holders on each side. Inside, lots of places to store. Three more pockets on the front outside. Still going strong. I paid ($170) $180 shipped back then. Just checked and it went up a whopping ten dollars.

That's the one I went for. They have different sizes.

From the website:

Made in the USA Since 1972

I second the recommendation of checking eBags - I have the eBags Professional Slim Junior which I use everyday. The feature I love most is the admin pouch opens to the side and I am in that section daily and appreciate the feature. It also has a top pouch I put my passport, passes, readers and kindle in. The slim does not have TSA easy open for laptop but the other eBags models do and in larger sizes.

I travel 6-10 times a year now but as someone who spent years as a full time traveler weekly I wish I had come across this bag sooner. I shamelessly admit that I have owned numerous backpacks over the years but can say without reservation the eBag has been top notch. I am not easy on a backpack and the one I currently own the last couple years has held up exceedingly well - enough so that I do not even switch it up with my Everki Titan anymore when I travel for short trips for a bit extra room for a few changes of clothes and instead just carry a second overnight bag just because the eBag fits the primary role so well.

If anything I may at some point get rid of my Everki and get the larger eBag backback for more room for when I do travel as I like on short 2-3 day trips to take one bag.

I have a Camelbak Mule that I use daily. Holds all my first aid supplies, extra battery for phone, charging cables, trackball, speaker etc... Also has a stretch pocket that holds my rainjacket and hat. Being a Camelbak it also has space for a 2 liter bladder as well.

Very convenient size.

I spent a few months and a few dollars checking out bags for the same purpose. Vertx makes an incredible product. The Gamut is a little large in my opinion for an EDC backpack. They make an EDC Ready pack that was almost perfect, but it lacked a little bit of "cargo" room. I wound up buying and keeping a 5.11 Covrt 18 bag. I dont think its as nice/classy/refined as the Vertx line of bags, but for my intended use it worked slighty better.

I've enjoyed beating up this cheapy. Look at the reviews.
https://lapolicegear.com/diplo...3-day-backpack1.html

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:

quote:

Vertx Gamut

It's a big ass bag though.

Really, I have the regular size and it's not that big. It's also filled with discrete pockets/storage compartments. You can get 25% off from the main site or wait until there are Sales at dvor.com