I am currently in the market for a good backpack in the 2200-3000 cubic inch catagoy for use as a school bag. I tend to be a bit "rough" on backpacks and have gone through traditional schoolbags (Jansport, Eastpack, Eagle Creek, High Sierra, etc.) in the past two years of collage. I have been thinking of getting an Eagle A-III backpack. Is this a good pack? If I get it is there any way I can carry a nalgene bottle straped to the outside? What other alternatives are there?
Good Backpacks
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Recently I picked up a Kelty Redwing Classic which I like quite a bit. I got it to use sa a laptop daily bag, but I like it so much I might replace my hiking pack or buy a second one. It does not have a water bottle pocket, but it is compatible with any hydration system you care to install. It does have two large side pockets where you could stash a water bottle but they wouldn't be easy to reach without taking the pack off.
The newer Kelty Redwing models might work better you , as they do have side water pockets, plus the made the waist strap removable. I like the classic because of its compression model and the extra strap loops which would allow me to use is almost as an extended weekend pack, while still being a 2400cui day pack. Check out their website.
YMMV
Loch
The newer Kelty Redwing models might work better you , as they do have side water pockets, plus the made the waist strap removable. I like the classic because of its compression model and the extra strap loops which would allow me to use is almost as an extended weekend pack, while still being a 2400cui day pack. Check out their website.
YMMV
Loch
http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme gear/packs.htm
Here's a company which has decided to carry select models from select suppliers. All the stuff is as durable as generally available.
But they don't sell these:
http://www.axio-usa.com/html/product.html
with optional "Tek-Pak"
http://www.axio-usa.com/html/p5.html
Let us know what you end up buying!
PS, almost forgot this company:
http://www.blackhawkindustries.com/product_catalog.asp?cat_id=10&d=
Here's a company which has decided to carry select models from select suppliers. All the stuff is as durable as generally available.
But they don't sell these:
http://www.axio-usa.com/html/product.html
with optional "Tek-Pak"
http://www.axio-usa.com/html/p5.html
Let us know what you end up buying!
PS, almost forgot this company:
http://www.blackhawkindustries.com/product_catalog.asp?cat_id=10&d=
Some of the mainstream pack "manufacturers" actually have a couple of lines of packs for specific purposes. They're usually divided up between school/every day light duty work and more serious hiking/camping. Those school backpacks haven't been very comfortable in the past but have been improving. For more durability and comfort, the hiking/camping are much better. After using those school packs for years, I finally went and got Jansport's Revelation 45. Very nice pack, well padded in key areas. My main criteria for packs is 2200+ in³, no hard frame, and it must come in black. Since Camelbak has finally come out with their BFM in black this year (only available in Dessert cammo, OD, and khaki previously), I'll be getting one of those too.
Got the Revelation from C&C but they carry that model off-and-on. Plan to get the Camelbak from One Stop Knife Shop.
("Manufacture" in quotes as a lot of the low end packs are made in the same place and just private labeled. If you look into the "lifetime guarantee"s you'll see a few of them refer to the same location.)
Got the Revelation from C&C but they carry that model off-and-on. Plan to get the Camelbak from One Stop Knife Shop.
("Manufacture" in quotes as a lot of the low end packs are made in the same place and just private labeled. If you look into the "lifetime guarantee"s you'll see a few of them refer to the same location.)
Unisaw
Member
Go to www.rei.com and look at the bookbags made by The North Face. They are nearly indestructible. If they are a bit pricey for your budget, the REI brand is also fairly indestructible.
I've always used Jansport bags as my main school backpack, and I think they're top notch. When I came across a Jansport Odyssey 38 in store for 50% off ($60 instead of $120) I knew it was a deal I couldn't pass up.
It's made of heavy duty nylon and has a couple compartments (3 or 4, I forget) and also a seperate pouch for a hydration system - my 100oz. Camelbak Storm fits in there perfectly! There's also two water bottles pockets on the outside, and those are useful too. Total cargo volume is 2350 cubic inches.
I especially like the aluminum sheet inside that keeps contents from poking the heck out of my back, and also the Airlift padded straps which are very comfortable. The pack has both a sternum strap and kidney strap, and both are removable/stowable.
I like this bag so much that I use it for my BOB.
I've heard the Eagle AIII pack is good, but it has one big compartment instead of a few smaller ones. Don't know how good that will be for organizing school supplies.
http://www.sonomaoutfitters.com/pack_day/jansport_odyssey_38.html
It's made of heavy duty nylon and has a couple compartments (3 or 4, I forget) and also a seperate pouch for a hydration system - my 100oz. Camelbak Storm fits in there perfectly! There's also two water bottles pockets on the outside, and those are useful too. Total cargo volume is 2350 cubic inches.
I especially like the aluminum sheet inside that keeps contents from poking the heck out of my back, and also the Airlift padded straps which are very comfortable. The pack has both a sternum strap and kidney strap, and both are removable/stowable.
I like this bag so much that I use it for my BOB.
I've heard the Eagle AIII pack is good, but it has one big compartment instead of a few smaller ones. Don't know how good that will be for organizing school supplies.
http://www.sonomaoutfitters.com/pack_day/jansport_odyssey_38.html
BerettaNut92
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Camelbak makes some good packs (their LE/mil stuff is distributed through Eagle Industries but are made in the Philippines).
Maxpedition packs are quite good too.
The Eagle packs are nice but aren't very urban-friendly...it's difficult to organize all your junk in there. The newer Camelbaks are little nicer, but Maxpeditions are great, if you don't mind them being made in Taiwan.
(I know some really nice things made in Taiwan)
Maxpedition packs are quite good too.
The Eagle packs are nice but aren't very urban-friendly...it's difficult to organize all your junk in there. The newer Camelbaks are little nicer, but Maxpeditions are great, if you don't mind them being made in Taiwan.
(I know some really nice things made in Taiwan)
Flashpoint
Member
J.J.
Member
I have a samsonite that fits a laptop that bag is wonderful. Tons of padding great for the 5 heavy college textbooks that i have to lug around on a regular basis.
FNHP35
Member
Alrighty, I worked at REI for 2 years, so I've seen a few backpacks. Alot of it really depends on the design. I've seen some pretty junky stuff come from Kelty, and I've seen some good stuff. My packs? Aside from a small day pack, they're Arc'teryx. They're expensive, but if you get the ones made in Canada, they're awesome. The REI daypacks aren't bad at all. Gregory, when you can find the smaller ones, is great too. Eagle Creek isn't bad either, though, they tend to be more geared towards traveling, and if that's what you want, then go for it. I have not had alot of good luck with Jansport. Nor Eastpack. As a general rule, less zippers, stronger the pack is. Also, make sure that straps support the weight, and not zippers, that's a big thing that will really strain a pack and make the zippers fail fast. Hopefully that helps you some.
Andrew
Andrew
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