r/backpacks

Hi all, I’m looking for recommendations for an EDC backpack that I can use for university but also continue using long-term after graduation for commuting/work.

I’m 5’3, so I’d prefer something that doesn’t feel overly bulky or awkward on a smaller frame. I’ll be staying on campus, but sometimes there are uphill/downhill paths, so comfort is important.

My usual carry will be:

• MacBook Air 15”
• Possibly an iPad
• Foolscap paper / documents
• Stationery case
• Charger
• Power bank
• Water bottle
• Occasionally gym clothes

Since I’m in Singapore, it’s hot and humid year-round, so breathability/back comfort would be a big plus.

What I’m looking for:

• Around 20–25L ideally (Not sure if it is perfect fit for my frame)
• Comfortable for daily walking
• Works well for a smaller frame / 5’3
• Good laptop protection
• Enough organisation without being overbuilt
• Durable enough for long-term use
• Aesthetic that can work for both campus and office/commuting

Would love recommendations for specific models, especially if you’re also on the shorter side or live in a hot/humid climate.

Thanks!

I’ve been trying to replace my old backpack but everything I find is either super outdoorsy or looks like gaming gear lol.

Mostly need: laptop space, good for flights, comfortable enough for walking around airports & not too flashy.

What are people using these days?

Has anyone else got a shipping notification? Surprised its coming ahead of time

Hi. I’m about to do the Portoguese Camino. I’ve just bought a pair of Hoka Challenger 8, size 39 1/2 (8). I usually wear 38 (7) for shoes like flats and sandals and 38.5 (7.5) or 38 2/3 for sneakers like Adidas and New Balance, my feet are exactly 24cm long. They shop guy told me to size up so I did, but then I went for a walk with a friend of mine, told him they felt a little bit wide on the toes and he pointed out they were definitely too big for me. This because he showed me there is exactly one index finger between my toes and the point of the shoes. Also, I have a very narrow foot so they feel comfortable, but definitely wide on the toes and the heel is not “sealed” - it’s comfortable and moves a little. They don’t cause any pain - I walked 15km and they were super cool. The foot is just not “wrapped” inside the shoe. Now I’m extremely confused and worried that my foot is not properly supported and that a wide shoe might cause blisters. I even tried the runner’s loop to “seal” the heel but I’m still worried. And I can’t make a return… Just try and sell them online. :(

Need some help for picking a bag for work (and potential for hiking?)

Here is some of my needs

1. I hate the bag looks like a laptop bag

2. I need to fit a 16 inch Macbook pro in there

3. Lunch box

4. Some gym changing cloths, I do bouldering and I carry my chalk bag and my shoes in a drawstring bag to prevent the dirty chalk.

I am currently really digging to the Mystery Ranch 2 Day but not entirely sure cuz it looks a bit thick from the pictures and I kinda worry if I carry light, my stuff might wobble in there. But I really like their 3 Way Zip and a small top porch for smaller stuff like badge and charging cables.

I live in the UK so options might limited based on the region

Hello. I want to upgrade my current Incase backpack to an Osprey Nebula before the start of my residency program. I have a 15.1" gaming laptop and a surface pro 8 laptop for note taking, along with other miscellaneous items I carry around with me. I know that the Nebula has a built-in laptop sleeve, but I prefer using my tomtoc laptop sleeve for the 15in laptop for the extra protection and don't mind using the built-in sleeve for my surface pro 8 since I use a heavy-duty case on the laptop itself already.

For those who own the backpack or has a similar set up, will a separate laptop sleeve fit within the main compartment of the Nebula backpack?

Thank you guys.

I’ve been getting into daily hikes and light trail running with my dog lately. I’ve got a 22L that’s great in the winter but is just too much for the hotter parts of the year. I carry water and snacks for us both as well as sometimes a sun hoodie and some small edc stuff. I’m looking at something along the lines of the Gossamer Gear Cima 15, the Gregory Nano 16, and the Rab Nitron 12. I dig the Gregory but I’m looking for zips not cinch. Rab feels like closest for what I’m doing but I keep reading about quality issues. Gossamer Cima looks close, too, but no hip belt and expensive.

Anyone have any feedback on these or options for alternatives along these lines? Thanks!

I have a Kenia transit, I am from Spain. My first flight depart from Arusha to Kenia and then Enttebe, the ticket of both are in the same ticket airline Kenia airways. Is it 100% sure I wont need Eta because i dont have to go to the inmigration gate or Should I get it just in case there is a problem (unknown) and I needed to go to the inmigration? What do you think? the waiting time is 4 hour

I’ve been doing endless research on backpacks and feel frustrated with how despite there being tons of options, there is not one that checks all my requirements.

I’m looking for an EDC backpack that can be used for my daily work commute and double as a personal item during travel and work trips.

My requirements:

\- Quick access pocket
\- Admin pocket
\- Laptop compartment for 14in work laptop
\- 2 good sized side water bottle pockets that can fit 24oz water bottle and won’t fall out if bending over with the backpack worn
\- Correctly oriented luggage pass through
\- Not so rigid material and weight ideally 2lbs or less
\- 20-26L capacity

What I carry:
\- 14in laptop
\- Lunch container in High Sierra single compartment lunch bag
\- Wireless mouse
\- Charger and USB C cable
\- Keys
\- Medicines
\- Pens
\- Lip balm
\- AirPods
\- Work ID badge
\- 24oz Stanley
\- Protein blender bottle

Currently trying the Rework Toshi 20L which seems perfect on paper but feels a bit small, a bit rigid, weight is higher than preferred.

Also have a Ogio Alpha 20L on the way as it also checks all these requirements. I just can’t seem to find a bag that has the trifecta of lighter weight, 2 side bottle pockets, and CORRECTLY oriented luggage pass through. Aer CPP2 is too heavy.

I am currently looking for a new work backpack. I am currently using an old JanSport that suits my purposes okay, but it starting to fall apart. My partner offered me his spare work backpack, but it is so large on me I look like a turtle (in my personal opinion). I would like something that no only looks professional, but is made to last, sustainability and quality are big factors I look at when purchasing anything as I continue to practice being a conscious consumer. I have looked through this subreddit a bit, and there seem to be a lot of highly praised brands/bags; but I'm having trouble figuring out which one would serve me best. For reference I am 5'1 125lbs.

Criteria:

- at least 3 compartments
- is under $300
- a laptop sleeve that fits a 14-15 inch laptop
- (preferably) has at least one exterior water bottle holder

Backpacks I am considering:
https://www.gregory.com/packs/everyday/retna-25/150948XXXX.html?dwvar_150948XXXX_color=150948A386

https://www.gregory.com/packs/everyday/rhune-22/143376XXXX.html?dwvar_143376XXXX_color=143376A010

https://aersf.com/collections/briefcases/products/flight-pack?country=US

https://evergoods.us/products/civic-half-zip?variant=43093034401926

I bought a new Supreme backpack made of cordura advanced fabric and it’s great, but I wore the backpack once after a hard workout and got it sweaty. The next day it smelled of BO and I’m not sure how to prevent this in the future.

Previously, I’ve used a patagonia backpack for the last 10 years and have sweated gallons into that thing. Never smelled once.

What can I do to prevent this in the future? Is there any kind of protective goo I can apply? I pretty much just sprayed it with Ozium

I recently bought this backpack to replace my Adidas Foundation backpack, which had been going strong for 5 years till it ripped. Now I love TNF bag I bought, but my major issue is with the standing feature... how can I pack it to so that my bag doesn't topple over? Or, how should I adjust the straps?

Since I got it I, transferred my items and it stood up, but after actually using it (taking it outside), the bag now refuses to remain upright!

I have Osprey farpoint 36 wheeled, it’s a good bag but it has a single pole design which makes challenging for me to add another personal item bag on top of it. I was thinking of exchanging this to Osprey sojourn 45 wheeled or Osprey daylite 40 wheeled duffel,

but both of these bags are above carry on size limitations! Plus sojourn is about 3.4kgs!

Do you have any better alternatives for a carry on roller which has backpack straps ? Though these straps would be used occasionally but still it’s an important feature ! The other bags I could think of. - stubble and co 40 wheeled duffel or topo design roller carry on.

Should I just continue with farpoint 36 and add J strap hook ? Please don’t suggest me to not use roller because it’s a need and not a luxury

I know it's been asked a million times but looking for some insight.

I've had my eyes on the Aer City Pack Pro 2 20L and the Toshi Rework 20L. I've also been looking in tho the WANDRD PRVKE 21L and the WANDRD Nimbus.

Wondering if anyone has any experience with any of these bags!