EDC Backpack

DrOpPoInT1110

DrOpPoInT1110

Joined
Jan 28, 2009
Messages
2,687
I recently have come to the realization that most of my EDC (knife, flashlight, wallet, etc.) fits my needs perfectly but my backpack isn't quite there. As a college student, I have my backpack with me most days of the week but also do use it on my days off to carry my laptop and other belongings. Right now, I'm just using the one that came with my laptop. Its fairly comfortable but the material isn't great and tears easily. It also doesn't fit much in the main compartment besides my laptop and just doesn't have enough storage pockets inside. Basically, I need a durable backpack that isn't massive but has decent cargo space. It also needs to have a dedicated laptop compartment or at least an area that could work for a 14" laptop. I've been looking at a few with MOLLE webbing since it would be a good option to have in case I want to add other pouches for more space. I'm not looking to spend more than $150 but if it gets me a great quality item, I'm always willing to spend a bit more (within reason). I've been looking at the Oakley 'Bathroom Sink' backpack and the 5.11 Rush 24 but I know there are TONS of options so I'm hoping you guys could narrow it down for me with some good suggestions. Thanks!
 
I'm very happy with my Osprey Momentum 34; been using it daily for the last 6 months or so. Check 'em out!
 
I'll look into that one. Thanks!
Edit: that actually looks pretty nice! I like their style...seems very practical. I'll have to research that one more for sure. Thanks again!
 
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Maxpedition makes some really nice stuff and should be budget friendly enough to keep you under the $150 mark.

I have the Lunada, great pack. May be a touch small if you're going to put the laptop in it depending on the size of your laptop. Can't remember the model name of the next size up but little research and you'll find it.
 
I just got a First Spear Comm backpack. It's got a built in hard plastic contoured back plate, a padded laptop/tablet space, room for other stuff, lots of pockets, a sort of beaver tail, two bottle pockets, and numerous zipper pockets, and it's built like a tank. The Construction is top notch, and the zippers are excellent quality, the shoulder straps are thick and padded.
I just got it a few days ago, in a way I wish it was bigger, but it's working just fine for my current needs. Maybe it just looks small on me, but so far I'm not looking to replace it?
Worth looking at, and it's right there in your price range. Mine doesn't look tactical, no MOLLE, but again lots of little pockets. I can carry a small tomahawk behind the plastic insert, and it just disappears.
 
I've been looking at the maxpedition packs but none of them seem to have a dedicated laptop slot. Foxx, that pack looks awesome! That might just be the one for me. I like the more 'normal' look. Thanks very much. Four shore, thanks for linking that
 
DrOpPoInT1110 said:
I've been looking at the maxpedition packs but none of them seem to have a dedicated laptop slot. Foxx, that pack looks awesome! That might just be the one for me. I like the more 'normal' look. Thanks very much. Four shore, thanks for linking that
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no problem brother.

i went through the same thing.

goruck gr1 ftw.

it's pricey but they're extensively tested under hard use and will last a lifetime.

the quality is second to none.
 
I'm looking at that one now actually. It's looking like a tough decision between that and the comm pack.
 
DrOpPoInT1110 said:
I'm looking at that one now actually. It's looking like a tough decision between that and the comm pack.
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i couldnt recommend it more.

the durability and quality are exceptional.

i had a kifaru a while back and it wasn't even comparable.

let us know what you decide :)
 
It does seem like an impressive pack. Plus I like buying anything US made. Just having a tough time justifying that price.
 
four_shore said:
if you do get it, think of it as the last bag you'll ever need.

then the price doesnt seem so bad.
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Hmmm. The one thing I'm still not sure about is how I'll like the location of the laptop compartment. It seems like it would make the bag uncomfortable since my laptop isn't very thin. Have you used that compartment at all?
 
I'm looking at the echo as well and I noticed from your thread that you have both. Which would you pick between the two?
 
i'll put it to you this way, i'm only 5'7" and i felt like the echo was far too small (at least aesthetically) so i actually sold it.

the gr1 seems to fit everyone.

i couldnt get over how tiny the echo was and it was probably designed for women.

i'd definitely go gr1. it will serve you well.
 
Yea the gr1 seems to be the better of the two. Thanks for all the info. Im going to do a bit more research but It'll be either the gr1 or comm pack...I really like them both. Thanks again!
 
I've been using the Comm pack for work. I don't take a laptop, but water bottles, lunch, coffee travel mug, gloves, safety glasses, pens, markers, saftey razor, and other junk I need for work all carries just fine.
I like the design, no belt, no sternum strap, easy to use. The shoulder straps stay in place and I don't overload the pack, so they are comfortable.
But this damn thread...I didn't know about Goruck, but now I have a GR2 on order. I needed a small pack for work, but I wanted something larger for day hikes, and being able to take more gear than most packs allow. The GR1 looks nice as well, but I want to be able to take more if need be. I like to beprepared to spend the night in the woods if I have to. The GR2 seems to be large enough to take some bushcraft gear/tools, tarp, my Kifaru Woobie, clothes, water purification, stove, light rain gear, some food and a jacket. Plus, for travel the GR2 looks perfect, car trips or by airplane, overnighters or a week.
I also have a Kifaru cargo carrier on order, I haven't decided which pouches and pockets to get. Is placing the GR2 inside the carrier, then adding a tent, sleeping pad, axe, and other gear a crazy idea? The smaller pouches seem like the way to go, but I'm just thinking outside the box, or bag in this case.
 
I will second that the Echo is too small. I actually bought four_shores :). I still use it everyday as my office bag. I can haul my 13" Macbook in it plus my lunch, but it is a very small bag. Go with the bigger one, you won't regret it. To add, I have also used the GR2. You can pack a weeks worth of clothes in that thing, plus tools, guns, you name it. They are a great company!
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I think I'm going to go with the Comm Pack for now but a goruck pack is definitely going to be a future purchase. The comm pack seems to fit my needs perfectly.
 
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