Ideas for an EDC pack?

jone

jone

Joined
Dec 31, 2012
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I'm looking for a fairly rugged EDC backpack that I can carry around town or out on the trail for a hike with the kids. Can't be tactical, but pretty much open to suggestions or recommendations. Normally carry snacks, water, first aid kit and phone, keys, wallet in it. One big thing - MUST have 2 water bottle pockets on the outside to carry the kids' water for easy access. Looking to spend under $150. I've searched for hours and haven't found the right bag yet. Thought maybe some of you would have some good suggestions.

Ideas and/or photos welcome and appreciated...
 
Not many backpacks have the side water holster, but they can easily be added to most packs.

I also avoid tactile packs, but still stick with goruck for some reason. Not too much molle, little is nice for attaching water holster on my hikes.
Gr echo was about 120 when I purchased on a sale, new.
 
I own and highly approve of the Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II. Its a lightweight, smallish to medium backpack with two exterior bottle holders that you might like. My sons have used Maxpedition Condor II backpacks as school bags for the last 6 years, and they have held up extremely well considering the abuse that school packs will endure.
 
Just bought an Oakley Kitchen Sink that's pretty sweet. The smaller version is in your budget. I believe it's called the "Bathroom Sink". They're super rugged, but maybe a bit too "tactical" for your needs. Anyways, I enjoy mine. Happy hunting.
 
So far some really good ideas. Thanks for throwing some ideas my way.
 
Mountainsmith Tour TLS is my everyday bag. Two pockets that will hold Nalgene 32oz bottles, a padded pocket that an iPad fits in, attachment points to add their Strapettes to wear it more like a backpack.

Not my photo.

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Last month I spent my REI dividend on the Camelbak Fourteener 24. I really like the layout and the back panel is super cool. Your back actually sits a full inch off the main body of the pack so ventilation on this thing is exceptional. The two side stretch pockets are very deep and I like that; no fear of anything falling out. The front pocket is smartly laid out with organization for pens, notebook, multitool, knife, flashlight, etc. The quick-access fleece-lined pocket is also deeper than most packs as well, leaving plenty of room for more than just sunglasses. The stretch overflow pocket in front comes in very handy as well.

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Someone here mentioned Osprey packs and they make really good stuff too with an unbeatable warranty.
 
I like the rush 5.11 12 and 24, but they have Molle attachments so they may look too "tactical" for you
 
use the search bar because this subject has been discussed at least a dozen times before...

that's your best bet for recommendations.

check out go ruck, tom bihn, maxpedition.
 
Appreciate everyone who has contributed. Thanks for the good recommendations on Mountainsmith and Camelback - both have been on my short list.

I like the 5.11 packs am considering one of those as well. Just wish there were more colors.

four_shore - thanks for the info. I did search before I posted here - just didn't find the info I was looking for. If you can direct me to a thread that has non-tactical bag suggestions with two built in water bottle holders I would certainly love to read more from earlier posts. Thanks.
 
I tried several, and ended up with an ATS 2.6. It's similar in size to the Pygmy Falcon, but is slick faced so that dirt and debris are not attracted to the 'pack (unlike the PFII, which uses open cell foam). They make them in two-tone and they don't come across as tacticool at all. There are two rows of molle webbing on the bottom of the 'pack, for tying on a sleeping bag or pad or similar. The shock cord on the exterior works great for a coat. They come with or without the Velcro on the back. The straps come out of the middle of the 'pack, so it rides high on the back and is extremely comfortable. The straps are very lightly padded, so that they don't get in the way like most overpadded pack straps. There are 4 cinch straps that stabilize the 'pack very well when under loaded, and work great if you like to strap on a machete or other big blade. It's the perfect size, small enough to go anywhere, and just big enough for a days worth of gear or even a minimalist overnight trip.

I use mine as a daypack, whether around town or hiking. I have a pair of Nalgene holders on the inside, the ATS is able to use Velcro pouches and pockets anywhere on the interior, it works much better for me than the exterior bottle pouches on the PFII. It does require some help with organization, as the pack is open inside, but a Maxpedition Fatty Pocket Organizer (or similar) works great.

 
The north face and salomon make good packs.

Check out TNF borealis, and hot shot packs. From salomon you might look at the sky 30. The TNF packs will play better with laptops while the salomon ones are more outdoorsy.

Osprey also makes great packs. Look at the atmos series.
 
Ditto on the Osprey pack recommendation. Lightweight, well constructed, gender specific design and not tactical looking. I've had good luck with Mountainsmith & Kelty packs as well.
 
In going to go another direction here. I'm a backpack border and have a definite favorite: my Makr Farm Ruck is incredible! Made in the USA of heavy canvas and thick Horoween leather. The bag has just enough pockets (including two side water bottle pockets that hold up to litter-sized aluminum water bottles, to small for Nalgenes) and is made extremely well. My wife and I only bright these backpacks when we lived in Europe for 4 months and used them almost every day. We hiked to the tops of mountains with them several times. They are extremely durable!

Make Farm Ruck: http://makr.com/farm-ruck-sack-tobacco-canvas-and-natural-horween-hs-leather

Lunch on the way up:


A flat section in the trail:


And finally at the top:
 
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