Backpacks for Pirates

Discussion in 'Random Thoughts' started by SoupRKnowva, Mar 16, 2016.

  1. SoupRKnowva

    SoupRKnowva Official SBAF South Korean Ambassador

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    I posted in a status asking about college backpacks, and well, it got much more interest than anticipated. so I decided to do this. (I was gonna ask a Mod to see if they could like make a thread out of the conversation with posts being attributed to all the right people, but that would be a lot of work, if it were even possible, and this was my fault to begin with and i figured this would be close enough, though still a bunch of work)











































     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2016
  2. SoupRKnowva

    SoupRKnowva Official SBAF South Korean Ambassador

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    So I've given up on the Goruck, even if i was willing to shed out the money for that bad boy, i just don't think its quite organized for school...

    the Twig looks pretty solid as well, but I just think the two Osprey bags look a smudge better. but now I'm torn, the Pixel is a bit more compact, by virtue of being slightly "thinner" against you, but can unzip the sized for a bit more depth if you need it, and i like all that a ton, but what i don't like the lack of a water bottle pouch on the outside, which the Flapjack does have.
     
  3. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    Any reason you haven't considered the Incase Icon (or Slim variant)? It seems similar to the Pixel.
     
  4. Friday

    Friday Friend

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    I withdraw my statement that the Blackhawk is pricey. The 3-day assault pack when purchased through Amazon is of comparable pricing to the other options raised. But it doesn't have an external bottle pocket so probably one less reason for you to get it
     
  5. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    Whoaaaa I just looked that up. The Block Go bag looks really good! Like a GoRuck but cheaper.
     
  6. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    Last edited: Mar 17, 2016
  7. sphinxvc

    sphinxvc Gear Master (retired)

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    Careful about size. Go somewhere and check out a 20L to see if it will fit your need.

    These days I've to carry a laptop for work, its accessories, lunch on some days, and about 2 out of the 5 text books that I cycle. A 25-30L would comfortably fit these. I use a compacted Golite 50L since I have it lying around, can bring this down to about 30L.

    As far as ergonomics go, Osprey is still one of the best. Their daypacks (25-30L) tend to be over-engineered with a soft 'frame', which works great for small volume heavy loads like text books. Doesn't work as well for UL backpacking where you generally have high volume loads of about the same weight.

    I wouldn't recommend any UL packs (like Golite), just not enough structure to comfortably distribute small volume weight, and they're not forgiving of bad packing, all by design though.

    Alternatives to Osprey: Deuter, Arcteryx
     
  8. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I need to figure out if my bag is bigger than the pixel. I can fit my laptop, my audio stuff, an extra set of clothes, all my chargers, external battery packs, etc for an overnight work trip in it.
     
  9. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I have always had problems with textbooks in my backpack getting jostled around and getting damage on the edges and corners. Anyone know of a bag that has straps to hold the book in place or allows you to reduce the volume of the bag to limit motion? I like riding my bike and sometimes I jog because I am running late. Any other tips on protecting textbooks in a backpack are welcome.
     
  10. Friday

    Friday Friend

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    Just using the Blackhawk as an example because I'm familiar with it; it's not the only bag with the following feature. If you look at the sides, you should notice that there are strap-length adjusters with clips along them. Those can "squeeze" the bag into a more compact shape and probably solve your problems. Only thing is these may gradually loosen up over time, so what I'd usually do is to tie them into a knot at the plastic bit so they stay fixed, especially if I know that I won't be carrying bulkier loads for a while.


    [​IMG]
     
  11. SoupRKnowva

    SoupRKnowva Official SBAF South Korean Ambassador

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    So I've been using my Osprey Pixel for the last week while going to school and I have say to say, I really like it. I haven't ever needed more space yet, though to be fair I almost never take textbooks with me, but it does alright with one and a few notebooks as well.

    I really like that it isn't so big that everything just falls to the bottom, it keeps its shape even when its empty and it sits pretty low profile on my back, anyways, thanks @zerodeefex for talking it up so much, definitely worth the price to me
     
  12. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    Late to this, but Osprey is the bomb. Have several hiking packs and some luggage from them. Not only do they make smartly designed bags (and have heavenly frames), their warranty is outstanding. I sent them my 9 year old suitcase that had one of its handles torn up by an airline asking them if they could repair it. I would have been happy to pay for a repair, but they ended up sending me a completely new suitcase! Incredible since it was so old and a $375 bag. I already loved them, but this solidified them as my first and last choice any time I need any kind of technical bag (which are great for hauling heavy books if you have them).
     
  13. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I found a sort of solution to my book problem

    http://thebookglove.com/

    Basically neoprene sleeves for your books. The sleeves will probably hold a Modi and Magni as well which is great for taking my setup with me. I'm sure the textbook size ones can carry a Jotunheim. Along with an Osprey this will probably my ideal for bike commuting. I tend to carry a lot of stuff so the waist support would be great.

    Another bag I found for traveling is the Riut Bag. Basically they just put the zippers on your back instead of toward the outside which is easily accessible to pick pickpockets. I am always super paranoid about being picked so this is a great bag for me. I don't need the laptop one because I don't make it a habit of going to tourist areas with it. But the smaller day pack is great.

    http://www.riut.co.uk/
     
  14. jelt2359

    jelt2359 Friend

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    I use a Tom Bihn for work. Laptop and other stuff. True story, at Can jam Singapore Jude actually walked past me and said, "Tom Bihn, nice!"

    These things are ridiculously light and indestructible. Currently rocking out on a Synapse 25.
     
  15. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    You didn't throw up in your mouth involuntarily when you heard that?
     
  16. Azteca

    Azteca Friend

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  17. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Do they make a man purse? With two cells phones, a ZX2, and other junk, I've been finding that I need a stylish man purse.
     
  18. Azteca

    Azteca Friend

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    I use a Rickshaw Bags messenger bag for work every day. They make backpacks, laptop bags, etc. Really good stuff, extremely customizable, made in the USA in a fair work environment. My bag has survived tons of abuse and is very handsome. Many people have asked me where I got it. I was fortunate enough to get my bag with a 50% off coupon but they're worth the price.
    http://www.rickshawbags.com

    @Marvey try this. you can customize. http://www.rickshawbags.com/small-zero-messenger-bag#272=89
     
  19. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Do you need to carry a tablet, etc? Or just daily carry crap, two cells, your ZX2 and the andromeda?
     
  20. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    No tablet. Just crap. Maybe throw in keys, spare change, battery pack, a few dollars for the random dudes asking for money at the freeway offramps, etc.
     

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