I’ve got a backpack that’s falling apart after less than a year and was looking for a much better one that will hold up well. Specifically, the use case is dragging food home from grocery stores or dragging cards in plastic boxes/board games around at best…
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I’ve never had a better bag than a Lowepro. Overkill maybe, but they’ve earned more purchases from me considering I just threw away a 15 year old backpack.
How well would you rate its ability to be sewn of ripped? Does it seem like it can be hand sewn if need be?
What are your style, price, and other considerations?(Country of origin, ethical, material, etc.)
I love my Tactical Tailor Operator backpack and I am eyeing a Triple Aught Design Fast Pack Scout.
Country of origin and ethics don’t really matter so long as it holds up. I’d like to be able to fix it if I can or add patches to make it look more unique so materials have to allow for hand repairs/“enhancements” as needed.
In that case you might want to look into all leather backpacks or heavy canvas. Both are repairable, though leather is also waterproof. They both take patches well and maybe even pins.
I’ve been using my Ospree for almost 20 years and it hasn’t failed or even worn in any way I can tell
I have a Goruck GR1 that has been going strong for over a decade. It’s been in multiple countries, often in harsh conditions. It’s been dropped in an ocean. It’s been tear gassed a time or two. It’s been through a lot, and still looks almost new.
I’ve purchased a few other bags from them (the most recent being an M23 delivered this very week).
Lifetime warranty. Great construction. I have no complaints.
Will second the GoRucks. I have two (a Gr1 and a Gr2) that are in near daily use and they still feel new after five or so years. Comfy, holds a lot, and they feel bomb proof.
I hate to say it but I know 3 people with the LTT Backpackand they all love it.
As much as I like mine, I don’t think it has been around long enough to make this kind of recommendation yet. For now, I’d recommend something that’s been around longer.
I’ve seen a couple recommendations for Swiss Gear, which I can wholeheartedly agree with. I have 2 approaching 20 years old. One looks brand new. The other clearly isn’t new, but has no functional flaws.
I also really like my Rush 5.11. It has been my primary travel, hiking, and camping bag for years. I treat it like shit, and it still looks flawless.
if all else fails, there’s always the DIY option: Easy to Make Ultralight Backpack
Ultralight and durable are antitheses
Ultralight, cheap, and durable. Choose 2. You can do ultralight and durable with titanium gear but it ain’t gonna be cheap
I have an Eastpak bag that ive been using daily since 2012. Holds a basket of groceries, in my experience.
The inside has some sort of plastic lining that is now degrading, the padding in the straps is now non-existant, and its pretty dirty. But it still works great, and is comfy.
Id buy another, but the current styles are flower-based or solid colourDeuter is my choice. It lasts from 5 to 10 years, depending on the use. I don’t know if these backpacks are sold in the US, but in Europe the price starts at 100€.
I second that. It has served me for everything from airplane hand luggage to college backpack to hiking bag. It has lasted me for more than 10 years now and has been less busy in the last few years, but still has many more years of life in it.
Buy something with an aluminum frame from your local hiking store. Get fitted for it properly.
All fabric gets holes. Learn how to use a needle and thread to patch it.
I bought a Patagonia one ~10 years ago, mainly because of their suggestion that it should be built to last and that they offer repairs for anything that breaks. I use it pretty much everyday and it’s still pretty much good as new! Expensive outlay but worth it long-term I think.
My kid has a five nights at Freddy’s backpack. Normally these branded things are made cheaply.
This thing has been hauling 25lbs of books for 4 years now and only the carrying handle is starting to wear.
It’s amazing.
Pro tip for backpack longevity. Stop dragging it.
Why drag it when it’s on my back, where it should be?
Maybe a wheeled dolly or cart would be better for dragging around.
Let me guess, English isn’t your first language?
I don’t mean literally dragging around, I meant it figuratively. But you did make me laugh a bit so a point for you.
soo… you’re not going to explain?
Specifically, the use case is dragging food home from grocery stores or dragging cards in plastic boxes/board games around at best…
Interestingly, English is my first language and the native language of my home country, and this is not a phrase you would expect to hear unless literal dragging is involved. In my country, we might say “lugging” or “hauling” where you used “dragging”. Maybe it is a local thing for you.
I’m a native English speaker, but you mentioned dragging twice. I was being facetious, so I guess you got it.
In my locale we would probably use the term schlep or haul or pack.
But in all seriousness, you should consider a grocery hand cart. Backpacks are great and all but for maybe up to 15 lbs. Beyond that and it’s nice to have it on wheels. I’ve carried a backpack for thousands of miles, and I’ll gladly repeat it, but when there are other options and the ground is flat…
I have a couple Mystery Ranch backpacks that I think are going to outlive me. RipRuck 32 holds a ton of stuff and the Blitz 30 has excellent organization. Incredibly durable, if a bit on the pricey side. I live/work on the road and was chewing through backpacks, so spending the extra has proven to be worth it.
Check out Tom Bihn!! They make durable bags that are of excellent quality, and definitely BIFL. They also have a pretty dedicated following of customers that post to a community forum (you can find the link from the Tom Bihn website). People there were really helpful when I posted about waffling between two styles and sizes for an EDC backpack. I definitely recommend checking TB bags out, and going to their forum for helpful advice.
I’ve had a Timbuk2 laptop bag for a long time, over a decade and no issues. Loved it so much I bought a backpack from them when my Swiss Gear straps broke. I’ve had it for probably 5 years, adore this thing and I can’t see needing to repair it anytime soon. Recently took it abroad stuffed with laptop and camera gear and it was great. Regular sales online, highly recommend
