Recommend me a backpack for business use

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Casper
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Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by Casper »

I'd love to hear recommendations for a nice backpack for professional/business use. I've always used a leather briefcase/shoulder bag, and will continue to do so when necessary, but am interested in a nice looking, functional backpack for everyday use to/from work. Bonus if it can double as a carry-on with a zippered compartment for clothes. Rollers aren't necessary.

I've seen a few online from the likes of Samsonite and Swissgear. Interested in opinions on any of those, as well as any other brands I should look at.

Thanks, Bogleheads.
German Expat
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by German Expat »

I am travelling a lot for business and like backpacks. I am using Tumi for years and currently use the following:

https://www.tumi.com/p/tumi-t-pass%C2%A ... E-026578D2

I bought it after the TSA allowed to leave your laptop in if it is a T-Pass backpack (unfortunately never caught on international so still need to take it out there). Not a big deal anymore if you get TSA Pre since you can leave your laptop in regardless.

It is a bit on the pricey side and does not fill your requirement to pack clothes.

I use it daily to work, it was on a lot of flights (way more then 1 million miles) and holds up extremely well. You can see it used by a lot of heavy travelers. I was at meetings where people did grab mine because it was the same. I am not a big spender on luggage in general (e.g. my carry on sized spinner is from Costco) but this was a very good purchase.

My wife also uses a smaller Tumi backpack for travel and work and is also very happy with it. We both have the ballistic nylon and I would not consider the leather version.
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Jazztonight
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by Jazztonight »

The quality and function of Tom Bihn products is amazing. DW and I have been very happy with our daypacks, etc.
https://www.tombihn.com/collections/bri ... enger-bags
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onourway
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by onourway »

Second the Tom Bihn suggestion. The look may or may not appeal to you, but after a lifetime of trying all manner of backpacks and shoulder bags, my Tom Bihn backpack is far and away the best designed piece I've ever used. I'm able to carry more stuff in a much smaller bag because of how well it is organized. Fantastically built as well.
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mhc
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by mhc »

I use a black North Face laptop backpack. I can easily get 3 days of cloths and my laptop into the backpack. I really like it. It is semi-formal looking. It is all I take on short business trips.
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trueson1
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by trueson1 »

I have had Swissgear (Wenger) Legacy for 3 years. Best I have ever had. Also look at Synergy or Pegasus.
quantumFlamethrower
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by quantumFlamethrower »

Timbuk2 and Incase are to very popular brands in SF among techies

https://www.timbuk2.com/laptop-backpack ... refv1=Work

https://www.incase.com/products/bags/backpacks
BW1985
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by BW1985 »

German Expat wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2018 10:56 am I am travelling a lot for business and like backpacks. I am using Tumi for years and currently use the following:

https://www.tumi.com/p/tumi-t-pass%C2%A ... E-026578D2

I bought it after the TSA allowed to leave your laptop in if it is a T-Pass backpack (unfortunately never caught on international so still need to take it out there). Not a big deal anymore if you get TSA Pre since you can leave your laptop in regardless.

It is a bit on the pricey side and does not fill your requirement to pack clothes.

I use it daily to work, it was on a lot of flights (way more then 1 million miles) and holds up extremely well. You can see it used by a lot of heavy travelers. I was at meetings where people did grab mine because it was the same. I am not a big spender on luggage in general (e.g. my carry on sized spinner is from Costco) but this was a very good purchase.

My wife also uses a smaller Tumi backpack for travel and work and is also very happy with it. We both have the ballistic nylon and I would not consider the leather version.
+1. I'm also partital to Tumi ballistic nylon bags, but ofcourse there are cheaper options than Tumi.
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bloom2708
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by bloom2708 »

I use a Thule Crossover every day. Sling (one strap) versus two on a regular backpack.

Here is the backpack version:

https://www.backcountry.com/thule-cross ... pack|mt:be

Here is the sling version:

https://www.botach.com/thule-crossover-sling-backpack/

There are different sizes. 25L, 32L

Very durable and good compartments.
Last edited by bloom2708 on Wed Jan 03, 2018 12:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Maya1234
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by Maya1234 »

A lot of our clients are in branding / marketing businesses and the Tumi backpack would be one of the few ( other than high fashion lines) that we’d feel comfortable carrying in to a client meeting.
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SmileyFace
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by SmileyFace »

High end vendors to look at:
Tumi (What I've used for years)
Briggs and Riley

Lower tier vendors to look at (still well made):
Swiss Gear
High Siera
skteam
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by skteam »

Chrome Industries makes a great bag. Mine has held up through more than 400,000 miles of travel!
BigPrince
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by BigPrince »

This recommendation is more of a travel bag but I think it looks professional enough to consider for business.

~"Tortuga is the Apple of backpacks." - Snarky Nomad (He actually didn't say that but compared them in his review to Apple)

https://www.tortugabackpacks.com
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EyeYield
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by EyeYield »

A relatively new company you've probably never heard of, Hylete, makes some pretty sturdy backpacks.
https://www.hylete.com/backpacks

I chose this one, which is pretty versatile. It separates into two packs and works great as a carry on, duffle, hand held, as well as a backpack.
Check out the video to see the features.
https://www.hylete.com/icon-6-in-1-back ... k-40-liter

You can buy stock in the company and get further discounts.
https://www.hylete.com/invest
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facepalm
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by facepalm »

I am a huge fan of GoRuck backpacks. The GR1, specifically. No branding/logo, well built, made in the USA if that matters to you. I really like the laptop compartment on the GR1 and how easily accessible it is without having to delve into the inside of the bag. Enough pockets to store the essentials, but not too many so you don't misplace things. Lastly, the bags are indestructible and come with a lifetime repair warranty.

https://www.goruck.com/gr1/

Ignore the Special Forces marketing on the site; most people that buy the bag are not Mil.

Tom Bihn also makes nice bags.
stoptothink
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by stoptothink »

EyeYield wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2018 12:19 pm A relatively new company you've probably never heard of, Hylete, makes some pretty sturdy backpacks.
https://www.hylete.com/backpacks

I chose this one, which is pretty versatile. It separates into two packs and works great as a carry on, duffle, hand held, as well as a backpack.
Check out the video to see the features.
https://www.hylete.com/icon-6-in-1-back ... k-40-liter

You can buy stock in the company and get further discounts.
https://www.hylete.com/invest
My brother, former military who now works in oil & gas in Saudi Arabia (constantly traveling), has the 60L pack and absolutely loves it. IMO, there is absolutely no reason to spend more than $150 on a backpack unless you are carrying a week's worth of stuff for a hiking trip. The hylete options fit right in in a corporate environment and are extremely durable.
apex84
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by apex84 »

Have used Tom Bihn bags for over 20 years. Highly recommended.
Pacific
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by Pacific »

HIinvestor
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by HIinvestor »

You may wish to go to a few stores that carry several brands and bring a few of the larger things you’d want to carry in your bag to see how they’d feel in the bag when it’s loaded.

I have the SwissGear weekender that I, H and D all got for Christmas. I purchased them at Sam’s club fit under $30 apiece. They unzip all the way like a suitcase and can be carried as a briefcase or worn as a backpack. They are perfect as a carry on or fir short weekend trips. They have a padded compartment for electronics and RFID blocked sleeve. At Target and SwissGear, the same bag is $60.
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hand
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by hand »

facepalm wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2018 2:12 pm I am a huge fan of GoRuck backpacks. The GR1, specifically. No branding/logo, well built, made in the USA if that matters to you. I really like the laptop compartment on the GR1 and how easily accessible it is without having to delve into the inside of the bag. Enough pockets to store the essentials, but not too many so you don't misplace things. Lastly, the bags are indestructible and come with a lifetime repair warranty.

https://www.goruck.com/gr1/

Ignore the Special Forces marketing on the site; most people that buy the bag are not Mil.

Tom Bihn also makes nice bags.
+1 on GoRuck as indestructible and very functional as a laptop backpack if you don't mind slightly overbuilt and the military-esque Velcro patch.
I've used a GoRuck bag similar to the GR1 for years of travel and have been very happy.

Great bag for road warriors / commuters, though might be a bit unpolished for some business applications.
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badbreath
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by badbreath »

quantumFlamethrower »

Timbuk2

https://www.timbuk2.com/laptop-backpack ... refv1=Work
I have used Timbuk2 for years. Very high quality and durability.
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Topic Author
Casper
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Re: Recommend me a backpack for business use

Post by Casper »

Thank you everyone for the excellent suggestions!
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