Any suggestions for a good buy it for life backpack?
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...
My first year in high school (US) I bought a used "German Mountain Rucksack" from a military surplus catalog. Heavy canvas, rubberized top and bottom, triple stitching, buckles and drawstrings instead of zippers.
I used it all through HS and college, and I've taken it on dozens of flights across the country and overseas. I'll frequently load it up with 40lb of groceries and bike home from the store. It looked like it had gone through a warzone when I got it (and in all probability it has) but even after 20+ years of rough use it's still going strong - so that's my vote.
Very durable. I did a two-month bit on the road with one. But so painful to carry when fully loaded, so I was very thankful when someone gave me a modern hiking bag instead.
My mom bought me this Kelty backpack 28 years ago and I use it all the time. It has no rips, tears, and if I throw it in the washing machine once a year, looks brand new.
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.
Deuter 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.
My sister bought me a Gregory backpack for my birthday three years ago (it's one of their 60 sizes). During spring/summer/fall I use it several times weekly when I hike to-and-from the gym, and it's still in like-new condition after hundreds of uses. I really like the straps across the chest and hips to help distribute weight across my torso. Problem is they aren't cheap, but they aren't cheaply made either and mine includes features like a detachable smaller pack for when you don't need the whole huge space. Depending on your budget, they may fit your needs and you may not need to splurge on one of their largest models like my sister did.
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.
I can't speak to current models, but the one I had I assume would have been sewable. I just never needed to, it never ripped a seam in 15 years and got tossed because the zipper pulls were gone by that point and it got cat piss on 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.
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.
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 colour
I used to work a job with a lot of swag, to the point I was donating ~20 bags a month. I LOVED one of them with a Passion I tried to hunt it down but it was a custom build requiring 10k units. Since then I've replaced it with https://www.swissgear.com/swissgear-1900-scansmart-laptop-backpack and the only flaw is that no single compartment is MASSIVE. As long as you don't need 1 massive pouch this has all of the best features.
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
I love my thinkgeek backpack of holding, I've used and abused that thing and it still keeps kicking.
Legitimately my buddy has the same bag but doesn't use it as often, mine is slightly lighter brown I think because of all the sunshine it's seen.
I'm sad that you can't buy it anymore. Some of the thinkgeek guys are at rollacrit now, and they have their messenger bag of holding, a spiritual successor. I haven't looked closely, but from a glance it's not even close to the original.
I don't know what I'll do when my bag dies, but from the looks of it, that will be a long while.
I actually originally had one of those, gave it to a friend, who got rid of it to another friend... Reason I got rid of it myself was how difficult it was to customize it any.
True, it's more of an "everything goes in the round hole" kind of bag. And I'm occasionally swapping things in and out of it, but still. When I travel for only a couple days, I use it at a suitcase. When I hike locally, I use it as a trail pack. When I'm not sure what I'll be doing that day or where I'll end up? I load it with a mix of clothes, steam deck, laptop, and other goodies I might want.
I have an actual suitcase, and I'm gonna buy an actual backpack for hiking and camping, but still. I find it very fitting for my needs.
When I need to clean a lot into it? I can, and it's huge, and I can strap stuff to the back and sides.
When I only have a couple things? It compresses down pretty small and lightweight. I'll never ditch it 😬
I've also got this backpack. It's been my go-to when I originally bought it when I started college nearly 9 years ago. I love the absolute shit out of it.
I have now had a Goruck G2 backpack for 4 years as my daily driver as well as for travel and shorter hikes. It is a great backpack, heavy duty and well thought out design. The only downside being it's somewhat hefty price tag and the shipping costs to Europe.
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.
Not being a shill but after seeing the miner using the LTT backpack and how good of shape it was in after a year. I'd say that is some good quality materials used in it
In mine, it's $25, starting price, and the sales are never on the ordering apps so you're paying full price for everything. Added to the fact I live less than ten to fifteen minutes away from a grocery store, with deliveries taking upwards of 4 hours to arrive, there's no point in taking advantage of them.
A day bag may also be an option but I would also like to be able to fix it if it rips or tears.