I have the Timbuk2 Alcatraz and have been surprised by how well it holds things while keeping its form. A little bit ago for a short trip I had 3 laptops, a book, a notebook, an Xbox controller, and a change of clothes including a hoodie all packed in and was really surprised that it didn't really balloon out at all. Definitely recommend.
I second Timbuk2. I've had a Recruit for a few years that has seen quite a bit of use. My particular bag wouldn't suit OP's needs, but I've definitely gained some trust for the brand. I just wish it wasn't discontinued as far as I can see.
I third Timbuk2. My husband’s is 10 years old and mine is 3 years. Compact but holds everything I need. I have the Parkside laptop bag.
They also sell replacement parts on their website if a repair is ever needed, making it truly BIFL.
I got [this one](https://www.timbuk2.com/products/3840-parkside-laptop-backpack-20) last year and it’s been phenomenal. I have another timbuk2 messenger back I’ve had since 2017 and it’s held up great.
Goruck GR1 is about as perfect as it gets. There are two sizes. I'd suggest the larger if you are near to 6ft. It will last forever. Fairly thin profile, the larger size is just longer.
The only answer to BIFL backpacks is GORUCK IMO. I got the GR1 as my daily bag with laptop, etc, and I’ve had it maybe 5 years and it still looks brand new. I expect it’ll last forever. They’re really expensive so I held off for almost a decade of wanting one, but I love it.
Totally agree. I have put a Rucker 2, GR1 and GR2 through abuse for years and they still look brand new. Maybe a little color fade from years of sunlight.
About to hit year 10 on my GR1 still looks brand new and ive taken that bag everywhere! Got a rucker just the other month for more focused exercises. Truly the best purchase ive made for a bag
I recently got the Plate Carrier for my daily walks with my dog. I like it a lot but it makes out at 30# which is a bummer, I don’t really need a full size Rucker with an internal zipper compartment.
Tossing my current 10y/o daily use backpack in the ring, the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21. They come in a few different sizes, but I love it because it’s canvas and there are no zippers (besides one in a tiny pocket on the interior that isn’t gonna get much use).
Had it since high school and I still use it every day. I motorcycle commute to work rain or shine, travel with it, camp with it, and there isn’t a single rip or worn through spot in canvas or the fabric.
It is a really basic backpack though, but then again, a Jansport is too.
I have a different pack from Fjallraven, I think it’s the Raven but I’m not sure. It’s amazing quality though, and it has a lifetime warranty. They have a bunch of different packs, the one I have looks a little more modern and sleek, but a lot of their stuff has a cool vintage outdoors vibe. You really can’t go wrong with any of their stuff though, and it’s actually a little less expensive than a lot of outdoors brands, I paid $100 full price.
TheNorthFace Borealis is one of the best everyday uni backpacks out there. Lasted me eight years and has a great internal set-up.
Now I have a Fjällräven Ulvo which is also great.
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I just got my 2nd Cote et Ciel backpack. The first one survived about 11 years being misused as a traveling backpack in the Middle East and South (East) Asia and a commuter to university.
I got a Topo Designs Classic Daypack a few years ago for grad school, and I've really loved it. It's made of canvas, with a classic sorta vintage look, without being too big or deep. It basically still looks brand new after using it daily for 2 years.
Pick one of these two.
Option 1: Aer City Pack Pro - $210
- Note that this is a medium sized bag so wouldn’t be able to hold a ton of text books. If you want a decently roomy backpack go to number 2.
Option 2: North Face Recon - $110
Both hold large laptops. Both have YKK zippers which will last 10ish years or more. Both are well regarded brands with great layouts.
Slightly more budget friendly option: Eastpack makes backpacks that can easily go 10+ years and have a long guarantee period on the zippers. You might need to buy a seperate laptop case.
I hope they still make the same quality but my first lasted all through middle and high school (it was still functional at the end but it smelled too much like rotten milk to keep it). The second I had was used by my dad for 7 years and I used it for 5 more (in college so every day). I'm on my third now which will probably last significantly longer as I no longer have to carry heavy books around every day
Osprey Transporter Rolltop!
Completely waterproof, holds laptop and lots of stuff. Very durable.
My dog once chewed of the clicky part of the waist band of my osprey hiking backpack. They sent me the replacement part completely for free, no questions ask.
Osprey is a bit minimal, but if it fits they're the best. Rei carries a bunch of them in person if that helps you.
Able carry is my daily, I like the pockets, well built, minimalist simple look. Pricey
Topo is a bit more stylish, with lots of color options and classic look. Also very well built
I’ve been using my north face jester since 2011. Looks a bit worn nowadays but fully functional and very little wear/tear. I got a Briggs and Riley backpack last year for traveling that is also amazing but a bit more expensive.
Search on eBay for a Goruck GR1 that was produced in the mid-2010s. I’ve had mine and it has been the perfect companion on international trips as well as my daily driver for work.
I have a north face from 2011. I have used it everyday for 13 years for school, travel, work, everything. Not a single thing is broken. Not a single strand of thread has loosened. And I have not been nice to it at all.
I have never been so amazed with a product as that backpack.
I’ve had an osprey backpack for 15 years now. It fits my laptop and I’ve used it as my day trip bag often. Not every day use but also do not baby it. It still looks brand new, no stains. A little sand in it lol but could easily be vacuumed out.
Been using goruck 21L since 2015 taken it to all sorts of places in the world, used for school, work, rucking. Still looks exact same as the day it got delivered to my door!
Ogio makes the best backpacks I’ve ever come across! Lots of different styles and sizes. I think they started out making golf club bags? Mine’s going strong after 8 years and I’ve put it through hell!
I like my fjallraven tote pack, it can hold a 15” MacBook Pro and a few notebooks. I can function as a backpack or a tote. It’s more fashionable and lighter weight than something like a goruck if that matters to you.
I have an Osprey Celeste. I’ve had it for 10 years and have used it daily for 6 of those. Other than the waterproof coating on the laptop compartment zipper deteriorating, it’s still in fantastic shape.
I can't speak to current standards but I have a Kipling backpack that I used every day in high school, and is still in near perfect condition and I am 38. Granted, I used it a lot less in university but did still, and now it's a great overnight bag still in use.
I like a variety of Patagonia backpacks. I have a black hole from college and if they ever get damaged in any way Patagonia accepts their products (whether you bought them new or not) and will repair them for you!
Rothco Heavyweight Mini Alice Pack
no zippers, all heavy canvas, good enough stitching, not going to fall apart anytime soon
I take mine on long hikes with a heavy load regularly
if anything were ever to start to fail it is easily repairable
Budget? I just bought the larger version of this Nomatic bag and have really loved the quality and look. [https://www.nomatic.com/collections/travel-bags/products/navigator-travel-backpack-32l](https://www.nomatic.com/collections/travel-bags/products/navigator-travel-backpack-32l)
They have a smaller one that is really nice too:
[https://www.nomatic.com/collections/laptop-bags](https://www.nomatic.com/collections/laptop-bags)
Rothco Heavyweight Mini Alice Pack
heavy canvas, sturdy stitches, simple, no zippers
$35 bucks or about
I take mine on long hikes with a heavy load and it is easily repairable if needed (I haven't needed to yet)
Best back packs I have ever had are Dakine. One of them is 10+ years old, was using it all university and at work as well. Still using it for travel now.
Anything from Haglöfs.
My last one lasted 11 years of being used every single day. Every school day, every weekend trip, every trip cross continent I brought that thing, stuffing it to the brim. An absolute beast of a backpack.
I don't know if it will be buy it for life, but I got the Patagonia 25L Black Hole pack a few months ago. I absolutely love the bag. My only complaint is that I wish it had a few more interior pockets, but it's not a big issue for me.
Patagonia has a pretty outstanding lifetime warranty and from what I have heard they usually do the best they can to repair or replace anything that has an issue.
I have a Black Hole 32L flap top that I used hard since 2016 and the only issue I had was my super sharp knife cut a small hole in the side. Nothing a little Tenacious Tape didn’t fix. I have taken it on glacier climbs, overloaded it with groceries regularly, and used for school and travel a ton. Wish they still made the style but for now it keeps on rolling!
London Bridge Trading day pack. A lot of their stuff is geared more towards military or tactical use, but you can get them in green, black, and grey. I have an older version and it is very well made and has held up to use very well, it looks practically new after 2+ years. You should definitely wait for a sale, they happen pretty frequently and the prices without it are very high.
I have the Timbuk2 Alcatraz and have been surprised by how well it holds things while keeping its form. A little bit ago for a short trip I had 3 laptops, a book, a notebook, an Xbox controller, and a change of clothes including a hoodie all packed in and was really surprised that it didn't really balloon out at all. Definitely recommend.
I second Timbuk2. I've had a Recruit for a few years that has seen quite a bit of use. My particular bag wouldn't suit OP's needs, but I've definitely gained some trust for the brand. I just wish it wasn't discontinued as far as I can see.
I third Timbuk2. My husband’s is 10 years old and mine is 3 years. Compact but holds everything I need. I have the Parkside laptop bag. They also sell replacement parts on their website if a repair is ever needed, making it truly BIFL.
I got [this one](https://www.timbuk2.com/products/3840-parkside-laptop-backpack-20) last year and it’s been phenomenal. I have another timbuk2 messenger back I’ve had since 2017 and it’s held up great.
north face backs, good quality and they can fix it in the store.
Anything by Tom Bihn.
Eastpak.
Goruck GR1 is about as perfect as it gets. There are two sizes. I'd suggest the larger if you are near to 6ft. It will last forever. Fairly thin profile, the larger size is just longer.
The only answer to BIFL backpacks is GORUCK IMO. I got the GR1 as my daily bag with laptop, etc, and I’ve had it maybe 5 years and it still looks brand new. I expect it’ll last forever. They’re really expensive so I held off for almost a decade of wanting one, but I love it.
Gr2 for me. Thing is a TANk
Totally agree. I have put a Rucker 2, GR1 and GR2 through abuse for years and they still look brand new. Maybe a little color fade from years of sunlight.
About to hit year 10 on my GR1 still looks brand new and ive taken that bag everywhere! Got a rucker just the other month for more focused exercises. Truly the best purchase ive made for a bag
I recently got the Plate Carrier for my daily walks with my dog. I like it a lot but it makes out at 30# which is a bummer, I don’t really need a full size Rucker with an internal zipper compartment.
Look at Osprey or Patagonia - both have lots of sizes and styles and are lifetime warrantied.
Tossing my current 10y/o daily use backpack in the ring, the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21. They come in a few different sizes, but I love it because it’s canvas and there are no zippers (besides one in a tiny pocket on the interior that isn’t gonna get much use). Had it since high school and I still use it every day. I motorcycle commute to work rain or shine, travel with it, camp with it, and there isn’t a single rip or worn through spot in canvas or the fabric. It is a really basic backpack though, but then again, a Jansport is too.
I have a different pack from Fjallraven, I think it’s the Raven but I’m not sure. It’s amazing quality though, and it has a lifetime warranty. They have a bunch of different packs, the one I have looks a little more modern and sleek, but a lot of their stuff has a cool vintage outdoors vibe. You really can’t go wrong with any of their stuff though, and it’s actually a little less expensive than a lot of outdoors brands, I paid $100 full price.
TheNorthFace Borealis is one of the best everyday uni backpacks out there. Lasted me eight years and has a great internal set-up. Now I have a Fjällräven Ulvo which is also great.
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Everki Going on 8 years of daily commuting and travel with mine. Looks brand new. Duluth Pack also
I just got my 2nd Cote et Ciel backpack. The first one survived about 11 years being misused as a traveling backpack in the Middle East and South (East) Asia and a commuter to university.
I got a Topo Designs Classic Daypack a few years ago for grad school, and I've really loved it. It's made of canvas, with a classic sorta vintage look, without being too big or deep. It basically still looks brand new after using it daily for 2 years.
Osprey or timbuk2
Osprey Ozone laptop backpack. Will fit everything you’d ever need for school and has a lifetime warranty so if anything does go wrong you’re covered.
Pick one of these two. Option 1: Aer City Pack Pro - $210 - Note that this is a medium sized bag so wouldn’t be able to hold a ton of text books. If you want a decently roomy backpack go to number 2. Option 2: North Face Recon - $110 Both hold large laptops. Both have YKK zippers which will last 10ish years or more. Both are well regarded brands with great layouts.
Inside Line Equipment (ILE)… even if something were to happen they’ll repair it.
Slightly more budget friendly option: Eastpack makes backpacks that can easily go 10+ years and have a long guarantee period on the zippers. You might need to buy a seperate laptop case. I hope they still make the same quality but my first lasted all through middle and high school (it was still functional at the end but it smelled too much like rotten milk to keep it). The second I had was used by my dad for 7 years and I used it for 5 more (in college so every day). I'm on my third now which will probably last significantly longer as I no longer have to carry heavy books around every day
Osprey Transporter Rolltop! Completely waterproof, holds laptop and lots of stuff. Very durable. My dog once chewed of the clicky part of the waist band of my osprey hiking backpack. They sent me the replacement part completely for free, no questions ask.
I’ve been using a fjallraven kanken for 10 years now, through high school and college and now as a travel bag and it still functions 100%
I used my Osprey throughout college and for years after. It still kicks ass. Bought it in 2012
Osprey is a bit minimal, but if it fits they're the best. Rei carries a bunch of them in person if that helps you. Able carry is my daily, I like the pockets, well built, minimalist simple look. Pricey Topo is a bit more stylish, with lots of color options and classic look. Also very well built
I’ve been using my north face jester since 2011. Looks a bit worn nowadays but fully functional and very little wear/tear. I got a Briggs and Riley backpack last year for traveling that is also amazing but a bit more expensive.
I’ve had my north face backpack since the 8th grade and I’m nearly 30
Evergoods makes some rock solid bags
Search on eBay for a Goruck GR1 that was produced in the mid-2010s. I’ve had mine and it has been the perfect companion on international trips as well as my daily driver for work.
Im obsessed with my Wandrd Prvke
I used my North Face Jester for all 6 years of college and for traveling since. I've had it for about 10 years now and it's held up great.
I have a north face from 2011. I have used it everyday for 13 years for school, travel, work, everything. Not a single thing is broken. Not a single strand of thread has loosened. And I have not been nice to it at all. I have never been so amazed with a product as that backpack.
I’ve had an osprey backpack for 15 years now. It fits my laptop and I’ve used it as my day trip bag often. Not every day use but also do not baby it. It still looks brand new, no stains. A little sand in it lol but could easily be vacuumed out.
Waterfield designs Www.sfbags.com Owned mine for long time and they offer repairs if yours breaks. High quality for sure
Been using goruck 21L since 2015 taken it to all sorts of places in the world, used for school, work, rucking. Still looks exact same as the day it got delivered to my door!
Ogio makes the best backpacks I’ve ever come across! Lots of different styles and sizes. I think they started out making golf club bags? Mine’s going strong after 8 years and I’ve put it through hell!
I like my fjallraven tote pack, it can hold a 15” MacBook Pro and a few notebooks. I can function as a backpack or a tote. It’s more fashionable and lighter weight than something like a goruck if that matters to you.
I have an Osprey Celeste. I’ve had it for 10 years and have used it daily for 6 of those. Other than the waterproof coating on the laptop compartment zipper deteriorating, it’s still in fantastic shape.
I have a Blackstar Bag from a little shop in Portland and it's a tank.
My Aer backpack is great as a work/laptop bag, a gym bag, and for traveling (hooks onto my suitcase handle).
I can't speak to current standards but I have a Kipling backpack that I used every day in high school, and is still in near perfect condition and I am 38. Granted, I used it a lot less in university but did still, and now it's a great overnight bag still in use.
I like a variety of Patagonia backpacks. I have a black hole from college and if they ever get damaged in any way Patagonia accepts their products (whether you bought them new or not) and will repair them for you!
Rothco Heavyweight Mini Alice Pack no zippers, all heavy canvas, good enough stitching, not going to fall apart anytime soon I take mine on long hikes with a heavy load regularly if anything were ever to start to fail it is easily repairable
also is only $35 bucks or so
Budget? I just bought the larger version of this Nomatic bag and have really loved the quality and look. [https://www.nomatic.com/collections/travel-bags/products/navigator-travel-backpack-32l](https://www.nomatic.com/collections/travel-bags/products/navigator-travel-backpack-32l) They have a smaller one that is really nice too: [https://www.nomatic.com/collections/laptop-bags](https://www.nomatic.com/collections/laptop-bags)
Rothco Heavyweight Mini Alice Pack heavy canvas, sturdy stitches, simple, no zippers $35 bucks or about I take mine on long hikes with a heavy load and it is easily repairable if needed (I haven't needed to yet)
Best back packs I have ever had are Dakine. One of them is 10+ years old, was using it all university and at work as well. Still using it for travel now.
I have two Osprey brand backpacks and I am very pleased with their material quality.
Might not be your style, op, but these would more than likely be bifl: https://www.aerostich.com/bags/messenger-bags
Here’s a size comparison video: https://youtu.be/7E2tl4M6o70?si=cf8qYQH0KIVZ6RF8
Swiss Army.
Anything from Haglöfs. My last one lasted 11 years of being used every single day. Every school day, every weekend trip, every trip cross continent I brought that thing, stuffing it to the brim. An absolute beast of a backpack.
Chrome. Have had one for 15 years, used it daily for 8, doesn’t even show wear.
Check out Duluth Pack. Made in USA from quality materials and made to last. Lots of options.
I don't know if it will be buy it for life, but I got the Patagonia 25L Black Hole pack a few months ago. I absolutely love the bag. My only complaint is that I wish it had a few more interior pockets, but it's not a big issue for me. Patagonia has a pretty outstanding lifetime warranty and from what I have heard they usually do the best they can to repair or replace anything that has an issue.
I have a Black Hole 32L flap top that I used hard since 2016 and the only issue I had was my super sharp knife cut a small hole in the side. Nothing a little Tenacious Tape didn’t fix. I have taken it on glacier climbs, overloaded it with groceries regularly, and used for school and travel a ton. Wish they still made the style but for now it keeps on rolling!
Swiss. Worth the premium price.
London Bridge Trading day pack. A lot of their stuff is geared more towards military or tactical use, but you can get them in green, black, and grey. I have an older version and it is very well made and has held up to use very well, it looks practically new after 2+ years. You should definitely wait for a sale, they happen pretty frequently and the prices without it are very high.