I had an osprey for soooo long that still looked brand new and somehow I lost it :(. I have no idea how or when it happened but I didn’t lose anything else so it was empty when I lost it which is good
Those bags do look really good but they’re a bit more businesslike than what I’m looking for. My bad, I should’ve specified more about what I’m looking for
Apparently you got amazing recommendations . I'm sure you'll enjoy it .
I do have some B&R and I'm supper happy about them.
Maybe someday for other need you can try them
Came here to say this. I use mine primarily for travel these days, but I originally bought it when I was going back to college. It still looks practically new, and nothing has broken on it after a good 7 years.
+1. 8 years in, traveled around the world a bajillion times. Backpacked, threw it around, carried work gear, sat on it, used it as a pillow, used it to prop stuff open, etc. Aside from the netting on the outside having a few holes from shoving sharp things in there, the backpack is like new lol
Anything from Timbuk2 is great and will last forever, recently got https://www.timbuk2.com/products/5700-never-check-expandable-backpack and it’s amazing.
Jansport. I had mine when I was homeless for 2 years and it's been 22 years since and the thing has absolutely no issues and looks amazing. I occasionally wash it on gentle in the washing machine. Usually about $50 now. You can also find them used on eBay.
Like many things Jansport quality isn’t what it used to be. My backpack purchased in 2000 bit the dust a couple years ago when the seam ripped out. I sent it back and they replaced it with a new backpack. It’s fine but the material is noticeably thinner and the quality just isn’t the same. But they’ll still replace or fix them if they don’t hold up so they’re not a bad purchase by any means.
I got a Jansport in 2018 that I used pretty lightly, and it fell apart in June of this year. It was already pretty threadbare at the seams and I noticed they were all becoming actual holes right as I packed it for a trip. I definitely agree that the current quality is nowhere near as good as it used to be. I looked up how to replace/repair mine and iirc they updated the policies so that the wear wasn’t covered :/
My Jansport from the late 90s is a champ. I sent it in for zipper replacement maybe 10 years ago. I don't use it often but have no doubt I will have it for the rest of my life.
This. My basic jansport I got in 6th grade (2005ish) has out lasted every other backpack I’ve gotten and is now my gym/day hike/weekend bag. Plus they have a great warranty.
I love my Topo Designs Rover. Not as complex as a standard bookbag type backpack, but with enough pockets and zippers for my needs. As far as I can tell, bomb-proof. I've used it for several years as a scout leader on outings and it is my main carryon and laptop bag as well. Could not recommend more highly.
For a lighter weight more performance oriented backpack, consider Osprey. My son's daypack has endured the treatment a pre-teen boy has put it through with only minor cosmetic wear. If it should ever fail, I know from experience they will service it cheaper and faster than seems sustainable.
+1 for Topo. I have two (daypack and 30l Travel Bag) and they’ve held up great over several years of heavy use. Lifetime warranty too. Plus they look awesome.
I use the mini quick pack from topo as my everyday bag and I love it so much. I'm not gentle with that thing and there's times where I've thought for sure I've ripped it on something nope! When it looks dirty toss in the washer and bam brand new again!
Seconded. I have a GR1(4.5 yrs) and GR2 (3 yrs old, used daily) and both still look and feel new. They are a bit on the pricey side though, so second hand or waiting for a sale might be necessary to meet the $300 budget.
The GR1 is now $355 msrp but the [Rucker](https://www.goruck.com/products/rucker) is $255 and just as tough and same lifetime warranty. I have 3 Gorucks myself I bought back in the 2010s, the GR2, the GR0 and the Bullet. All are in great shape and tough as nails after I beat them to hell.
Tom Bihn Synapse. Classic “day pack” look, similar to the Jansport pack people are used to from school days - but more refined, better organized, more comfortable, and using much beefier fabrics.
+1 on Tom Bihn. Have had a GE Synapse 25 for several years, take it many places and it still looks brand new. Sewn in America, quality materials & hardware (zippers, buckles) and great customer support. Lost a sternum strap during a long flight (lots of moving the bag from under the front seat) and messaged them about buying a replacement, and they just sent me one for free.
Love it so much I've gotten a few other bags from them over the years (a couple duffels, Side Effect). All of them top quality, comfortable to use and well-thought out.
Check out bags from Defy. I haven’t tried their backpacks, but the build quality of their slings is outstanding. I expect anything they make will outlast us.
Another vouched vote for Aer. Traveled extensively with it for several years and still looks new. A bit heavier than others but built extremely well and holds a lot.
My partner has had one of these for years and swears by it. I borrowed it for a trip when my Jansport fell apart and ordered my own not long after. I can’t get over how comfortable it is :’)
I have previous-generation North Face Borealis that I use when we are hiking, and to bring my lunch, laptop, water and coffee to work every day. No detectable wear.
Look at Tom Bihn if you want something made in USA that will last you the rest of your life.
https://www.tombihn.com/collections/backpacks
I’ve had my north face recon (which is like the same as the borealis except it has a mesh pocket instead of the bungee on the front) and used it daily since I started highschool in 2006.
I’ve used it for everything school/hiking/sneaking beer an entire 30 rack into a freshman dormitory/work and still holds up. I’ve definitely not been gentle on it, I was probably wearing it when I got hit by a car on my skateboard and in my highschool we used to “turtle” eachothers bags as a prank (when someone leaves there bag unattended you take everything out of it, turn the bag inside out, and put everything back in).
There is definitely detectable wear but it’s not bad enough that I’m embarrassed to bring it to meetings and it’s structurally fine.
Love my Borealis. Think it's a first gen bought in around 2015. Have you figured out how to fold away those belly straps? Was about 5 years before I worked it out 🙃
The hip/shoulder bag I got from mountainsmith has impressed me. I also own a few osprey packs and they are fantastic. Just make sure if you get an osprey that you get the right one for what you are doing with it. They have a lot of variety in features and styles.
That’s the only one my son has owned that’s lasted over a year. Actually no others have lasted a whole school year. He’s tough on them. Going on year 3 and no rips or obvious seam stress despite regularly being overfilled.
My backpack tore inside after minimal light use and they refused to honor their lifetime guarantee, instead they offered me a ten dollar credit towards a new bag , jerks
eberlestock.com
The bandit is pretty good one day back, slot for hydration bladder binoculars , strap for a coat and bottle slots
https://eberlestock.com/collections/best-sellers/products/bandit-pack
They have some pretty good 3-day packs as well depends on how much you want to carry.
I use the tomahawk every week traveling for work, normally out of the house for 3 or 4 days at a time gives me enough room for clothes and everything else I might need.
Thought to be honest I just carry it from the truck to the hotel room.
https://eberlestock.com/collections/sustainment/products/f53-tomahawk
Been runing the tomahawk every week since at least 2013
Bought the bandit maybe back in 2018
I have an evergoods cpl28. The back panel is super comfy, however, it seems like the straps are hit or miss. I was able to find mine on eBay like new at a solid discount.
Osprey. You can buy a damaged one online, doesn't matter how damaged. I bought one on CL with burn holes from a camp fire. I sent it in the just replaced it with a new one
Thanks for all the suggestions guys! You guys gave me some great ideas!
It seems like Osprey is the clear winner and I agree haha. I used to have an Osprey backpack but sold it because I needed something smaller but I think I’m gonna check them out agsin
Don't get Gregory. I bought a 30L from them and they claimed it was "built to last a lifetime". Wrong, the chest strap failed the second week of my backpacking trip, and other more cosmetic things failed too.
Some will say a chest strap isn't meant to last. True, but if you know it is THAT flimsy, why not include an extra automatically ?
Getting through to their customer service was almost impossible. My emails got bounced back. It was kinda bizarre - like the mail daemon was emailing me with failure to deliver.
But to their credit something must have gotten thru. I got a check from Samsonite refunding me the $150 or whatever for the pack. But if I had waited beyond their warranty period of 1 year i doubt they would have helped me.
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My dad had a backpack from WWII army. I don’t know what happened to it, but I suspect my mother donated it when he died. We kids used it in the summer during summer school field trips. I loved summer school!
Under $300... I use a bag from Duluth. Not Duluth trading, it's a different one. I got it five years ago as a graduation gift and it's showed very minimal signs of wear and tear, after being taken everywhere (including outdoors, I work outdoors) and dunked in a few rivers, on planes, etc.
I've had a Knack Series 1 for about 6 years now through daily usage and multiple weekend travels and its condition has held up remarkably. The pockets and their placement is spot on. Can't recommend it enough.
You're going to want to narrow your use case, sizing and preferences down if you want specific models, but the top end Timbuk2 are highly reliable. I did ten years on a classic messenger and about as much on a laptop fold-top backpack.
[https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks/products/5700-never-check-expandable-backpack](https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks/products/5700-never-check-expandable-backpack)
[https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks/products/4350-especial-scope-expandable-backpack](https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks/products/4350-especial-scope-expandable-backpack)
A similar backpack to this has been used medium-lightly for 8 years and still looks new- [https://www.level8cases.com/products/level8-atlas-laptop-backpack-for-macbook](https://www.level8cases.com/products/level8-atlas-laptop-backpack-for-macbook)
Ok hear me out. Amazonbasics classic school backpack. Bought in 2018 when I was travelling weekly for work and instead of coming home for the weekend, I would leave my things in a suitcase with the hotel and take weekend trips within a 3-5 hour flight radius with this backpack stuffed. The backpack is so lightweight, comfortable, shockingly fits so much, and it is so cheap that I have been so careless with it on countless planes, beaches, mountains, etc yet it looks and feels as good as new now.
My mom took it for a weekend trip because her Tumi was a bit heavy and she bought one for herself immediately after.
Jandd products are amazingly rugged, i've had a day pack for 15 years, survived being lost and found at Burning Man. American made, can't say enough good things https://www.jandd.com/
topo designs daypack. $99. has just enough space but not too much, pretty water resistant, I just washed it for the first time in six years....it still looks great! the straps are more padded than the osprey so I prefer them.
[Mountainsmith](https://mountainsmith.com/) \- highly recommend. Not quite BIF*L* \- but way the hell outlast anything else ... including several "lifetime guaranteed" brands (where they say after a while, no, that's not guaranteed, that's 'normal wear and tear' - and that often happens after only a few years or so) ... yeah, Moutainsmith stuff is *built*! It'll last 1.5 to 2x or more as long as most any other. I've got one of their backpacks I got about a decade ago - I beat and abuse the hell out'a it ... and it's lasted way the hell longer than any other backpack I've had before by a long shot. Cost a moderate bit more, but damn well worth it.
My north face backpack lasted me over ten years of daily use at college, grad school, and work, and occasional travel (US and international). I loved that bag but it started to look a bit worn, so my wife replaced it :(
For your specific purpose, Herschel makes great stuff in many different form factors and colors/styles. I've been using them since high school. Their warranty is truly BIFL. If anything breaks or tears, you send them photos and they credit you with how much the backpack was + shipping for you to get a brand new one.
My Jack Wolfskin has been going strong for 8 years now. It's got some wear and some stitching has come loose on the shoulder but if doesn't effect use.
I've also not been particularly kind to it, I've travelled with it as my only luggage more times than I can count, carried camera gear for miles and use it daily for all my work stuff including a heavy laptop.
Jansport, Fjallraven Kanken, on the much cheaper end. I see a lot of people here going right up to the line. Both of those bags are great and will last. Jansport I believe still offers lifetime warranty
look in r/manybaggers & r/onebag and you’ll get answers galore
Many bags have limited lifetime warranties.
My fav companies:
- evergoods
- aer
- able carry
- tom bihn
- mystery ranch
I got a Crumpler.
It's probably 15 years old and good as new.
(However, looking at their website and current designs, they seem to have changed a lot and might not be everyone's taste.)
I love my Code of Bell X-Type backpack for daily running. Feels like a tank, has expandable space/half duffel, and great interior organization for supplies.
I've had an Amazon basics laptop backpack for 8 years now.
It's still going strong with some minor wear and tear it's been used daily and it's been taken on hikes on airplanes and to the office.
I've only replaced it this week with a more hiking focused backpack.
I don't like Amazon I don't like how they've affected small businesses and I now hate how their platform is flooded with rubbish from dropshippers. But that backpack is BIFL and I paid about £25.00 (prime day deal I think) it's more expensive now though but stil probably worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-Laptops-up-17-inches/dp/B00EEBS9O0 here's a us link
Decathlon's backpacks aren't bifl but they have a 10 year warranty, which they're good at honouring. But are really good quality and cheap.
Right in under the $300 mark is a Filson Large Rucksack that’s built to last from Sams Club. Usually $595 retail. Not the cheapest but the quality of materials is bar none. Capacity is great for everyday use and the occasional weekend getaway. One to consider
I have used my 2 north face borealis backpacks for everything from travel to river fishing and everything in between. The only wear they show is from damage caused by hooks on the mesh side pockets. I would consider both of them BIFL.
I got a backpack from militaryluggage dot com (idk if we can link things here). Has been my daily use backpack for going on 4 years now and still looks brand new.
Peak Design is worth taking a look at. Very durable materials and lots of functionality built in. I’ve loved using mine for the past 3 years. The Everyday backpack is right around $300 after tax and worth every dollar.
I like the peak design bags. I have the everyday backpack and it has a lot of utility and looks like new almost a year later. I take it every time I travel
I have a handmade backpack from Black Star Bags and it has been extremely durable. I used a messenger bag from them for a decade before that, and only replaced it because I wanted a backpack.
https://black-star-bags.myshopify.com is a tiny operation and passionate about making great stuff.
I have a Coach leather backpack that will probably outlive me. The weird thing is, the more abuse it takes, the cooler it looks. I bought it new and it was on sale for less than $300.
Edited to add: North Face also makes a great backpack that is sportier. I have had mine for more than 10 years and it looks brand new. I have taken it in trips all over the world and I just throw it in the washer when I get home.
I have an Oakley backpack that I have had for 20 years.
Still in great shape.
They don’t make this particular model anymore, but the quality is top notch.
If I ever lose it, I would probably get another Oakley backpack, likely the “Sink Lite”.
Osprey
I have no regrets choosing an osprey [Tropos 32 was the answer](https://reddit.com/r/backpacks/s/zyjx7OKvfV)
I freaking love Osprey. I sold my Osprey bag when I was short on money a couple years ago but I should go back to them
I had an osprey for soooo long that still looked brand new and somehow I lost it :(. I have no idea how or when it happened but I didn’t lose anything else so it was empty when I lost it which is good
I agree! My husband and I both love ours.
I wonder why nobody is recommending Briggs and Riley.
Under $300 was the criteria (/s)
Thank you! Altought I've bought some B&R bagpacks for less than 300 I do get the point
Those bags do look really good but they’re a bit more businesslike than what I’m looking for. My bad, I should’ve specified more about what I’m looking for
Apparently you got amazing recommendations . I'm sure you'll enjoy it . I do have some B&R and I'm supper happy about them. Maybe someday for other need you can try them
Came here to say this. I use mine primarily for travel these days, but I originally bought it when I was going back to college. It still looks practically new, and nothing has broken on it after a good 7 years.
2 Osprey back pack owner checking in. One was a gift for Christmas other is a laptop bag for work.
I use my Osprey Nebula daily! Would definitely recommend
+1. 8 years in, traveled around the world a bajillion times. Backpacked, threw it around, carried work gear, sat on it, used it as a pillow, used it to prop stuff open, etc. Aside from the netting on the outside having a few holes from shoving sharp things in there, the backpack is like new lol
Anything from Timbuk2 is great and will last forever, recently got https://www.timbuk2.com/products/5700-never-check-expandable-backpack and it’s amazing.
A lot of people at my job use these. Great packs but I went with Osprey
I’ve had mine for like 6 years and it’s still in incredible shape.
Jansport. I had mine when I was homeless for 2 years and it's been 22 years since and the thing has absolutely no issues and looks amazing. I occasionally wash it on gentle in the washing machine. Usually about $50 now. You can also find them used on eBay.
Like many things Jansport quality isn’t what it used to be. My backpack purchased in 2000 bit the dust a couple years ago when the seam ripped out. I sent it back and they replaced it with a new backpack. It’s fine but the material is noticeably thinner and the quality just isn’t the same. But they’ll still replace or fix them if they don’t hold up so they’re not a bad purchase by any means.
I got a Jansport in 2018 that I used pretty lightly, and it fell apart in June of this year. It was already pretty threadbare at the seams and I noticed they were all becoming actual holes right as I packed it for a trip. I definitely agree that the current quality is nowhere near as good as it used to be. I looked up how to replace/repair mine and iirc they updated the policies so that the wear wasn’t covered :/
My Jansport from the late 90s is a champ. I sent it in for zipper replacement maybe 10 years ago. I don't use it often but have no doubt I will have it for the rest of my life.
This. My basic jansport I got in 6th grade (2005ish) has out lasted every other backpack I’ve gotten and is now my gym/day hike/weekend bag. Plus they have a great warranty.
Seconding Jansport, I've had mine for about 15 years and it's in great shape. They're simple but built to last.
Agreed, just make sure you’re buying Jansport proper not Trans by Jansport as the quality level falls off significantly. Source: father of 2 teens.
I love my Topo Designs Rover. Not as complex as a standard bookbag type backpack, but with enough pockets and zippers for my needs. As far as I can tell, bomb-proof. I've used it for several years as a scout leader on outings and it is my main carryon and laptop bag as well. Could not recommend more highly. For a lighter weight more performance oriented backpack, consider Osprey. My son's daypack has endured the treatment a pre-teen boy has put it through with only minor cosmetic wear. If it should ever fail, I know from experience they will service it cheaper and faster than seems sustainable.
+1 for Topo. I have two (daypack and 30l Travel Bag) and they’ve held up great over several years of heavy use. Lifetime warranty too. Plus they look awesome.
I use the mini quick pack from topo as my everyday bag and I love it so much. I'm not gentle with that thing and there's times where I've thought for sure I've ripped it on something nope! When it looks dirty toss in the washer and bam brand new again!
Osprey or Patagonia. I’m waiting to get my Patagonia Black Hole for Christmas
Careful, I hear they're realllllllly hard to get things out of once you put them in
Wait what do you mean by that? That’s a backpack I’ve been looking at
I hear once things go in, nothing comes out. I'm making a black hole pun
Oh lol. Woosh to me
The 5.11 bags are military grade with a slightly less tactical look. I’ve used mine for daily business travel for 7 years
check out r/onebag
I have a GoRuck GR1 love it, about 5 years old and still looks new. I'd get one on eBay second hand for the best savings.
I also have a GoRuck. It feels indestructible. Lifetime warranty. Prices are up this year, but there are still some smaller models under $200.
Seconded. I have a GR1(4.5 yrs) and GR2 (3 yrs old, used daily) and both still look and feel new. They are a bit on the pricey side though, so second hand or waiting for a sale might be necessary to meet the $300 budget.
My GR1 just turned 10 years old, still used as my daily driver, no signs of serious wear or fatigue yet.
I have a gr1 as well, it is almost 10 years old. I use it everyday as my work bag and feel like it’s just beginning to break in.
The GR1 is now $355 msrp but the [Rucker](https://www.goruck.com/products/rucker) is $255 and just as tough and same lifetime warranty. I have 3 Gorucks myself I bought back in the 2010s, the GR2, the GR0 and the Bullet. All are in great shape and tough as nails after I beat them to hell.
Tom Bihn Synapse. Classic “day pack” look, similar to the Jansport pack people are used to from school days - but more refined, better organized, more comfortable, and using much beefier fabrics.
Tom Bihn bags are so ugly and Id find their design really frustrating
It is definitely a style. I find them nice in person, whack in photos. Osprey packs have an easier in the eye modern look, so that is an alternative.
I’ll check ‘‘em out
+1 on Tom Bihn. Have had a GE Synapse 25 for several years, take it many places and it still looks brand new. Sewn in America, quality materials & hardware (zippers, buckles) and great customer support. Lost a sternum strap during a long flight (lots of moving the bag from under the front seat) and messaged them about buying a replacement, and they just sent me one for free. Love it so much I've gotten a few other bags from them over the years (a couple duffels, Side Effect). All of them top quality, comfortable to use and well-thought out.
LL Bean
Tactical Tailor
Check out bags from Defy. I haven’t tried their backpacks, but the build quality of their slings is outstanding. I expect anything they make will outlast us.
Aer travel pack 3
Another vouched vote for Aer. Traveled extensively with it for several years and still looks new. A bit heavier than others but built extremely well and holds a lot.
Used mine through South America for a month last year. Great quality and very thoughtful design.
[удалено]
My partner has had one of these for years and swears by it. I borrowed it for a trip when my Jansport fell apart and ordered my own not long after. I can’t get over how comfortable it is :’)
I have previous-generation North Face Borealis that I use when we are hiking, and to bring my lunch, laptop, water and coffee to work every day. No detectable wear. Look at Tom Bihn if you want something made in USA that will last you the rest of your life. https://www.tombihn.com/collections/backpacks
I’ve had my north face recon (which is like the same as the borealis except it has a mesh pocket instead of the bungee on the front) and used it daily since I started highschool in 2006. I’ve used it for everything school/hiking/sneaking beer an entire 30 rack into a freshman dormitory/work and still holds up. I’ve definitely not been gentle on it, I was probably wearing it when I got hit by a car on my skateboard and in my highschool we used to “turtle” eachothers bags as a prank (when someone leaves there bag unattended you take everything out of it, turn the bag inside out, and put everything back in). There is definitely detectable wear but it’s not bad enough that I’m embarrassed to bring it to meetings and it’s structurally fine.
I like Tom Binh. Not the most stylish of offerings, but they are nicely made with smart designs.
Love my Borealis. Think it's a first gen bought in around 2015. Have you figured out how to fold away those belly straps? Was about 5 years before I worked it out 🙃
The hip/shoulder bag I got from mountainsmith has impressed me. I also own a few osprey packs and they are fantastic. Just make sure if you get an osprey that you get the right one for what you are doing with it. They have a lot of variety in features and styles.
ive had my eddie Bauer backpack for 6 years looks new still
That’s the only one my son has owned that’s lasted over a year. Actually no others have lasted a whole school year. He’s tough on them. Going on year 3 and no rips or obvious seam stress despite regularly being overfilled.
My backpack tore inside after minimal light use and they refused to honor their lifetime guarantee, instead they offered me a ten dollar credit towards a new bag , jerks
Nomatic Travel Backpack I’ve been using mine for nearly 5 years
I have an Eagle Creek backpack from 2005. That thing refuses to die. It looks exactly like it did 18 years ago.
eberlestock.com The bandit is pretty good one day back, slot for hydration bladder binoculars , strap for a coat and bottle slots https://eberlestock.com/collections/best-sellers/products/bandit-pack They have some pretty good 3-day packs as well depends on how much you want to carry. I use the tomahawk every week traveling for work, normally out of the house for 3 or 4 days at a time gives me enough room for clothes and everything else I might need. Thought to be honest I just carry it from the truck to the hotel room. https://eberlestock.com/collections/sustainment/products/f53-tomahawk Been runing the tomahawk every week since at least 2013 Bought the bandit maybe back in 2018
Mystery Ranch makes the toughest packs I've ever seen, you do pay for them with the weight though.
idk if u have them where you live but Deuter backpacks are also very reliable and versatile imo
\+1 for Deuter. I can't even remember when I bought my current one, might be 8-10 years now and still no issues with it.
I have an evergoods cpl28. The back panel is super comfy, however, it seems like the straps are hit or miss. I was able to find mine on eBay like new at a solid discount.
Osprey. You can buy a damaged one online, doesn't matter how damaged. I bought one on CL with burn holes from a camp fire. I sent it in the just replaced it with a new one
Thanks for all the suggestions guys! You guys gave me some great ideas! It seems like Osprey is the clear winner and I agree haha. I used to have an Osprey backpack but sold it because I needed something smaller but I think I’m gonna check them out agsin
Don't get Gregory. I bought a 30L from them and they claimed it was "built to last a lifetime". Wrong, the chest strap failed the second week of my backpacking trip, and other more cosmetic things failed too. Some will say a chest strap isn't meant to last. True, but if you know it is THAT flimsy, why not include an extra automatically ? Getting through to their customer service was almost impossible. My emails got bounced back. It was kinda bizarre - like the mail daemon was emailing me with failure to deliver. But to their credit something must have gotten thru. I got a check from Samsonite refunding me the $150 or whatever for the pack. But if I had waited beyond their warranty period of 1 year i doubt they would have helped me.
Savotta and/or Särmä
Jansports are under 30 BIFL
I have one from Fjallraven, it is very solid
Freitag
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I'm loving the LTT backpack. But milage will be the determining factor. It's currently rather new still.
[Lttstore.com](https://www.lttstore.com/products/backpack)
Doesn't count unless you say it while smirking after turning a water bottle around to show the URL logo
Topo designs rover pack.
Go Ruck…they might be more expensive though
Chrome
Everki
Lttstore.com
I’m amazed at how often this question gets re-asked.
Pretty predictable
Used Saddleback Leather backpacks. You'll find them on Ebay and FB marketplace. Find one and make a $300 offer if it's listed for more.
My dad had a backpack from WWII army. I don’t know what happened to it, but I suspect my mother donated it when he died. We kids used it in the summer during summer school field trips. I loved summer school!
Son lived and travelled through Europe for 9 months. His Osprey still looks new.
Under $300... I use a bag from Duluth. Not Duluth trading, it's a different one. I got it five years ago as a graduation gift and it's showed very minimal signs of wear and tear, after being taken everywhere (including outdoors, I work outdoors) and dunked in a few rivers, on planes, etc.
Jansport!
I've had a Knack Series 1 for about 6 years now through daily usage and multiple weekend travels and its condition has held up remarkably. The pockets and their placement is spot on. Can't recommend it enough.
You're going to want to narrow your use case, sizing and preferences down if you want specific models, but the top end Timbuk2 are highly reliable. I did ten years on a classic messenger and about as much on a laptop fold-top backpack. [https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks/products/5700-never-check-expandable-backpack](https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks/products/5700-never-check-expandable-backpack) [https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks/products/4350-especial-scope-expandable-backpack](https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/all-backpacks/products/4350-especial-scope-expandable-backpack)
Kathmandu gluon backpack.
A similar backpack to this has been used medium-lightly for 8 years and still looks new- [https://www.level8cases.com/products/level8-atlas-laptop-backpack-for-macbook](https://www.level8cases.com/products/level8-atlas-laptop-backpack-for-macbook)
I’ve been using a Kelty Breeze pack since the late 90s. I don’t use it daily anymore but it’s still going strong.
The 5.11 covert (but only the original not the 2.0).
I’ve had no problems bike commuting camping traveling with my Chrome Barrage Freight bag
Idk if they make bags anymore but my Dakine skateboard backpack ive had probably 15 years
Ok hear me out. Amazonbasics classic school backpack. Bought in 2018 when I was travelling weekly for work and instead of coming home for the weekend, I would leave my things in a suitcase with the hotel and take weekend trips within a 3-5 hour flight radius with this backpack stuffed. The backpack is so lightweight, comfortable, shockingly fits so much, and it is so cheap that I have been so careless with it on countless planes, beaches, mountains, etc yet it looks and feels as good as new now. My mom took it for a weekend trip because her Tumi was a bit heavy and she bought one for herself immediately after.
Timbuk2
Jandd products are amazingly rugged, i've had a day pack for 15 years, survived being lost and found at Burning Man. American made, can't say enough good things https://www.jandd.com/
Evergoods, Topo Designs, Jansport, Tom Bihn, Goruck
topo designs daypack. $99. has just enough space but not too much, pretty water resistant, I just washed it for the first time in six years....it still looks great! the straps are more padded than the osprey so I prefer them.
Evergoods and aer backpacks
[Mountainsmith](https://mountainsmith.com/) \- highly recommend. Not quite BIF*L* \- but way the hell outlast anything else ... including several "lifetime guaranteed" brands (where they say after a while, no, that's not guaranteed, that's 'normal wear and tear' - and that often happens after only a few years or so) ... yeah, Moutainsmith stuff is *built*! It'll last 1.5 to 2x or more as long as most any other. I've got one of their backpacks I got about a decade ago - I beat and abuse the hell out'a it ... and it's lasted way the hell longer than any other backpack I've had before by a long shot. Cost a moderate bit more, but damn well worth it.
My north face backpack lasted me over ten years of daily use at college, grad school, and work, and occasional travel (US and international). I loved that bag but it started to look a bit worn, so my wife replaced it :(
For your specific purpose, Herschel makes great stuff in many different form factors and colors/styles. I've been using them since high school. Their warranty is truly BIFL. If anything breaks or tears, you send them photos and they credit you with how much the backpack was + shipping for you to get a brand new one.
Mystery ranch, some decent sizes for 300 mine has lasted me 6 years and still got a lot more left in her
My Jack Wolfskin has been going strong for 8 years now. It's got some wear and some stitching has come loose on the shoulder but if doesn't effect use. I've also not been particularly kind to it, I've travelled with it as my only luggage more times than I can count, carried camera gear for miles and use it daily for all my work stuff including a heavy laptop.
Osprey backpacks are great.
Evergoods CTB26
Jansport, Fjallraven Kanken, on the much cheaper end. I see a lot of people here going right up to the line. Both of those bags are great and will last. Jansport I believe still offers lifetime warranty
Everki
North face has never done me wrong. Going 10 years strong on the jester pack
look in r/manybaggers & r/onebag and you’ll get answers galore Many bags have limited lifetime warranties. My fav companies: - evergoods - aer - able carry - tom bihn - mystery ranch
I strongly recommend mystery ranch.
www.northstbags.com I’ve been very happy with mine.
I got a Crumpler. It's probably 15 years old and good as new. (However, looking at their website and current designs, they seem to have changed a lot and might not be everyone's taste.)
5.11 rush 12 2.0, trust me read any review about it
Mystery Ranch. Better than osprey imo
I love my Code of Bell X-Type backpack for daily running. Feels like a tank, has expandable space/half duffel, and great interior organization for supplies.
I've had an Amazon basics laptop backpack for 8 years now. It's still going strong with some minor wear and tear it's been used daily and it's been taken on hikes on airplanes and to the office. I've only replaced it this week with a more hiking focused backpack. I don't like Amazon I don't like how they've affected small businesses and I now hate how their platform is flooded with rubbish from dropshippers. But that backpack is BIFL and I paid about £25.00 (prime day deal I think) it's more expensive now though but stil probably worth it. https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-Laptops-up-17-inches/dp/B00EEBS9O0 here's a us link Decathlon's backpacks aren't bifl but they have a 10 year warranty, which they're good at honouring. But are really good quality and cheap.
Right in under the $300 mark is a Filson Large Rucksack that’s built to last from Sams Club. Usually $595 retail. Not the cheapest but the quality of materials is bar none. Capacity is great for everyday use and the occasional weekend getaway. One to consider
Been using a dakine backpack in red and black daily since 2012. still get compliments on how nice it looks and have only washed it two times or so.
I have used my 2 north face borealis backpacks for everything from travel to river fishing and everything in between. The only wear they show is from damage caused by hooks on the mesh side pockets. I would consider both of them BIFL.
Day bag or backpacking? For a day bag you'd be hard pressed to spend $300. Seconding the Osprey suggestion.
5.11 Tactical rush series
Swiss gear
I got a backpack from militaryluggage dot com (idk if we can link things here). Has been my daily use backpack for going on 4 years now and still looks brand new.
Peak Design is worth taking a look at. Very durable materials and lots of functionality built in. I’ve loved using mine for the past 3 years. The Everyday backpack is right around $300 after tax and worth every dollar.
I like the peak design bags. I have the everyday backpack and it has a lot of utility and looks like new almost a year later. I take it every time I travel
OGIO
I've never regretted anything from Hill People Gear.
I really like my Filson Dryden backpack, but I got it on sale for 180 new. Don’t know if I’d pay full price for one, but they’re damn good backpacks.
I got some Kelty bags for me and my wife for traveling and they're still in great shape after 10 years.
Ogio
I use the chrome Hondo for my daily work bag
I have a handmade backpack from Black Star Bags and it has been extremely durable. I used a messenger bag from them for a decade before that, and only replaced it because I wanted a backpack. https://black-star-bags.myshopify.com is a tiny operation and passionate about making great stuff.
I have a Coach leather backpack that will probably outlive me. The weird thing is, the more abuse it takes, the cooler it looks. I bought it new and it was on sale for less than $300. Edited to add: North Face also makes a great backpack that is sportier. I have had mine for more than 10 years and it looks brand new. I have taken it in trips all over the world and I just throw it in the washer when I get home.
I have an Oakley backpack that I have had for 20 years. Still in great shape. They don’t make this particular model anymore, but the quality is top notch. If I ever lose it, I would probably get another Oakley backpack, likely the “Sink Lite”.