I've been using my Ospree for almost 20 years and it hasn't failed or even worn in any way I can tell
this post was submitted on 03 Mar 2024
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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.
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…
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.
soo.. you're not going to explain?
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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’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?
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.
My Osprey has served me very well. I'd avoid REI branded bags, their build quality isn't as good
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 got a Swiss Gear backpack at a discount store. It's been getting heavy use pretty much every day since before Covid.
I've been using a couple Swiss Gear backpacks for ~7 years. They've held up quite well so far.
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
You can't do ultralight and durable for fabric though
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.
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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 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.
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 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.
Why no one is suggestion to check the nearby military surplus shop?
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 have a couple of Kipling's that have held up well.
Frost River. They can be a bit heavy, but are lifers. They typically make portaging packs, but their daily bags are made just as durable.
If you don't mind a more military look, Maxpedition and Sandpiper of California have been my go to for a while.
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
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