Post Punk Kitchen Forum

I have a Dickies messenger bag that I absolutely love, but on its fifth year of service, it's beginning to wear pretty thin. As much as I love the style, I'm a commuter student with a lot of heavy stuff to bring back and forth between different buildings, and I'm afraid the messenger bag is putting way too much strain on one shoulder at a time.
So: can anyone recommend a backpack that isn't too terribly ugly, won't hurt my back and can hold maybe two binders, a laptop and a large textbook?

LL Bean's backpacks are second to none. They have a lifetime warranty and wear like iron anyhow so it's unlikely you'll need to use it...but even if you do, 20 years later, they will still honor it. (They just sent a friend of mine a new tote bag last year when hers from 20 years ago started to apart and she was wondering if it could be repaired. They replaced it.)

I bought a Timbuk2 bag something like 15 years ago and I have totally failed to destroy it. Previously, no backpack or bag I've owned would last longer than a year.

PPKers recommended a Timbuk2 bag to me a few months back so I got one and I love it. It's perfect for commuting on bus, bike, or walking, really comfy, waterproof like a champ, and fits everything I need (to be fair, I'm an English major, so my books are novels, and I never bring my laptop to school, but I could comfortably!). It has tons of pockets, which is perfect cause I'm meticulous about organization.

another vote for l.l. bean!

Another vote for L.L. Bean.

Llbean! Indestructible.. and if you manage to destroy it ... Great customer service/guarantee!

I have a Keen backpack, and I absolutely adore it. I carried a messenger bag for years before I started commuting to school (and lots of other places) on foot, but, like you, I felt like I was putting way too much weight on one shoulder. This bag is awesome. I commute with anywhere between three and six large books daily, along with my laptop and an electronic dictionary. The part that goes against my back is a laptop compartment, and it's designed with padding that allows for a lot of air circulation so that my back doesn't get all sweaty. The front pocket is also really large, so my wallet, phone, pens, planner, snacks, and all sorts of stuff fit in there nicely. My bag is this one: http://www.gearbuyer.com/products/keen_ ... kpack.html. I checked out several of their other bags, and all of them seemed equally durable.

Wow, I didn't realize how kind-of-affordable some of the timbuk2 bags are! I had an LL Bean backpack when I was a kid but...I associate them too much with middle school, I guess. Also, mine eventually started to disintegrate but I was a destructive kid. Thanks guys!

I just bought this Port Authority Microfiber Tote off Amazon. It comes in a few colors and though it might not look it, it's quite roomy and has a few pockets for organizing little things. The straps are adjustable. You can find it as low as $11.

I tried uploading a picture of mine, but you can't do pictures over 800 pixels, so here's the one off the website:

I've bought a couple bags from this place where they make their own bags
http://www.rickshawbags.com/

They have laptop backpacks but the messenger bags are the ones I've bought.

I have an osprey backpack from REI and after two years of full time service it seriously looks brand new. It is water proof and I use it outside on my bike or walking around every single day. I can usually fit my laptop and a textbook in it comfortable although it can fit more. It is ergonomic and it has little bumps things on the back to keep me from getting too sweaty. I love it. Highly recommended.

A second vote for REI backpacks here. I dunno what mine is called but its perfect and durable. Get the kind with a hip strap that you can buckle, it puts less strain on your back.

Yes! I depend on the strap for my upper chest, too. Messenger bags are for messengers and people with cars. Backpacks worn properly are much healthier.