Please recommend a good backpack...

[anonymouse1]

Kelty.

Swiss Army (but only the good stuff (i.e., not Wenger), and only from ebay, because they cost so much!

[Mac-A-Matic]

I've got an old Gregoy pack that has also been around the world, abused on the trail, on the road, by baggage handlers, dogs, tossed, dragged and anything else I could throw it's way. It's super simple with one large compartment, compression straps, waist belt, solarplexus clip and lots of attachment points. Quite simply, it's BombProof®.

I can't speak for the quality of the current models but if they're like this old bag, they should be amazing. My pack is about twenty years old and it still goes with me on trips around the world. The newer models are more high-tech looking with all sorts of ergo straps, mesh netting and whatever else they've concocted. Check them out:

www.gregorypacks.com

I've also got a nice LL Bean pack I picked up ten years ago but I hardly use it so I cannot testify to its' performance. Ditto for the large Timbuk2 messenger bag. It's great but I almost never use it.

[Grateful11]

The Targus Groove is working out great me and I got it for $12 at a Back to school sale.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7848779&type=product&id=1158103765061&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=7848779

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=CVR600

[DjS]

always the best deals.

[the_poochies]

I do plenty of hiking (I was just stomping around the NJ Palisades on Sunday with my dog). Earlier this year, I picked up a pack at Overstock.com for $20. It has held up very well, but in hindsight, I probably would have visited my local outdoor store and tried a few on to see which one would be the most comfortable out on the trail.

[SteveO]

Peter, you might also take a look at http://www.spireusa.com

I have had a couple of their bags the past 8 or 9 years and they are also unbeatably solid and utilitarian. Logo is not obnoxious, either.

Hear you on the North Face stuff, that also drives me batty. I purchased a softshell jacket of theirs not knowing there was a huge TNF logo on front AND back. Gee, I didn't realize I was gonna PAY to be a sandwich board for their annoying company. That one got returned.

[Kiva]

look at the L.L. bean website.....if you like something there, their warranty can't be beat.

[Undrpsi]

Second Graylocks..
My kid's got them 4 or 5 years ago...and though it's not their main pack anymore, they are still kicking. I sent one back and had the zipper fixed but that's it.

graylocks wrote:
LLBean packs last forever and if they don't, they will be replaced for free. my son got a large custom pack for the beginning of the school year but this one has more pockets:



LL Bean book packs