Hey, folks! I’ve been on the hunt for a backpack that can be my reliable go-to for both commuting and hiking. Money isn’t my main concern; I just want something that meets all my needs. So, after doing some digging and trying out a few options, I’ve figured out what features are essential for me. Here’s the lowdown, in no particular order:
First off, I’m looking for a backpack in the range of 24-30 liters, with a sweet spot around 26-28 liters. I need some solid organization, like a dedicated laptop compartment and at least two main compartments, plus a few smaller pockets for easy access (think zipped top pocket). A suspended back panel is a must for me, along with load lifter straps (those adjustable straps on top of the shoulder straps that help distribute weight and reduce strain on the lower back).
I also need water bottle holders on the sides and a hip belt that’s low-key and unpadded. Padded hip belts tend to annoy me when they get in the way, so I prefer something more streamlined.
I’ve checked out a few contenders, but each has its drawbacks. The Tropos 32L felt way too big for my liking, while the Hikelite 26L had only one main compartment and didn’t quite nail the laptop-camelback combo. The Quasar 26L lacked a suspended back panel and load lifters, and the Daylite Pro 20L was just too small and lacked those crucial features.
As for the Daylite 26+6, it missed the mark with no suspended back panel or load lifters, plus I found its clam shell design a bit tricky to navigate. The Parsec 26L and Radial 26L looked promising but have sadly been discontinued, making it tough to get my hands on them for a closer look.
I’m not dead set on Osprey bags, but so far, they’ve come the closest to what I’m after. Tom Bihn doesn’t seem to offer suspended back panels, and Gregory tends to pair theirs with bulky hip belts, which I’m not a fan of.
So, if you know of any backpacks, even discontinued ones, that match my criteria, I’m all ears! It’s been a journey trying to find the perfect fit, but I’m hopeful that the ideal backpack is out there somewhere. Let me know if you have any suggestions – I’m all ears