Need a Durable Backpack for School? Look No Further!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for durable backpacks suitable for school use, specifically those that can accommodate multiple textbooks, a laptop, and various accessories. Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding different brands and models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests LLBean backpacks for their ruggedness and lifetime warranty.
  • Another participant expresses satisfaction with their Swiss Army backpack, noting its capacity for a laptop and several books.
  • A different participant mentions a Mammut trekking pack, highlighting its size.
  • One user shares a link to a specific backpack they used in high school and college, emphasizing its durability and capacity for multiple textbooks.
  • A participant reminisces about the popularity of Jansport backpacks in high school.
  • Another user recommends a Targus backpack, citing its longevity and features, while contrasting it with a less durable High Sierra backpack.
  • One participant advises looking for backpacks from camping supply stores or army surplus, emphasizing the importance of fit and water-resistance.
  • A user mentions purchasing a Swiss Gear backpack at a discount, expressing initial satisfaction with its quality.
  • Another participant recommends backpacks with a suede bottom for better durability against wear and tear.
  • A humorous comment suggests that the user may need a wheelbarrow instead of a backpack due to the weight of their load.
  • One participant mentions Magellan's packs as a good option, specifically the SlingSafe model.
  • A user asserts that a Targus bag fits the requirements well and is affordably priced.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of preferences and experiences with different backpack brands, indicating no consensus on a single best option. Multiple competing views remain regarding the most suitable backpack for the user's needs.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific features that may be important, such as water-resistance and durability, but there is no agreement on which features are essential or which brands are definitively superior.

pergradus
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I'm shopping for a new backpack. It needs to be able to hold up to three textbooks, a laptop and charger, several notebooks, two calculators, and several other accessories.

If you know of a good quality one, please share! Thanks.
 
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Backpacks from LLBean are usually very rugged and last a long time. They also have a lifetime warranty.
 


I've been very happy with my Swiss Army backpack.
 


I also have and like a Swiss Army backpack; I got mine at Best Buy. They usually have a nice built-in laptop pocket, a large pocket for books, and two smaller pockets. I've been able to fit several books, a 17" laptop, an iPad, two calculators, chargers, and more in it.
 


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007QCSI4/?tag=pfamazon01-20

41G46ZDGDHL._SY445_.jpg


I used to have something like this in gray, when I was in high school; later also in black, while in college. It holds up very well, and it big enough for several textbooks (I can vouch for as many as 5 or 6...I was afraid of my locker for a while).

Happy trails.
 
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Jansport was what all the cool kids at my high school had. I'm still jealous to this day.
 
I've got a Targus with all the features you described. I've had it for about 5 years now, and have used it almost every day of the year, and its held up very well. My last backpack was a High Sierra and it fell about in about 3 months.
 
I probably carried around more weight than I should have back in undergrad, and after busting a few backpacks (primarily ones with cheap plastic zippers--once they go, they're gone) I got one from Mountain Equipment Coop (if you happen to be in Canada):
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_listing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699713

But really, something from a camping supply (or maybe army surplus) should probably suffice. Look for good fit, water-resistance (good for if you get caught in a storm), and side pocket / mesh for your coffee mug / water bottle (or both).

EDIT: If you care about the appearance of your laptop, get a sleeve for it--they get scratched up very quickly rattling around in backpacks. For me, I carried around a second bag with my laptop / adapter in it.
 
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  • #10
I acutally just picked up a Swiss Gear (what some are calling Swiss Army) one today. It was originall $99 and I got it for half price. I'd have loved to do some more shopping around, but I really needed to replace mine before tomorrow.

So far it looks to be very good quality, we'll see about durability.
 
  • #11
Whichever the brand, I always recommend one with a suede bottom. It seems to take the abuse of heavy textbooks the best. Invariably, you'll put your book bag down a lot, wherever you go--whether in class or on the green. The suede bottom--while not entirely water proof--protects your books well also.

Anyway, when my Jansport finally gave way (and it took about ten years, as my first was also my older brother's), it wasn't the suede part.
 
  • #12
Sounds more like you need a wheelbarrow :P

I've had good luck with Swiss Gear although I did wreck my last one. Have better luck with stuff from mountain equipment co-op.
 
  • #14
Ok, you're not looking for a backpack. You're looking for a bookbag. I've been using a bag since 2007 made by Targus that fits your requirements to a "T" and then some. Just $45. Check with Best Buy.
 

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