One thing many people don’t know about me is the amount of backpacks I own. There are five right now in the ten foot radius surrounding me. I know there are a bunch more scattered around my mom’s and my dad’s respective garages, and I’ve sold a few to make ends meet in college. I’ve been using one consistently for the past two years or so, as it has proven to be the shining star of the bunch. The others ended up being one trick ponies, successful in satiating my specific need of the time but otherwise failing in overall use as a carry-all-bag.

My ideal everyday bag would be able to carry: a lunch sized Tupperware, a dopp kit, two pairs of underwear, two pairs of socks, two shirts, a pair of shorts or pants, and a hoodie or light jacket. Plus an extra pocket for handheld objects. Quick access to the main compartment is a must, as is quick closing. Hell, if I can fit a couple cans of paint in there too I’m golden.

My current bag does this, but not easily, and the lack of a secondary pocket is annoying.

I’ve spotted some new contenders lately, let’s see what they got.

Visvim Ballistic Backpack (hb)

Your basic day bag. Knowing Visvim, I’m sure the quality is top notch and it looks so gooooood. Design wise, the side pocket, and what looks like a secondary compartment are enticing. It looks about the same size as the classic JanSport, which is too small for my needs but great for most others so I’ll give it a solid B.

Nike ACG Backpack (hb)

Promising. Has two external pockets, but they look like they are velcro, which is a no no. It wears out and the possibility of it ripping open by accident is too high. I haven’t had much success with top loading bags, and the side zip doesn’t look like it is to be used when the top is latched. Looks like a solid bag, just not for my use. Here’s another B.

Jansport Heritage Collection x Huf (hb)

Yeah, it’s a retro, but proof that good design lasts the test of time.  The box zip as opposed to the regular straight zip is the deal breaker here. The only thing is that it isn’t a backpack, it’s a duffle. I could let that slide, as the attention to detail is really strong. Solid A with that Seattle to SF connection.

Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack (pic courtesy of SlamxHype)

D-D-D-D-D-Damn (c) Loso*. Mystery Ranch knows their backpacks. Skiing, climbing, military, day packs, they have bags for pretty much everyone. Pricey, but worth it for their durability and comfort. I’ve never had a bag with the Y-zip but it looks like something I could get behind for ease and speed of use. The top external pocket is perfect.The zippers look taped, which is a must in the Pacific Northwest, summer’s not even over and I can hear gallons of water rolling off my roof. I need this is my life. A+ to the crew over in Bozeman.

That’s it for this week folks.

-Richard

*in case you didn’t know so.