Iā€™m looking for recommendations for a backpack that will be used for commuting to work. What Iā€™m looking for would have one large compartment that I could put a shirt and a pair of pants in, a Bluetooth speaker, a large Contigo water bottle and maybe some miscellaneous stuff. I donā€™t want a hundred pockets and compartments (internal or external). All I seem to be able to find are laptop backpacks or hiking backpacks that are just too ā€œbusyā€ with features that would just get in the way or waste storage space. I really donā€™t want to have to resort to buying a laptop backpack and then cutting out all the internal compartments with a razor blade. Thatā€™s just dumb, and I worry that whatā€™s left after cutting would start to fray and fall apart. Durability and and convenience are top priority but price isnā€™t a huge issue (within reason).

TIA.

Update 1: Since there have been several positive comments re. JanSport bagsā€¦ Thatā€™s what Iā€™ve decided to try. I pulled the trigger on this bag. Itā€™s a bit fancier (suede parts) than what I was originally planning but it ticks all the boxes. The fact that they have a Canadian store and free shipping is icing on the cake.

Update 2: Bag just arrived today. Itā€™s nice, really nice. I almost feel bad about the abuse itā€™s going to take. The canvas is quite thick and has a very high quality feel to it. Same for the suede. Doesnā€™t feel cheap at all. Itā€™s just the right size for my needs. At first glance the external water bottle pocket looked too small to fit any kind of reusable bottles but I tried forcing it a bit and found it has a very strong elastic band that holds the pocket folded against the main body of the bag. Weā€™ll see how long that elastic band holds up. The zippers feel nice but I donā€™t know what brand they are as they have a stylized ā€œJSā€ on the zipper pulls. It does have a laptop sleeve that I was kinda hoping to avoid but the way theyā€™ve done it is very nice. Itā€™s a zippered full length pocket not accessible from within the main compartment. Itā€™s kinda hidden between the top mounting points of the shoulder straps and the upper flap that covers the main compartment zipper. Overall Iā€™m very happy with this bag and I think the price is about right for the quality of the materials and construction of the bag.

Thanks everyone for your input.

  • thegreekgeek@midwest.social
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    9 months ago

    I have the classic Jansport, just broke it out again after my swissgear laptop bag started giving up the ghost. Canā€™t believe I stopped using it lol, itā€™s lovely.

    • TheFriar@lemm.ee
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      9 months ago

      Right?! Jansport served me so well my entire childhood. And then I just totally forgot about it when I wanted a ā€œbasic-normal lookingā€ backpack that was simple and made sense. Long live Jansport.