Hi resident backpack and BIFL experts!
So, I’m hoping I can keep this brief for your sakes. Basically, my awesome backpack of 12+ years has taken a turn for the worse. The front zipper has come apart in the corner, and there is a silver dollar-sized hole at the bottom of the main pouch. As you can see, I’ve had the bag for some time, and I’m thinking it may be time to retire it. Replacing it under the warranty seems like it would be beyond the limits of the limited lifetime warranty offered by Columbia, so here were my potential alternatives so far:
- Tom Binh Synapse 25
- Goruck GR1
- Throw myself on the mercy of Columbia
From what I’ve read, the Synapse may not be as spacious as it claims to be, and I’ve read that the Goruck is rigid and not really comfortable to hike/bike around in. My main usages at this point will be:
- Going to and from a university by bike/foot/public transit with laptop and accessories (13” Mid-2012 MacBook Pro and cords; maybe a couple external drives)
- Hiking a trails with varied inclines throughout the countryside and mountains
- Carry-on usage for national and international trips
- Travel through wide range of climates (lots of rain these past couple years and will be around more rain the next year or two as well)
- Occasional usage as pillow/back support/prop (very low priority)
Ultimately, I will invest in a backpacking bag for longer trips, but I was able to get all of the above usage out of my Columbia bag for this long. I also had the benefit of (a) one front pocket, (b) one middle compartment, (c) one large back compartment), (d) one smaller top compartment, and (e) side mesh pockets for shoes, water bottles, etc.
Honestly, it’s been a great backpack, but it really doesn’t hold up to the rain that well, so I’m hoping you all can help me figure out a good alternative. My budget for a BIFL purchase would be closer to the $150-300 range, but I’d like to keep it lower if possible. I realize this didn’t wind up being as short as I had intended, but thanks for any help you can offer!
Submitted November 15, 2017 at 03:18PM by EisigEyes http://ift.tt/2jt8naU
