Can't go wrong with something from Cote & Ciel. Their bags are a bit pricier than most, but they are built like tanks and do something different from a design perspective.

I've got the Isar in black coated canvas, and the added duffle-bag type storage makes it great for the gym, and travelling.

Cote&Ciel Isar Backpack

Mission Workshop has always been my favorite in the 'carry-till-you-die' category of bomb-proof offerings. Not always the most attractive options, but I just received the Arkiv brief (14L) and it's exactly what I've been looking for.

Big enough for daily carry (macbook + sweater + umbrella + headphones+ etc), black and low-key, but built to a higher standard than you see nearly anywhere else.

The larger 19L 'laptop brief' is deceiving - they sent it me by accident - it looks great online but is very long and doesn't have a padded laptop sleeve. Still though, built like a tank.

Discussion from 3 months ago on this topic, for those looking for more opinions:

https://www.designernews.co/stories/96082-what-backpack-are-you-rocking

I have a Timbuk2 Rogue backpack. https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5040-302/Rogue-Backpack

Reasonably priced for what it is, I think. Has a good laptop compartment, and lots of pockets, etc to keep my pens and stuff organized. I keep my bike u-lock on the side opposite the outside pocket. Not completely waterproof but does offer a bit better protection than some (I carry a bag-cover for when the rain comes).

Hey David,

I personally use 2 bags.

1) For everyday use - https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/en-gb/tnf-gb/bags-and-tents-bags-backpacks/itinerant-backpack-2zeg?variationId=JK3#hero=0

I love this bag for its practicality and protection. Waterproof and plenty of space for my 15" MacBook, a collection of accessories and my lunch!

2) Minimal - https://gb.moleskine.com/id-device-bag-horizontal-13-black/p0228

I actually got given this from the EOS hackathon in London and it's really slick and fits my laptop perfect (minus my protective sleeve) and charger. I tend to take this on the weekends when I'm going to a cafe to work etc.

Cheers

This Ortlieb day pack is best bag i've ever owned. Totally waterproof, easy to get in and out off, can remove the inner storage if you want more space. It's also of fantastic quality, with 2 years of daily use isn't at all tatty.

https://www.ortlieb.com/en/Commuter%20Daypack%20City/

Filson Original Briefcase

The eBag Professional Slim is the best purchase I've ever done. Using it for 2 years now and I couldn't be happier with it

Big fan of the Topo Designs Klettersack—it's not the most technical bag (kind of the traditional top-loader design), but it's water resistant, super well made (going on 3 years of heavy use and abuse) and works pretty well as a day hiking pack to boot.

Just moved to the Aer Travel Pack 2 - https://www.aersf.com/travel-pack-2-black/ - it's a little "bulky" for everyday carry, but you can cinch it down so it's smaller, but I find I'd much rather have a super organized bag that can switch from workday to travel than have multiple bags that I have to move things back and forth between.

I actually found my current bag on one the same posts here that a few people have linked. Rover Pack by Topo Designs. It's super lightweight, but it's tough and doubles as a solid hiking backpack. It's maybe a little on the small side but it's been perfect for me.

https://topodesigns.com/collections/hiking-backpacks/products/rover-pack?variant=840407733

Herschel Pop Quiz. The best backpack I've used so far.

If you are looking for something a bit cheaper than the above recommendations you can check out the Xiaomi backpacks: https://xiaomi-mi.com/backpacks-and-bags/

I have the Classic Business and it's quite good and confortable. It's big enough for laptop, Wacom, tupper with lunch and water bottle. Among other small things like a book, etc.

I never really understood the obsession with optimising 'everyday carry', until I got the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus – it's £159, so certainly not cheap, but every penny has proven worthwhile, the layout is so well thought-out and the manufacturing quality is second-to-none

https://bellroy.com/products/classic-backpack-plus/venture/ash

I like my The North Face Kaban backpack (all black), https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/kaban-nf0a2zek.

• Durable and somewhat weatherproofed.
• Pockets for water bottles (or similar sized items) on both sides.
• Comfortables straps.

I have a Thule Paramount 24L. Very heavy duty. And lots of padding for my gear (Macbook Pro 15", sometimes another laptop or a camera). I also like that it doesn't get bulky even when it's holding a ton inside. Use it for the office and for travelling too.

Thule Paramount 24L

Incase City Compact https://www.incase.com/products/bags/backpacks/city-compact-backpack

is doing the trick for me. 15" padded laptop sleeve and room for notebooks, chargers/adaptors. Small silky smooth lined pocket at the top. Minimal looks. In a pinch I've even travelled with 2 x 15" laptops + 2 chargers + headphones + notebook + adaptors + mouse, and it still maintains a nice compact form.

I have an Incase ICON Slim for daily carry. It doesn't hold the most, but it's got enough room for my laptop, headphones, chargers, a light jacket, etc. More than enough to get me through a day, basically.

For me I've just recently been alternating between

the Aer SF Fitpack

and

the ISM Classic

Both great for an everyday carry. The Aer is great if you're going to workout as well. The ISM is great for more of a minimal everyday carry. Would recommend both.

I love this backpack. Been using it for 2 months and it's great for my bicycle commute.

https://www.rains.com/collections/bags/products/backpack?variant=8115566280750

Goruck GR1 (also have a GR2 but it's too big for daily carry) https://www.goruck.com/rucksacks/

This has been asked so many times!

Here's one of the many previous posts: https://www.designernews.co/stories/96082