<p>I was wondering if any of you have backpack recommendations.
I am usually outside my dorm from 8 am - 10 pm and I am starting to have my back hurting from carrying around lots of books. I am looking for something comfy that will fit 1-2 textbooks and a binder/notebook AND laptop and stylish. Cost is not an issue. </p>
<p>Ideas? I was thinking one of the northface backpacks, but I don't know which one.</p>
<p>I love my Jansport Penelope. It's not the prettiest thing ever, but if you have a huge amount of stuff to schlep it's one of the best ways to do it. It's the women's version of the odyssey, so check that one out, too.</p>
<p>Yep, I carry around my huge JanSport bag. Not too cheap but not too pricey. Plus it has like 3 divided areas to carry everything I have, and I carry quite a bit.</p>
<p>No backpack can decrease the weight of 2 textbooks and a laptop. Unless we're talking about some kind of magic backpack.</p>
<p>Consider bringing only crucial things. Do you really need the laptop for note-taking? Will the textbooks be used in class? Usually textbooks are for you to read at home, not to bring to class.</p>
<p>I've been using the same style backpack since I was about 12 (and I'm 22): Jansport Big Student (<a href="http://www.jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=10&pid=TDN7%5B/url%5D">http://www.jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=10&pid=TDN7</a>).</p>
<p>It doesn't magically decrease weight, but I love it because it has a lot of different compartments to keep things organized (esp. good for me because I tend to keep a lot of things in the bag permanently, so I like for those things to just have their own places and not always get in the way of daily stuff), plus it's huge. The only downside is that when I'm not carrying a ton of stuff around, it's still pretty huge. I always look a bit like a turtle. But it holds everything that I need and it also lasts a really long time (I used to go through backpacks constantly because they'd break with all the weight I put in them).</p>
<p>Check out sites like <a href="http://www.jansport.com%5B/url%5D">www.jansport.com</a>, <a href="http://www.llbean.com%5B/url%5D">www.llbean.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com%5B/url%5D">www.eddiebauer.com</a> to see a few other options!</p>
<p>If it's really your back that's bugging you, then the only thing that'll really solve that problem is probably a rolling bag. Unfortunately, they tend to get in the way and not be widely considered the most stylish. But it's really all up to the user. A girl at my high school had one with wheels that lit up when it rolled. She named it Roland, gave the thing its own face and backstory, and basically turned it into a personal mascot. It was well-loved. I don't think everyone has the personality or free-time to pull that off, though :p</p>
<p>I bought the Ogio Metro after doing quite a bit of research and I love it. It was only $30 on Circuit City's website, but it doesn't look like they have it anymore.</p>
<p>I have a Dakine bag that i've been using for about 4 years and there isn't a single rip on it or anything. They're reasonably priced at around 40-70 and can be found at surf shops (if there are any in your area).</p>
<p>Im pretty happy with my North Face Borealis. It might be a bit confoming since so many people have NF gear, but it's a good pack.</p>
<p>i haven't used a backpack in YEARS, but i had to buy one this year with all the crap i have to carry around. i got the north face recon and it's serving me well, at school and in the city and everywhere. but that sounds like a LOT to carry around on your back! you shouldn't have that much weight, even with a superbackpack.</p>
<p>Timbuk2</a> Bags - Datadump Day Pack</p>
<p>Its the backpack I use. Its great quality, and I never have any problem with the size.</p>
<p>I've gone through 2 Jansport Big Students. The straps pulled out of the top of the bag each time.</p>
<p>For the record, on the average day I carry:
-at least 2 textbooks
-at least 3 notebooks (mix of 3 and 5 subjects)
-at least one binder
-Filled Nalgene (at least 20oz. of water)
-cell phone/iPod/keys/I.D./hand sanitizer/lipgloss/pencils/pens/highlighters/other stuff that I need to get through the day</p>
<p>My bag usually weighs in at around 25 lbs., making it a bit large for my frame (135 lbs, 5'2") but still do-able. It took me around 3 months to get used to carrying that much stuff without being achy all the time.</p>
<p>Look for a pack with an internal frame like the Jansport Odyssey. That distributes the weight better on your body and will make the heavy weight easier to take.</p>
<p>Weird. Mine's usually similar in weight (little more, little less, depending on the school year and on what I'm using it for) and I've never had strap problems. </p>
<p>I'm surprised by how much attention people actually to pay to the type of backpack that they use. I just thought I was finicky :)</p>
<p>OP: I imagine that some of the brands (esp. the more costly ones) have product guarantees so that if they break, you can get a replacement. Not sure, just a guess. Glancing [very] briefly through websites, it seems that LLBean guarantees their products indefinitely, Eddie Bauer guarantees (don't know for how long), and Jansport and Northface both offer product-lifetime warranties (but with kind of iffy conditions. The latter also offers mail-in repair).</p>
<p>Evidently they just didn't agree with my build or something. I rarely hear of other people with the same issue (though I have found a few).</p>
<p>Unless we're talking about some kind of magic backpack.</p>
<p>You mean you don't have a Bag of Holding? It reduces the weight of the items inside of it by 100%! I only have a Magic Bag -60% weight at the moment, I can't persuade the merchant to lower his price low enough so that I can afford a Bag of Holding...my Charisma stat is a little low :-/</p>
<p>Uh, Regarding the topic, I use an Eastpak bag that I've had since high school, padding backing = goodness.</p>
<p>^^^ that was so lame.</p>
<p>Just thought I would let you guys know that I got a North Face Jemma Backpack and I really recommend it for anybody else. It makes SO much difference.</p>
<p>^You write that you live in a dorm. How far away is it from your classes? Do you have any breaks where you can switch books?</p>
<p>I live in a dorm on campus, and it saves my back. I carry my laptop everywhere (Dell M1210 - it's pretty light), but with extra books it gets really heavy. By taking the time to go switch my stuff I can actually get away with just a shoulder bag (laptop, notebook, pencil case, wallet, ipod... sometimes an apple or something). I never take my textbooks anywhere if I can help it. I have a longchamp pliage with long handles... great because its holds up against the rain and is stylish. Seriously, just carry less stuff! </p>
<p>If you can't do that maybe look into getting a locker in a building on campus for your textbooks. The student's union building on my campus rents them out for each semester and they aren't expensive at all.</p>
<p>i love the jansport odyssey. it makes the weight seem lighter. i can fit a laptop (5lb laptop) and a textbook, and it can still feel pretty light for a while. but i do carry it a lot and it gets a little rough on the shoulders, but you can probably adjust the straps. it's usually a $100, but i got it on discount for $60. and you don't have to pay for shipping if you pick it up at your local REI. shipping is about $8.</p>
<p>I need a backpack that can support my use. I am at a commuter college where parking is limited so I end up carrying 40lbs of books most days. My bag now is a Swiss and the bottom has ripped out. It lasted about a week. Any suggestions on a good strong backpack. Don't mind paying the money if the quaility is there. Need a suggestion from someone who has the same type of weight and has had good luck.</p>
<p>@ Margsala</p>
<p>Buy a messenger bag with a fully padded strap for your shoulder. They are more stylish, healthier for your back, and easier to carry a laptop computer and few books inside.</p>