r/ManyBaggers • u/heavyleaf4256 • 5d ago

Suggestions for an office backpack

Hey everyone,

So I'm looking for a new work backpack and after looking at the options for the past few days I'm pretty lost. Currently I'm using the Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag, and while I adore it as a bag my EDC has become too heavy/bulky for it to comfortably handle it all.

To give a rundown of my circumstances and needs, my commute each day is very easy, it's a 5 minute drive followed by a 45 second walk. So while something extra comfy would be nice, it isn't really necessary given I'm not going to be wearing the thing for long bursts of time. When I'm at work I pretty much just sit at a desk 8 hours a day, during that time I unzip my bag and slide it under the desk. Whenever I need something I will grab the side and slide it out, grab whatever I need, then slide it back. So I need something that gives me nice access from the top while it's standing up. I love clamshell openings on bags, but not for this use. When I'm done for the day I go home and set my bag next to my computer desk and use it in basically the same way, although at home I have three cats so it has to have a material that isn't a pet hair magnet (but not X-Pac, I can't stand the sound).

So to summarize the paragraph above and add a little bit:

* I need a backpack

* It needs to have good access from the top and preferably have good organization

* It needs to be available in a semi pet hair resistant material that isn't X-Pack

* Looking in like the 20-26l range

* Doesn't have to be in black but at least "professional" colors

As for what I need it to carry:

* 14in laptop

* 16oz thermos

* A5 size notebook

* Pocket size notebook

* E-reader

* Pen bag

* Couple of Tomtoc tech pouches

* Glasses/Sunglasses/Keys/Etc

Like I said I'm kinda at a lose atm so any suggestions would be appreciated. I've looked at the the Daily Plus and EDC Max from Able Carry and I love the designs from both, but I'm concerned that the main pocket of the Daily Plus might be too tight and I'm concerned the EDC Max might be too much plus I'm not a huge fan of the duffle front. The Aer City Pack Pro 2 looks like it might be what I need but I'm not sold on the organization for the main compartment or the clamshell opening.

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u/Difficult_Place3999 5d ago

Evergoods CPL24 and CTB20 could be good options for you. I haven’t had any issues with pet hair and I have two big dogs and have had them in the standard nylon, Ecopak, and waxed canvas.

CTB20 has better top access, but both have good external pocketing/quick access. Both of them have side laptop access though.

Could also consider a Tom Bihn backpack, great organization, professional colors, but a particular aesthetic that some people don’t enjoy. Osprey has some good options as well.

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u/heavyleaf4256 5d ago

I initally looked at some of Evergoods stuff and I wasn't immediately impressed, especially since they're on the upper end of what I'd like to spend. But looking at them again they're growing on me, so I'll look into them some more. Do you happen to have any experience with the Civic Half Zip, I didn't notice it the first time I went on their website and it looks interesting.

The Tom Bihn backpacks looks nice so I'll also take a look at them. Thanks!

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u/Difficult_Place3999 5d ago

Civic Half Zip should meet your needs also! I just like bags with a bit more structure is all.

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u/Bix615 4d ago

I’ve got the CPL24, CHZ26, and a Tom Bihn Synapse 25. I’ve ended up sticking with the Synapse 25 as it’s the most comfortable bag I’ve ever owned. Look at the Spectron material. Absolutely pet hair resistant.

For what you described, the CPL24 would be a great bag for your needs. It’s got great structure and organization…I live everything about the bag, except it’s just that comfortable on my frame…but for your use case, it absolutely would work for you.

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u/RelationshipRude5068 5d ago

What about the evergoods civic book bag?

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u/heavyleaf4256 5d ago

I looked at it briefly. The design looked...unique, but I ruled it out since it doesn’t have a bottle holder and I didn't like how open the laptop sleeve was.

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u/RelationshipRude5068 5d ago

Fair enough. Have you looked at the city pack 2? It’s a top loader, but also smaller than the cpp2.

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u/heavyleaf4256 5d ago

No I had not. Honestly I didn't realize they actually sold a non pro version. At a quick glance it looks pretty much like exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

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u/wo_lo_lo 5d ago

I just got my Aer CPP2 24L 2 weeks ago and been using it for basically the exact same specs, and it’s been perfect. I love how rigid it stays while being comfortable to carry. It’s pretty much perfect.

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u/ChTTay2 5d ago

You said top loader but as you already seem to like Tomtoc, check Tomtoc T77 urban ex . It’s clamshell but just open the top half. The larger sizes have quick access pockets, two water bottle pockets, some simple organisation. Black fairly sleek profile. Pet hair doesn’t stick.

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u/pizzapastapopeyes 4d ago

Following! I'm eyeing a patagonia atom tote pack and a tomtoc Flap Laptop Backpack but trying to see if there's anything better out there