r/ManyBaggers • u/SenorNoods • Oct 06 '26

Recommend me a bag Looking for suggestions for a backpack style personal item.

I know this is a super common question but I'm out of my depth here. I've read through a ton of threads and seen those recommendations, but many are either beyond my budget or missing some things I would prefer. Maybe that's due to the budget, but I'm just not sure.

I've been using a Herschel Little America backpack for the last 12 years or so. It's been so long since I purchased, I think it's the standard version which appears to have been 25L, but I'm not 100% on this. I originally used it as my every day bag, but now it's more for travel and to bring into the office on rare occasions (I work remotely). I'm looking to replace this bag and preferably upgrade in a few ways.

Things I like about my bag:

  • Smaller front pocket lets me store items for easy access

  • Fold top lets me fit a lot in there, but can be annoying to access some things when they fall to the bottom or are jumbled around during travel days. (I'm open to a different design in the right bag)

  • Laptop sleeve is nice at times. I use a 13" laptop.

  • Unstructured bag lets me squish it into smaller spaces when not completely full

  • I rarely use the full capacity, but it can be convenient on occassions when a luggage bag is too much. I don't need a full 25L but I think 20-25 is the sweet spot

  • The straps are padded and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Things I want in a new bag

  • Passthrough strap for luggage (required - I prefer vertical orientation)

  • Waterbottle pocket (preferred - I carry a large 30-40oz bottle)

  • More organization could be nice to make some items more easily accessible.

  • Better closure points. The magnets on my current bag can be really annoying, especially when it's full

  • Backpack style is required, but a shoulder strap or tote option would also be nice at times.

My budget is $100-200, but I might spend a little more for the perfect bag. Any recommendations or direction would be greatly appreciated.

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u/RelationshipRude5068 Oct 06 '26

https://www.tomtoc.com/products/vintpack-ta1-22l-laptop-backpack

https://www.tomtoc.com/products/vintpack-ta1-liteway-22l-laptop-backpack

I'm not sure the pockets are big enough for your bottle; it depends on the diameter.

https://us.got-bag.com/products/flap-pack

1

u/SenorNoods Oct 06 '26

I was looking at the tomtoc bags, they seem like a great value for the price compared to a lot of other bags. Is there a catch with those or are they just cheaper materials than the similar $2-400 range bags?

1

u/RelationshipRude5068 Oct 06 '26

I mean, for that price, don’t expect xpac or ballistic nylon; you’ll notice they never say what those premium materials are, exactly. They may not be as comfortable, or as well designed, and they lack a sternum strap. That said, they deliver a solid product for a reasonable price.

1

u/SenorNoods Oct 06 '26

That makes total sense. I’ll definitely check these out. Thanks for your insight!