School bag Reccomendations...

[John_Galt]

Hello everyone, this year I've decided that I need a new backpack for school. I'm going to be a Junior at HS, and have been using the same canvas messenger bag since the 5th grade, so, obviously, the bag is pretty worn out. (The bottom tore out in the middle of last year, but I repaired it and continued to use it.)

Basically, I'm looking for a tough, well made backpack within $130 price range, that I can also use for camping (more of a day pack), quad riding, etc. and is going to last a while. So, one of the first things I looked at was the Maxpedition Falcon/Pymy Falcon II. Both of these are large enough to handle all of the books I expect to carry this next year. However, from their pictures, the bag looks very large and rectangular, as well as not being form fitting. I'm also slightly concerned by the belt, as it does not appear removeable.

So, are there any better bags out there, for < = $130, that will hold 9 inch wide books, notebooks, etc.?

I'll post additional info as I think of it...
Thanks!

 

[SFG2Lman]

go talk to your local army recruiter and he can give you a giant one for free...mine only cost me 5 years originally and when i signed for another 6 I got an even bigger and better one...all free. :thinking:

 

[worldedit]

What about an eastpack? Im not careful with my stuff and mine is still ok after many years. They come with 30 years warrenty here and i already had the zipper replaced (put way to much stuff in it) without a problem.

 

[DaFABRICATA]

I have been using my maxped Falcon II for the last couple of years and LOVE IT!

When empty, it collapses into itself and can be made small. When you need more room, make some adjustments and its good to go!

The belt isn't removable, but it also doesn't seem to get in the way. I like it cause it keeps the pack secured to me nicely.

The small top pocket is great.
The front pocket has some pockets for small stuff.
Overall I feel it has been the best backpack I have ever bought. Tough as nails and enough features to allow it to be used for a day pack or more.

 

[Sgt. LED]

go talk to your local army recruiter and he can give you a giant one for free...mine only cost me 5 years originally and when i signed for another 6 I got an even bigger and better one...all free. :thinking:

I still have mine!
It's a great way to get good free gear and it's one of the extremely few places that pay you to get in shape. You even get your own personal trainers.

 

[John_Galt]

It's too bad to hear that the waist belt isn't removeable. I'd probably just remove it, and lose it if it was, anyway. Problem is, I don't know of any army recruiters in my area. Or anywhere near me. Good idea though!

I think I'll go with the Eagle II, unless I find another messnger bag locally. I'll have to check REI.

But if you think of anything else, I'd be glad to hear it.

 

[mega_lumens]

I had a JanSport from junior high that lasted through high school. Washed it only twice through out all of the years and it has seen serious abuse from heavy books no problems. The zipper broke when I graduated.

I used a Maxped pygmy through 4 years of college and it is still going strong but I would not recommend Maxped for school/college applications due to the smaller/narrower designs in most of their packs that can't accommodate 8'11'' sized notebooks or binders very well. There were times where I had to carry my binder by hand when it wouldn't fit into the Maxped.

My friends had Oakley packs in HS/college and I was very impressed with their build, style, and versatility. On some models, you can customize the color schemes on Oakley's website. For my next pack, I'm getting an Oakley.