this post was submitted on 18 Feb 2026
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Buy it for Life

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My cheap no-name Chinese backpack is finally falling apart, after over 20 years of absolutely solid service.

I want something that will last at least another 20 years, will hold a modern 16" laptop (e.g. Macbook), and will also let me toss a pair of jeans and light jacket in, when I ride home from work in the spring and fall afternoons.

I'd like to avoid American brands if possible.

Looked online at the SwissGear 5698 and Endure, but don't know how well they're built, or if they'll hold my junk.

Any recommendations?

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[โ€“] swordgeek@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Hedgren looks great - the "Trip" might be the perfect backpack!

...except that they apparently aren't sold in Canada. :-(

[โ€“] Dasus@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

A lot of them look rather too sleek and modern to me.

Mines more rugged imo. I don't even know what country the company is from tbh. I know a store that still sells it in a nearby mall though, just peeked in out of curiosity once. Not that I need a new bag, since this one is still fine.

Well aside from the straps I had changed a couple of years ago, and annoyingly the new material is more plasticky and has reflectors on it. (And I don't like reflectors installed in my things without being asked. What if I wanted to run away from someone in dark woods and they're chasing me with a torch in their hand?)