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

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Work/commuting backpack, ideally not a US company (lemmy.ca)
submitted 3 days ago by swordgeek@lemmy.ca to c/buyitforlife@slrpnk.net
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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€“] jawsua@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I know you said not MiUSA but I have to shout out my favorite brand, Timbuk2. I had a Swiss Gear break on me at a bad time and went with Command laptop backpack. It's been over a decade and it still looks like I've owned it for maybe 2 years, and I'm not easy on my stuff. Taken it all over the country, out of it, and always packed with tech. Almost no issues with the petty despots in the airports, and I keep it pushing.

It doesn't look like they make the same model, but closest might be an Authority or Commuter. I can't suggest them highly enough, and anyone I've know that's bought them has felt the same.

[โ€“] fake_meows@sopuli.xyz 1 points 16 hours ago* (last edited 16 hours ago)

The OP is in Canada.

The Canadian version of Timbuk2 would be PAC Designs, but PAC Designs are much higher quality and a bit more expensive also. They are professional level products. Literally every element on a PAC bag is higher quality... Fabric, stitching, hardware, straps, padding etc. PAC is literally top quality possible.

Getting ahold of these bags is a bit of a dark art (always has been) but I think they have a Facebook contact.

https://www.facebook.com/100064306441241/