Are there any backpacks which are both stylish and functional?
Every single backpack I've seen that is functional and has at least some basic organizational features (see Bellroy, Peak Design, Alpaka, etc.) is usually pretty ugly and makes you look like a weird tech bro. And every single backpack that looks good is usually made by a fashion company (eg Zara, Pull&Bear or luxury brands like Prada) and don't have any utility features, only a single big pocket and maybe a laptop sleeve if you're lucky.
I have managed to find one backpack that looks awesome and is actually useful - Sympl Day Backpack. However, I'm out of luck here, because it has been discontinued by the company, and their other backpack models also have that "tech nerd" look to them (although they're not as bad as some other options)
Do you, by any chance, know some backpacks that both look fashionable AND have more than two pockets at the same time?
Edit: there's also Topo Design Daypack Classic which looks good in the black and white variant, but it does lack some useful stuff like laptop sleeve padding
Edit 2: I managed to find another awesome looking backpack! The ISM Bag. I might actually get this one, although $300 is somewhat expensive
I was ready to share my recommendations based on the title, but I'm honestly very put off by the "tech bro" and "tech nerd" name calling. If you can't describe what you're looking for without denigrating people based on appearance or some preconceived stereotype, reconsider instead of bringing that to Tildes. That negativity and...generalized bullying is a good part of why I finally cut Reddit out of my life.
That said, my go-to is Timbuk2. I use their messenger bags but they have a fairly wide array of backpack styles, and usually have various color options available. Admittedly, their backpacks do tend to have shapes I'm not super crazy about. I first heard about them in Macworld, close to twenty years ago, where they were highly recommended for laptop protection and the number of useful pockets and other useful features. I've been using mine for about six years now without any noticeable degradation.
I also know people who like Osprey. They're obviously a hiking brand, but they have a great many "day packs" (both backpacks and messenger bags) that are renowned for their engineering and utility. Some look like hiking gear, but many styles are less so.
As others have said already, I did not mean to degrade anyone, and sorry if you perceived it that way. "Tech bro" is a specific type of person, and I don't think "tech nerd" is offensive, as @updawg said.
IMO the opposite of a tech bro backpack is a Topo Rover, which is probably the perfect backpack if you’re still looking.
From the "tech nerd" angle yeah, it's kinda silly - what's functional with pockets is functional. OP should clarify. But from the tech bro angle... Who is OP punching down at by using "tech bro"? To me the phrase pretty clearly conveys connotations like new money and non-functional minimalism. Some of the backpacks they posted after are very uniform or feature-free across the front; if I wanted to avoid that, I'd either look for something more traditionally-shaped or less flat/uniform-looking.
Personally, I partially escaped reddit to get out of the collective superiority hallucinations of people buying into products, ecosystems, or thought processes with weird cultish defenses around them. No idea if carrying this is crucial to their job or anything so key, but if they don't want the first impression to friends, clients, random passerby, or anyone to be that they're using something that's trying to look sleek but appears less functional than it may or may not be to fleece buyers - and hopefully for OP's sake I got that right - that's fashion. Sounds like a valid dealbreaker not to want to hate what you and others look at every time you use it.
(mind you I use the same jansport from third grade and have little claim to backpack fashion sense)
This was actually my initial mental image from OP's post. IMO there is pretty much no way of escaping the "12 year old you in gradeschool" look with any non-camping (and if camping, you better be camping or backpacking) backpack.
I think messenger bags or hip bags are a better way to go in a work environment, it's just hard for me to take the backpack look at all seriously.
When I was still commuting to the office I made the switch to a messenger bag for toting my laptop around for this exact reason. It just looks better and in some cases is less cumbersome.
There are still cases where backpacks fare better though, like for airline carry-on personal items. Backpacks on average fit way more stuff in the same volume than messenger bags usually do. I don’t think people are all that concerned with looking their best during air travel though.
Regarding air travel, I actually bring two messenger bags. A smaller Timbuk2 as my personal item (under the seat), and a much larger Chrome bag as my carry on (overhead).
On longer trips I would bring a third military loadout style bag with backpack straps for my checked luggage, and then wear all three looking like some kind of bizarre SF bicycle messenger-paratrooper 😅. Loadout bag on my back, Chrome bag reversed across my chest, and Timbuk2 hanging below the Chrome bag just above crotch level.
Not quite this absurd, but pretty close:
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlg3dFx_GXc/VuxdpwvsFlI/AAAAAAABlpM/_zyqHq2mRnUFo78gm_1a4gNUZVGztce7w/s1600/color%2Bus%2Bparatrooper%2Bjump%2Bplane%2Btraining.jpg
I could see a couple of messenger bags making sense for short to moderate length trips, especially with a checked bag.
My trips tend to be on the longer side though and I like to avoid checking bags when I can so I do a carry-on roller bag paired with a personal item backpack.
Messenger bags absolutely kill my back if there's anything heavier than a couple of pens in it.
I used to think everyone was that way and used them because that's what was in style. Whether I like the backpack look or not, it's the only way I've ever been able to comfortably carry a laptop (or two).
It seems like Osprey has fewer messenger bags than they used to. I have one I bought in 2006, and it is still holding up after years of use. I will be sad once it falls apart, because I don't see any good replacements for it.
“I was ready to share my recommendations based on the title, but I'm honestly very put off by the "tech bro" and "tech nerd" name calling. If you can't describe what you're looking for without denigrating people based on appearance or some preconceived stereotype, reconsider instead of bringing that to Tildes. That negativity and...generalized bullying is a good part of why I finally cut Reddit out of my life.”
That’s hardly name calling bud; it’s an apt description. Not something to clutch pearls over.
Do me a favor, will you? Read this sentence over, as if someone else has written it. Then consider the context, do you think you have succeeded in clarifying that it isn't denigrating or do you think you might have done the opposite?
You aren't allowed to tell people what they should and shouldn't find offensive. Just because its a group of people you don't have any sympathy for, doesn't mean its not name-calling.
I feel like I've never met a nerd who doesn't call themself a nerd...as for saying you don't want to look like a tech bro, I feel like the alternative is to say you don't want to look like a douche who thinks they're better than everyone because they know about tech. Not really sure how you can describe that differently. Like, yeah, it's better to say "I want to look like x" but sometimes there's really just one way to say why you don't like something. No one would think negatively of you if you said you didn't want to wear two polos at once with both collars popped because it makes you look like a douche.
No offense but you seem to have very peculiar tastes in backpacks.
Keep doing your research and find what works best for you. I'm not sure I follow how the second Topo link you provided is more tech bro than the first. The color black is just a great backpack color simply due to the way we treat our bags. They might go on the floor at work/school, they travel through the city with us, going on public transit, etc. Backpacks can get dirty quick as a result. Buying an all black bag has less to do with an aesthetic and more to do with the function of keeping it for as long as possible without getting stains on it. It's why people with jobs will generally have black bags compared to high school kids (and of course tech bros are carrying laptops around more often than most). Also both bags that you've linked from Topo are made of nylon. Again, I think you have extremely specific opinions on bags and need to work it out yourself. I strongly recommend going to a bag store and checking them out in person.
But also, any good bag brand will also have free returns, or any major retailer will have decent returns so shop around and see what you like and return what you don't.
If you want some other brands to check out, you can try Tom Bihn, Aer, Evergoods, Timbuk2.
I don't have anything against black backpacks, in fact, two of the bags I linked as examples of good backpacks are all black:
The Zara backpack, for example, is black as well, but also looks great
https://www.zara.com/us/en/rubberized-backpack-p13205320.html
I don't think I have "peculiar opinions" because almost everyone who I discussed the topic with seems to agree
Personally I think you should just go with the backpack that matches your style. Don’t worry about how others will perceive you (within reason)
What exactly is the “tech bro” style that you’re talking about, if you don’t mind me asking? I was going to suggest sfbags.com, due to their quality and personal style preference, but I legitimately have trouble knowing if those also fit your definitions of “tech bro” since they have specific pockets for things like your laptop or tablet. Their materials range from lighter synthetics to heavier leathers and canvas, but once again I really can’t tell if you’d consider them too “tech bro-y” or not.
I get not wanting to look like a “hiker” with a 40 liter pack, and I get not wanting to use a tiny bag that can barely hold your wallet, but I legitimately can’t tell if “tech bro” means the number of pockets, the number of zippers, the materials, the size, the weight, or something else.
EDIT: just realized I never mentioned it, and that links aren’t automatically hyperlinked. I was talking about WaterField Bags in San Francisco. I have their “tech sling” which ironically looks very “non-techy” to my eye, but plan on getting a briefcase by them as well in the near future. The sling has been quite abused by myself while holding my iPad, a notebook, my sunglasses, a portable battery, my keys, and my wallet. No issues, it looks amazing, feels sturdy.
No, it's not the number of pockets, in fact, I think a lot of pockets is a cool thing to have. I don't really know how to describe the style, but I think Topo Designs did it for me:
See the difference between those two bags. I think the second one is a perfect encapsulation of what I'm talking about - all black, weird material, the shape looks kinda strange. While the first one just looks like a regular backpack that some random person would wear.
Nomatic is another example of a backpack that is super cool but fits that ugly style in my opinion
I don't think Sfbags feels tech bro-y, they seem nice. It's probably still not something I'd get because I don't really like backpacks that look rectangular, but that's just my preference and I don't think that they're inherently ugly. Thanks
I swear I’m not shilling WaterField, but have you by chance looked at their Executive Backpack? It’s a pretty close shape to the first of your links, but has lost of dedicated space. It also comes in a couple of less “techy” materials.
I will be 100% honest, and will fully admit this might just be my lack of style sense; but outside of the two examples “thickness” that you showed, I still have very little idea on what the “tech” style is. That’s no shade on you, I May legitimacy just be style blind haha.
Edit: close in silhouette may be better… it’s not super thin, it’s not “blocky”, and it’s not exclusively a “hyperlite” material. I won’t keep pushing WaterField though. You probably know if you do or do not like it. Apologizes for any misunderstandings.
Now that I think of it, it's probably mostly the materials. Those backpacks are usually fully black while being made of materials that don't look good black. For example, black leather or black soft-touch silicone look great, but I don't think that this weird waterproof mesh material that a lot of those bags are made of looks good in black.
And the shape plays a part as well - the Sympl Weekender and Aer Day Pack are made of good materials, but they have this smooth oval shape which looks a bit wacky
I'll be honest, I feel like that also describes the Sympl Day Backpack. What do you consider strange?
My second reply to OC explains it better
I have to agree with some of the other posters who’ve mentioned having a difficult time grasping the look you do/don’t want.
What are your thoughts on the Synik 30? Have heard some say it’s a bit of a “dad bag” which would lead me to believe it doesn’t have a “tech bro” look, and personally I think it looks pretty good, but fashion and accessory design isn’t my thing in the least.
Tom Bihn bags will last you a long long time. I bought a Western Flyer in 2011 and I am still using it today.
Yeah, I recently picked up the linked bag myself after having read about them having excellent construction. Feels nice from an ethics perspective that they’re manufactured a short drive north in Seattle too. Haven’t taken it on a trip yet but initial impressions are good.
Another factor for me is that right on the site they explicitly mention that it fits most airlines’ dimensions for carry-ons and that the exterior material doesn’t track pet fur. Those are details that are very often absent from product pages for bags for some reason.
My daily commuter is the Timbuk2 Authority laptop backpack deluxe. Highly recommend as both a backpack I can carry around in a suit, tough, functional, and fits under the seat in front of you on an airplane.
I have lots of other packs for backpacking, but for work/urban/planes I love this one.
Edit: lots of hate regarding your tech bro comment. For those wondering, this is a tech bro.
I feel like this is just the wrong crowd lol, prob hits a nerve but 100% a tech bro is as easy to spot as a 2015 hipster who loves Mumford & flannel & IPAs, own it guys!
Remember Silicon Valley? There’s a wide variety of tech bros presented, it’s a whole spectrum.
I don’t think there’s one definition of tech bro, and two of the most common ones are somewhat of diametric opposites that it makes the generalizations kinda pointless.
One type of “tech bro” is the Altman VC type. White, frat-y, preppy. Loves drinking, having “ startup ideas”, cocaine, parties and wealth coded sports.
Another is the degenerate, slightly incel vibes nerdy software engineer. They wear ugly hoodies from work and jeans from target, or hyper “tactical” clothes (what OP is talking about).
These are so far apart it’s kinda pointless.
Like if you ask random people, “do tech bros exercise?” Half of them would answer “yes, they obnoxiously talk about how they’re prepping for their next ultramarathon” and half would say “no, they just play league of legends the whole day”.
I suppose I just haven't been around folks who use the tech bro term to describe incel variety. I'm used to it being the silicon valley all the worlds problems can be solved with my latest app, variety.
It’s difficult to describe with words, but my sense of reading OP’s elaboration is that his “tech bro” bags is like the LTT backpack, and the techbros are LTT viewers, which is more the nerdy gamer people, not the preppy VC people.
I gotta say, the LTT backpack is very practical for its intended use case - flying. It's the largest possible backpack that can fit under the seat in front of you. It's got a nice, well thought out, set of sleeves and pockets.
However I unsubscribed and stopped giving LTT my money after the fiasco where an ex-employee described her experience with sexual harassment and management apathy (including Linus himself). Honestly not that surprising given almost every video they produce has 2 dudes making "69... nice" jokes to each other. They said they'd have an independent party investigate themselves but I never heard anything as a follow up.
Yeah, the tactical stuff can be useful. But the focus on functionality over form, and
Is what puts the “bro” in tech bro in this version of tech bro.
Personally I use a Cotopaxi for the “largest thing that can be a personal item”. But it’s more hiker-coded. But that could also be tech-bro-y!
Oh, update! Just found out this was released a few days ago:
https://x.com/LinusTech/status/1793428629378208057
I don't really know how to feel about it. Simultaneously I want to trust that they wouldn't outright deceive us and ensure they come out squeaky clean. But I also would have expected a (redacted) copy of the report if they were aiming for full transparency, a little more humility and a little less "we feel our case for a defamation suit would be very strong".
I would tend to agree. LTT audience, and the bags, kit, etc that often goes with it feels more "technology enthusiast" than tech bro.
Lol. I feel like timbuk2 is the primary techbro backpack. I had one when I lived in the bay and biked into my tech job every day too (but I hated mine because it had no organization or pockets).
I usually buy packs in skate shops now. They've got a variety, they use color, and they're built to take a beating. But I've never worried about looking professional at work much either.
They have a bunch of different styles, some more gadget pocket laden then others.
I wear three piece suits for work, so any pack needs to look professional, and the laptop authority bag in black I cited above fits the bill as well as any back pack can.
That example photo is really emblematic of how it’s not very descriptive, though. The backpack Altman is wearing does not look like what OP is describing as “tech bro”. It looks like a cotopaxi or something which is outdoors/hiking coded.
I legitimately think you could out 10 people in a room and they’d have 10 different stereotypes of “tech bro”.
I don't think tech bro is any one style, but rather a general visual appearance counter to a traditional office attire for the size of business being run. In my example, compare Sam Altman to pictures of the Microsoft CEO.
Tech bro also tends to conjure the image of people who think all of life's problems can be solved with their latest app.
Sure, but “everything except business casual and business formal” is an absurdly large set. It’s so large it’s useless as a stereotype. If you say, “I don’t want something to look like a tech bro”, either you have a definition which doesn’t fully match the vague social understanding, or you just said you want a bag suitable for business attire with too many words.
In this case, it seems like the former. OP doesn’t want a particular type of tactical-ish bag. But you could just as easily think that sports and hiking bags are tech bro (just look at Altman), since that’s the other stereotype, and many people did.
It’s just useless as language. Look at how confused people are in this thread lol.
I didn't think I defined it so broadly or specifically. I said that for me it conjures a specific kind of visual style that is in contrast to traditional corporate wear. Just like hipster is a general visual style that stands out from traditional corporate attire, etc.
The picture of Sam Altman picture I linked to is my personal take on the term tech bro, both visually and ideologically. It's an appearance, almost sloppy and with elements designed to stand out like the bright blue bag, often with some sort of slogan attempting to make a deep point with a shallow statement. Ideologically, it seems to be this tunnel vision and arrogance in shoehorning technology to solve problems that ignores lessons learned from other sectors.
I'll also point out that I never endorsed OPs definition of tech bro.
My point there was how not unified the image of a “tech bro” is. The fact that we can even talk about it this much is proof. It’s a stereotype which means VERY different things to different people - so different that its virtually useless as a term.
You have your take, OP has his take, and they’re very very different.
Basically everyone in this thread has their own take that’s at least slightly different if you inspect it. There’s no useful, unified “tech bro” aesthetic.
That's fair enough, and it's a good reason to avoid the term when fishing for pack or clothing accessories. However, I think people are getting a little more ruffled by it than is really warranted. And if people stopped getting upset about it and simply asked clarifying questions, it wouldn't be such an impediment.
I quite like Rains although they're almost too minimalist.
Also Fjällräven, especially the Kånken, is a classic.
I personally have this one from Herschel but I bought it years ago and while it still works just fine, it's also just super boring
Yes, Rains looks awesome, thank you!
How are they feature-wise though? I can't find any pictures of their inside on the website
I did a lot of searching back a few years ago when I was biking 12 miles one-way to work everyday, the best bag I have ever bought and was universally praised was the Timbuk2. I have used it quite literally every day for the past six years and it's still in practically the exact same condition as it was when I bought it. I use it for trips, back and forth from work, hiking, everything.
I can't find the specific model I ended up getting, but they all are pretty great from what I can see. They seem to fit your criteria pretty well.
I used to live in Timbuk2 bags, but the manufacturing quality and warranty service have deteriorated substantially through a couple of ownership changes.
Lately, I've been very satisfied with an Everlane Renew Transit backpack. Yes, it's from a fashion company, but it's much more economical than "tech" backpacks. The 25L Transit design is capacious - I can normally fit all my travel/work tech, a smaller bag, and a change of clothes. There's a well-placed padded 15" laptop sleeve, and the pack is structured enough to stand upright when holding a laptop.
The Transit has sufficient interior and exterior pockets that my gear stays organized, but not so many that things get lost. I usually carry an umbrella in the exterior side water bottle pocket. This pocket is deep enough that whatever you put in it won't fall out. The material isn't "bombproof" Cordura, but it's also understated, reasonably water- and stain-resistant, and it's not showing any wear after a year and a half of use. All of the closures have decent quality, smoothly operating zippers.
The overall appearance is professional enough that it's not out of place in briefcase meetings. There's a narrow band for holding it on suitcase handles, which works well enough and isn't showing any signs of tearing. My only complaint is that it doesn't have a mesh back for breathability, which isn't ideal for biking or very hot weather.
Edit: eBags' very capable and unassuming-looking "Pro" backpacks are on an insanely cheap sell-off at the moment. I used one of these for a while when my Timbuk2 bag got too worn to look professional and I couldn't get warranty service on the clasps. The eBags backpack was fine when I had to carry more fiddly bits of technical gear, with all the organizational features and padding you could wish for, but the bag itself weighed more than was comfortable.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the suggestions!
There is a wide selection of backpacks on YOOX. This link goes to "men's" backpacks, though I'm not sure there's a difference for most of them, and some might be kid's sizes. In the menu on the left you can also sort by "trends" and see if your preferred style might conform to one of those terms (unfortunately it might be "preppy") so you can better narrow your selection either there or elsewhere. More important might be to see what brands trend in the direction of your tastes, but you might've found it with ISM Bags.
They look good, but again, it's a fashion brand, not a backpack brand, so are they good in terms of organizational features?
I'm not sure I understand what the tech bro style is, but I'm really happy with the Everki line of backpacks. I have the Atlas. It's my second, the first lasted just under a decade, and was still functionally fine, just starting to look kinda weathered.
They are tough, with great features, and I find the stylings pretty minimalistic and mature.
I don't know if the style will match up with what you are seeking, but in terms of design and functionality, I am a fan.
I wonder if I'm imagining what you're describing accurately. I envision a hipster with some kind of over-priced leather bag that leans more form rather than function. It's interesting, too, since I feel I have a very different problem - I sometimes struggle to find bags that aren't pseudo-militaristic in style. I wonder if it's just a matter of which trends you find yourself awash in. Anyway, someone already mentioned the Synik 30. But really, I'd recommend anything Tom Bihn.
They're not winning any awards for style or fashion. I'd describe their style as "functional", and I'm pretty ok with that. They're all well-made in Seattle, they have a surprising amount of room, and they have really good warranties. Even if they won't cover the cost, they'll still fix their old bags if you send them in (as in, bags that are over ten years old). I really don't buy bags from anyone else, anymore.
I think I get what you’re defining as “tech bro” basically something that seems likely to have the term “minimalist” attached to it. Or that looks like Kanye West might wear it these days. Anyways, my recommendation would be to look further outside of the trendy daypack field. My impulse would be to look at either more outdoor backpack manufacturers, like Kelty or Osprey to name a couple of medium price tier options, or whoever else. Or somewhere like carhartt or maybe even Danner (do they make backpacks?) or some other company associated at least tangentially with workwear. I think they’re less likely to be fielding stuff that looks too “effective altruist” and are more likely to stick to kinda more classic designs while still incorporating functionality. You can also try going even more expensive/boutique heritage stuff if you have the money.
Anyways just my vague thoughts, as someone who hasn’t bought a backpack in years but understands what it’s like to have incredibly picky taste.
Highly recommend mystery ranch, especially their EDC line. They have a ton of styles, and if nothing else looking through the catalog might help you iron out what you like and what you don't.
With my first salary I splurged on a Qwestion Office Bag, especially because of its look (that first job was in a software consultancy, so I thought appearance was important). I still use it to this day. I like the fact that it's convertible (backpack <-> shoulder <-> briefcase). It holds enough for my day to day needs (laptop, charger, earphones, mouse, documents, lunch) but I wouldn't hike with it. There's plenty of organisational stuff inside (a subdivider, 2 small zipped pocket, 1 large pocket, space for pens and books,...) and some outside. I like the tiny pocket for loose change / earbuds, and I keep forgetting the (surprisingly large) secret pocket (you can tuck the slider inside one of the fold so it's more or less invisible).
Too bad they don't make it in navy blue anymore (it's the version I have). The brown one have more personality, but the liner is black which is kinda meh (the one I have is yellow, and it help finding stuff in the bag IMO).
Aer Pro Pack for daily carry to the office or coffee shop or whatever. Light enough to bring anywhere with enough storage for a light jacket just in case.
Aer Travel Pack for travel less than a week. I'll typically just carry both through the airport.
I don't know if these are stylish or not, but after having the stereotypical giant ass swissgear backpack with 6-years worth of RJ-45 terminators rattling around the bottom. I got a bit self-conscious and made a point of checking out Looria for sentiment analysis on the backpack subreddits. Aer was highly rated and within my budget, so bam.
A couple of other stylish options with requested organizational features that don't look like school backpacks or technical gear:
Monos Metro $200
Troubadour Ember $145
Troubadour Ki $225
Thanks! Those look good
I don't care for visible logos or brand names, so the khaki Troubadour Ki looks really slick for my taste.
You might also like the Lo and Sons Rowledge, but the hardware looks very fragile and it's definitely a fashion choice, not particularly suitable for daily use in all weather conditions.
I think a couple of coated or neoprene options have been mentioned. Those backpacks are never going to be comfortable on hot days, and when the plastic starts breaking down, they'll look awful.
I'm quite fond of my Osprey Arcane Rolltop. I put my Kobo in the front zip pocket, wallet and sun lotion in the front non-zip pocket, a water bottle in the side pocket, and it has internal pockets for my laptop, notepad, pencil case etc. Your use case may vary from mine though.
Not sure if this is stylish enough for you, but my partner bought me an "eBags" branded one and it's super nice. Unlike any other bags I've had before, it has a slim profile so it looks much more sleek and professional than a bulky backpack you'd take to school or camping.
The one I got is the Pro Slim. It's amazing how low cost these are for the quality.
I don’t know if they do backpacks, but crumpler courier bags are a pretty good cross between cool amd function.
There is an outdoors equivalent to the tech bro, I’m not sure what they’re called, and I’m not one but I’m adjacent. I wear lems and astral and just bought a nemo tent. They all wear cotapaxi branded gear. I think their styles are cool, and the gear seems genuinely trail
Worthy. But it’s pricy. I think kavu is similar. Fwiw my courier bag is crumpler, my backpack is a kelty, but good only for trail. A lot of my other gear is patagonia or outdoor research.