(Part 2) Top products from r/backpacks

I am not American so i do not know how see through they have to be but this Jansport backpack seems like it could be good.

Jansport Mesh Backpack

Then there is Adidas which looks like it has a lot more support.

Adidas Mesh Backpack

I bought a Swiss Gear for this exact purpose. Not only is it perfect for this, it is also the best daily carry backpack I have ever owned. On a daily basis, I have my MBP 13", iPad Pro 10.5", and my Fujifilm XE-3 with two lenses. Each device basically has its own zipper compartment, which is super handy. It also has various smaller compartments for small tools, cables, chargers, pens, meds, food, etc.

The camera and the lenses I keep in a much smaller Timbuk2 shoulder bag that easily slides in and out of the main compartment. (I got this bag at an REI garage sale for cheap, so I couldn't find a link for the exact one) I don't know how big your camera is but if it is a similar size to mine, you will have no problem fitting other stuff into the main compartment as well. The benefit to this smaller bag is if I want to set my backpack down and walk somewhere else with just the camera, I will have everything I need to do so, including extra camera batteries and SD cards.

I highly recommend this bag.

Oh, I see. I just did some research and found out that my bag is nylon, which apparently melts under heat so it's probably best if I don't put an iron to it, but you might find more success with polyester. Glue should work, especially if you get gorilla glue or some kind of fabric glue.

You can add a framesheet. HDPE is a good material; 1/8" should be a good thickness. https://www.amazon.com/Polyethylene-Off-White-Tolerance-D4976-245-Thickness/dp/B000ILG0TQ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=14EQH60HNXPMY&keywords=hdpe+sheet+1%2F8&qid=1564506841&s=gateway&sprefix=hdpe+sheet%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-4

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HDPE is very easily cut with normal woodworking tools, and you can sand a nice smooth edge with normal sandpaper. EDIT: And for a 1/8" thick sheet, you could cut through it by making repeated cuts with a utility knife; go slow and don't cut yourself!

[Jansport Superbreak] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007QCQGI/)
$25-$35

PROS

Basic as fuck.

Common the world over so you'll blend in everywhere.

Cheap.

Easy to find

Proven bag from a good brand.

Looks good with everything

HUGE variety in color options.


CONS

Basic as fuck

Common the world over

Few organization option or laptop padding(again, basic).


You cant get any more basic EDC than the old standard Jansport, its strongest qualities are also its weakness to some. No flashy sporty details means it will match with most of outfits and events short of formal. Relatively compact but with enough room to be a weekender. A nice safe EDC bag recommendations.

Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape for Fabric and Vinyl, 3” x 20” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0020M9SXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0d-RCbBGM62DG

This would only reinforce.. not make it waterproof. If you do use it, clean the bag really well, round off the corners, make it larger than the area you want to cover, and warm it up in your hands before applying.

Have you tried out the 5.11 Rush series? The Rush 24 might be something you like:
https://www.amazon.com/5-11-Tactical-RUSH-24-Backpack/dp/B0019VWSQ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518311847&sr=8-3&keywords=rush+24

It's black, it's a military backpack so it's rugged. Not waterproof but water resistant. I like using raincover personally since it covers all the zippers and doesn't take up much space:https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Walker-Waterproof-Breathable-Traveling/dp/B01DKWU5AY/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1518312080&sr=1-3&keywords=rain+cover

There's also the ECBC Lance Daypack:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009FWEPSC/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3OZ4A3BB7IFRL&colid=17UVUD3LJXYYI&psc=1

Not as tough like the Rush 24, but has a more office look to it. It's black and is made of water resistant material. It has a place for a water bottle but I'd be afraid of putting it there if you're on a motorcycle.

What you're looking for is either wax used on duster jackets. Or Otter Wax.

As for removing: An iron and paper towels or a regular towel is best. You can also use a waffle weave drying towel. These suck up moister like magic. To do the pockets, just stuff them with something to fill them out and give support. To make the surface flat, cut a piece of cardboard to slip inside.

Whatever you use, I suggest putting tissue paper between the iron and the towel. This protects the material from scorching/melting, and from getting a bunch of crap on the iron's shoe.

Recon ruck pack, with alice frame. Had mine three years, super awsome pack

https://www.amazon.com/SpecOps-SO100200211-Recon-Backpack-Coyote/dp/B002FIOYR0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=recon+ruck&qid=1568896567&s=gateway&sprefix=recon+ru&sr=8-1

My daily pack is Teton Oasis 1100. I removed the hydration bladder and it fits my 13" Emoji Fartbook Pro perfectly. It also has two spots externally for bottles, two pouches (one large, one small) with the larger one being able to fold down all the way to hold jackets and various larger items - difficult to explain in text.

They're around $40 on Amazon and have yet to find anything to come close for minimalist needs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JYHG3U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_n3IOAb3VZFCEN)

I just picked up this rothco bag from amazon, so far so good. Way more robust than I was expecting.

Gregory miwok 24 for commuting, hiking, travelling

Jansport rightpack for commuting, work, general easy use

I personally like having neoprene cases and using a backpack of my choice. Maybe it'll work for you?

You shouldn't. Even if the backpack looks decent in pictures, you will be disappointed once it does arrive if you decide to buy.

5.11 Rush 12 Only about $40 more expensive, but will definitely last you a LOT longer.

I know this one!!

BBP Hamptons Hybrid Messenger/Backpack Laptop Bag Black Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OSNZ9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HeHFAbYW14QGQ

This looks similar:

https://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Gear-Friendly-ScanSmart-Backpack/dp/B002OHDIWY/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=swiss+backpack&qid=1562936175&s=gateway&sr=8-7

Snugpak Sleeka Force 35 (old version)

New version has slight changes.

Just get specific hard cases for your valuables (e.g. random Pelican hard case or these rugged cases) and use your current backpack. Hold your bag in front of you or stick your leg through the strap when sitting down if you're worried about theft. Pacsafe also makes bags with serious anti-theft.

50 USD is gonna be hard. Maybe this Amazon one and you can modify it to your needs:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-DSLR-Cameras-Accessories/dp/B002VPE1WK/ref=pd_lpo_421_bs_lp_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NK0T3RQ01BGW9XFB8J4V