HACKER Q&A
📣 clockworksoul

What's the “Best” Commuter Backpack?


Pre-pandemic I endured a daily commute of nearly two hours, door-to-door, from Long Island into Manhattan. These days I don't commute as frequently, but the experience has instilled in me an apprecation for a backpack that can carry almost anything I can possibly need from a laptop and pens to aspirin and duct tape.

My Nomatic backpack has served me extraordinarily well for a few years, but its age is showing and it's time for a potential upgrade.

So I ask you, hacker community: do you have any suggestions?

  👤 1659447091 Accepted Answer ✓
Pacsafe. https://pacsafe.com/collections/urban

Absolutely love these bags; paired with MasterLock. Mostly for travel. My Venturesafe 15L is my default laptop bag that I will use day-to-day and bring with me if I am traveling with anything other than the Vibe 28L. And sometimes bring it then too.

(the 15L holds a 13" Mac + remarable tablet + wires/dongle/power-converters bag + one light change of clothes + few other things like passport, small snacks, meds/advil, water bottle etc)

Earlier this year I stayed overnight (6 hours) landside in YYZ near the AC area with couches. They had heavy or bolted end tables next to the couch and it was the first time I really used the detachable & lockable strap feature to secure the bag from being swiped while I slept. Had the bags for years never had a need for it, but that just renewed my love for them.

The Metrosafe is one I am looking to get next, just haven't found my self needing a new one yet with the others.

👤 cdaringe
I used to swap between bicycle and public transit. I had a bag made for me from https://northstbags.com, which was in my neighborhood. The bag doubled as backpack or pannier. During some commutes, i would swap modes during transit. Pannier/backpack combo met my needs! You have a different requirement set, but my bag delighted me.

Aside, i had a medical issue in 2021. While at the doctors office, one of the medical staff swung by and said that she personally fabricated the bag on my back. It meant a lot to me to be able to tell her how grateful I was for it! She had pride in her craftsmanship, and indeed it was excellent.