Looking for Work Backpack Recommendations

PropertyPig on 15/05/2025 - 07:20

Hi all! I'm looking recommendations for a backpack for everyday carry + work related items.

I'll carry:

  • Macbook 13"
  • Lunchbox (just one of those Sistema Klip it 1L types)
  • Kindle
  • Wallet, keys, phone
  • Airpods
  • Waterbottle
  • Light jumper

I don't really want to spend more than $200 but I'm willing to look for items that are buy it for life/good quality. Comfortable straps for commute/walking is also highly regarded. Minimalist design would also be great. I was considering one of the bellroy bags but reviews haven't looked that great.

Bags I've had in the past are:

  • Rains backpack (straps were painful)
  • That cheaps $10 Dell backpack everyone on ozbargain bought (crap)
  • Currently using that EvolAustralia backpacks that were on sale recently on ozbargain. Its great but it doesn't fit everything i need.

What do you use?

Fashion & Apparel Bag Backpack

Comments

  • tenpercent on 15/05/2025 - 08:08
    +2

    Cool design comes with a water bottle. Currently on clearance!
    https://www.kmart.com.au/product/3-piece-space-backpack-set-…

  • joka on 15/05/2025 - 09:08
    +1

    I’ve had the Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Laptop Backpack for a few years now, can’t fault it.

    • nerdycat on 15/05/2025 - 11:50

      I have this too. Can get sub $100 when on special. Has sturdy straps and has a luggage strap which has come in handy for work travel.

      • PropertyPig on 15/05/2025 - 12:27

        Is it this one on sale at Myer? It looks quite bulky for my small frame but I’ll check it out. Thank you!

        • joka on 16/05/2025 - 06:21

          Yeh that

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 15/05/2025 - 09:13

    I got many, many, many backpacks… and actually my most favourite was this $19 Kathmandu beater backpack

    Otherwise, I vote peak design zip v2 20l lol

    • PropertyPig on 15/05/2025 - 12:31

      I would love a Peak design one, I always thought they were specific for camera products but good to know they have daily bags too.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 15/05/2025 - 13:13

        It can be either!

        Great bag but idk.. maybe too nice to use as edc. I feel kind of guilty and always wiping it down as soon as it gets dirty lol.

  • Suzique on 15/05/2025 - 09:16
    +2

    I'm a big Bellroy fan and have their older version Transit style backpack (28Litres), which I love…and I use it as carry-on.
    Rushfaster have a 25% off sale right now and some Bellroy are included….check out the Bellroy 20 and 26 litre workpacks.
    The quality and comfort is amazing, with great laptop protection.

    The other one to consider might be Alpaka. They do very simple, nice backpacks. Their new Metro Backpack Pro looks good. You can usually find discount codes or contact an existing buyer for a referral discount code….or Youtube…eg Nomads Nation, and they have a 15% off code. They often have decent sales of up to 25% off. I have their smaller 12litre Metro backpack and I'm very impressed with the quality and simplicity of it.

    Both global Aussie companies!

    https://alpakagear.com/products/metro-backpack-pro?variant=4…

    https://rushfaster.com.au/products/bellroy-transit-workpack-…

    https://rushfaster.com.au/products/bellroy-transit-workpack-…

    • PropertyPig on 15/05/2025 - 09:48
      +2

      Thank you! I will check these all out. Appreciate your reply.

      • PeterSnoot on 16/05/2025 - 07:43

        I have a Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and am very happy with it; bought on special a few years ago and would buy again. The Transit looks good too.

  • Notatightass on 15/05/2025 - 09:18

    Not really minimalist, but very sturdy and lots of room. Straps are very comfortable and has a padded laptop section.

    https://superdry.com.au/products/tarp-embroidered-rucksack-b…

  • greencomet on 15/05/2025 - 12:25
    +2

    My wife recently purchased a Nordace Siena Pro for her work commute and has been super happy with it. Looks like the Pro 13 version ticks all your boxes.

    https://nordace.com/en/product/nordace-siena-pro-13-backpack…

    • PropertyPig on 15/05/2025 - 12:30

      Nice, I’ll check them out. This one looks like it will do what I need. Do you know why she went with the Siena Pro?

      • greencomet on 15/05/2025 - 12:34

        Think its was purely aesthetic, she just preferred the look of it in an office setting.

  • AndyC1 on 15/05/2025 - 19:20

    I have something like this, but a previous version and have used it for a long time.
    https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/detail/high-sierra-xbt-17-l…

  • porleng on 15/05/2025 - 20:41

    Aer city pack

  • Rob-Here on 16/05/2025 - 07:58

    I have one of these: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/high-sierr…

    Work in IT so apart from my laptop and iPad, I also carry other stuff including multiple laptops I am working on.

    • StingyBritches on 16/05/2025 - 12:22

      I can also recommend High Sierra. Had one for years and find it very sturdy and comfortable.

  • Kay Elle on 16/05/2025 - 09:01
    +1

    I have a Gaston Luga Spläsh. I absolutely hate it. There's 2 features that attracted me to it. 1. It's waterproof 2. It's made primarily of Polyester that is 100% recycled.

    Twice I've had the shoulder strap break. I've had it for 15 months. I used it 2 days a week for about 4 months, it sat for 7 months while I was off work sick, I used it 3 days a week for 2 months and it was in being repaired for 2 months. I've had it back a week and the strap broke last night.

    TLDR: Gaston Luga Spläsh sucks. It's not worth $259.95

  • Sensiekatie on 16/05/2025 - 14:00

    I purchased this one at Myer for $140 recently. Currently reduced to $84. I purchased it because it felt tough and durable (my previous one had just been trapped in a car door and dragged along the road for a few km). It definitely has the room you require. I like it a lot. Is Thai the best price - I don't know. I needed it urgently.

    https://www.myer.com.au/p/high-sierra-acess-30-eco-backpack-…

  • Muppet Detector on 16/05/2025 - 14:32

    Couple of my kids swear by Maxpedition.

    Others favour various Wolf backpacks

  • Rockets84 on 16/05/2025 - 15:30

    I've got a High Sierra Access back pack. Everything I need and want, current version goes for $140 RRP. Travelled with it internationally plenty and still as good as new. Only issue is some people find the Access a bit large but High Sierra do some smaller models with similar features.

  • Triceratops on 16/05/2025 - 18:40

    I got this one recently for $52 and no complaints at all. Very happy with it
    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07F2YJRN2

  • tigerseye on 17/05/2025 - 18:48

    I second the Nordace Siena Pro suggestion. Mine isn't for a daily commute, but more for day trips, weekends away and even a week away. I've had it for almost 2 years now and it is still in great shape. I can't believe how much it holds and is still comfortable to wear. I opted for this one based on the aesthetic of it and it has honestly exceeded all expectations that I had.

  • ylukman on 20/05/2025 - 21:33

    I use Pacsafe like this https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/detail/pacsafe-venturesafe-…. Use it locally and for overseas travel. There is a lock for each zipper. Thinking about buying the 25 litre version if need to bring more stuffs.

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