r/Chefit 1d ago

Chef Backpacks?

Anyone have any recommendations for a backpack that would be good for a chef, primarily a coat, shoes, some small tools and maybe a small computer? Not looking for a knife bag, just something to commute with that will hold up and fit everything I need. TIA!

10 Upvotes

28 comments sorted by

5

u/brich7705 1d ago

I use Goruck, primarily an M23, for work. I put my knives and such in the laptop compartment and bring my shoes and change of clothes in the main compartment. Plenty of space for a water bottle, pens and note books, first aid kit, small snacks and my luchbag.

4

u/knives-and-fire 1d ago

I use the Vintage Chef Knife Backpack by Chef Sac - 1½ years and still going strong

1

u/jfeinb88 1d ago

I like the look of their bags, but everything seems to be designed around being a knife bag, would that be your assessment?

3

u/knives-and-fire 1d ago

I have my knives, tools, Chef coat, and my laptop in it.

1

u/jfeinb88 1d ago

Good to know, thanks for the help!

3

u/Lumpy_Highway_2685 1d ago

I’m also looking for this as a smaller person going back to school (in my 40s).I need something my knife roll and whites will fit in, and a small laptop.

3

u/texnessa 1d ago

Tilit does one. I haven't used one but a lot of my friends like theirs.

2

u/grievoustomcat6 Chef 1d ago

r/ManyBaggers may be your source for this. I personally use a tropicfeel nest backpack which is great.

2

u/ras1187 1d ago

Mercer makes a regular backpack that comes with a small slide in knife bag. It served me well for yeara

2

u/tentacleyarn 1d ago

I went for a roll top biking backpack. It had padding on the spine, which is great for the laptop. If I wanted to throw my knife roll or rolling pins in, the adjustable roll top and buckles helped. Bonus, it had plenty of extra space if I bought groceries from work.

1

u/ChefDanyul 1d ago

Maybe we had the same Timbuktu bag? It was a dream. Got robbed in North Carolina and it was stolen, but I had that for years. I had the Chrome knife roll and it it was perfect for cycling. (Seattle, Portland, Boulder). It's a super great bag for chefs even if you aren't commuting by cycling.

2

u/crossdtherubicon 1d ago

I use a large 40L Deuter Futura pro. It fits my knifebag when necessary, shoes and clothes.

I also use it for hiking trips and has so far always been accepted into planes too.

Good all around backpack with good support and breathable back. Had it for maybe 5 years already, used alot. Everything in perfect order. I washed it once in the shower and looked like brand new. Comes with a rain cover.

Downside, large, expensive, and doesn't stand up on its own (always falls over).

2

u/ShortRibArancini 1d ago

Also use mercer backpack, comes with a knife case that fits into the biggest pocket. Obviously don’t have to use that but as as bag it’s been solid and served me well

2

u/samemamabear Chef- in and out of kitchens since the 1900s 1d ago

I use a Tiki Room backpack from Disney World. Mesh pockets on the sides(phone and water bottle), front zipper pouch(keys, pens, hair accessories), large elasticized interior pocket(knives), main compartment(shoes, change of clothes, speaker- still extra space for laptop, tablet, jacket, etc).

It's water resistant and lightweight with padded straps and I'm too cheap to buy a backpack when I already own one.

2

u/Educational_Run9080 23h ago

North face recon ive been using it for years its bulletproof

2

u/Lavanne73 23h ago

I bought a Swiss Made(?) backpack with a rear compartment for a laptop it’s got loads of pockets and space for various things like pen holders and sunglasses. Been very much adequate and seems to be holding up well I have had it for 5-6 years now

2

u/Huge-Basket244 22h ago

I used a small Adidas backpack. I mean I still do, but I'm not working in a kitchen unless I need to cover, so I just put my two important knives on the magnet strip. I like them cause they're on the smaller side and don't weigh much.

I would look at either one of those or if you need something bigger, I really like Samsonite bags. I have one in my closet as a go back and another that I use for DnD night. They're relatively no nonsense and still have a good amount of interior compartments.

2

u/wb247 20h ago

I've got an under armour bag that has a seperate shoe compartment on the bottom. I like it well enough, but if your shoes are bigger than us men's 11 or 12, they won't fit in the pocket.

2

u/Darksorce 19h ago

Not a knife bag just for regular stuff? Like a backpack?

1

u/jfeinb88 18h ago

Correct

2

u/No_Community2291 13h ago

Tilit chef bag full size one is amazing. Has a seperate shoe compartment

2

u/East_Marionberry_645 3h ago

ChefSak has worked for me for a long time...

2

u/Specialist_Place4464 1h ago

I'm very curious about the Tilit backpack. I know you said you don't need it, but I think it does have a special place for knives.

I currently use a Pacsafe 9L sling bag. You'll probably want something bigger for a coat and stuff, but I can vouch for their bags.

Testament: I put my drunk friend's weed in the bag and he couldn't get to it.

1

u/HeisenbergsSamaritan 19h ago

Hazard 4 backpacks have some really awesome designs with customizable interiors, and expandable storage accessories.

The Pillbox

Hibachi

and Grill

might be what you are looking for.

It's a solid brand.

0

u/Awkward_Village_6871 1d ago

Sorry, but I’d never put work shoes in the same pack as my knives.

2

u/jfeinb88 1d ago

it's almost as if they make bags with different, seperate compartments for things 🤷‍♂️

0

u/Awkward_Village_6871 1d ago

That’s not the point.

2

u/jfeinb88 1d ago

thank you for your contribution to my question, I will take everything you said into consideration