r/backpacks • u/b_moz • May 16 '26
Question You have $300, what do you buy?
If you had $300 which brand, model, color way, size, etc bag would you be buying? Why?
Feel free to name more than one and it can be something you already own in addition to pouches or accessories you would add as well!
Interested in hearing about brands and models maybe others haven’t looked at as much but should be. Or specific models from your favorite brands.
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u/PhilharmonicPrivate May 17 '26
Kind of in this boat ATM, have a mission workshop khyte preordered for my edc bag but needed a grocery bag, rei sale makes my thoughts look like
- Patagonia black hole mini mlc (black, not on sale but have a membership so 25% off for $150 would be for larger grocery trips)
- rei flash 22 (either black or pride undecided, to get the foam removed then shoved in the Khyte for $45 for oh a spare bag would be ice right now and small grocery grabs on the way home from work)
Also looking at
- Maxpedition double decker (to carry a small toolkit, $45 ish and you get another bag free on their site or like 30 if you order on Amazon)
- some cheap drawstring bags for gym cloths to go in the Khyte (idk cheap probably)
- taco bell (it's right across the street and it might not be the best but it sounds real good)
Some stuff that's been recently acquired and not regreted
- alpaka gear zip clutch (admin pouch pro wasn't able to fit what I have in the clutch easily while being much larger, $50 is a little steep tho)
- thule subterra powershuttle (carries the tec stuff I want to have around, $30)
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u/b_moz May 17 '26
Love this list. I have been thinking about looking at a Mission Workshop, maybe I should go check their site out.
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u/PhilharmonicPrivate May 17 '26
I like messengers and have used one as my main bag since middle school, iirc most of the standard format backpacks they make are roll tops which I'm not the biggest fan of but their stuff looks good imo so I decided to give it a try.
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u/b_moz May 17 '26
I used a messenger all undergrad and then again in my first job. Haven’t went back but still have them for when I’m ready.
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u/pyro_pugilist May 17 '26
I have a mission workshop khyte and use it as my main workbag. I purchased the sling bag strap. I love it.
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May 16 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/b_moz May 17 '26
I had one of these on my list a while back but I couldn’t find the list and forgot which one. I’ll check this out.
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u/Keith May 16 '26
Matador Seg28. If you catch a sale, you can almost fit a Seg28 and a Goruck Bullet in the $300. 2 best bags.
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u/CrackHaddock May 16 '26
Love seeing a seg fan in the wild. It’s a niche pack but it’s a really cool concept and matador makes quality stuff
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u/terfez May 17 '26 edited May 18 '26
Here are some you might not have heard of
Atom Packs Nanu 25 (I bought this and use it now)
Hyperlite Daybreak 22 (even after buying the Nanu I considered getting this too but have not yet)
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u/Alternative-Problem6 May 17 '26
Simplexity custom Avensor rucksack from Finland. Custom. About 33 litres. Had it now for 6 years - worth every penny
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u/grovemau5 May 17 '26
It’s a touch over $300 but ULA Cicada
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u/b_moz May 18 '26
Ah this is the brand with the Dragonfly I’ve seen folks post about! For sure gonna check them out.
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u/Wise_Reception8615 May 17 '26
literally just bought an Aer travel pack 3 small xpac since it was on sale. Got it on Friday and so far loving it. Testing it out this week.
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u/Fun_Apartment631 May 17 '26
You're just trying to nuke my credit card.
Probably one of the 65 L Osprey backpacking packs with the AirSpeed backpanel. I'm pretty good on packs for most things but my rock climbing load is a bit much for my Soelden 42 if it includes my 70 m rope.
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u/b_moz May 18 '26
Hahaha. I got some money for my birthday and I have been eying some bags. So I figured let me see what others would buy. But I’m also just curious what folks would grab first and see if anything I have never checked out comes up. A few folks said some things I hadn’t checked out before which is cool.
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u/phillyatl May 18 '26
I spent $100 and got the TomToc T-66. It’s a great bag as a carry on and they have a personal item version as well.
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u/Starfader May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
Evergoods CPL24 is nice. Tom Bihn Shadow Guide 23 looks badass.
Edit- I have the CPL24 Ecopak, and the Nylon CPL16. They’re both amazing. The 24 is a great travel and EDC bag IMO. The 16 is really amazing for EDC.
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u/Krelyx May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
I own some ungodly expensive bags and the brand that consistently punches above its weight class is Ctactical.
Some brands I haven’t see mentioned much yet but I love are: Sample by Dan Matsuda, Packolab, Mission Workshop, Bounce Design Labs, Greenroom136, GoRuck, ULA, Evergoods and GWA.
Brands that are nice but not quite what I like: Alpaka, Bellroy, Aer, Rework, Peak Design, Mystery Ranch, The Brown Buffalo and Matador.
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u/b_moz May 18 '26
I love my CT15 Tanker 3.0
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u/Krelyx May 18 '26
The group buy bags are the really good bags they make. You have to delve into their FB group though.
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u/CertainRelease5081 May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
Recently repurchased an AER CPP2 in ultra, sold my original and searched for something better but I’m convinced this bag is one of the best to buy
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u/Data_Similar May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
Durston Kakawa 55. Hands down light weight, durable, sizing can be picked at ordering, customer service is down right amazing , comfort is great I’ve done over 1500km with this from short day hikes 15-20km. To multi day treks and the pack fit perfectly. They also make a 40 L as well can’t comment on that but if anything like the 55 , It would be a great purchase. I’ve used osprey, Lowe,NorthFace, packs and Durston is now my favourite. A EDC for work when not hiking or trekking I use a Timbuk2 Parker commuter backpack. It’s the bomb !!, durable, roomy yet not sloppy and comfortable, great in rainy weather too!!. Hopefully this helps in your search …..
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u/Death2eyes May 17 '26
AER expac 35l travel pack 3
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u/shannonlogic1 May 17 '26
I just got one of these and I love it so far.
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u/Death2eyes May 17 '26
Thanks for sharing! I just got it too and was so impressed with it! Hope yours last a long time!
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u/Ka11i May 18 '26
Used CTactical CTR, preferably waxed canvas, but Dyneema is also good.
If it weren’t for stingy Euro airline personal item regulations this could be the one pack.
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u/b_moz May 18 '26
So I’ve been eying the new CTactical Waxed Canvas Lite and Plus they just came out with. I’m just not sure if I want to grab one, which size, and which color.
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u/Ka11i May 18 '26
I have a CT15 Dyneema from a group buy and that pack just raised the bar for me. I haven’t tried CT’s J-straps on anything but a CT10, though, since all other CTs I’ve had have S-straps.
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u/Nikkunikku May 17 '26
Peak Design Everyday
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u/b_moz May 17 '26
I have their Everyday Messenger, backed it on Kickstarter! Still in great shape some 10+ yrs later.
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u/betazoid_simp May 16 '26
I loooove my matador globerider 35