Need some good daypack selection advice

[mrae]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and want to thank you for your help in advance. I am in search of the ultimate travel daypack. After 2 North Face, Arc Teryx, LL Bean, Jansport (ugghhhh) and 3 or 4 more... I still have not found it.

The pack would serve two purposes for 3rd world travel:
1. A great light daypack to lug my stuff around (book, camera and lens, sweatshirt, snacks) in cities, villages and safaris.
2. A carry on for plane necessities plus electronics I would not put in my checked pack (camera gear, I pod, Epson P2000, Batteries...)

My buddy has a Brain Bag and it is sweet, but about 30% too big for what I need. Ideally, I need a backpack with 1700-2000 cu in, with some decent organization capabilities. Past packs have been too heavy, or a heavy load would sag the pack, too difficult to find things... the usual list.

I really like the Smart Alec, but worry that it is too small. I also worry about the single canister compartment when holding loose electronics. I keep my DSLR in a wrap, but just drop it into my bag. Small may be offset by great design and usable space though.

I was also looking at the Crumpler bags (no place for a water bottle) and the Timbuk2 Underground. Not really concerned about the cost, I would much rather spend the money and love the bag.

Can anyone relate any good or bad experiences with these packs, or make any other suggestions? Any and all help is much appreciated.

Thanks.

The osprey backpacks are perfect while waiting for the smaller brainbag. The focus and flux have lots of small pockets, water pocket and hold my computer, all my gear, and clothes as well. They come in small (for women or children) and larger for men. I have the small focus which holds 1600 cu inches while the flux runs 1400-1500 and the large focus 1800. Osprey no longer makes these but they're still available. http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3015

[Joy]

Mountain Equipment Co-op (www.mec.ca) is another great choice for bags while waiting for the smaller Brain Bag to come out. The bags are super sturdy with lots of pockets, and amazing value for the prices.

[Patrick]

Tom's working on a few different backpack designs right now: at least two of them are smaller than the Brain Bag, and one is going to be basically a smaller version of the Brain Bag.

Stay tuned!! I'd expect to see one of the new backpacks by December.

Hey Darcy,
Do you have a clue as to whether this smaller brain bag will fit brain cells, or possibly have a sleeve for laptops?

[Darcy]

Hey Darcy,
Do you have a clue as to whether this smaller brain bag will fit brain cells, or possibly have a sleeve for laptops?

I'm not sure yet: it should probably fit at least the Size 5 Brain Cell and the Size 6 Vertical Soft Cell It won't have a built-in sleeve for laptops.

[Dcislander]

Hey All,
I went back to re-read this thread and it looked like there was a bag in design that would bridge (in size) the Smart Alec and the Brain Bag. For me, the SA is a bit too small and the BB a bit too big. Anyone have any clues as to whether a middle bag is still in development as planned? Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks all!

[MsMoon]

Here is a thread summarizing the Synapse, which is currently in production and should be released for pre-order soon. There is more info about it on the blog.

The Synapse backpack: Q & A

[Dcislander]

I was hoping that the Synapse would be in my strike zone, but weighing in at 1100 Cu In, I am thinking it would be a little too small. Bummer.

[Dcislander]

Darcy,

On some of the other threads, you mentioned some other bags in development. Could any of these fit into the category I am looking for?

Also, I know you assume this but do not hear many people saying it. You guys have AWESOME customer service.

[Darcy]

Hey All,
I went back to re-read this thread and it looked like there was a bag in design that would bridge (in size) the Smart Alec and the Brain Bag. For me, the SA is a bit too small and the BB a bit too big. Anyone have any clues as to whether a middle bag is still in development as planned? Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks all!

There's likely to be a new backpack between the size of the Smart Alec and Brain Bag in January/February 2010. Maybe sooner.

[mrae]

The osprey backpacks are perfect while waiting for the smaller brainbag. The focus and flux have lots of small pockets, water pocket and hold my computer, all my gear, and clothes as well. They come in small (for women or children) and larger for men. I have the small focus which holds 1600 cu inches while the flux runs 1400-1500 and the large focus 1800. Osprey no longer makes these but they're still available. http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3015

I have an Osprey. I've been using mine while waiting for the Synapse. It's close to perfect in terms of what I like in a backpack- it fits my small frame, has good organization, a place for my notebook, water bottle pocket etc. For whatever reason it's just not as comfortable as most of my TB bags. I don't have a TB backpack yet that I use. The brain bag is way too big for me and the old Buzz just isn't built for my body. And yet they're comfortable in a way the Osprey isn't.

[cromulent]

There's likely to be a new backpack between the size of the Smart Alec and Brain Bag in January/February 2010. Maybe sooner.

Is there any update on the new backpack between the size of the SA and the BB? Sounds like something which could be perfect for me.

Thanks!

[gmanedit]

Uh-oh. I hope the new backpack isn't sexy; the last thing I need is another object of desire. (Owner of the Smart Alec, the Brain Bag, and the very sexy Synapse. Fatally attracted to good design. Trying to conquer compulsion.)

[ex machina]

Uh-oh. I hope the new backpack isn't sexy; the last thing I need is another object of desire. (Owner of the Smart Alec, the Brain Bag, and the very sexy Synapse. Fatally attracted to good design. Trying to conquer compulsion.)

gmanedit, resistance is futile. You have been Bihnalated. :P

[gmanedit]

Honestly, this new bag is coming out of left field. I had no idea. I thought I was done buying backpacks. I don't need it, so I don't want to want it.

[bltkmt]

Honestly, this new bag is coming out of left field. I had no idea. I thought I was done buying backpacks. I don't need it, so I don't want to want it.

Agreed...like to get some sort of confirmation from Darcy? Is this a real product?