Curious, whats everyone's edc backpack?

[JSumm]

I settled for a Gregory Citro 24L. I bought it as a hiking bag and kinda a do all. I like it a lot. Stays in my truck all the time. Though I take the bladder out unless I'm going on a long hike. I like it. It is thin and has a great supportive structure for long hikes. Probably a little overkill for an EDC bag, but carrying it all the time allows me to get good use of it.

[prndltech]

I have 4 different backpacks I use depending on what I need.

I have a 5.11 Rush 10, rush 12 and rush 24 backpacks I use for either EDC bags or luggage.

also a Swiss gear Wenger IBEX backpack that currently has my music gear in it. Cables, straps, picks, in ear monitors, small pedalboard, iPad, etc…

[Brock O Lee]

Laptop bag on workdays.

Maxpedition Fatboy over weekends for the EDC essentials if we are out and about.



I also use a 5.11 Rush 24 as a large backpack. It was my work bag for a number of years when I used to commute daily by motorbike. I like it so much I want to get a smaller Rush 12 too.

[aicolainen]

I used to be a backpack addict, and I still feel naked without one, but I’ve cut way down on the buying and researching.

Now the term EDC is in many ways very thinned out in the EDC-/IKC, where most rotate their gear pretty regularly, but my EDC backpack is REALLY an EDC item for me. I bring it with me everyday unless there is something out of the ordinary that requires specific preparations.

It’s not designed as a GHB, but it would still be an advantageous asset to have in such a situation. The climate here is quite unstable and can be unpleasant at times, so I always carry a rain-shell, wool hat, gloves and such, that can serve as reinforcement in case the weather turns sour and the clothing that was appropriate in the morning is no longer sufficient. Given that there are no obvious threats where I live, my office is less than a 15km walk from home and the fact that I have some gear stashed in my car as well as a gym locker and a PPE locker at work, stuffed with PPE, gym clothes, spare clothes etc, I don’t see any reason to carry a lot of extra gear that (hopefully) never gets used, in order to rig my daypack as a GHB

The backpack itself is a Goruck GR1, which isn’t a very original choice in this community, but still a somewhat peculiar choice for me. My background is very much from outdoor and hunting, and only since about 2016 did I even know the term EDC or own a folding knife. Yeah, imagine that :)
I have until quite recently been working as a field engineer and traveled around the world on a regular basis, really putting my “EDC” backpacks through the hoops. My outdoor experience led me to trusted outdoor brands like: Norrøna, Osprey and Arc’Teryx, but they all left me wanting..
A few years back I was able to pick up a used US made GR1 at a reasonable price, and low and behold, it’s the best EDC backpack I’ve ever used. I’m not at all in the tactical camp, and while the GR1 is almost stepping into that domain, I think it strikes a nice balance of being very neutral in appearance while still being plenty tough, durable and comfortable.

Many of you are probably already aware of my bias toward small EDC folders and minimalistic approach to EDC. And my on body EDC can probably come across as quite incapable of doing any meaningful work. That's more or less by design. Since I (almost) always have my backpack near by, the stuff that goes in my pockets are more for convenience than capability.


<A typical minimal pocket carry, mini prybar carried inside wallet. Sorry for the BM instead of Spyderco , used old archive photos to save time>

Those who are familiar with the Goruck GR1 knows that there are a few compartments, so I'll just go through the organization briefly.



Top pocket Inside of lid - Quick access items used with some regularity:
-El-cabinet access key
-Benchmade rescue hook with spare cash strapped to the sheath
-Postal stamps (facing retirement when used up as we have moved on to digital stamps)
-small pouch with in-ear ear buds and lightning to 3.5mm adapter
-metal container with ear plugs
-small padlock for the gym, airports or wherever I might need to safely store something for a while
-small selection of regularly used pen, pencil and markers
-GITD zipper pull that came with the bag

Bottom pocket inside lid - hygiene items mostly:
-hand sanitizer
-tooth picks / floss
-eye drops
-lip balm
-hand cream
-backup watch

Front pocket - quick access items used with high regularity or in meetings/situations where I want to access them discreetly:
-Pouch with all the cables I tend to need
-Bluetooth mouse
-Key chain w/ keys, USB storage, USB SW dongle, compact bit driver, small small pry bar, Prometheus QD (house and post box keys w/ QD removed for my safety). All titanium hardware
-Work site access card (not pictured)
-Laptop power supply (in use, so also not pictured)

Main compartment:
-Rain jacket
-Rain pants
-Leather gloves
-Thin wool hat
-Thin wool neck gaiter
-Water bottle
-Small pouch w/ self contained power system (power pank, USB wall adapter, lightning cable, microUSB cable, microUSB to USB C adp)
-Molle compatible straps so I can attach larger items externally if larger capacity is temporarily needed, or carrying dirty/wet items that I don't want inside my bag
-Multitool attached to internal molle
-Flashlight attached to internal molle
-bit driver attached to internal molle
-bit kit attached to internal molle (Stanley 30 pcs, not i pic)
-sometimes a larger folder or fixed blade attached to the internal molle, but knife laws are a pain, so only in safe areas or when clearly justified
-Lots of free space to carry whatever else I would need to carry on any specific day.

PC compartment:
-Laptop or iPad Pro
-Note book

Besides this bag, I have a gym bag and a bike/hike backpack that I also use with some regularly for EDC - it just depends what I'm doing that day and how I travel/commute. I might post a rundown of those as well. Some day. Travel, hiking, hunting, backpacking and such, are obviously different than this in mindsets and requirements and not the scope of this backpack.

It could only last so long

I mean, I'm not totally off the wagon, but when you start looking at new bags... things can escalate quickly.

I still have my GR1 and love it. It's also one of those bags that will probably outlive me - it's bomb proof. But the thing is, while it is no where near the end of its life, visually its becoming apparent that this bag has been through a lot. I've used it a ton, and I'm the third owner.
But that's only half the story. What really got me looking at new backpacks is the need for better back ventilation. Summer is around the corner and I walk a lot, and however much I like the GR1 - temperature and moisture management in hot weather is probably not its strongest side.
So it all started with me looking for backpacks with better back panel ventilation, but all the ones I find are very outdoorsy. And I love the outdoors, but that arena is covered.



For now I've "just" purchased a Mystery Ranch Urban assault 21. It's probably not the final solution, but it was a good deal, the timing was right and I've always been curious to try them out.
It's neither very well vented nor a great substitute for the GR1 sizewise, but in the black variation it seems to balance function and style that blends in well in many situations. When I decide to move on I could probably recoup most, if not all what I paid.

So if anyone can recommend a well ventilated backpack that is practical for EDC use, I'd be happy to hear about it. It can look outdoorsy, there's probably no way around that, but not to the detriment of its every day usability, i.e. suitable for laptop carry and not too many straps or a large hip belts getting in the way.

And on a slightly longer trajectory, I'm also looking for a replacement or rather a substitute/backup to my GR1. Such a backpack could/should be very similar to the GR1, but maybe lighter materials and a stiffer frame that keeps it shapes better when not loaded. I must admit I have been looking at waxed canvas alternatives as well. I like the look and feel of waxed canvas, but not convinced it's worth the additional cost.

[xceptnl]

EDC backpacks are another piece of gear I really enjoy. 5.11 tactical has served me very well over the last 20ish years. I've owned several bags, all of which are still in rotation for specific purposes. Moab 10 for my group meeting bag (hidden pocket packing a wheel gun), Rush 12 for my Boy Scout pack, Rush 24 for my "go-bag" loaded with toys and supplies. I even have some of the more discrete and minimalist bags that were less popular. All have served me with basically no noticeable degradation other than some UV fading of the black.

Last spring I took a gamble based on what I thought was reasonable evidence that a small US maker could produce good quality Nylon product. I have purchased wallets, pouches and Nomex handkerchiefs. Everything has always been finely made and still serving me well. This maker cut corners and decided to farm out these backpacks. I received two 48 hour bags and the Initial feel and look gave me hope.i had made the right choice. That lasted a week. Bag 1 broke and was returned for warranty, bag 2 is in rotation but I have had to repair the stitching myself as well as the zipper. I'm 9 months into the wait for my warranty bag to be repaired or replaced. Buyer beware, stick with brands you know produce quality goods.

[olywa]

Hill People Gear Tarahumara. Easily handles an overnight but leans up nicely as a day pack.

[Naperville]

I needed a smaller backpack than what I have and looked at the brand recommendations here. I need a smaller bag for taking things with me when I set out to work and when I go on long walks.

Settled on a Gregory Zulu 28L LT, in black with a 3L water reservoir. I meant to get the forest green backpack but I made a mistake and ended up with the black one, which I'll keep. I may buy another Gregory, a smaller backpack or shoulder bag for walks because I just need to carry water and a towel. The backpack seems well made. It's light. It was pricey but all well made things are now a days.

[xceptnl]

I needed a smaller backpack than what I have and looked at the brand recommendations here. I need a smaller bag for taking things with me when I set out to work and when I go on long walks.

Settled on a Gregory Zulu 28L LT, in black with a 3L water reservoir. I meant to get the forest green backpack but I made a mistake and ended up with the black one, which I'll keep. I may buy another Gregory, a smaller backpack or shoulder bag for walks because I just need to carry water and a towel. The backpack seems well made. It's light. It was pricey but all well made things are now a days.

Gregory was the brand I settled on when selecting a dayhike pack. It has proven light, breathable and very utilitarian.
Zulu 30

[aicolainen]

I used to be a backpack addict, and I still feel naked without one, but I’ve cut way down on the buying and researching.

Now the term EDC is in many ways very thinned out in the EDC-/IKC, where most rotate their gear pretty regularly, but my EDC backpack is REALLY an EDC item for me. I bring it with me everyday unless there is something out of the ordinary that requires specific preparations.

It’s not designed as a GHB, but it would still be an advantageous asset to have in such a situation. The climate here is quite unstable and can be unpleasant at times, so I always carry a rain-shell, wool hat, gloves and such, that can serve as reinforcement in case the weather turns sour and the clothing that was appropriate in the morning is no longer sufficient. Given that there are no obvious threats where I live, my office is less than a 15km walk from home and the fact that I have some gear stashed in my car as well as a gym locker and a PPE locker at work, stuffed with PPE, gym clothes, spare clothes etc, I don’t see any reason to carry a lot of extra gear that (hopefully) never gets used, in order to rig my daypack as a GHB

The backpack itself is a Goruck GR1, which isn’t a very original choice in this community, but still a somewhat peculiar choice for me. My background is very much from outdoor and hunting, and only since about 2016 did I even know the term EDC or own a folding knife. Yeah, imagine that :)
I have until quite recently been working as a field engineer and traveled around the world on a regular basis, really putting my “EDC” backpacks through the hoops. My outdoor experience led me to trusted outdoor brands like: Norrøna, Osprey and Arc’Teryx, but they all left me wanting..
A few years back I was able to pick up a used US made GR1 at a reasonable price, and low and behold, it’s the best EDC backpack I’ve ever used. I’m not at all in the tactical camp, and while the GR1 is almost stepping into that domain, I think it strikes a nice balance of being very neutral in appearance while still being plenty tough, durable and comfortable.

Many of you are probably already aware of my bias toward small EDC folders and minimalistic approach to EDC. And my on body EDC can probably come across as quite incapable of doing any meaningful work. That's more or less by design. Since I (almost) always have my backpack near by, the stuff that goes in my pockets are more for convenience than capability.


<A typical minimal pocket carry, mini prybar carried inside wallet. Sorry for the BM instead of Spyderco , used old archive photos to save time>

Those who are familiar with the Goruck GR1 knows that there are a few compartments, so I'll just go through the organization briefly.



Top pocket Inside of lid - Quick access items used with some regularity:
-El-cabinet access key
-Benchmade rescue hook with spare cash strapped to the sheath
-Postal stamps (facing retirement when used up as we have moved on to digital stamps)
-small pouch with in-ear ear buds and lightning to 3.5mm adapter
-metal container with ear plugs
-small padlock for the gym, airports or wherever I might need to safely store something for a while
-small selection of regularly used pen, pencil and markers
-GITD zipper pull that came with the bag

Bottom pocket inside lid - hygiene items mostly:
-hand sanitizer
-tooth picks / floss
-eye drops
-lip balm
-hand cream
-backup watch

Front pocket - quick access items used with high regularity or in meetings/situations where I want to access them discreetly:
-Pouch with all the cables I tend to need
-Bluetooth mouse
-Key chain w/ keys, USB storage, USB SW dongle, compact bit driver, small small pry bar, Prometheus QD (house and post box keys w/ QD removed for my safety). All titanium hardware
-Work site access card (not pictured)
-Laptop power supply (in use, so also not pictured)

Main compartment:
-Rain jacket
-Rain pants
-Leather gloves
-Thin wool hat
-Thin wool neck gaiter
-Water bottle
-Small pouch w/ self contained power system (power pank, USB wall adapter, lightning cable, microUSB cable, microUSB to USB C adp)
-Molle compatible straps so I can attach larger items externally if larger capacity is temporarily needed, or carrying dirty/wet items that I don't want inside my bag
-Multitool attached to internal molle
-Flashlight attached to internal molle
-bit driver attached to internal molle
-bit kit attached to internal molle (Stanley 30 pcs, not i pic)
-sometimes a larger folder or fixed blade attached to the internal molle, but knife laws are a pain, so only in safe areas or when clearly justified
-Lots of free space to carry whatever else I would need to carry on any specific day.

PC compartment:
-Laptop or iPad Pro
-Note book

Besides this bag, I have a gym bag and a bike/hike backpack that I also use with some regularly for EDC - it just depends what I'm doing that day and how I travel/commute. I might post a rundown of those as well. Some day. Travel, hiking, hunting, backpacking and such, are obviously different than this in mindsets and requirements and not the scope of this backpack.

It could only last so long

I mean, I'm not totally off the wagon, but when you start looking at new bags... things can escalate quickly.

I still have my GR1 and love it. It's also one of those bags that will probably outlive me - it's bomb proof. But the thing is, while it is no where near the end of its life, visually its becoming apparent that this bag has been through a lot. I've used it a ton, and I'm the third owner.
But that's only half the story. What really got me looking at new backpacks is the need for better back ventilation. Summer is around the corner and I walk a lot, and however much I like the GR1 - temperature and moisture management in hot weather is probably not its strongest side.
So it all started with me looking for backpacks with better back panel ventilation, but all the ones I find are very outdoorsy. And I love the outdoors, but that arena is covered.



For now I've "just" purchased a Mystery Ranch Urban assault 21. It's probably not the final solution, but it was a good deal, the timing was right and I've always been curious to try them out.
It's neither very well vented nor a great substitute for the GR1 sizewise, but in the black variation it seems to balance function and style that blends in well in many situations. When I decide to move on I could probably recoup most, if not all what I paid.

So if anyone can recommend a well ventilated backpack that is practical for EDC use, I'd be happy to hear about it. It can look outdoorsy, there's probably no way around that, but not to the detriment of its every day usability, i.e. suitable for laptop carry and not too many straps or a large hip belts getting in the way.

And on a slightly longer trajectory, I'm also looking for a replacement or rather a substitute/backup to my GR1. Such a backpack could/should be very similar to the GR1, but maybe lighter materials and a stiffer frame that keeps it shapes better when not loaded. I must admit I have been looking at waxed canvas alternatives as well. I like the look and feel of waxed canvas, but not convinced it's worth the additional cost.

First week, or as I got it about mid week, it's rather the part of my first week with the Mystery Ranch Urban assault 21. Not a lot of experience gathered yet, but with some miles under the hood I have some first impressions.

Pros:
- sleek silhouette. Probably doesn't make much of a difference in reality, but I feel more nimble with this pack. Not afraid that I'll bump something over every time I turn around in tight spaces.
- with the sleek silhouette combined with a less coarse cordura I feel it stands out less in urban and business environments. I could do without the big logo though, and much prefer Goruck's total lack of branding.
- more structured so it keeps its shape much better than my GR1 when I'm putting it down.
- position of the quick access pocket is better placed, though probably a bit smaller than the one on the GR1.
- so far I wouldn't say there's any notable difference in back ventilation, though the UA 21 covers a smaller area of my back than the GR1, so this is potentially ever so slightly in favor or the UA 21.
- Easy to attach a Peak design Capture clip to the shoulder straps. The straps have ample length of top webbing that's not sewn against the main strap material, so it's easy to slide a Capture clip underneath. Not so with the GR1.

Cons (some could be subject to improve over time):
- less storage space (this also translates to some of the pros)
- the center zip hits a bump of seems where it intersects with the two zips for the lid, and it's a bit of a struggle to get it passes this point. I considered returning it for this reason right away, but with so many of these bags out there I assume this is something that will smooth out over time.
- slightly less convenient access to the laptop. The laptop compartment on the Goruck is pretty hard to beat, so this was to be expected.
- with the tri-zip configuration, I can't access content without removing the pack completely. With clamshells I have a habit of positioning the zippers such that I can swing the bag down hanging from one shoulder and open it like if it hade a side zip.
This can be the downfall of this bag, as this feature is a big benefit for accessing a water bottle or a camera on the fly.
- I love the minimal internal organization of the GR1. This pack has even less. And it could be slightly too little, so I'm putting this as a con, but if it forces me to cut down on my regular carry it could end up being a good thing in the end.

Only after purchasing it and using it for a few days did I realize the Urban Assault series has actually been discontinued and replaced by the Catalyst series. From what I can see there isn't much that's changed, and from the comparisons I've seen I think I overall prefer the old design.

This post is severely lacking in the picture department. I've been delving into retro digital cameras lately and these big beasts aren't always handy for on the fly shots - especially when you're testing a backpack without quick access to the main compartment (as noted above). And some of the shots I do take doesn't always turn out as expected when working with ancient tech. I plan to return with a more picture heavy update later on.

[Naperville]

I needed a smaller backpack than what I have and looked at the brand recommendations here. I need a smaller bag for taking things with me when I set out to work and when I go on long walks.

Settled on a Gregory Zulu 28L LT, in black with a 3L water reservoir. I meant to get the forest green backpack but I made a mistake and ended up with the black one, which I'll keep. I may buy another Gregory, a smaller backpack or shoulder bag for walks because I just need to carry water and a towel. The backpack seems well made. It's light. It was pricey but all well made things are now a days.

Gregory was the brand I settled on when selecting a dayhike pack. It has proven light, breathable and very utilitarian.
Zulu 30

I'll be using it every day. Hope that it holds up.

[xceptnl]

I needed a smaller backpack than what I have and looked at the brand recommendations here. I need a smaller bag for taking things with me when I set out to work and when I go on long walks.

Settled on a Gregory Zulu 28L LT, in black with a 3L water reservoir. I meant to get the forest green backpack but I made a mistake and ended up with the black one, which I'll keep. I may buy another Gregory, a smaller backpack or shoulder bag for walks because I just need to carry water and a towel. The backpack seems well made. It's light. It was pricey but all well made things are now a days.

Gregory was the brand I settled on when selecting a dayhike pack. It has proven light, breathable and very utilitarian.
Zulu 30

I'll be using it every day. Hope that it holds up.

I suppose it depends on your use. Anything less than 1000D feels flimsy for my EDC. Perhaps it is due to years of abusing bags only to have them still holding up to abuse. The Gregory bags haven't given me any indication that it wouldn't serve the same role for me.

[Evil D]

I'm about to go down this rabbit hole again, we're planning a trip and are dead set on each of us doing the one bag deal and skipping checked baggage, so I've been doing some research on a carry on bag and a personal bag combo, where the personal bag will also serve as an EDC bag while on the trip.

Totally open to suggestions, I've got a few in mind but not set on anything besides having to comply with carry on regulations.

[xceptnl]

I'm about to go down this rabbit hole again, we're planning a trip and are dead set on each of us doing the one bag deal and skipping checked baggage, so I've been doing some research on a carry on bag and a personal bag combo, where the personal bag will also serve as an EDC bag while on the trip.

Totally open to suggestions, I've got a few in mind but not set on anything besides having to comply with carry on regulations.

When I was faced with a similar choice David, I knew I was going to need something similar. New business endeavors have taken me to the UK 3 times in the last 12 months and I have 2 more trips before the end of the year.
Despite the fact that the x ray techs hate my bag (they never suggest packing in layers, but I dont know a better way with a double layered bag. Anyway, these are met with mixed reviews. I have one that has been my edc week to week and then crossed over into carryon for the flights. The 24 hour plus with the packing cubes and the hook & loop panels make the modularity one of my favorite features.
https://recycledfirefighter.com/collect ... s-backpack

[SpyderEdgeForever]

High Sierra is a good brand with multiple styles and durable and varied prices.

[Evil D]

For now I've "just" purchased a Mystery Ranch Urban assault 21. It's probably not the final solution, but it was a good deal, the timing was right and I've always been curious to try them out.
It's neither very well vented nor a great substitute for the GR1 sizewise, but in the black variation it seems to balance function and style that blends in well in many situations. When I decide to move on I could probably recoup most, if not all what I paid.

I just saw that Yeti have a version of this bag out, though I'm not sure which one has worse branding between the two. The Y zipper was really intriguing but I've also read a lot of complaints about the zippers being super stiff.

My problem with bags is I want a lot of quick access compartments on the outside, and most of what I've looked into that would be better for travel are lacking outside compartments. I also wouldn't mind a bottle holder on the side which a lot of bags have but they're all so shallow I don't know what bottles people are using but I don't think my Contego would stay in them.

I like a lot of GoRucks but 1) obviously they're spendy and 2) they also lack a lot of compartments and 3) the bags themselves are actually pretty heavy when empty unless you spend even more for their lightweight material versions.

I swear I didn't think there could be a gear topic that I agonize over more than multitools but here we are.

[shunsui]

High Sierra is a good brand with multiple styles and durable and varied prices.

Oddly enough I picked up one of those at Costco a few years back. Didn't use it until recently when I left my old, fat, heavy, range bag at home and used the backpack for my Glock 21, ammo, and the usual shooting range accessories.

Good enough quality, lots of zippered compartments. Lockable double zippers. Small footprint. Easy to carry or wear, doesn't scare the snowflakes.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

High Sierra is a good brand with multiple styles and durable and varied prices.

Oddly enough I picked up one of those at Costco a few years back. Didn't use it until recently when I left my old, fat, heavy, range bag at home and used the backpack for my Glock 21, ammo, and the usual shooting range accessories.

Good enough quality, lots of zippered compartments. Lockable double zippers. Small footprint. Easy to carry or wear, doesn't scare the snowflakes.

Excellent review! Thank you.

Question: It has become my main backpack. An online guy said he only wears framepacks to save his back from pain and spinal curvature. Is that a real danger or as long as I don't overload it I should be safe?

[Evil D]

Adding some follow-up to this thread. I did get that Yeti Ranchero, and it was a very nice bag, if you like the Mystery Ranch bag I don't see how you wouldn't like Yeti's version. My complaints were a lack of pockets and how if I used the outside bottle pockets they would push hard into the bag and make the inner pockets impossible to use. The hard bottom self standup feature was cool but I also found it uncomfortable on my back so all in all not the bag for me but it did seem very high quality.


I ended up compromising on my preference for an outside water bottle pocket and got a Vanquest ADDAX-25. I really wanted to get the Spyderco branded version but Vanquish had a 4th of July sale that was too good to pass up and they offered a couple additional free Velcro organizers too. I'm getting by just fine keeping my bottle inside the bag, but the little internal bottle pockets are practically unusable unless you get your hand down in there and deliberately put the bottle into them. But overall the bag has plenty of storage options and it holds everything I typically haul around and I'm going to take my chances and try to pass it off as a personal bag for carry-on. I really didn't want a bag that screams "tactical bro please search my bag" and this looks pretty low key.






Nachoooooooooo

[Paul Ardbeg]

Not every day carry, just the bags I use.

For work the North Face Kaban 29L. I work from home most of the time, so when I travel with my laptop I bring a lot of crap along Lots of pockets and waterbottle holders. Unfortunately it doesn't stand up by it's self due to it's design.



For day trips I got this Jack Wolfskin Wolftrail 22L recently. Light weight, durable and with a raincover.



This is a great bag for work and day trips. Thule Enroute 23L Sturdy, lots of pockets and a hard shell pocket on the top for (sun)glasses. Have it at least 7 years. Minor damages, and after cleaning it recently it still look decent.



For backpacking I have a Osprey backpack that's a decade old of which the inner lining is disintegrating. That's somewhere in the attic.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Do any of you recommend any military surplus packs, and if so, which nation and model?