Help me pick a "backpack"

wannabanaud

So I'm pretty excited to be going back to school (part-time) starting Sept 6th.  I've never had more fun school shopping LOL! I had originally planned to use an old backpack that I already have until the zipper broke and now I find myself needing a new backpack.  Except I don't want a backpack, I'd prefer a messenger bag style and since I need to buy a new one know I might as well get what I like!

 I've looked at wal-mart and target and I didn't like anything I saw there so I've found 2 I like online, neither that I absolutely love, but i'm starting to get panicky since school does start soon.   Here's the 'problem': price.  The first one is about $40 (with shipping) but has no reviews of it so i'm not sure if it'll last for the next 3 years.  The other one is $100 (again, with shipping) and, while it also has no reviews, it's one of those seatbelt bags and I have heard good things about the durability of the purses made like that.

I was hoping to stay around $50 but if I know it'll definitely last for the next 3 years then I don't mind as much... 

or feel free to offer other options  

here's links to the 2 in case that helps: 1) less expensive 

http://www.amazon.com/Laptop-Messenger-Color-Chess-Red/dp/B005F7ROXY/ref=sr_1_626?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1314051095&sr=1-626 

2) better quality (theoretically)

 http://www.amazon.com/Large-Messenger-Bag-Color-Black/dp/B003MVVDU0/ref=sr_1_54?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1314051298&sr=1-54 

 

TIA! 

NittanyLionLaura

http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Ranipak-Silver-Graphic-16-inch-Laptop-Messenger-Bag/5835089/product.html

 http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Case-Logic-15.4-Inch-Blue-Canvas-Messenger-Bag/4342191/product.html

 

luckii00

I suggest any of LL Bean's bags.  They tend to be a bit more expensive, but they last forever.  My parents bought me a backpack from them when I started high school in 1999.  I've used it through 4 years of high school, 4 years of college, then another 3 years of graduate school--and it's still in good shape.  

ThePastor'sWife

Yep, I'd ditto PP on the LLBean bags - I have a boat & tote that I've carried every day for 4 years of teaching and it's still in great shape.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/search?init=1&freeText=messenger

DH also had the same JanSport black messenger bag for the second half of college and all 4 years of seminary, and that thing is still holding up really well, too.  It's just plain black, so he uses it pretty much daily to take his laptop and everything else, and it travels w/ him, too.  Still looks new despite the heavy usage!

ucgrad

I have a leather one from Wilson's leather (their stuff is almost always on sale, though I can't think of a local store) that has held up very nicely for 10 years. Someone just complimented me on it on my last work trip. Now it looks distressed but not worn out.

Also, beyone your pricepoint, I'm sure, but Timbuk2 bags are very highly recommended. http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/messenger/ 

madladybride

I've had good luck with Jansport (they will replace it for free if it breaks from normal wear and tear - they replaced a zipper for me.)

 

I've heard good things about timbuktu (you can design your own bag!) and llbean.

Personally, I've used land's end and I've had great luck! The bag has held up pretty well and they have a good return/guarantee. If you are going to spend $50 - $100 on a bag, you might as well get one with a warranty.

lenebene

I LOVE my Timbuk 2 bag.  I have 2 of their laptop bags now and a purse.  They are waterproof and last.  They also don't hurt my shoulder/back esp when walking through airports, etc all the time.  I have used my current one for over 2 years.  It looks brand new.  It holds a TON too.  REI is a great place to check them out. 

http://www.ebags.com/product/timbuk2/commute-20-laptop-messenger-medium/141135?productid=10127165

I also have a lands end that's lasted forever too..... I wanted something waterproof, so I had to give it up for the Timbuk2.  

Last but not least I bought a North Face laptop backpack last Fall for our Europe trip.  I LOVE that bag but it doesn't really hold a ton.  I remember with college, I needed a big bag because of all the books.  The bag is build well and comfy but not very big inside for college books.   

linzee

i have an LL Bean messenger bag that i love.

TheLinkBride

I used The North Face for my backpack through college and the beginning of grad school.  It's held up really well.  I only stopped using it when I no longer carried books to school every day when I finished classes.