Backpacks

[psalms144.1]

Happy New Year, all. I'm looking for a replacement for my getting-tired 2008 vintage Camelback monstrosity 3-day-pack. For background, I'm plain clothes Federal LE, and I no longer work in a position that requires me to do extended foot movements through challenging terrain. I'm looking for a bag that does the following:

1. Comfortably carry a 15" laptop (sometimes, but rarely, two - sigh), a portfolio with notebook/pens/forms, etc, at least one spare magazine, spare flashlight (Surefire Fury sized), TQ and other 1st aid essentials, and one (but strongly prefer two) WORKABLE bottle/cup holders.
2. NOT look like I'm going to jump it into Tora Bora - e.g. I DON'T want an acre or two of molle, Velcro and other tactical goodness decorating the outside. I prefer something other than basic SWAT black, and absolutely no camo patterns, regardless of what SEALFORCEDELTARESCUE-66 is carrying this week.

In the past I used a messenger bag style, but the recent one I tried failed on the external drink holders, and, frankly, with carry strap was so slick it would LEAP off my shoulder unless I went the full month sling-across body technique.

For XMas my much better half got me a VertX Gamut, and, while it'll hold a laptop and my portfolio, that's about it. Loved the way I could internally velcro mags/light/baton/tq/etc, but honestly couldn't even get a couple of low-fat Greek yogurt containers into it to take to work for lunch. Also, the drink-sleeves on the sides are so skimpy that none of my travel mugs will fit.

I've tried the 5.11 COVRT 18, and it met a lot of the requirements, but several of the bungees snapped within two weeks of buying it, so I'm not sure I want to go that route again.

So, what's working for the assembled brain trust?

[PNWTO]

My go-to dapypack, business travel, away from home, etc etc rig has been the HPG Umlindi and Attache. Simple and minimalist. Really comfy as well.

Not super "low-profile" but better than most and big enough to do duty as a carry-on or weekend bag, and comfortable enough to hike with. Pricey set-up, yes, but I really respect what the Hill bros have done, plus I have a shit ton of HPG gear.

[JAD]

GoRuck GR1. Molle for the drink holders. I've been using one for bidness for a couple years now and am impressed with the ruggedness and simplicity.

[Spurholder]

I have a special, stripped down version of Tactical Tailor's Removable Operator Pack with no MOLLE.

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/remova...ratorpack.aspx

It's close to the perfect size for my needs. But it was a custom order by my unit for recruiting purposes and is not available for individual purchase.

I like Milspec Monkeys' version of this same pack, available here in a lot of different colors for a very good price:

http://www.lapolicegear.com/milspec-adaptpack.html

This pack could easily sell for $150.

[voodoo_man]

GoRuck GR1. Molle for the drink holders. I've been using one for bidness for a couple years now and am impressed with the ruggedness and simplicity.

I have a gr1 which I really love and carry everyday.

I have a vertx gamut which I like as well but it's not big enough and has a bit of tacticool look to it.

[secondstoryguy]

I've been using the Camelbak Urban Assault Concealment pack lately. It was supposedly designed for the Secret Service, it very low profile and has lots of cool gun-friendly features.

[orionz06]

GoRuck GR1. Molle for the drink holders. I've been using one for bidness for a couple years now and am impressed with the ruggedness and simplicity.

I have a gr1 which I really love and carry everyday.

I have a vertx gamut which I like as well but it's not big enough and has a bit of tacticool look to it.

GoRuck's with the molle still peg the meter, they also still have the patch panel. If they still offered their slick pack I'd jump all over one. Otherwise it's just more of the same BS that the larpers wear and carry.


I have theVertx Gamut Plus in a limited color. It's grey with red and looks straight outta the Target back to school aisle and can sustain me with a laptop for a week or more. They have a new colorway... Worth looking into.

[PNWTO]

OP,

I have a VertX Gamut Plus that I would be happy to part with, PM if curious.

[Dropkick]

GoRuck GR1. Molle for the drink holders. I've been using one for bidness for a couple years now and am impressed with the ruggedness and simplicity.

I wish GoRuck would bring back their Slick bags.

Edit to add: Yup, what Orionz said! Bring back the Slick!!

[vcdgrips]

Only one bottle holder but otherwise decidedly non tactical. All "Ebags" branded stuff has a lifetime warranty. Typically, if you give them an email, you get a lot of additonaly 20-30% off coupons.

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/t...uctid=10317756

I have lost track of how many agents I have seen using "Swiss Gear" products. This seems to fit your bill.

http://www.ebags.com/product/swissge...uctid=10111179

Finally, this is another Ebags model at under 40.00

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/s...uctid=10472556