Backpack recommendations?
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Posted by mattmr94 6 years agoon 1/9/2019 at 4:11 PM

I just wanted to ask if anyone had recommendations for a good backpack that hits a good middle point between being low-profile, but still being comfortable and able to carry a good bit of stuff.

Last year I was rocking around with a nice drawstring bag, but after enough time, the strings started to dig into my shoulders. This year, I'm considering a Timbuk2 Swig backpack, but I figured before pulling the trigger, I'd consult all you wonderful people. Plus, it may be a good resource for folks leading up to Gen Con.

Posted by captain 10beers 6 years agoon 1/9/2019 at 10:48 PM

I never liked those drawstring bags.  They look like they are so bad for your back.  I use an old Wolf Creek backpack I’ve had for 20 years.  The real trick is to not overload your bag with stuff you really don’t need.

Posted by trask 6 years agoon 1/10/2019 at 1:04 AM

Dragon Egg by Direct Action. Cheap backpacks = pain. 

Posted by trace_sl 6 years agoon 1/10/2019 at 5:59 AM

I like the Think Geek Bag of Holding (Con-Survival version), it is a messenger bag but good design and size.  Have not had any issues carrying my stuff.  

Posted by brumcg 6 years agoon 1/10/2019 at 2:22 PM

I also use the Think Geek Bag of Holding.   I have two bad shoulders, and this has been the best solution for me.

The Timbuk 2 Swig looks like it will hold more stuff, so that might be the better option for you.  I know with the Bag of Holding that a regular sized board game box takes most of the space.  Two would be right out.

Posted by mattmr94 captain 10beers 6 years agoon 1/10/2019 at 2:55 PM

captain 10beers wrote:
I never liked those drawstring bags.  They look like they are so bad for your back.  I use an old Wolf Creek backpack I’ve had for 20 years.  The real trick is to not overload your bag with stuff you really don’t need.

Yeah, that's exactly what would happen. I'd start my day with the small handful of essentials, but buying stuff throughout the day, it'd get too heavy and my shoulders and back would hurt. 

I've been looking at the Bag of Holding, but I've never used a messenger bag, so I'm unsure of how well it would work for me. For the most part, I consolidate my board game purchases to one part of the day so that I don't have to lug a bunch around all day, so the backpack/bag will be for smaller stuff/essentials

Posted by kidlidar 6 years agoon 1/10/2019 at 9:05 PM

My wife unfortunately has to walk with a walker due to back issues.  We usually put most of our stuff on that.

Posted by a dark rider on a pale ... unicorn? 6 years agoon 1/10/2019 at 9:57 PM

No specific bags to recommend, but if you're planning on carrying a lot of stuff, especially heavy stuff, something with cinch straps to stop the contents from moving & pull it close to your back makes things more comfortable. And reduces the amount of bag sticking out behind you.

If you're also traveling a fair way, and you don't mind looking like a lost hiker, a waist to get the load off your shoulders should make things more comfortable at the end of the day.

Posted by hariustrk 6 years agoon 1/13/2019 at 6:13 PM

Get something that is comfortable. You will be carrying it all day. 

Posted by ascantla 6 years agoon 1/13/2019 at 7:16 PM

I ended up getting one of the GenCon messenger bags, carried everything for the 3 of us without any trouble. Plus it was maneuverable in the dealer hall and never got caught up in the crowd. 

Posted by iceman 6 years agoon 1/13/2019 at 8:04 PM

I find messenger or briefcase bags are best in general.  I have softside briefcase bag that holds a lot of stuff, but doesn't collapse much if it's empty, so for days when I don't have to tote much I use the messenger bag (as it is light and compact).

The main advantage of these over backpacks? 
You can carry it on the shoulder or off.  There were plenty of times where it was easier to unsling the bag and just carry it by the handles for a bit.  Whether that was because I was maneuvering thru a crowd (and could hold the bag in front of me as I squeezed) or because the shoulder was tired but the arm was still fresh (usually hours after purchasing something I had not had a chance to drop off at the room).
You can also fit them under your chair at the game table with the strap draped across the seat, in case you are concerned about theft.

Posted by buffythecatslayer 6 years agoon 1/13/2019 at 8:11 PM

General rule is don't try to cheap it on backpacks, and more importantly, shoes.  Spend the extra money, your back (and legs) will thank you.

Posted by thewildferret 6 years agoon 1/13/2019 at 10:25 PM

I run a camelback backpack... because I like to stay hydrated and it's an all in one container for it
 

Posted by cerealkiller195 6 years agoon 1/14/2019 at 12:15 AM

just don't bring rolling luggage to the convention center floor... please.

Posted by arosenwald 6 years agoon 1/14/2019 at 3:01 AM

The GORUCK GR1. The first and last ruck you'll ever need.

Posted by whisper721 6 years agoon 1/14/2019 at 2:53 PM

I carry an Oakley back pack and love it!!!!!   It is called the kitchen sink.  It is a bit pricey but the best $ I ever spent!!!   Yes the name is actually "The Kitchen Sink"

 

Posted by raidkillsbugsded 6 years agoon 1/14/2019 at 3:53 PM

Just push everything around in a shopping cart.  Makes sure one of the wheels is slightly broken so it veers to one side or another.

Posted by mattmr94 raidkillsbugsded 6 years agoon 1/14/2019 at 3:56 PM

raidkillsbugsded wrote:
Just push everything around in a shopping cart.  Makes sure one of the wheels is slightly broken so it veers to one side or another.

I was actually planning on using a pallet jack and just stacking everything I bought on it throughout the weekend. Is that acceptable? 

Posted by andrewj.rager mattmr94 6 years agoon 1/14/2019 at 4:16 PM

mattmr94 wrote:
raidkillsbugsded wrote:
Just push everything around in a shopping cart.  Makes sure one of the wheels is slightly broken so it veers to one side or another.

I was actually planning on using a pallet jack and just stacking everything I bought on it throughout the weekend. Is that acceptable? 
Come on now, you might as well go the extra mile and get Fork Lift certified and just use one of those. Much more practical.

Posted by ahsoka323 6 years agoon 1/14/2019 at 5:39 PM

I'm a huge fan of the Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Small Backpack Business. I carried it with no problems all last GenCon and had enough room for my gaming binder, snacks, dice, and dice tray! 

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