Even with a gear closet brimming with backpacks, we can't seem to ever get enough. There's one for bike commuting, one for weekend getaways, one for serious backpacking and one for day hikes, and so on and so forth. For those without the space, funds, or general interest in amassing a backpack collection you'd be embarrassed to tell any non-outdoors nerd about, finding the right medium-sized pack equally fit for around town travel and hitting the trail is the holy grail. To help in that search, we've selected the following three as standouts well worth your time, and money.
F/CE Travel Backpack, $290
Japan's F/CE (formerly Ficouture) is a long time favorite around TF HQ. Their outerwear, apparel, and bags are designed "to make life easier," relying on time tested materials, simple functionality, and a fashion-forward design sensibility. Their military-inspired Travel Backpack is rugged as heck and features pockets for everything you need to carry on the daily, and nothing you don’t.
Filson Field Pack, $175
Everyone knows Filson for their iconic waxed cotton wares. But their newly launched line of rugged nylon packs and bags shouldn't be overlooked. We've been traveling with their lightweight Field Pack for the past couple weeks—from the streets of NYC to the mountains of Oregon—and have been thoroughly impressed. It's hyper minimal, made of abrasion (and water) resistant 10 ounce ballistic nylon, and wears as well at max capacity with a week's worth of gear as it does hauling just a single laptop.
Bach Roc 22, $101
Bach is one of those brands you're more likely to see on the streets of Tokyo than on the trail Stateside, but don't think for a moment it's anything but a true outdoors brand. Founded in 1979 in Ireland and designed to handle the harsh highlands weather and terrain, the niche gear brand makes design-driven packs attractive enough to use in town but built for real adventures. The Roc 22 may be a tad overbuilt for grocery getting, but perfect for weekend travel and strenuous day hikes.
