Small(ish) EDC pack?

[quigly]

I have been in the market for a fairly small size back pack for everyday use. I have come up with a few options, but they are mostly china man made, and don't look like they will last the test of time. I am wondering if any of you fellows out there in the world of AP use a pack for EDC uses, and if you can point me in some different directions.

Let's get some criteria out why don't we?
1) relatively small overall size, don't need a 3 day pack.
2) strong construction & materials
3) multiple pockets of ranging sizes
4) ~$150, $100 looks a lot nicer
5) don't need hydration carrier

As a comparison, http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... ts_id=1183
I like the overall size and general look of the pack, ut as previously stated, the OEtechness of it makes me wonder how long it will last.

If you have, had, or know of any nice packs, throw em up with some links for us less knowledgeable people can know of such pieces.

[Jester316]

Flyye MAP?

[quigly]

Don't desire a hydro carrier. Don't need it in the city slicking life I live.
I was also looking at a TT pack, seen here.... http://www.tacticaltailor.com/packs_bag ... rator-pack
The slicker look of it might be good walking through the office building, but not a major concern of mine.

[Jester316]

Just because it has a place to put a bladder, doesn't mean you have to put a bladder in it...

[quigly]

While this is true, I just don't like the look of most carriers. I am looking for a more traditional style bag, if that makes sense.

[Switchback]

North Face makes a great pack. My "Recon" has lasted me 2 years, and that was after 3 years of use by my brother. Little to no wear and tear aside from broken buckles and zipper pulls (both easily replaced). With several weeks in the field over the years, it stands up well to weather, weight bearing, and some heavy abuse. The North Face Recon is on my back every day without fail, and I use it for these various activities:
Hauling textbooks
Weighted running
Biking to/from work
Hiking--carrying supplies

Some neat features:
Fully-adjustable with nifty little straps to greatly reduce size of pack or secure a load
Very breathable on the back padding with comfortable shoulder straps
Conveniently sized compartments make the "Recon" versatile
Very good construction; solid as a rock in the stitching department
Low cost; about $75-$80 IIRC.

[Junto]

I'd follow the Switchback train of thought and get something that isn't slathered in MOLLE, but is still rugged and functional. Kelty's line of day packs are great and provide a lot of the functionality of the more tactical backpacks without the... imposing visuals.

[STRIK3]

If a "tactical" style pack is the wrong kind of conspicuous, I have one of those Timbuk2 messenger bags. I got mine about 6 years ago or so and it's brilliant. Really well put together, 1680D Cordura fabric (!), good looking, it'll hold a fair bit of stuff and it's right around your budget. Another thing I like is that the single strap lets you sit down without having to take it off (just flip it around onto your lap) which is nice if you take public transit like myself and are worried about potential theft.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/

If you buy from their website, there are quite a few customization options as well.

[Android]

Funny thing is that a couple years ago Timbuk2 had a "MultiCam" pattern available for their bags.

[Toonvater]

5.11 rush 12. probably my favorite backpack of all time. had it for 6 months now and im loving it. only prob is that there isn't a laptop pocket.

[Lukens]

I personally have owned 2 of the Condor version of that OEtech bag. Its been great to me. Holds a crap ton of gear, fits everything great, and it feels good too. They have better versions of it around 50 bucks, and on amazon, if your looking for something with a little more room, they have a 50L version of it as well. I use one for my daily travels in the city, and have used it for 2 years. The condor version has held up just fine.

[CommieHunter]

Goruck was the first thing that came to mind when you said 'tactical bag that doesn't look tactical.'

[Orwell]

I have carried the left-handed version of this pack for more than four years now. Barely a loose stitch. As it turns out, it's mostly waterproof. I carry important papers in the concealed pistol pocket in the back, for example, and when I punctured an Arizona tea, I found six inches of it in the bag before drips finally started coming out the bottom, and the back pocket was completely unscathed. LOVE Maxpedition.

As far as larger packs go, or backpacks more specifically, this bag is fantastic. My family has had one for several years and it's still holding up as well. Looks a lot better face-to-face as well.

Good luck!

[Switchback]

Goruck was the first thing that came to mind when you said 'tactical bag that doesn't look tactical.'

A +1 on the Goruck brand. Only problem is, the GR1 is $225 and the GR2 weighs in at $395. The "Recon's" newer models run around $65. If it's EDC and not combat/Toughmudder runs, I'd go into an REI and look at the North Face line.

[Junto]

I forgot to mention that I had the OE Tech bag you put in your first post, Quigly. It's a piece of garbage. All the buckles on mine broke; some in the first few weeks. All I was doing was using it for school and it started falling apart. Overall, it's still functional, but it looks like trash and has lost most of what made it useful.