I'm wanting to replace the old backpack that is my bob, its a basic school book carrying style and looking a little worn in spots. I want something like a plain black laptop backpack though my laptop I carry in a slipcase and its about book sized in the case so it doesn't need to be laptop specific. I would like a zip open front flap with at least three larger pockets behind it to put things like my scanner and other handheld held radios. I really like the Voltaic solar backpack, but don't like the battery pack being right in the front and I bet it won't hold up long term as its probably more a gimmick than quality. Any favorites or suggestions?

You know, there are soooo many backpacks around, with the prices running from $20 (or less), thru $200 (or more), all similar yet very different, that it may very well be impossible for one person to recommend one to another. You will just have to decide what capacity you want, how much you want to pay, then go to a lot of outdoor type stores and try a bunch on 'til you find the one that is right for you. Good luck in your search...

My favorite (reasonably priced) brand is Camelbak. Second would be Maxpedition. Both of these can be found on ebay at good prices if you keep your eyes open.

If you want to go high quality, look at ATS and Kifaru.

Which is better-something with compartments like this to help organize stuff or the more common backpacker style (one big main compartment which usually extends about the head)?

Noobie myself.

You are kindasorta talking apples and oranges with your comparison. The Falcon is more daypack sized, the REI is a full blown backpacking type pack (I couldn't get the REI link to open to get the size of the REI, and I am too lazy right now to go straight to their webside, but any "backpacking" type of pack that will extend about your head is gonna be BIG). I have both many compartment type packs (in fact, I am currently playing with an el cheapo, made in BFE, rip-off of the Falcon) and single compartment ones. I love both, and hate both. The ones with many compartments are neat, at least on the surface, because you can put different type stuff in different compartments. The rub, at least in my experience, is that 1) you tend to forget what is where, and 2) all that extra material and zippers adds weight to the base weight of the pack. The one bag type bag, on the other hand, can weight less than the other type, but no matter what you want, it is going to be on the bottom of the bag. Always. So again, the best way is to try each out, then go with what works best for YOU...

That's right. I think you'll be better served with a large compartment backpack in which you put small silnylon sacks to organize your gear.

I own three Osprey packs myself so I can tell you that there are top-of-the-line backpacks. Maxpedition packs are bombproof but heavier. If you think you might get to enjoy long hikes and backpacking, you are better served by the Osprey Atmos 50 you looked at. It's a high-rated pack.

Like others have said, there are hundreds of packs out there. When I choose a new pack, I consider the features of the pack that I want, the brand and the price.

I own expensive Osprey packs for snowplay and day hikes. However, for long treks, I bought a 129 $ CAD Karrimor backpack which gets the job done, but its not as feature-packed or sexy as the Osprey.

At the end of the day. Buy something you like and you can afford, then just go... go enjoy it. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> If it gets damaged or anything. Buy another one... Repeat.

I've been looking for a backpack for my BOB too. A guy on another forum I frequent posted a link to a closeout sale on this MOLLE 3-day assault pack. He took a chance on it because of the price (less than $40) and was pleasantly surprised. I figure that if the price is that low, I might as well do the same.

My impression is that Kifaru is just about the best there is.

I'm a bit of a heretic. I agree with OldBaldGuy in that the extra pockets seem convenient for a while, but in the thick of an emergency or in the dark, become a liability, and as time passes. You do have a good chance of losing track of which pockets have which items and lord help you if you're barking instructions to someone else to pull items from it. It's much easier to keep track of fewer pouches IMHO...and they end up being more adaptable to various uses.

That said, I am HARD on packs. I have a number across all years and styles and keep going back to the same ones...LL Bean bookpacks. Here's why:

1) They have the right mix of small pocket/organizer area and large pocket space for me. The small organizer pocket has enough space for the items I'll need right way and/or frequently. I prefer the model where there is one large pocket, one smaller, and the organizer pocket.

2) They have a large Scotchlite reflective strip that works exceptionally well. I use a lot of my packs at night, in caves, etc. I've also used a couple of the packs as road signals when broken down in the midlle of nowhere at night. They shine back VERY well. The strip is also highly durable.

3) Want something special? LL Bean will build the pack to suit you (see their site in the bookpack section)

4) padded straps & back, all seams taped, durable as anything, heavy zippers, decent stitching, heavy duty luggage handle, etc.

5) They can also be had at yard sales...at some point they're not "cool" any more. Fine by me.

6) If I was buying one pack new, and it wasn't one of the LL Bean customs, it would be the stock Super Deluxe Book Pack...

7) Convenience and replaceability. I can order a pack and have it sent anywhere...they're fast shippers. I don't have to bother with learning where stuff is in a dozen or so different packs.

8) They come in loud colors...I'm not crazy about "actical" colors for emergency situations. I understand why those who like those colors get them. For me? I'll take neons and garish colors any day. Easier to spot and oddly enough, don't stand out the way a mil-spec or tactical looking system would.

I use them for BOBs, FAKs, Car Kits, gear packs, and daily use. I beat mine against rocks and trees, wash them when needed, etc. I've had a single strap fail in 20 years or more.

BTW, they do have packs with more compartments.

Some of the prices on that site look pretty good, but in noticed that there is no brand name on any of the gear I looked at. If they are the maker, I am not familiar with their name, if they are just a clearing house for gear, not listing brand names scares me a bit. There is a ton of 'tactical" gear on the market, a lot of it junk made in sweatshops in BFE.

So, let the buyer beware...