Daypack Shopping Guide
Add to Del.icio.usby Toni Isom
Big, small, narrow, wide. We have daypacks in every shape and size. Whether you’re lugging your computer around town or you need a little space for your beach towel, we have the bag that’s right for you. Here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite packs.
The North Face Slingshot Backpack
Studious types who want a pack that can get them from campus to campsite will love The North Face Slingshot Backpack. If your days constantly turn into a mix of Medieval Literature lectures and spontaneous fishing trips, you’ll rejoice at the Slingshot’s cavernous main compartment. Drop in your textbooks, sketchbooks, and Cliff Notes and still have plenty of room for your rain gear. Stash your fishing pole in the bungee cord and two Nalgenes in the side water bottle pockets. You might get some funny looks in the commons area, but at least you’ll be ready for whatever your day has in store. Attach the hip-belt at the trail head for extra support on your dayhike; remove and stow it away for educational purposes. The North Face Slingshot is a campus pack with the heart of a camper.
Crumpler Dreadful Embarrassment Laptop Bag
If your laptop travels as often as you do, you’ll want it dressed to impress. Crumpler designs all their bags with stunning good looks and high-end quality. The Dreadful Embarrassment Laptop Bag is no exception. The Dreadful Embarrassment protects your 17-inch laptop or MacBook Pro. Whether you’re biking 10 miles to the office or sauntering to the coffee shop around the block, the padded shoulder strap ensures a comfortable trip. Students and commuters alike will dig the six-pocket internal organizer and three front accessory pockets. Mouth-watering color schemes put some fun in lugging your computer all over the city. If you fall off your bike, the Dreadful Embarrassment can’t protect your pride, but it will keep your laptop safe and sound.
Mountainsmith Paralax Camera Bag
While the Mountainsmith Paralax Camera Backpack’s top priority is photography, it lives beyond the walls of strict definition. This isn’t your quick-trip-to-the-city camera pouch. For serious photographers with serious equipment, Mountainsmith designed this pack to accommodate several camera bodies, lenses, accessories, and a laptop while keeping everything easily accessible. Stash your tripod in the tuckaway straps, store your extra memory cards in the removable waist belt pouch, and stick a couple of water bottles in the mesh pockets. You can reach all your equipment in seconds to capture that perfect shot. Adjustable dividers cater to fit your photo kit, and back panel access eliminates awkward rummaging through your expensive equipment. The Paralax also comes with a removable storm cover, allowing you to further safeguard your camera when you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Photo-freaks who don’t want to carry a daypack and a camera bag—Mountainsmith gives you the Paralax.
Timbuk2 Pro Series Messenger Bag
From the company who pioneered messenger bags, the Timbuk2 Pro Series steps in to satisfy the safety needs of cross-town commuters. Whether you ride a skateboard, a scooter, or a unicycle to work, you want to be seen by big cars that have the potential to squash you. Hence this bag’s huge and highly reflective Scotchlite center strip. Anyone with headlights gets a highly visible heads up that you’re on the road. For Captain Safety, Timbuk2 added a safety flasher enhancement loop for unbeatable visibility on dark back roads. With a side-cam, the signature shoulder strap adjusts easily en route, putting an end to angry motorists honking as you struggle with your pack at green lights. If you’re carrying a heavier load or traveling a longer distance, switch to the removable cross strap for enhanced stability on your wheels. A waterproof shell keeps your paperwork and change of clothes dry, and an organizer pocket keeps your small items within reach. Take your commute to the pros.
Burton Cirrus Tote
Stop trying to cram your make up, money, and music into your old one-pocket purse. It’s time you knew—cashiers hate you, and your friends immediately regret asking you for lip gloss. Not only does the Burton Cirrus Tote have way more style than your granny purse, it keeps your daily essentials organized and easy to find. Throw your water bottle in the largest front pocket, stash your makeup in the medium one, and your cell or iPod in the smallest. The rear sleeve provides a perfect home for a magazine or single-subject notebook, and a matching wallet puts an end to those loose bills floating around in your bag. At 700cu inches, the main compartment will fit a swimsuit and towel, or a beanie and scarf. You’re a big girl now. Take control of your life and do it with style.
