I bought this one in November, and I ADORE it. I got it thinking Elliot is a pretty easy cosplay to pull off. I started using it because I wanted it to look worn and used if I ever did decide to dress up as Elliot. I've used it for 6 months now and it's great.
The price is pretty stunning. I'm used to spending at least $100 or more for a good backpack, so I didn't know what to expect on this one quality wise. But it's huge, it's comfortable, and it has held up really well for daily use. I'm not sure if it's exactly the one Elliot has in the show, but all of the details I've been able to spy on the show (straps, cinches, etc) all line up.
What I really love is that the laptop pocket isn't really an inner pocket. It's up against your back, but it's not in the zippered portions. There's just a velcro pocket that it slips in. It's very secure, though, and I like it because it means no crumbs or other debris gets in the laptop pocket like I've experienced with other backpacks.
IMO, you can't beat it for the price. Mine came with a flag velcro attachment. I took that off, but otherwise, I use it as is.
No man, always ask. One problem is that so many people treat motorcycling like everything else - where you can do the bare minimum and be ok.
But others treat it like getting a pilot's license or whatever, where there's classes, training, preparation, etc. So if that's how you want to treat it, jump in because there's always more information out there.
For backpacks with a lot of space I love the "army style" bags from Amazon like this
Now you don't have to use that, but the idea is that it has multiple pockets (clothes vs work supplies vs food) and it has a chest strap, which is really nice for keeping it secure on your back.
Something like that is big enough to put work clothes in, or work shoes, and then just change when you get to work and store it all at your desk. That's what I do.
There are also motorcycle-specific backpacks like from Ogio or Kreiga. They are more costly but may be something you want if they have a specific feature (e.g., Ogio Mach series are aerodynamic for the sport bike riders)
I went with this one. It's so amazing I actually bought it twice. After about two years I had a glitch in one of the main zippers, but it was a pet related thing. (Cat chewed on it.)
Now I just keep the janky one packed with my kit for donating platelets.
They look pretty much the same except for the zipper pulls. I love the laptop pocket in the back. I love how big it is. I love how comfortable it is to wear. I love the handle on top.
I initially bought it because- hey- easy cosplay. I started using it so it would get beat up and not look cheesy as hell if I ever DID want to use it. It quickly became my favorite bag. I have a handful of Osprey, REI, and Dakine backpacks and this one is the one I use daily. It's just perfect.
I love this one: have been loading it up for two years and zero issues. I thought it wouldn’t be good quality at the price, but it’s held up perfectly and I actually bought a second one.
REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I recently purchased this backpack for a trip I took to Tanzania last month. It held up really well. I didn't buy it for this purpose, but it has a sleeve on the back (the side with the straps) that I believe was mean to hold armor plates.
This particular bag is quite large, but I would suggest looking for similar ones to suit your kids school needs and has a dedicated pocket to slide in some body armor plates. As far as plates are concerned, I think a Level III+ would fit the bill for this use case.
Maaaaan I bought this some months ago. Forty bones. It never occurred to me until just this second that I should be wanting more than that bag. I typically ruck 5 a day with 45 lbs. Never a problem. I recommend.
I've been using this one (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2) for four years now for radio and non-radio excursions alike. I was skeptical at first due to the cheap price, but figured worst case, I'm not out very much money, and would spend more on the next one. But this cheap one just keeps on trucking. It has no business being this good for this cheap, but mine at least is still in like-new shape after four years. So, I'd recommend it. It has lots of space, should have no trouble fitting all the things you list above. It's also fairly comfortable to wear, even loaded.
If I could go back in time, I would have told myself to bring a cheap black backpack to wear in uniform and baby wipes. Bring a decent amount of baby wipes because they come in clutch when cleaning your weapon, wiping yourself down in the field, or taking a shit.
Nice. I just picked up this one myself a couple of months back. I figured there's no reason to have a gender-bent Elliot cosplay laying around since it's so damn easy.
Of course, I had to start using the backpack to rough it up and make it more authentic looking, lol. It's HUGE! But I do like it.
I go to Amazon and look for tactical backpacks, I also measure my laptop to make sure it’s gunna be a good fit. I also find a padded sleeve to put my computer in so that it’s extra protected.
This one is kind of like mine, not sure if it’s exactly the same, I like it though.
I just put down my swiss gear last week after 4 years.
Went with a different form factor and got this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_FYTXFbN86Q1GK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Cheap, and the quality seems pretty good. Not the most comfortable. It fits my tools and laptop and a week's worth of clothes if you don't have a lot of tools, or if you move some to a checked bag.
I have a cheap tactical backpack from Amazon. Well, cheap as compared to Maxpedition or other brands. It's made really well and is pretty thick nylon, but probably not quite as thick as the more expensive brands. Very spacious and lots of Molle webbing and different pockets and pouches for your stuff. I have some smaller zippered nylon pouches that have different items that I keep in it, one has first aid, another has toiletries & grooming type items (Tide Pen LOL), another has pen light, pen, note pad, etc. Large opening has a bag inside that has water, food, etc. There's tons of room in it for just about anything you want to carry.
I bought a similar one back in 2016 (had to looked it up) and it's lasted me as a my main travel bag. I only use a checked bag if it's more than a week or I need winter clothes. Still like new.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_axIuFbJMVXBZ1
I bought this on amazon last year. I have 3 3700 size trays, a smaller tray for terminal tackle, probably 25 bags of soft plastics, braid cutters, scale, fish grippers, leader line. Plenty of space and pretty well made.
REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack Large Army 3 Day Assault Pack Molle Bag Backpacks... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2/ ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BevsEbAPNBR4X
This is the same bag I've had for the past 4 years now. Hella durable and is the exact bag they used
REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack Large Army 3 Day Assault Pack Molle Bag Backpacks… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V3D6BCYPRKKST5DDKYHZ
It has gone up in price since I bought it but it fits your budget exactly.
Deal link: Amazon
Deal link: Amazon
I use this one REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
For Hawk Mountain I used a hiking pack as my 72 hour pack. Worked great and was very comfortable, original price was around 150 dollars but I found it on sale for 70 can’t find it on amazon anymore but will edit if I find it.
As a 24 hour pack I’ve been using this for a few months and it’s held up fine only complaint with it is there’s no designated pouch for a hydration pack (camelback)
If you’re looking for some very good packs and willing to spend some extra cash you could go to Cascade Search and Rescue here but they’re pretty up there in price for some, friend of mine got a pack off there and loves it (can’t remember which one).
Hawk Mountain in particular I’d invest in a better 72 than a 24 because you’re going to be doing a lot more hiking with that rather than the 24. You’re required to have one with waist straps and either an internal or external frame otherwise they’ll give you a pretty standard ruck which I’ve seen some prefer over a hiking pack. I have a 65L 72 hour and could fit all my stuff in there just fine.
This one is tough, inexpensive, and can be sinched down pretty thin: this
You're not missing much, Army Surplus stores are overpriced and not usually worth the trip in my experience. I got this bag on Amazon, after trying this one first. If you want a smaller pack, the second one is nice, and the rear pocket is exactly the right size for that transmitter case, but I needed more space so that one became my son's backpack. Every three year old needs a bug out bag, right?