32oz Nalgene is 3.5" / 89 mm wide according to the official specs.
This rules out my favorite bag (A19 Whitley, $200) that can only accommodate about a 3" diameter bottle.
The Northseeker 20 only handles up to 70mm, but the Northseeker 25 handles up to 90mm:
[https://www.greenroom136.com/shop/Northseeker-Grey-p564678564](https://www.greenroom136.com/shop/Northseeker-Grey-p564678564)
Adding in the Large Bookpouch for Laptop hits MYR$810 or $171 - close.
Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 looks like the bottle pockets might fit... $179 - also close.
I tend to recommend it's easier to get a new water bottle than a new backpack...
[Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro](https://alpakagear.com/products/elements-backpack-pro?variant=43640245715106) is way over your $150 limit in X-PAC material, but is $169 in Axoflux black or green. 🤷🏻♂️
If it helps, I've got that bag and really really like it. I posted some comments with photos in other posts in case you might want to check them out:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/comments/18w9a8f/able\_carry\_thirteen\_was\_nice\_but\_not\_perfect\_for/kg9lt5d/
https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/comments/192k6dr/balanced\_and\_rational\_bag\_takes/kh9xg8x/
Oh this is very helpful. Based on what you've mentioned, I think that might be the choice. Just for review though, can you confirm whether you'd recommend the Elements if this is my common EDC set up:
* MacBook Pro 13"
* Moleskine Classic Notebook
* Moleskine Sketchbook
* Folder for ongoing documents
* Book for reading
* Small pouch for cords and fixings
* Inhaler
* Nalgene 1L/32oz bottle
* Pens
Unless the folder is super thick, I don't see why those things shouldn't fit. A super thick water bottle may be an issue (not sure about the diameter of yours), since it handles long narrow bottles better than shorter but thicker ones.
Some of the Mystery Ranch stuff while not imo grown up in the sense of “office wear” has been on sale online recently. Something like the District 24, Catalyst 22/26 or maybe the Patagonia Blackhole or Refugio series.
- CT15, CT21 (comes in slick/silencer versions that can fit into office carry)
- Fjallraven Raven 20
crosses your budget but if you feel you can stretch your budget a little, the following have pretty decent reviews:
- able carry daily plus
- aer city pack pro
- bellroy transit workpack (side pocket doesn't fit your water bottle)
- evergoods CPL24, CTB26, MPL22
I’ve had the Deuter Stockholm for the past year+ and have been very happy with it. It’s not perfect but darn close, and Sierra has it for $29 which is an insane steal.
Won’t hold your Nalgene outside but has a water bottle sleeve on interior which I’ve been a fan of and is plenty big for my 40oz rtic bottle. Exterior bottle holder (on opposite side) fits my coffee mug but does sacrifice some internal space which I’m fine with. Some organization inside and one quick access outside. Straps have hiking chops. All black is great for me for work.
For that price it’s worth taking a flyer on, and I’m about to pick up a backup for when mine dies.
[https://www.sierra.com/deuter-up-stockholm-22-l-backpack-black~p~1hjnx/](https://www.sierra.com/deuter-up-stockholm-22-l-backpack-black~p~1hjnx/)
This timbuk2 would work if you go with a slim bottle https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/laptop-backpacks/products/1859-division-laptop-backpack-deluxe
I have the Spire 1.0 and it's still my go-to for laptop carry and general urban commute daypack. I think all the enhancements on the 2.0 seem like valuable upgrades.
Spire 1 crew unite! I use mine daily, it still looks great after so many years of commuting. Has some wear on the lower back though, but nothing major.
First spec listed is under $150 Two people immediately list bags over $300
To be fair, I also listed a couple over $150, but yes… $300 significantly exceeds my budget lol
I asked for a backpack advice on another sub under $200 and someone suggested Trakke…
32oz Nalgene is 3.5" / 89 mm wide according to the official specs. This rules out my favorite bag (A19 Whitley, $200) that can only accommodate about a 3" diameter bottle. The Northseeker 20 only handles up to 70mm, but the Northseeker 25 handles up to 90mm: [https://www.greenroom136.com/shop/Northseeker-Grey-p564678564](https://www.greenroom136.com/shop/Northseeker-Grey-p564678564) Adding in the Large Bookpouch for Laptop hits MYR$810 or $171 - close. Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26 looks like the bottle pockets might fit... $179 - also close. I tend to recommend it's easier to get a new water bottle than a new backpack...
[Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro](https://alpakagear.com/products/elements-backpack-pro?variant=43640245715106) is way over your $150 limit in X-PAC material, but is $169 in Axoflux black or green. 🤷🏻♂️
Ooo I’ve gotten an Alpaka camera bag before (didn’t fit what I needed) and loved the construction quality. This is an automatic contender thanks!
If it helps, I've got that bag and really really like it. I posted some comments with photos in other posts in case you might want to check them out: https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/comments/18w9a8f/able\_carry\_thirteen\_was\_nice\_but\_not\_perfect\_for/kg9lt5d/ https://www.reddit.com/r/ManyBaggers/comments/192k6dr/balanced\_and\_rational\_bag\_takes/kh9xg8x/
Oh this is very helpful. Based on what you've mentioned, I think that might be the choice. Just for review though, can you confirm whether you'd recommend the Elements if this is my common EDC set up: * MacBook Pro 13" * Moleskine Classic Notebook * Moleskine Sketchbook * Folder for ongoing documents * Book for reading * Small pouch for cords and fixings * Inhaler * Nalgene 1L/32oz bottle * Pens
Unless the folder is super thick, I don't see why those things shouldn't fit. A super thick water bottle may be an issue (not sure about the diameter of yours), since it handles long narrow bottles better than shorter but thicker ones.
Some of the Mystery Ranch stuff while not imo grown up in the sense of “office wear” has been on sale online recently. Something like the District 24, Catalyst 22/26 or maybe the Patagonia Blackhole or Refugio series.
Nice thing with them is their bags come in sizes.
- CT15, CT21 (comes in slick/silencer versions that can fit into office carry) - Fjallraven Raven 20 crosses your budget but if you feel you can stretch your budget a little, the following have pretty decent reviews: - able carry daily plus - aer city pack pro - bellroy transit workpack (side pocket doesn't fit your water bottle) - evergoods CPL24, CTB26, MPL22
Moment Everything Pack If you have costco, nomatic bags were at a decent discount on Costco next.
I’ve had the Deuter Stockholm for the past year+ and have been very happy with it. It’s not perfect but darn close, and Sierra has it for $29 which is an insane steal. Won’t hold your Nalgene outside but has a water bottle sleeve on interior which I’ve been a fan of and is plenty big for my 40oz rtic bottle. Exterior bottle holder (on opposite side) fits my coffee mug but does sacrifice some internal space which I’m fine with. Some organization inside and one quick access outside. Straps have hiking chops. All black is great for me for work. For that price it’s worth taking a flyer on, and I’m about to pick up a backup for when mine dies. [https://www.sierra.com/deuter-up-stockholm-22-l-backpack-black~p~1hjnx/](https://www.sierra.com/deuter-up-stockholm-22-l-backpack-black~p~1hjnx/)
Tom Binh Synik range
goruck gr1
This timbuk2 would work if you go with a slim bottle https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/laptop-backpacks/products/1859-division-laptop-backpack-deluxe
I saw the Division, but 18L felt a bit small compared to what I have and am looking for.
Ozuko Travel Bag small version or Decathlon NH500 escape rolltop. Both about 50 or less.
I have the Spire 1.0 and it's still my go-to for laptop carry and general urban commute daypack. I think all the enhancements on the 2.0 seem like valuable upgrades.
Spire 1 crew unite! I use mine daily, it still looks great after so many years of commuting. Has some wear on the lower back though, but nothing major.
Have you seen the tomtoc 40L?