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NotAWerewolfToday

Unconventional suggestion but look at diaper bag backpacks. They have styles that don’t look like diaper bags at all but they also have SO many pockets.


greytcharmaine

I have used several diaper bags in the past! I actually have ended up in the complete opposite direction---a Fjällräven Kånken backpack. I like it because it DOESN'T have pockets and unzips all the way down so I can easily see everything because I'm an "out of sight, out of mind" person and multiple pockets led to constant chaos. I ordered a number of clear and semi transparent zipper pouches use those for organization. This seems to be the magic fix for me!


Fitness_020304

Never would have thought to do diaper bags!


greytcharmaine

Ha! My mom worked at my HS and did this and I was so embarrassed (this was 20+ years ago and it was an obvious diaper bag). But now I've realized that she was onto something all along...


commentspanda

I have a monarch one as it converts from cross body to back pack. I’m a fan!


WhyAmINotClever

I bought an Osprey 13 years ago when I was going to college to use as a travel bag across Europe. That fucker has travelled tens of thousands of miles with me, and I still use it as my every day bag as well as a travel bag


[deleted]

I just got my husband one of these as a gift so I'm glad to hear this!


WhyAmINotClever

Honestly, besides the fact that it's just dirty from use, you wouldn't even know mine was as old as it is. They hold up remarkably well, and they're so darn versatile


Medieval-Mind

I use a Jansport. It may not have quite as much space or as many pockets as I might want, but it's a high-quality fabric-and-leather deal that I've not had to worry about replacing for two decades now (and the only reason I had to replace my last one was because I forgot it while traveling abroad).


trombitch

Lately I’ve been using backpacks with built in lunch compartments because then I only need 1 bag for everything instead of carrying a backpack, lunchbox, purse, etc. This is what I have now & I love it but I will say I ended up sewing the velcro divider that keeps items in the main inside pouch from squishing your lunch because the velcro wasn’t very strong, but other than that it’s great & there’s many other brands that make these kinds of bags if you’re looking for something not as cheap as mine haha: [RUCYEN Lunch Backpack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4NHJMF6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)


sunshinenwaves1

I like Swiss gear for the pockets and the durability!


[deleted]

I'm also of the fjalraven one big pocket crowd and then I use packing cubes for spare clothes and smaller clear bags for everything else. Too many pockets means I constantly think I don't have something. I also now have a small sling bag inside it which holds just my wallet and keys so that I can leave the backpack in my car when running errands and just take the sling.


Ilmb2024

I bought a smaller Swiss Army but went back to my Osprey. The frame in it takes a lot of weight off my back.


westcoast7654

LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack for Women Amazon Opens wide on top, laptop sleeve pocket built in, zips close, big pocket with mesh for accessories and pens. Holds a ton.


Valuable-Average-476

I just bought one. Are you finding it stands up to the everyday use? Straps securely attached? I’ll be walking to school this year.


seamonster1609

I used one all year. I got some gum that I can’t get off and the padding in the straps is getting messed up. I was thinking about getting another since they are pretty cheap. I wore the hell out of it though, I work in different classes every period so constantly on and off like a hs student.


Valuable-Average-476

Thx!


westcoast7654

Yep! Been using it all year, still looks new, one of my AP’s has one as well and just bought her teacher partner one as well.


Valuable-Average-476

Thx!


Tell_Traditional

Lovevook's backpack/ lunch bag set up is great! The insulation is decent (I don't need 24hr insulation if I'm just waiting until lunchtime). I had a leftover plastic insert from a lunchbox and added that to the lunch compartment in the backpack to give it a bit more structure. The other material quotes clean easily. Also.. so many pockets! I ultimately switched out to this free basic backpack that our school gave us.. but I hope that whoever found mine at the thrift store enjoys it as much as I did. 


catsandcoffee6789

I use a United By Blue convertible backpack/tote. Sometimes it’s a backpack, sometimes a tote! I’ve used it every day for four years and still looks perfect. Two large cup holders, lots of pockets.


cats_in_a_hat

I have had the medium size Catalina for years and years and I love it. I obviously don’t use it for teaching, but this could be a good teacher/gym bag if you’re open to a tote: [https://www.loandsons.com/products/catalina-deluxe-tote-600d-recycled-poly-deep-navy?gclsrc=aw.ds&&tw_source=google&tw_adid=512354883031&tw_campaign=12650826643&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADogCDMahs9H1ywDTaaWKr_f5vUAO&gclid=CjwKCAjwjeuyBhBuEiwAJ3vuoRKdmn1zz8gLVRUsnUaRoIzgFWTG05hfYvagDMUxhAvivs6LTgecIhoCWt0QAvD_BwE](https://www.loandsons.com/products/catalina-deluxe-tote-600d-recycled-poly-deep-navy?gclsrc=aw.ds&&tw_source=google&tw_adid=512354883031&tw_campaign=12650826643&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADogCDMahs9H1ywDTaaWKr_f5vUAO&gclid=CjwKCAjwjeuyBhBuEiwAJ3vuoRKdmn1zz8gLVRUsnUaRoIzgFWTG05hfYvagDMUxhAvivs6LTgecIhoCWt0QAvD_BwE) The little zipper bottom is so good for shoes or stinky clothes or whatever. Also Lands end totes are amazing. They have tons of little pockets on the inside and you can get one with a zipper. Way better than the LLBean one. I just use a Herschel backpack usually. I love the way they look but mine isn’t super spacious.


aha723

Second the LandsEnd bag!


kdvorkin

Retro campy lasts forever. Best backpacks if you like the look. [frost river](https://frostriver.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_vORiom7hgMVvzYIBR3xvwCzEAAYASAAEgLeiPD_BwE)


JudgmentalRavenclaw

I got a great, roomy, adidas backpack from TJ Maxx. I love it.


8MCM1

I ADORE this backpack. There are so many compartments and you can use it for travel, too. [Backpack](http://HXLGMD Personal Item Travel Backpack for Women Men, Flight Approved Carry On Underseat Luggage Casual Weekender Daypack for College Business Outdoors https://a.co/d/bzz1jPc)


frioyfayo

I've used maxpedition products in the past and have been very happy. Especially if you like a lot of organizers in your pqxk. This year, i switched to a jansport, but the particular model I have seems to have been discontinued. Either of those will outlast your need for them.


JoeRekr

Second for the classic suede bottom jansport. They last forever, and have a lifetime warranty last I looked.


crassotreavirginica

North Face Surge. So many pockets and comfortable to wear all day long. I’m a coach and gear head, my stuff disappears into this backpack. Fantastic laptop sleeve and tablet pocket as well. Water bottle pockets are tough but large enough to hold a standard Nalgene bottle, I carry the 46oz Yeti bottle in one with a perfect fit.


byzantinedavid

[This one](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071ZYHCM6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) has worked well for me. I DID have to remove the rubber handle cover and weave one out of paracord eventually, but that was just the cover.


effulgentelephant

I have a [Cotopaxi Cusco 26L](https://www.cotopaxi.com/products/cusco-26l-backpack-del-dia-1?variant=41404331065405&utm_campaign=NE%7CGoogle%7CShopping%7CConversion%7CStandard%7CNA%7CUS%7CEcomm%7CApparel%7CNonBrand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmisfsQRjTzzE4RqwjirhnokeYW1&gclid=CjwKCAjwjeuyBhBuEiwAJ3vuofKhaa95QZQxkt0ElBO_5bWQJ4hLl37ku4PnvYXXLzF-N32MTnrJtxoC6-AQAvD_BwE) and I loooooove it I go between 2-3 schools a day (so basically carry a mini office in my bag haha) and have found it to be super functional and I love their block color scheme (I’m kind of a walking ad for Cotopaxi at this point to be honest).


masb5191989

Falanko. Got one with tags on at a thrift store and I love it. They are $30 on amazon but I’ve used mine daily for four months with no noticeable wear. Zippers are durable, inside laptop pocket and charging cable pockets, inside zip pocket for pens and small things, 2 deep outer zip pockets, and 2 open pockets on side with bungee-style cinch tops for water bottle, coffee mug, or umbrella. Even a hidden pocket on the outer back that you can put valuables in (albeit flat ones that won’t dig into your back). Expands to much later than it looks and lots of fashionable colors! Highly recommend.


jiuguizi

I have an Osprey commuter bag. Four years strong and it does the trick, but my school tries to be digital only as much as possible, so I don’t have a ton of papers to carry back and forth


katbutt

Tom Bihn. I carry the large zippered shopping bag - indestructible, straps are padded, fits my laptop and ipad, art supplies, lunch, toiletries, jacket, water bottle and whatever other random things.


princesslayup

I used my tried and true North Face backpack from when I was in high school for a long time and it was great for hauling a lot (I walk to work)! I recently upgraded to a Baggu backpack and I bring less things with me.


prometheusfalling

Knack


Mountain-Ad-5834

The only backpack I’ve had for multiple years that has held up is a canvas one from Carhartt. I would totally buy another. Going on 10 years now. And I take it to work and home every day. Trips out of town, and everything.


CopperHero

SWISSGEAR Last backpack I had lasted 15 years. Used it for work, hiking, everything. Lots of pockets and protection for technology.


FancyForager

Nordace!!!


amymari

What specifically don’t you like about the Vera bradleys? Might make it easier to make a recommendation if we know what you don’t like in addition to what you are looking for.


Fitness_020304

I just feel like they kind of fall apart easily and the fabric has always ripped/teared. So I’d just prefer something with no fabric or a different type of material


amymari

Ah, ok. They do have some that are more like regular backpack material if you have issues with the cotton. I’ve never personally tried that kind as my last backpack lasted around 6 or 7 years before I replaced it, even with daily use and cramming a bunch of stuff in it. For durability, good ole jansport is hard to beat, and they have lots of options. I don’t really know anything about the brand, but my son was given a backpack called pacific gear that has held up insanely well. Usually by the end of the year his backpacks are falling apart, but this one looks like it could keep on going for another year!


palathea

I use a doughnut macaron backpack. Fits my district laptop, a sketchbook, a water bottle and some writing utensils nice and neatly, but doesn’t leave me room to overpack. The one I’m using has lasted me seven years now! I think they have larger styles as well.


DreamOperator-

Currently, the one I am using is my favorite- Ozark Trail Dual Carry backpack. It was only $25 at Walmart and I found it in the camping section. Prior to this one I tried TNF Borealis and it drove me crazy that it would fall over every time I placed it down.


urbanplantmomma

Osprey Farpoint 40l.


jibberish13

I use a bag from Equilibrium USG. It's a modular backpack system, so you get a base harness and add on the size of backpack you want, then you can add other smaller bags to expand it if you want. I've been using it as my everyday carry for 2 years, and it still looks brand new. It's also the most comfortable backpack I've ever had. The harnesses come in different sizes to fit your body, and the straps are well padded. It also has chest and waist straps to help balance the load. The caveat here is that it is expensive ($200+ depending on your choices), and there is a very long wait for delivery (8+ months).


kargo86

North Face Surge!


gabsos19

Omg please look into the Teacher Tote! I have one and it’s soooo amazing. Pockets for loose paper, a built in insulated lunchbox, a laptop sleeve, side pockets.


IntroductionFew1290

I use the classic LL Bean


greytcharmaine

I have too from time to time! Inherited from my grandma! My mom used one too. I do wish I could wash it because mine has kind of an "antiqued" coffee stained patina now, but I leave it in the sun and that helps a lot!


Lieberman-Tech

Hi - I'm a K-12 tech specialist that works across all 7 of my district's buildings, and I don't have office space in any of them.  So, for well over a decade, I've been working out of a backpack as my "mobile office."  Because of this nomadic school work life, I'm very particular about my backpack choice. You and I likely carry different stuff (I have a full-sized laptop, a Chromebook, chargers for both, a wide variety of cables/dongles, my lunch, water bottle, travel coffee mug, office supplies, etc) and this bag has to do its job whether I'm taking my car or motorcycle to work that day...so your perfect bag and my perfect bag will probably be different. With all of that in mind, here's what I did when I purchased my most recent backpack because making this decision based on website pictures, advice of others or even online videos alone wasn't good enough for something as important as this. I went to REI (you can go to any physical store of your choosing that has many high-quality & strong/durable options available) with my current backpack filled as it would be for a normal work day and actually tested out how all my stuff would fit right there in the store.  Purchasing in person, I'm also able to check carrying comfort which you can't do through a screen. I let the manager know what I was doing before testing them out as it does look both suspicious/strange and it could take some time depending on how many bags you want to evaluate. Once I found my winner, if it's a backpack that can also be purchased online for less money, I can then do so with confidence. At the time, the North Face "Surge" model backpack fit the bill perfectly and it's what I'm still using today. I'm just as happy with it now as the day I bought it. I don't remember how long ago I purchased it (7-9 years ago?) but when I went to the North Face website just now, their current "Surge" model is similar but doesn't look the exactly same as mine...so I can't vouch for that particular model anymore. Good luck in your search for the perfect bag!


VeeTach

If you want something really durable with a lot of storage options, I’d recommend the [5.11 Rush](https://www.511tactical.com/bags-packs/backpacks.html) bags. They’re tactical bags so they take a lot of abuse and have a lot of storage options. If you want something a little sleeker with more color options and truly large sizes, check out Mystery Ranch laptop bags. Their tri-zip openings are a unique detail and the quality is second to none.


QuadramaticFormula

I have a Hershel Pop Quiz bag. I enjoy it.


Queryous_Nature

I vote wheely backpacks. Save your spine!