North

[UPDATED, see below ]

I’m looking for a backpack to replace my shoulder bag. I like my shoulder bag fine, except that I carry too much stuff around and it’s starting hurt my shoulder and back.

So far, the following backpacks look promising:

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L.L.Bean Waxed Continental Rucksack

Pros: I like that doesn’t look like a 7th grader’s bag.

Cons: The straps look too thick for some third-party accessories like small camera pouches.

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Timbuk2 Track II

Pros: External storage for helmet/shoes, etc.

Cons: I’m not crazy about the style.

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Boblbee Megalopolis

Pros: Specially designed shape for safety (good for riding bike/motorcycle)

Cons: Expensive 

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If you have had experience with any of these bags, or have other suggestions, I’d love to hear them. You can tweet me (@cmerrill), or e-mail me (curt.merrill@gmail.com).

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Update: 9/25 —

Thanks to some Twitter followers, I’m now looking at the Timbuk2 HAL and offerings from REI and Crumpler.