<p>Is the NF Surge waterproof? Are any of these suggestions waterproof?</p>
<p>D had hers monogrammed but instead of initials she had them write: Hi!
It was a good icebreaker.</p>
<p>Since middle school, my S has paid for the quality of SwissArmy bags. But he decided to save some money until he knew for sure what he wanted at college and got (an older version of) this: [Case</a> Logic Canvas Backpack/Duffel- eBags.com](<a href=“http://www.ebags.com/product/case-logic/canvas-backpackduffel/96831]Case”>http://www.ebags.com/product/case-logic/canvas-backpackduffel/96831)
He actually LOVES it - said it is VERY roomy (he has a large laptop) with out being overly large. He has used it for a year, and plans to continue using it next year.</p>
<p>Well, my son chose to purchase the North Face Surge. We were able to find it online for 81.95 including shipping.</p>
<p>[The</a> North Face Surge Daypack](<a href=“http://www.sunnysports.com/Prod/NFCPSRN.html]The”>http://www.sunnysports.com/Prod/NFCPSRN.html)</p>
<p>Editing, because I meant to thank all of you. It was all very helpful and you saved me a lot of time and energy shopping for a backpack!</p>
<p>I bought a terrific Jansport backpack in 2004 that my daughter appropriated when she left for college. I’m HOPING to get it back when she graduates in two weeks!! It’s a great backpack and truthfully looks brand new. Computer fits in it with books and notebooks just fine.</p>
<p>I think he’ll be very happy with his purchase.</p>
<p>It’s Swiss *Gear<a href=“it’s%20a%20brand,%20not%20a%20pocketknife”>/i</a>. And they are pretty good. My son has one. Last one was made by Ogio, and it was also very high quality.</p>
<p>Wenger - the company that makes Swiss Gear makes the Swiss Army knife.</p>
<p>[Wenger</a>. Maker of The Genuine Swiss Army Knife.](<a href=“International | Wenger Homepage”>http://www.wengerna.com/)</p>
<p>[Synergy</a> GA-7305-14 Wenger Business Gear Backpack](<a href=“International | Wenger Homepage”>International | Wenger Homepage)</p>
<p>We know an otherwise very well-organized young man who went to college without a backpack. I think he was looking at the “list of things to bring” from the college’s dorm list and was focusing on things like Twin XL sheets and simply forgot it. Of course he was able to get one after he arrived but he ended up having to buy it on campus, which was expensive. </p>
<p>My daughter, on the other hand, probably keeps two backpacks (one that holds the laptop and a smaller one) and half a dozen assorted messenger bags and totes in her dorm room - not to mention the multiple string backpacks with logos that, like t-shirts, keep appearing.</p>
<p>The best laptop backpack we have worked with by far is the Targus Groove. Check the newegg site. You’ll find it for $25 on sale. We bought over a dozen for the hs kids to carry laptops, etc. to competitions. There a slots and dividers for every gadget you can think of. The kids are murder on the bags. They get knocked around, drug & banged up. The computer sleeve is nice and padded. We have never had a single ‘injury’. :)</p>
<p>NOTE:
I would agree with MwM2K. You should have a string backpack as well. They probably have them at the bookstore for $20, or you can get one from the sports store. My boys carry stuff in them all the time. If you are REALLY lucky you can find them now with waterproof lining & zipperpouches! Great for keys.</p>
<p>We received the backpack (NF Surge). My son is very pleased with it. It is very much like the backpack he was using in HS, but with extra padding for his laptop and has some extra straps. I was pleased with what I paid for this backpack, as it seems pretty well made. Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>I am so excited to be shopping for stuff for college! I am trying to get my mother to buy me this [Computer</a> Backpack](<a href=“http://www.computerbackpackandbag.com/p97-DIVISION-RED.html]Computer”>http://www.computerbackpackandbag.com/p97-DIVISION-RED.html)</p>
<p>It is really cool and will be the best way for me to cart around all of my stuff. I am so excited!</p>
<p>NSM–Glad he likes it.</p>
<p>Another North Face backpack fan. One of mine carts his laptop and has the surge, the other two have different models. They last and last and last through all kinds of hard use.</p>
<p>My kids like the Timbuk2 Messenger bags. They are waterproof and last forever.</p>
<p>My mom got me an LL Bean backpack - kind of like this one [Carryall</a> Day Pack: Totes, Shoulder Bags and Briefcases at L.L.Bean](<a href=“Carryall Day Pack | Bags & Totes at L.L.Bean”>Carryall Day Pack | Bags & Totes at L.L.Bean) but I don’t see it on their website. Anyway, if something happens to it they will take it back and replace it free. Mine looks almost new and I have had it three years.</p>
<p>Outlier here: Bought DS a leather messenger bag at a very, very reduced price. After three years of use looks as good as when we bought it.</p>
<p>He is very happy with it and has been able to use it for internships and things like that when a backpack might have been too casual.</p>
<p>DD got a leather book bag from ebay – new at radically reduced price.</p>
<p>Looks perfect after four years of use and will now go to law school with her.</p>
<p>Both did/do cart around laptops.</p>
<p>As rishing hs sr. Our student has a Swiss backback–its the second of the same model–bought at Target…</p>
<p>however–we noted that waterproof is really important–so the next one has to be waterproof/resistant…as everything ends up wet–</p>
<p>We like other NorthFace gear–however are the backpacks waterproof/resistant?</p>
<p>[Booq</a> Boa Flow XL Backpack (Fits 17" Laptop)](<a href=“http://www.bedoxinc.com/boaflxlbaf17.html]Booq”>http://www.bedoxinc.com/boaflxlbaf17.html)</p>
<p>Anyone use these bags–they are registered–</p>
<p>seem reallly pricey</p>
<p>others
<a href=“http://www.computerbackpackandbag.com/p81-EXPRESS-BACKPACK-BLACK-AND-YELLOW.html[/url]”>http://www.computerbackpackandbag.com/p81-EXPRESS-BACKPACK-BLACK-AND-YELLOW.html</a>
don’t say anything about water resistant</p>
<p>“We like other NorthFace gear–however are the backpacks waterproof/resistant?” - I am interested in the answer too. </p>
<p>Laptops don’t like rain;) Had son ended up in CA would not have been too concerned… but Boston is another story.</p>