<p>My kids both have the Wenger/Swiss Army backpacks. We are a family that most definitely can not say “money is no object” and have found these backpacks to be great and a reasonable price. Padded laptop sleeve, lots of room, comfortable on the back and shoulders when heavy, and really sturdy. At school it’s a backpack, going back and forth to school it’s great luggage.</p>
<p>I like using a zippered sleeve to protect my laptop. This way, I can put my laptop in <em>any</em> bag.</p>
<p>S1 who is a rising college senior still uses the llbean pack that we bought him in the fifth grade. He has used it everyday since the first day of school fifth grade, including stuffing it with books and architecture equipment, traveling all over Europe twice, as a general carry on and he carries his Macbook Pro (in a padded sleeve he paid $6 for at Target) in it everyday. The thing still looks great and is going strong. He says he doesn’t want a new one. He even once carried a cat from Boston to DC on a plane in this backpack. Still looking good.</p>
<p>Once my son got his iPhone several years ago, he used that for everything - a lot more convenient than hauling a laptop to classes. I too have an iPhone and have stopped taking my laptop on personal trips. But that being said, I also support the people who talked about the NF Surge.</p>
<p>I think we will be looking to purchase the NF Surge - if anyone sees a decent price online for it, please share!</p>
<p>abasket, I posted on your other thread regarding the NF surge.</p>
<p>A bit on the expensive side, but Spire USA backpacks are amazing. I have one I used for 5 years every day and it still looks like new, no wear and tear, can carry very heavy loads, seams and zippers in tiptop shape. I’ve never had a backpack be so sturdy!</p>
<p>www spireusa dot com - I suggest the “Volt” size for college use. If my experience is any indication, it should take your kid through undergrad and graduate school and still be ready for more! I balked at the initial price, but it ended up being worth it now that I’m on my 6th year of using it!</p>
<p>would messenger bag be better than a regular bag?</p>
<p>Both my kids prefer messenger bags to backpacks. One has a leather one and the other a nylon one.</p>