New backpack recommendations

[teamacacia]

Part 1...
I'm looking for recommendations to replace my old Oakley backpack that is over 13 years old and has finally started to give up the ghost. Here is the newest version of the same pack: http://www.oakley.com/products/icon-backpack-3-0/92075-958

I use this mostly for travel and am looking for recommendations of packs with similar storage capacity that don't look too "tactical", i.e. I don't really want something that has molle all over it. Oakley has been fine but I'd like to see if anyone has anything better out there that I'm unaware of.

Part 2...
I'm looking for a smaller backpack that may also double as an option for ccw. No restrictions on look (as above) as this will be used around town. So far, I am considering the maxpedition condor II http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Backpacks-c12.htm

 

[Garand]

I've been eyeballing this one lately

LINK

 

[adluginb]

I had the Condor II and eventually sold it and went with the Vulture II. Just found the Condor II to be on the smaller side and wanted something a little bigger. Very well made products.

 

[WTJ]

Try Kifaru or Mountain Ridge.

 

[Sanjuro82]

Try Kifaru or Mountain Ridge.

Good selections! I've been very impressed with my Mountain Ridge pack. Had it for about 5 years now and it's taken everything I've thrown at it.

 

[Erick]

I picked up A North Face Recon Backpack for my non-tac pack. It looks good for traveling and has plenty of compartments. I bought it for the day trips when traveling or anytime i needed something a little less conspicuous, kinda what you are looking for.

Edit: That Oakley looks pretty sharp!

 

[sesh]

Have you checked out Osprey packs for travel? http://www.ospreypacks.com/

or Mystery Ranch, they have a wide array: http://www.mysteryranch.com/site/index.html

 

[jakerz]

Osprey makes a great product. I have one of their packs that I use for hiking and it rocks. i like this one on their website for an every day pack: http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/MetronSeriesUrbanCommute

As far as your second option, i have the 511 rush 12 and it is a great pack. i also have the rush 24 and find myself using it more for the extra space. Both great choices.

http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/Backpacks.html

 

[teamacacia]

I've been eyeballing this one lately

LINK

Garand, that pack looks really good! Even though I don't have to have a "grey-man" type pack around town, I kinda like the thought more and more as I think about it. I emailed them about how you would secure a firearm in the pack but haven't heard back yet. When I do, I'll post an update.

Try Kifaru or Mountain Ridge.

WTJ, I looked at Kifaru earlier and everything on the website seemed like it wouldn't be a good fit for my usage...Need a small-midsize backpack to carry to and from work that would be able to conceal a weapon and also hold a few magazines, folders, laptop and such. I haven't had a chance to check out Mountain Ridge but I will momentarily.

I picked up A North Face Recon Backpack for my non-tac pack. It looks good for traveling and has plenty of compartments. I bought it for the day trips when traveling or anytime i needed something a little less conspicuous, kinda what you are looking for.

Edit: That Oakley looks pretty sharp!

Erick, I'll check out that north face back here in a few. It is hard to find a backpack that I can cram a whole bunch of crap in while traveling. You'd be amazed at all the junk I can cram in the Oakley. It has been tough as nails, lasting me from college through med school, residency, and countless plane trips both domestic and abroad.

Have you checked out Osprey packs for travel? http://www.ospreypacks.com/

or Mystery Ranch, they have a wide array: http://www.mysteryranch.com/site/index.html

Osprey makes a great product. I have one of their packs that I use for hiking and it rocks. i like this one on their website for an every day pack: http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/MetronSeriesUrbanCommute

As far as your second option, i have the 511 rush 12 and it is a great pack. i also have the rush 24 and find myself using it more for the extra space. Both great choices.

http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/Backpacks.html

Thanks, I'll check out both Osprey and Mystery Ranch. I think I recently read something about Osprey and how wonderful their warranty is...something to the effect that if it EVER breaks, they'll fix it.
As for the second pack, after looking at the 5.11 Covrt 18 I'm really thinking about going that way rather than something with stuff all over it. It wouldn't matter so much at work as most of the folks I work with are firearms folks, but it would make a difference going to and from work when wearing attire that isn't conducive to carrying concealed.


Thanks for the input everyone! Keep any other ideas coming.

 

[sesh]

I have an Osprey Manta 20 that I use all the time hiking and geocaching with my kids but I've never carried in it. They are some of the best packs out there and you're right, the warranty is top notch.