Any suggestions for a good buy it for life backpack?

I've been using my Ospree for almost 20 years and it hasn't failed or even worn in any way I can tell

Pro tip for backpack longevity. Stop dragging it.

My first year in high school (US) I bought a used "German Mountain Rucksack" from a military surplus catalog. Heavy canvas, rubberized top and bottom, triple stitching, buckles and drawstrings instead of zippers.

I used it all through HS and college, and I've taken it on dozens of flights across the country and overseas. I'll frequently load it up with 40lb of groceries and bike home from the store. It looked like it had gone through a warzone when I got it (and in all probability it has) but even after 20+ years of rough use it's still going strong - so that's my vote.

My mom bought me this Kelty backpack 28 years ago and I use it all the time. It has no rips, tears, and if I throw it in the washing machine once a year, looks brand new.

Deuter is my choice. It lasts from 5 to 10 years, depending on the use. I don't know if these backpacks are sold in the US, but in Europe the price starts at 100€.

What are your style, price, and other considerations?(Country of origin, ethical, material, etc.)

I love my Tactical Tailor Operator backpack and I am eyeing a Triple Aught Design Fast Pack Scout.

I have a Goruck GR1 that has been going strong for over a decade. It's been in multiple countries, often in harsh conditions. It's been dropped in an ocean. It's been tear gassed a time or two. It's been through a lot, and still looks almost new.

I've purchased a few other bags from them (the most recent being an M23 delivered this very week).

Lifetime warranty. Great construction. I have no complaints.

My sister bought me a Gregory backpack for my birthday three years ago (it's one of their 60 sizes). During spring/summer/fall I use it several times weekly when I hike to-and-from the gym, and it's still in like-new condition after hundreds of uses. I really like the straps across the chest and hips to help distribute weight across my torso. Problem is they aren't cheap, but they aren't cheaply made either and mine includes features like a detachable smaller pack for when you don't need the whole huge space. Depending on your budget, they may fit your needs and you may not need to splurge on one of their largest models like my sister did.

Buy something with an aluminum frame from your local hiking store. Get fitted for it properly.

All fabric gets holes. Learn how to use a needle and thread to patch it.

I’ve never had a better bag than a Lowepro. Overkill maybe, but they’ve earned more purchases from me considering I just threw away a 15 year old backpack.

I've had a Timbuk2 laptop bag for a long time, over a decade and no issues. Loved it so much I bought a backpack from them when my Swiss Gear straps broke. I've had it for probably 5 years, adore this thing and I can't see needing to repair it anytime soon. Recently took it abroad stuffed with laptop and camera gear and it was great. Regular sales online, highly recommend

I got a Swiss Gear backpack at a discount store. It's been getting heavy use pretty much every day since before Covid.

My Osprey has served me very well. I'd avoid REI branded bags, their build quality isn't as good

I bought a Patagonia one ~10 years ago, mainly because of their suggestion that it should be built to last and that they offer repairs for anything that breaks. I use it pretty much everyday and it's still pretty much good as new! Expensive outlay but worth it long-term I think.

I used to work a job with a lot of swag, to the point I was donating ~20 bags a month. I LOVED one of them with a Passion I tried to hunt it down but it was a custom build requiring 10k units. Since then I've replaced it with https://www.swissgear.com/swissgear-1900-scansmart-laptop-backpack and the only flaw is that no single compartment is MASSIVE. As long as you don't need 1 massive pouch this has all of the best features.

if all else fails, there’s always the DIY option: Easy to Make Ultralight Backpack

I love my thinkgeek backpack of holding, I've used and abused that thing and it still keeps kicking.

Legitimately my buddy has the same bag but doesn't use it as often, mine is slightly lighter brown I think because of all the sunshine it's seen.

I'm sad that you can't buy it anymore. Some of the thinkgeek guys are at rollacrit now, and they have their messenger bag of holding, a spiritual successor. I haven't looked closely, but from a glance it's not even close to the original.

I don't know what I'll do when my bag dies, but from the looks of it, that will be a long while.

I have a couple Mystery Ranch backpacks that I think are going to outlive me. RipRuck 32 holds a ton of stuff and the Blitz 30 has excellent organization. Incredibly durable, if a bit on the pricey side. I live/work on the road and was chewing through backpacks, so spending the extra has proven to be worth it.

I hate to say it but I know 3 people with the LTT Backpackand they all love it.

Check out Tom Bihn!! They make durable bags that are of excellent quality, and definitely BIFL. They also have a pretty dedicated following of customers that post to a community forum (you can find the link from the Tom Bihn website). People there were really helpful when I posted about waffling between two styles and sizes for an EDC backpack. I definitely recommend checking TB bags out, and going to their forum for helpful advice.

I have an Eastpak bag that ive been using daily since 2012. Holds a basket of groceries, in my experience.
The inside has some sort of plastic lining that is now degrading, the padding in the straps is now non-existant, and its pretty dirty. But it still works great, and is comfy.
Id buy another, but the current styles are flower-based or solid colour

Why no one is suggestion to check the nearby military surplus shop?

Not being a shill but after seeing the miner using the LTT backpack and how good of shape it was in after a year. I'd say that is some good quality materials used in it

My kid has a five nights at Freddy's backpack. Normally these branded things are made cheaply.

This thing has been hauling 25lbs of books for 4 years now and only the carrying handle is starting to wear.

It's amazing.

Savotta Jääkäri

I nearly use mine as in the video and it holds up.

Look at the backpacking/hiking brands. Osprey, Deuter, fantastic, comfortable backpacks.

I have now had a Goruck G2 backpack for 4 years as my daily driver as well as for travel and shorter hikes. It is a great backpack, heavy duty and well thought out design. The only downside being it's somewhat hefty price tag and the shipping costs to Europe.

I have a couple of Kipling's that have held up well.

Frost River. They can be a bit heavy, but are lifers. They typically make portaging packs, but their daily bags are made just as durable.

If you don't mind a more military look, Maxpedition and Sandpiper of California have been my go to for a while.

Ask a Mormon

Don't get a "backpack". You want a day bag or some other hiking thing.

But if you're using it for groceries, you're probably better off paying for delivery and buying in bulk these days.

It's like $5 flat rate, that's easy to make up compared to buying a backpack at a time.