Reddit mentions of Sandpiper of California Three Day Pass Backpack

I have used this bag through middle school to college. It is the perfect size for holding my Macbook, notebooks, textbooks, etc. When you need it to be compact, draw in the side straps and you have a small portable backpack. However, if you release the side straps, the bag is perfect for a weekend trip, camping, airplanes, hiking etc. I have even used it for snowboarding. Here is PX link. If you know anyone military you can get it through them without tax.

https://www.shopmyexchange.com/mobile/sandpiper-of-california-3-day-pass-bag/1470616

Or Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sandpiper-California-Three-Pass-Backpack/dp/B007VMOU92

If you wanted something bigger with aluminum back support, I also have the bug out size. If you know you will be carrying heavy weight for long periods of time, this bag is the most comfortable and supportive. It also counts as a carry on in airports, so that is a plus.

http://www.amazon.com/Sandpiper-of-California-Bugout-Backpack/dp/B007VMOPRY?th=1&psc=1

The Sandpiper Three Day Pass is my absolute favorite on a budget.

$54 in black, $56 in khaki/tan Amazon Link

Their Bug Out Bag costs about $20 more, but it's a tad bigger and the waistbelt is beefier.

Also a huge fan of TAG and Tac Tailor, if you've got money to spend, but I don't think anything hits the price/value intersection like the SOC TDP, especially at the $55 mark.

Now, if you cans wing the scratch, you want the creme-de-la-creme? The shizzle, my nizzle?

$220: http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/3/ProductID/9/Default.aspx

Umalindi. 37L (dimensional volume x 1.6) and I'll be damned if HPG isn't my favorite goddamn light rucks on the planet. I've got a Tarahuma coming (wanted something smaller than my TDP for shorter trips, bicycle rides/runs) and have my Runner's Kit Bag already. These guys 100% know what they're doing. Witht he coupon coide, you can get the 'lindi and the waistbelt (good place to mount water and a snack pouch) for $300 OTD. Snag a Kit Bag to wear on your chest and keep your sidearm in there while you move. Subdued colors so you can disappear in the woods, rugged construction, light weight, and designed for runners, hikers, and other high-desert outdoors activity by people who know mountains. Overkill? Probably.

Sandpiper of California Three Day pass. The tan is on sale for $53, black is at $60. Sandpiper sells them direct for $70. I used one every day as a heavy duty med bag in addition to my issue one in the Army. Beat to hell, in and out of trucks and in and our of the field not so much as a popped stitch. Excessively worth the price.

http://www.amazon.com/Sandpiper-California-Three-Pass-Backpack/dp/B007VMOU92

This has been my baby for years now. I would say I have 600+ miles walking, 400+ Biking on mine. I've used it for almost 4 years now in all sorts of weather, with all kinds of loads. It honestly still looks new.

The inside waterproof lining is starting to crumble in some stress points, but the fabric is still holding up very well. I have never had a problem with any of the zippers. Which is insanely impressive in my eyes.

It compresses down to a good size, and can expand out to hold an impressive amount of stuff.

The straps are decently comfortable, not cushiony like Jansport, but they ride really well and have never given me any painful stress points on my shoulders, neck, or back, even with a lot of weight.

I'm actually looking it over right now (comes with me to work every day). The stitching is still in tact at all stress points. The MOLLE is not sagging or falling apart. All good on the zippers. Bottom is solid and hasn't experienced any tearing or material pilling.

It is honestly the best backpack I have ever had.

Question though, what is your beef with 5.11 exactly? I have always been impressed by their stuff. Their pants are phenomenal, and my wife's 5.11 backpack has held up decently. I would still recommend SOC over 5.11, but I feel they are far from sucking.