r/backpacks•
yodderfodder

Need help finding the perfect bag

Question

Hey all,

As the title says I'm looking for the perfect bag. Kind of a "does everything bag" lol maybe I'm being too ambitious, but I'm stubborn and determined.

Use case: I am a geologist and PhD candidate. So I need (want) an edc, field pack, and light travel bag all in one. On the daily I carry basic things with me, laptop, charger, headphones, some books, tablet and rain jacket, don't have a lot of loose stuff, so I hate bags with way too much organization (feel like I'm paying for pockets I'll never use lol). I study in Iceland, so waterproof is a must, and ruggedness is preferred. Also traveling for the weekend or a few days to a week for a conference is normal, and I'd love to only take one bag if I can. For this reason I am considering a roll top bag, as it seems like they have the most versatility, given you buy the right bag.

Current choices are

  1. MW The Rhake, seems ideal because I can have classic backpack organization along with roll top functionality.

  2. Chrome Industries Urban Ex: seems rugged enough, like the look, and from what I can tell from reviews the fit seems comfortable.

  3. WNDRD PRVKE: I see this bag EVERYWHERE online, reviews seem genuinely good just don't know if it gets me everything I need.

I'm open to any and all suggestions, so please if you have an idea, say it, roll top or not. I plan to use this bag for the next 3-5 years, so price is very flexible. Would love to not pay more than like $500-550. But I want something that will last, so this will be an investment.

Suggest away!!

Posted Jun 6, 2026, 9:32 PM UTC

10
Loading comments…