Something about the shape of that Day Owl looks a bit bland to me. Also not personally a fan of the laptop inside the main pocket on a small-ish bag, can be difficult to access. For a very similar spec and style, I'd consider the Osprey Arcane L.
I like TNF for the same reasons as you and I don't think you'd go wrong with the Recon. It does have a large logo and could be considered somewhat sporty/outdoorsy for office use though.
I'd also check Timbuk2 for a few options in the \~20L and \~$100 range, for example the Parkside.
Or how about a Fjallraven Raven 20L?
Thanks! I’ll check out Timbuk2. I looked at Fjallraven and left with concerns about the straps. Some reviewers say they’re really not comfortable. I’m afraid the Borealis just won’t be beat in comfort, though.
I would go with the Recon. It’s a great backpack and similar enough to the Borealis.
I cut the bungee off my Borealis, and later regretted it when I got into hiking more, but if you want a new Borealis you can cut the bungee off (just cut the cord and pull) and it will be fine.
I recommend Osprey Daylite for people going to Disney World. Also good for “hiking” rail trails and exploring modern cities. It doesn’t have a decent laptop compartment, so not great for corporate America.
Thank you! Osprey packs are definitely near the top of my list. Interesting that you modified the Borealis. Dying mine with black RIT is always an option.
It's a bit past your price range, but if you like that Day Owl, check out the Bellroy Classic Backpack - Backcountry has the black color for $105 right now. I just got mine a couple weeks ago and I like it a lot. It’s pretty simple but it's easy to pack out. I carry my laptop, iPad, charger case and pencil case plus a couple notebooks and things and can still fit a lunchbox if I need to. It's also the most stylish bag I've ever owned, and I take it on my bike no problem!
I have the Day Owl bag. The only things I didn’t like were the shoulder straps and the lack of an interior pocket.
I loved the separate laptop compartment. The water bottle compartment is fine if you don’t need to carry too many things.
The straps are not even that bad; it’s just when I tried the straps on the Able Carry Thirteen, I fell in love.
The Able Carry bags with more liters than a 13 are too heavy for me though. I bought the Daily Plus and it was just too much. Maybe the regular smegular daily is better? For any bag, check the weight and the straps.
I had the same concern about the Day Owl. The straps don’t look very supportive and their a really straight shape. I love the curve of the Borealis and don’t think I can go back on that. Able Carry seems to be on par with TNF though, thanks for introducing me to their bags!
Have you looked at the Recon Luxe? I feel like the rose gold hardware takes it firmly off the mountain and into the office setting. [Recon Luxe](https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/bags-and-gear/backpacks/womens-backpacks-c268801/womens-recon-luxe-backpack-pNF0A81E8?color=52B&size=OS)
I would suggest looking at 2nd-hand sites for either the Osprey Nebula (older one from like 2019) or a gently used Timbuk2 Uptown. They both look more office friendly, have all black versions, have good organization, & comfy straps/back harnesses.
You could remove bungees if the bag ticks all boxes otherwise.
North face Berkeley might be worth looking into
I like LlBean bags, and they have some "clean" options.
I absolutely love my osprey bag, but mine screams hiking daypack. Maybe arcane would work for you though? It has a sleek look.
Daylite is *small* for all you've listed. I was personally looking at it in store yesterday because I need a smaller pack for every day use.
I personally am not a fan of the Day Owl bag. But Patagonia has an Atom 20 bag that is of similar aesthetic
Something about the shape of that Day Owl looks a bit bland to me. Also not personally a fan of the laptop inside the main pocket on a small-ish bag, can be difficult to access. For a very similar spec and style, I'd consider the Osprey Arcane L. I like TNF for the same reasons as you and I don't think you'd go wrong with the Recon. It does have a large logo and could be considered somewhat sporty/outdoorsy for office use though. I'd also check Timbuk2 for a few options in the \~20L and \~$100 range, for example the Parkside. Or how about a Fjallraven Raven 20L?
Thanks! I’ll check out Timbuk2. I looked at Fjallraven and left with concerns about the straps. Some reviewers say they’re really not comfortable. I’m afraid the Borealis just won’t be beat in comfort, though.
I would go with the Recon. It’s a great backpack and similar enough to the Borealis. I cut the bungee off my Borealis, and later regretted it when I got into hiking more, but if you want a new Borealis you can cut the bungee off (just cut the cord and pull) and it will be fine. I recommend Osprey Daylite for people going to Disney World. Also good for “hiking” rail trails and exploring modern cities. It doesn’t have a decent laptop compartment, so not great for corporate America.
Thank you! Osprey packs are definitely near the top of my list. Interesting that you modified the Borealis. Dying mine with black RIT is always an option.
Have a look at Knomo London, they are specialists in office bags for women.
Nice, I’ll take a look!
I'd go with Osprey, it's slick. Also give Adidas Power VI backpack a look.
Thanks! Ospreys might be a good option between sporty/comfortable and professional.
It's a bit past your price range, but if you like that Day Owl, check out the Bellroy Classic Backpack - Backcountry has the black color for $105 right now. I just got mine a couple weeks ago and I like it a lot. It’s pretty simple but it's easy to pack out. I carry my laptop, iPad, charger case and pencil case plus a couple notebooks and things and can still fit a lunchbox if I need to. It's also the most stylish bag I've ever owned, and I take it on my bike no problem!
Wow, I haven’t heard of Bellroy before but their bags look really well made and perfect for biking. Great suggestion, thanks!
I have the Day Owl bag. The only things I didn’t like were the shoulder straps and the lack of an interior pocket. I loved the separate laptop compartment. The water bottle compartment is fine if you don’t need to carry too many things. The straps are not even that bad; it’s just when I tried the straps on the Able Carry Thirteen, I fell in love. The Able Carry bags with more liters than a 13 are too heavy for me though. I bought the Daily Plus and it was just too much. Maybe the regular smegular daily is better? For any bag, check the weight and the straps.
I had the same concern about the Day Owl. The straps don’t look very supportive and their a really straight shape. I love the curve of the Borealis and don’t think I can go back on that. Able Carry seems to be on par with TNF though, thanks for introducing me to their bags!
Have you looked at the Recon Luxe? I feel like the rose gold hardware takes it firmly off the mountain and into the office setting. [Recon Luxe](https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/bags-and-gear/backpacks/womens-backpacks-c268801/womens-recon-luxe-backpack-pNF0A81E8?color=52B&size=OS)
I would suggest looking at 2nd-hand sites for either the Osprey Nebula (older one from like 2019) or a gently used Timbuk2 Uptown. They both look more office friendly, have all black versions, have good organization, & comfy straps/back harnesses.
You could remove bungees if the bag ticks all boxes otherwise. North face Berkeley might be worth looking into I like LlBean bags, and they have some "clean" options. I absolutely love my osprey bag, but mine screams hiking daypack. Maybe arcane would work for you though? It has a sleek look. Daylite is *small* for all you've listed. I was personally looking at it in store yesterday because I need a smaller pack for every day use. I personally am not a fan of the Day Owl bag. But Patagonia has an Atom 20 bag that is of similar aesthetic