Pack manufacturers categorized...

I know there are already several "pack" related threads here. I'm considering 'pack' as the term for a broad spectrum of products covering day/multi-day packs, work/laptop packs (messenger bags), hunting backpacks, range bags, travel/carry-on bags, school backpacks, etc.

In my research for a new work/laptop bag, see @mtngoat 's "Looking for a new work pack thread", I quickly became overwhelmed with the large number of manufacturers and their products. Also related, reference @Colton 's recent "I need a day pack.... and I'm picky" thread.

Since I am not able to go to a store and actually touchy feel or use anything prior to making a decision, I am hoping to get your feedback from the products that you have owned and used. From this we can then compile a somewhat comprehensive list of manufactures along with where they fall in terms of quality and ergonomics.

Let me also say that I am old enough to have had enough bad experiences with sh!tty products that I greatly appreciate quality (often times Made in the USA) and I am willing to pay a great deal more for it. For example, I can't tell you how many bullshit $50-$80 kids school backpacks I've purchased over the years. I finally learned the hard way and now they have GR1's... (buy once, cry once)!!!

In this case, I only have three categories, top tier, second tier, and don't bother. Just to be clear, I consider second tier as still really good stuff but after that... it's a cliff for me (don't bother = avoid). I would also like to note if all or some of their products are made in the USA (this gets especially difficult for me to figure out, as it is often 'some products' or 'previously made/older generation products').

Let me start things off with a list of manufacturers and where I think they fall within these categories. Please let me know some important guys I am missing and where you think I have incorrectly categorized the others... thanks.

Top tier (made in USA)
Chrome
Exo Mountain Gear
GORUCK
High Speed Gear
Hill People Gear
Kifaru
London Bridge Trading Company
Red Oxx
SOE Gear
Spec.-Ops Brand
Stone Glacier
Tactical Tailor
TOM BIHN
Triple Aught Design
Walking Foot Gear

Top tier
Arcteryx
Deuter
Eberlestock (Vietnam?)
Fjallraven
Granite Gear
Mystery Ranch (USA, Philippines, and Vietnam)
Osprey
Platatac
SORD

Second Tier
5.11
Camelbak
Gregory
Grey Ghost Gear
Gossamer Gear
Kelty
Maxpedition
REI
Timbuk2
TOPO Designs
Vertx

Don't Bother / Avoid
Case Logic
Eastpak
JanSport
LBX
SwissGear
Targus
Vanquest
...
Actually this last category may be the most important, as it's likely anything else will be acceptable depending upon an individuals taste and application.

 

Very cool! You missed Arcteryx though and osprey could possibly be in the top tier, their suspension system on their big packs is pretty great

 

REI house brand could fit well in the second tier, high quality and extremely affordable

 

Thanks... I was looking at those guys too but had no experience.

 

Arcteryx is definitely top tier if not in their own category (maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit) but their high end stuff are the king of packs if you got the money

 

K thanks, I'll make the correction. This is the kind of feedback I'm looking for.

 

I can chime in on the kifaru antero. I've owned it for a couple years now and love it. I've had a TAD Litespeed and it doesn't compare in strap comfort to the antero. It is my EDC and just a great all around pack. Great construction and paired with the 1000D organizer it fits all my needs. That's my two cents.

 

Fjallraven is another top manufacturer

 

Arcteryx definitely TOP TIER.

 

Deuter makes quality packs, love my 28.

 

Thanks mate...

 

Thanks everone, I updated the lists.

Hell... now I'm even more overwhelmed with choices. I wish there were stores around me where a could touchy feel.

With that said, you guys have any well known brands for the not recommended list?

 

Lbx, maxpedition, vanquest (they copy other designs)

 

Is LBX just a lower priced line of products withing London Bridge Trading?

 

Added Tom Bihn.

Also, where would you classify the 5.11 products, are they in the second tier?

 

I've had a few 5.11 packs. RUSH 24, RUSH 12, MOAB 6. I would say they're second tier. No issues with build quality (the one that's held my work equipment and bounced around a vehicle for years has held up great), good organization, and reasonably priced.

 

Yes but super cheap construction