I’m a big fan of Timbuktu bags, especially the messenger bags. Many bags have lifetime warranties. I have had two for over a decade now and still holding up.
I’ve had a Timbuktu backpack since 2006, still going strong. Took it to a dry cleaner once when it got dirty. Only sign of wear is the rubber on the bottom is splitting in a couple spots but that’s just there for waterproofing, the fabric underneath is fine.
Mine has a dedicated laptop pocket, it’s great.
OP, I will co sign your choice.of Jansport. They last decades if not lifetimes.
The Jansport Right Pack lasted me from second grade till the end of college. When we bought it, my parents said it was expensive so I would have to use it for 2 years, it finally had the stitching fail after 16 years. Real “Buy it for life” recommendation there.
Got a JanSport used from a garage sale for kindergarten, and the zipper is only starting to fail now, a decade and a half of daily academic use later.
I've been using one of these daily since 2019 and it is easily my favorite backpack that I've used. It's been on multiple international trips and lugged around on basically every family vacation and daily trip to the office and it's in as good of shape as the day I bought it. Very comfortable. The only downside at all is the lack of mesh water bottle holder, but it's roomy enough to fit one in any of the pockets so it's not been an issue for me.
Sadly it seems like this model has been discontinued? But it's available in various places if you poke around the web a bit.
Couldn't find a specific model/brand other than this relatively expensive german brand, but the concept is easy and cheap so i guess you could find better.
I generally recommend this type of backpack since its 100% waterproof, basically dirtproof, has no zippers or any other parts that can brake. More ore less wear and tear proof. They contain huge volumes, but have little organization features.I got one thats in use for over 20years.
Tldr: max. Funktionality but you also look functional (german tourist syndrome)
https://www.globetrotter.de/ortlieb-fahrradrucksack-messenger-bag-black-1208602/
My work backpack is an Under Armour hustle and I’ve had it about 5 years. It holds up to 16” laptop along with accessories and other items. The black one is professional looking enough for a casual office.
I also have a Timbuk2 large messenger bag and it holds more than the backpack but does not have good storage compartments. The water bottle holder is also on the inside which I do not like.
I think this is over your budget once converted, but I love this backpack (https://bellroy.com/products/classic-backpack-plus?color=slate&material=ribba_weave).
I use it a few times a week, and had it for over 4 years now, and it's still in great condition. Really well crafted for durability. Zipper, tags, handle etc still in excellent condition.
Fits my 16inch MBP nicely, as well as cables, headphones, jacket, water bottle and a bit of space to spare. Has a quite a few little compartments which are really handy for things like keys.
It doesn't have side pockets for a water bottle which is a downer, but it ticked every other box for me.
Feels comfortable to wear, breathes well - given how it's performed so far, I feel like it'll be around for years to come. Happily recommend!
Love anything by Thule... They last forever!
With that budget, consider taking a look at Peak Design's Everyday Backpack. It's a different style than you're used to, but it hits all the boxes, and looks sharp. They
excell at better organization. But because they are slightly rigid, textbooks might weigh a bit weird if you have too many.
We have an everyday V2, totepack and two 30L travel packs, all highly recommend.
I always used Dakine bags. Lots of useful pockets and they look cool.
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