I am graduating college soon, at the age of 36. I managed to squeeze a bachelors degree into 2.5 years while being a road warrior at work, and a father to two young kids with a rockstar wife. I'm at a point in life where I can afford decent things so I'm torn because my mom would like to buy me a nice graduation gift but I don't want to ask for anything too crazy. I like a backpack because I do still travel some, and a briefcase isn't real conducive to the giant laptop I'm issued. For an idea of the style that suits me, I really like the Tumi Alpha Bravo Kingsville Deluxe, but I don't care for the price ($500). The leather trim and ballistic nylon look sharp and I feel it will age well. I'd like a pack that matches my mid/upper level manager status at work to replace my standard Swissgear I currently have. Does anybody else have ideas or input? I've looked at Filson, Saddleback, and Tom Bihn so far. Please give me your ideas.
Below is the Tumi that I like for a reference.
Below is the Tumi that I like for a reference.