College students looking for a durable book bag can stop searching. The Solid Gray Backpack ($810) shown here is modeled after insect and crustacean shells and made of a tough aluminum-polymer composite. Created by two Dutch designers, the pack weighs just 3.2 pounds and has a coated scratchproof finish. Its hinged lid opens to reveal interior straps and compartments to keep a laptop and other gear from banging around. Foam padding on the back makes the pack surprisingly comfortable. Polymer versions of the same pack start at $225 and come in various matte colors.
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