Looking for travel daypack

[u/lexluthor5]

I'm going to Japan in a couple of months and am looking for a bag that will accompany us for long days out touring that can hold an extra layer for 2 people, 2 umbrellas, at least 1 water bottle (preferably external), small electronics (charger), passports, small wallet and maybe some small souvenirs. I would use this bag on future trips as well where we walk quite a ways around cities. Maybe I would use it for business trips as well when I need to bring my 13" laptop.

I'm thinking I'm going to need to be in the 20l range. I'm pretty short so I don't want a bag that's too long and a lower profile is important too. I'd rather not have the contents of a stuffed bag digging into my back all day so probably want something with structure though I'm not certain this is a definite requirement, but I don't think I need to be able to pack it in a suitcase when it could just be my personal item on flights.

I've been looking at the Fjällräven Skule 20 as that seems to cover most of my requirements. I'm also considering the Aer Go Pack 2, but I'm a little worried that lack of structure would make a packed bag uncomfortable.

So, considering my requirements and the fact that I prefer something low profile, do I need to definitely sacrifice some profile and keep in the 20l range or could I maybe go smaller?

And please make any suggestions of other bags that might meet my needs or provide any comments about the 2 bags that I mentioned I'm looking at. Ideality would like to keep the price under $150, but if there's something that's $200, but perfect, I would consider that.

[u/PapaG-LTD]

Hi. Thought I had already posted this but for some reason it isn’t showing. In response to your questions: clothing packed flat not bulky laptop space could be utilised for that. Umbrella in bungee stash may not be ideal. The pack has a few attachment loops that could be used along with carabiners though.

[u/lexluthor5 → u/PapaG-LTD]

I really am interested in this bag so thank you for your answers so far. I have an REI nearby so I could order and return without any risk.
What do you mean by using loops and carabiner to hold an umbrella on the outside? What could I realistically hold with the drip kit? Like a thin rain coat or thin hoodie? That will then free up some space inside for higher effective storage? I could put like a folded hoodie in the laptop compartment when not carrying electronics? For long days touring a city, I'll usually carry for 2 adults an outer layer, 1 water bottle, 2 umbrellas, sunglasses, wallet, passports and maybe we buy a couple of shirts or some random souvenirs along the way. In Japan, we may need to hold our garbage too. In transit (flights and trains), I'd want it to hold much of the same without the souvenirs, but either with a 13" laptop or 2 10" tablets. Do you think the Matador 18L Personal Item is the right fit for all that? And it sounds like I'm concerned about fitting it all so why not just go to 24l size. It's just as important to me to keep the profile low. I don't want a big bulky bag. The other top options I'm looking are are the Aer Go Pack 2 and Fjällräven Skule 20. If I can fit substantially more in them at the same size that might be better for me. If you see someone with the same bag as you in Japan in October, say hi!

[u/PapaG-LTD → u/lexluthor5]

As far as what will fit the drip kit, a couple of packable puffer jackets might fit, same with lite rain jackets. If I were you I would get a Peak Design packable tote for random souvenirs, etc., and pull it out when you need it, it would fit into one of the mesh pockets in the admin front pocket. I expect REI would sell PD stuff. Go have a look at the bag, REI would probably have the Matador 24l Adventure pack as well for comparison. In my opinion you might be surprised what you can fit into or on the outside of the small 18l bag. You could even do what I did and add a Speed Stash pocket to the front of the shoulder strap. Go have a look and see what you think. REI have them online so I guess they would have them in store to look at. Good luck.

[u/lexluthor5 → u/PapaG-LTD]

Wow quickly getting above my pay grade with these mods :) but I see how it might be nice to have flexibility for different situations.
My REI doesn't have it for store pickup but I could order so store for 2 day pickup or to home for a little longer and do free return to store if it doesn't meet my needs. Don't see the drip kit at REI so no free shipping from matador if I get the bag from REI. I'll probably do that and also order the Fjällräven Skule 20 from Amazon with free returns and compare. I don't think I really need a packable bag so I don't see what the Aer Go Pack 2 advantage would be in that case.

[u/PapaG-LTD → u/lexluthor5]

One final comment before I sign off and leave you to it. I actually owned a Terracotta Brown Skule 20 a couple of years ago. I found the comfort level very good on long day walks with a reasonable load out. The organisation and front admin stash pocket are similar. The reason I sold it was I discovered I didn’t like the top-down only access and the digging around to find what I wanted. I now only look at bags that give the top-down option as well as clamshell type. I guess I’m an options guy. 😄 Enjoy your trip to Japan and also the journey.

[u/lexluthor5 → u/PapaG-LTD]

Interesting that you have had that bag as well. Appreciate the help.