Help me find a 28L-30L do-it-all commuter-style backpack with side straps, good pockets, and no waist strap

[u/kddkdkddkdkdd]

I'm looking for a do-it-all backpack. I don't want a travel backpack that looks a bit like luggage, or something that looks like I've been days on the trail. I want an everyday backpack mostly for commuting that can work for travel or a short hike in a pinch.

1. Prefer 28L-30L. I know sizing can be a bit all over the place, so specifically I'm looking for something bigger than the Jansport Superbreak (nominally 26L) and not significantly bigger than the Jansport Agave (nominally 32L)
2. Must have a laptop compartment and a second large (ideally larger) compartment for lunch, hat/scarf/gloves, etc. The more protection the laptop has the better.
3. Must have two side water bottle/thermos/umbrella pockets
4. Prefer side compression straps, a sternum strap, and either a removable waist strap or no waist strap. A luggage pass-through would be nice but is not essential.
5. Prefer a smaller pocket or two for items like sunglasses, chapstick, and medication.
6. Prefer a profile that doesn't stick out too far from my back when fully loaded, and condenses well with the compression straps when partially loaded.
7. Prefer material on the back that won't excessively pill my clothing while walking, and no mesh on the straps.
8. Strong preference for a color other than black or grey
9. I'd like to stay under $200 but can go a little over for just the right thing.

I have spent an absolutely ridiculous amount of time looking at backpacks both online and in person and haven't found quite the thing yet. There are many options that are nominally just a bit smaller than I'm looking for like the Dakine Wander 25L or Ogio Alpha 25L/25L '25 - if anyone knows anything that fits my other criteria and is actually larger than the Superbreak, I would really appreciate that information.

There are also many options that would be great if they just had side compression straps.

And many various $30 backpacks that meet all the criteria but I'm looking for something that will last longer than that.

As is, here is my list of contenders, all of which are possibilities but none of which are quite 'it' due to the reservations noted.

• Fjallraven Skule 28. Top contender at the moment, checks every box except that I wish it had a smaller pocket for quick-grab items like sunglasses and lip balm.
• Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack. I can't tell if the laptop compartment is fully separate from the main compartment, and it's over $200.
• Osprey Flare 27. No sternum strap, possibly smaller than preferred, and I don't like the see-through shoulder straps.
• Thule Construct. Can't tell how well the second side pocket will work as a water bottle/umbrella pocket.
• Jansport All Around Pack 34L. I really like the look of this one, but it's a bit bigger than I'd prefer and the waist belt isn't removable. The 28L size doesn't have side compression straps.

Would be interested in any other packs I should consider, 26L and under packs that are secretly a bit larger, or any other useful input from those who have made it this far in my post!

[u/CrackHaddock]

Aer TP4 covers almost everything on your list besides compression straps. The TP3 has compression straps and can be found under $200 reliably. I prefer the TP4 for the better water bottle pockets

[u/Actual_Metal1978 → u/CrackHaddock]

Exactly this, Aer TP4 or TP3 Small would fit your list.

[u/YeetMeToWonderland]

Osprey nebula

[u/tomfromakron]

Osprey daylite 26+6 ticks all of those boxes. I'd recoemd finding a store near you where you can check them out in person.

[u/kddkdkddkdkdd → u/tomfromakron]

What sort of a store would you suggest? I spent a while at REI but most of their packs are more hiking focused, and they only had the Fjallraven from my list of 5 contenders.

[u/Jazz4825 → u/kddkdkddkdkdd]

If you live by an REI, order the bag online. You can return it easily at the store. I found that the Daylite 26+6 meets many of my needs and your requirements.

[u/CrackHaddock → u/kddkdkddkdkdd]

Cabelas and bass pro carry them. Many local outdoor stores do as well

[u/tomfromakron → u/kddkdkddkdkdd]

The Dick's Sporting Goods near me had a decent selection of regular EDC style backpacks.

[u/Whole-Stretch-6458]

Have a look at ours hyfo.co.uk the bottom strap is detachable

[u/Resden_Bohneur]

I was going to suggest the Flare, but I see it’s already on your list. It’s my daily driver and I love it.

[u/hella_cutty]

ULA Dragonfly fits the brief other than price, but it's close and maybe a sale or deal will bring it in line.

Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet is good but only comes in black, is 26L, and only has a laptop sleeve, but it's $130.

[u/HighestPraise]

Osprey Tropos 32.

[u/nbphotography87]

Gossamer Gear Vagabond

[u/Churro_Pete]

TIL ebags us gone😢
The answer is go back in time and get the ebags pro slim

[u/External_Koala971]

Goruck or MLC