Pack for small trips/travel/biking

Something like HMG's Windrider might do the trick. I have a Windrider, and though it's starting to show some wear and tear, it's held up well for around 18 months of near-daily use commuting. It's expensive, but it's also rain proof. HMG has a larger pack now also I think, but for 2-3 days the larger option might be overkill.

A small zpacks zero, add options if you use a hydration bladder etc. ~ 6oz

Gossamer Gear Rik Sak is 15 liters and just over 2 ounces.
Just basically a big stuff sack with padded shoulder straps, and is about $30.
Excellent for a very light pack if you don't need more than 15 liters.

If I was looking for something a little more robust that would have some pockets, including a bottle/thermos holder and could carry a laptop and books safely, would you have any different suggestions?

Thanks for the advice so far.

Pat

Goruck Gr1

Especially if you want to carry laptop, books, etc and want something useful for travel.

Main disadvantage is no water bottle pocket, pricey, and not ultralight.

Mountain Hardwear and North Face are the brands that come to mind. It is the laptop that sways your choices I think. I would take the laptop to a big store and wade through the choices for fit and features. Timbuk2 has some backpacks, but all the ones I have seen were weak on carrying water on the outside, away from electronics inside.

I like a messenger style bag for urban/travel use. They are easier to manage in crowds, doorways, planes and mass transit. Osprey makes some good ones.

If you are open to messenger bags, bailey bags are absolutely bulletproof and waterproof. Going on year 8 with mine. It also has attachment points for a Y strap for more stabilization when hiking, but it fits so well i have never used one.

http://www.baileyworks.com/

I have a GoLite Jam pack, I love it and use it for every single use case you just described.

There's all the new backpack / pannier coming up from SlingFin:

I like Rakesh's suggestion of an HMG pack. The Summit pack is a little smaller, but a much cleaner design.

I bought my Osprey Talon 33 to serve the exact same multi-purposes you mention. I LOVE it.

It is the perfect size for groceries, hugs your back while biking (in fact I chose it from a review website for mountain bike packs), and for weekend backpacking trips it can even hold a bear can.

Have run with it. It's larger than what I need/use for a 4-12 hour adventure race. Always awkward to run with a pack this big (33 liters) no matter how well made, IMO. At least it compresses and hugs the back well. Have run to the grocery store and walked back. If you do a lot of running/adventure racing, might want to go with a ~22 liter size – but then it won't be big enough to do a backpacking trip with. I also think 22L wouldn't be nearly enough space for a usual grocery trip.

I did cut off about 6 oz. of unneeded loops, straps, etc. to lighten it up.

– Elizabeth

The Talon 33 meets your carry-on requirements as well. I have never been challenged entering the plane with it.