City travel 30L packs?

28L or thereabouts is what I use on my world travels, including a seven-month RTW trip. The great thing about this size is the almost limitless choices. Every major brand makes day packs.

My current pack is a Jansport. But really, any medium-size "book bag" will do. Jansport. Eastpak. Even store brands like eBags. Just be sure to choose one that is well made and comfy for you. Subjective, but I would avoid the generally overbuilt and overpriced Osprey.

Will work for this & much more!
http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-634-fastpack-30.aspx?category=trail-collection

I'd take a look at Tom Bihn's bags, most especially the Synapse 25:
http://www.tombihn.com/travel_bags/TB0111.html

Here is a pretty solid review:
http://snarkynomad.com/so-this-is-probably-the-best-laptop-backpack-for-frequent-flyers/

I just packed my trusty 10 year old Jansport laptop backpack for a 3 day business trip. I'm thinking of upgrading to a Tom Binh, but it will be a bit of a luxury purchase. This bag has served me incredibly well. I keep thinking I'll upgrade when it breaks, but it just keeps going. I've used it as a commuter bag on a bike and on the train and the thing just keeps going.

What I don't like about it
-when flying, it gets a little thick and sometimes I have to really shove it in the overhead. This could be avoided by not overstuffing.
-when carrying, it can hang down a bit in the back and pull my shirt up.
-it is not designed for travel so has lots of straps hanging off that have gotten beat up when I've checked it.
-it always looks huge even when I only have a laptop.

What I do like
-the thing is a tank.
-the multitude of overlapping pockets means rain doesn't easily get into the interior pockets.
-I've never been told to gatecheck even when all the wheely bags are. From the front you can't see how big the backpack is.
-Super comfortable

Sorry folks I wasn't descriptive enough. Basically looking for a minimalist (single compartment) pack, which IMO is really the only way to stuff in all the items you need for multi-day travel into something the size of a carry-on.

I don't share your enthusiasm for a "one big pocket" pack for traveling, but I do for hiking, so I'd recommend the same as I use for a summit pack, but made larger.

The Zpacks Zero. Joe can have it made in black cuben/poly material, so while it'll be a little bit crinkly it won't look too space-age or abnormal. He'll also put whatever pockets you like (I recommend a mesh front pocket).

Another option you might try is the Cold Cold World Ozone pack. Randy will make it in dyneema gridstop and with other customizations as you like.

HMG also makes a 30L "one big pocket" pack, but the simpler one only seems to come in white, which seems to be a more conspicuous pack color.

Quicksack and Type 2 might work. I have the Rukus, but you might not like the back stretch panel.

http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks.html

Few do simplicity like the Japanese. Montbell has a few options.

Subjective, but for city use where you might be reaching for stuff or putting stuff away more frequently than you do when hiking outdoors — a zipper option can be simpler/easier than cinching cords and buckling straps.

Patagoinia's Yerba pack is available in muted colors. It has clean lines, one large compartment, and one small pocket in the lid, plus side and front pockets. It also has the zipper opening that Ben mentioned. You'd have the option of cutting off the front and/or side pocketspockets, and cutting out the padded hydration/laptop sleeve. There's also a foam pad at the bottom of the pack, hidden by a sewn-in liner that you could also cut out. 24 liters.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/yerba-pack-24-liters?p=48030-0#

For exactly what you're looking for, a SealLine pack might do it. A plain black SealLine pack is unassuming, (relatively) light, and is just a single compartment all the way down. As an added bonus, you get waterproofness, which I have found great for travel with my waterproof backpack.

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+1 for the Tom Bihn backpack. Their stuff is exceptionally well made. If it were me I would get the Smart Alec.

http://www.tombihn.com/backpacks/TB0103.html

Montbell has some great, well-built <30L packs with very clean lines. And reasonable prices, too. I use a Montbell lumbar pack daily (walking, hiking, travel, etc.) and am very satisfied with it. Excellent weight:volume:price ratio.

I love Tom Bihn stuff, but I don't think they offer exactly what you're looking for in a backpack. The packing cube backpacks are great, but quite a bit smaller–like 15-16 L I think? And their larger backpacks are much more "fully-featured" (and expensive).

Kate, which Montbell lumbar pack do you like?

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I've found a used REI Stoke 29 which I plan on cutting up a bit to fit my needs. It's 31L and 1lb/10oz until I start cutting things off of it, hope to take about 6 ounces off.

I'm starting way ahead of my next big travel so that I have time for contingencies if this doesn't turn out right.

– K

John,

I have the Trail Lumbar 7: http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=3224&p_id=1123722

apologies if hijacking this thread.

They made a minimalistic pack at 26L ($79 new though they are out of stock currently) that would stuff in its own smallish lid. Some daisy chains probably for trek poles. Do not want to overstuff however. I have a black new one if interested.

I used the Smart Alec to travel to Iceland for a week over New Years. I LOVE it. It's very well made, easy to organize (or not, as you wish), and the "doo-dads" that are added are thoughtful and useful, and not overwhelming. It also looks very casual, which is nice. I loaded it with about 24 lbs, and it carried very nicely. There's a few different options, including the ability to cinch it down somewhat.

Ah I see the pack you mean – looks a heck of a lot like the other brands – kind of surprised Patagonia stopped selling theirs.

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/sugarltd/item/ptg-1302-48817/

I like a convertible backpack/suitcase in carry-on size (a la Rick Steves and others) plus a small messenger bag for city use. Backpacks make it clumsy to get through doorways, down bus aisles, exiting taxis, etc. A 30 liter would be a pain, although I think that is a good carry-on size. A messenger/shoulder bag with enough room for electronics, a water bottle, guidebook/map, a spare layer and/or rain shell makes city travel easier. It also allows you to stretch your carry-on limit as it goes on as a personal item along with your carry-on maxed bag if you don't get too crazy. If you can find one you like that is also expandable, so much the better. Having the water bottle pocket on the outside is a plus, keeping the liquids away from the electronics. A grab handle on the top and a slip pocket on the back are useful too. If you rent a bike, you're all set.

To give you a straight answer, I like the LL Bean Continental Rucksack and use one for weekend travel and trips to the farmer's market. They have rugged fabric but aren't super heavy (1lb 9oz) and are still perfectly usable for hiking. The older models have no internal sleeve and a non-padded hipbelt. You can find them on eBay, but watch for fabric delamination. It does have outside pockets, but that works for me. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/79241?page=llbean-continental-rucksack

30 liters, narrow single compartment, drawstring top, 500 denier Cordora with a leather bottom for no worries when sliding it around on bus floors. It's basically a way cooler version of a jansport for $50.

Downsides: no rain flap over the opening, no lid pocket or guidebook pocket inside the pack, unpadded webbing shoulder straps.

Funny thing is – the shoulder straps are one of the most comfy I've worn.

It also seems to hold a LOT and still be narrow and small sitting on your lap or between your feet on the bus ;)

This is an option, though not cheap.

I found it while researching convertible carry on luggage, which means it has backpack straps vs. wheels.

What is nice is that they open up like traditional luggage, clam shell, and have specific compartments for tablets, laptops, etc.

Opening up fully like a clam shell makes them easier to get through airport searches and to quickly accessing items at a hotel, hostel, etc.

http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/

I am looking at the Tortuga Air, which would definitely require applying UL techniques from backpacking to urban travel….27L or 1662 cu in.

The Tortuga Backpacking is pretty cool, but seems large for UL/Lightweight travelers at 44L or 2685 cu in.

Here is one that I just bought on sale for $55…$69, but $15 savings on 1st order if you sign up for their mail list.

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/tls-mother-lode-weekender-convertible-junior/241465?productid=10209116

ebags….more of a carry on luggage that has backpack straps.

2538 cu in.

Better than most like this with a solid reputation, but the sucky waist belt makes me think that carrying this as a backpacking would only be for short distances where the Tortuga looks like something you could carry all day.

I picked up for when I am traveling with my daughter for her gymnastics competitions, so traveling light is relative or limited….but for the two of us, should be fine.

Probably overkill for one person going UL.

Right tools for the right job?

P.S. Big Thank you to Ben 2 World for all of his great advice on this subject. He is a wealth of knowledge.

Tony