I do a lot of short trips where I don't need to fly with a full roller-bag and prefer to carry a backpack. I have just been using an old Jansport but it is time to upgrade to an actual travel backpack.

Anybody have one they use that they can recommend? Seems like there are a ton of options out there.

I have both of these, prefer the first one.

https://www.amazon.com/Burton-Annex-Backpack-Forest-Moss/dp/B09LFTT3LC?crid=2BXXL4URTOHL6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P_ZDDqbf8FLoxccBiBJycCp0DOwsqUquHqr7R5yDPgTs0GzHFavmWzSgNDnZboK7S-Q0mcZnngqUOL2CqCMiX6RYmK12ZH1DAp32L0tIK-95YnXTMlfjHu8-0wCU5FqFHyCYNJsYUwuXk4f4RgBueWOEjBLQ8KXStnsbzsHrVeUae62IaIa8uLRl9bE-YZ3ZUpclwAiUDx5k1twm2rGn8sHtNdZ9IiSB82kg2mSTTszejzTXqVFmAIHP8H3vngaODJXyAmU-I-ZYmvIV9ABdZ51s2xwKXcupul7VQTcpjVA.baAj9UZux7Z9l_sBpO86J5eMvCdyFUFAXOX1vF3kUYU&dib_tag=se&keywords=burton%2Bbackpack&qid=1730791487&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=burton%2Bbackpack%2Csporting%2C462&sr=1-7&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=christoph0b4b-20&linkId=9974f2b11fe37438365f3c4110330031&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

https://www.amazon.com/Dinictis-Approved-Backpack-Waterproof-Weekender/dp/B07JCP8BF3/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1LIIQ2FLIYTW1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bmdFRnELTWF18Ggt_xS32GZKkb34d1KMjODqJDn8XY3bms_ZYpDC7UQD1oxoDnV9ohOaH9lmNdsoTS1A_TLLGQlG39sykqhzuqU1iJj2xm0IAPkDIC9W1wc_zxUQMCdw9lIbRTFTn9hLOKvvU4IT_1D643T4arvKL3fAWrXux1q0pY2jVmBR2n3YJGKg98znijEt73ffp9I0TRmIGZMPt23gMFab6IBGkFXQ-gGZwZo.MN9cVd6hTmhiGHJHnkNhjq5zvXs16Xzkl1C431ztmIk&dib_tag=se&keywords=40l+travel+backpack&qid=1740760189&sprefix=40l+travel+backpack%2Caps%2C265&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

I really like my Cotopaxi Allpa 35L when I don't want a roller bag, or as a partner to a roller carryon when avoiding a checked bag. It's plenty big for a few nights but might be too big for "just a backpack". Perhaps the 28L is a fit.

Allpa 28L Travel Pack Cotopaxi

I have to carry a laptop for work, so this bag was chosen to support that.

[url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5VKH5JS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1][/url]Mystery Ranch Catalyst 26L Travel Backpack with Tech Pocket for Everyday Carry and Adventures - Tiger's Eye

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5VKH5JS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

It's roomy enough to carry more than just the essentials but not too big to look out of place when I visit suppliers/machine shops.
If I'm just traveling for a short hop, I can throw a spare shirt/undergarments in it. Alternatively, it held my winter coat for a trip up north.

It counts as a personal item when I fly as it fits under the seat. Haven't had any issues flying, and I like the multiple zippers that make it easy to get stuff in confined spaces.

[url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5VKH5JS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1][/url]

I have two from Knack and really like them. One each of the expandable backpacks, medium and large. Little pricey, but they do hold up very well.

https://knackbags.com/

I have a go ruck 27 liter that is bullet proof. Not super fancy, but fits under every economy airline seat and and after 500k miles it looks as good as when I bought it in 2015

I just went to Amazon and asked for a Spirit/United personal item-sized backpack. Bought us each one for my trip to China for about $30 - $35 each.

I bought this one, and my wife liked it so much I had to get her one also.

https://a.co/d/cqqMobi

Here's the one we got. I don't pay for bags.

https://a.co/d/i3iRpJA