I have this one in a solid purple they no longer sell.20 L backpack

i just checked your link, they have it for $20!

Yep, it is really lightweight. I'm going on a short trip in a few weeks and going to try and pack everything into it today to see if I can get away with just taking it. I also washed one of the kids old backpacks, just in case, but it's much heavier than this one.

I don't have much brand loyalty. I've had good luck at discount retailers like TJMaxx & Marshalls. I scored what I consider an average sized Reebok branded backpack last time I traveled and I like it a lot. It measures approx. 18" X 14"X 5" and is very lightweight with wide, padded straps - think it was less than $20 too.

Stowaway Packable 30l Backpack | Eddie Bauer I think I'm going to get this one, it's a little bigger than the one I have and not as heavy as my old Rick Steves bag that I just packed and is too heavy and bulky for me. It was miserable carrying around in 2009 when I took it to Germany. My stuff won't all fit in the 20 L I posted about above.

I fell in love with Caraa bags after my neck surgery. This is the only backpack I have now.

Caraa

i have an Osprey, but that is more for hiking.

Are you saying you want a backpack that's a little more dressy? Maybe you'd like a Vera Bradley in a bright print. You can also find leather packs at shoe stores.

i would like one with a travel sleeve

Do you mean a sleeve that slides over your suitcase handle? Not many backpacks have this feature, but you can turn any backpack on its side and keep it "attached" with the handles.

secure, easy on your back since we will be moving around during our stay.

Backpacks aren't the best for security, as they're -- literally -- behind you.

Perhaps you could keep your passport and wallet on your person and use the backpack for your jacket, etc.

so looking for real world experience.

I also have an Osprey that I love. It's narrow, so it fits comfortably. It's not particularly big, so I like it as a day bag.

I have a Vera Bradley that I carried for the last 5 years I taught school, and it's great -- roomy, comfortable, has a computer sleeve in the big opening -- but, being cotton, it's not water resistant. How do you feel about that?

Choose a bag with only one large pocket -- multiple large pockets mean extra layers of fabric and zippers, which add weight.

I have a North Face Recon backpack which is different now than the one I have so I'm not sure if I can say I'd recommend that style, but I've used a backpack for around-town and travelling for years and years, so here's what I think you should look for:

If you're a woman, get a woman's backpack, with S-shaped shoulder straps. North Face was the first company I saw that make them, and they really do make a difference - they're much more comfortable. I think other companies are now making them with similar shoulder straps.

Get one with an inner zipped pocket, for extra security for things that won't fall out while you're looking for something else.

Unlike a poster above, I don't recommend just one large pocket like a satchel - it will be easier to reach things if you don't store everything on top of everything else and have to sit down and rearrange everything to find the book or hat that you want.

Make sure there are adjustable straps to secure it properly to your back (for safety and comfort), and to easily change when you change the weight/volume.

Make sure it also has a handle at the top - not just for moving the bag, but for securing it (or something to it).

For security in crowded spaces, you can wear the bag in front, instead of the back.

The back pack I carried had a padded slot for my lap top which I appreciated as I wanted it with me.

I was looking for a tote size bag and ended up buying this bag https://travelpro.com/collections/compact-and-international-carry-ons/products/crew™-versapack™-rolling-underseat-carry-on?variant=20374849585250

It can attach to my regular size carry on, which is very handy. Plus it fits under the seat of a plane. Why do you specifically want a backpack - will you be using it daily on your travels?

https://travelpro.com/collections/compact-and-international-carry-ons/products/crew™-versapack™-rolling-underseat-carry-on?variant=20374849585250

Sorry, having trouble with linking the bag I just bought!

Check out ebags for backpackes with lots of secure pockets and features that is also lightweight. Mine saw me thru a 2-week trip through italy and soon to take to London and Paris.

Wondering if you found one? I ended up ordering two of the Stowaway, 30L bags. One for me and one for my daughter. Her's is an old school backpack that has seen better days. It's super heavy too.

IMPE, carrying weight on my back puts more strain than in front - and it's usually not for very long anyway.

hi Kathy, not yet!! i leave at the end of the month, so i need to get on it! 30L is big!! Hope u love it!!

Mrs. Pete: the osprey is great, but it falls over all the time, that's why i what the sleeve, so i can slip it over the suitcase handle. i also want a b/p that can sit on it own, so if i put down, it doesn't fall over......And it has a 'water bladder' compartment, which i don't use and the side pockets cannot securely hold a water bottle, they are angled.

i do want it to be water repellent. and i i have been to VB outlet, did buy one but not sure if it will work... testing it out this weekend with my intended 'stuff'!! if it doesnt work out, i will return...

we will be moving from city to city, so it needs to be user friendly.... i will have a smaller bag for day trips. the backpack will be my personal item on the plane. will be bringing a carry on as well.

I intend to pack light, so the backpack needs to on the larger side to bring some things home....

Take a look at Eagle Creek packs. I think they are sold at REI, and perhaps elsewhere, but I got mine at their store in Solana Beach many many many moons ago. Mine was for backpacking in the mountains, and I used it on many multi-day trips on the Pacific Crest trail. The store fit it to me so perfectly that I was never the least bit uncomfortable.

If they are still the same quality, and make a pack designed more for travelers like you, they would be worth considering.

I did 4 weeks in Italy with a carry on and a 28 litre backpack - it IS possible.

toronto vet: haha, i know it is but i am a 'what if' person. so that starts to add up!!

but i am being very selective in my clothing and accessories!! we are going to do laundry, so that really helps!!!

one pair of good walking shoes

one pair of sandals, if the weather warms up

another sneaker if sandals don't seem possible!!

for me, its not really the clothes that kill me, its the accessories/toiletries!!

If toiletries are a problem, check out this pack flat bag. It holds a lot and is easy to use. I have gifted this to many people over the years.

Ebags Toiletry bag