I have his exact backpack which I love and use a lot(!) when I travel and bought the crossbody - I sewed a trolly strap on the back of the backpack and love it even more now!
I’m in the process of deciding which backpack we will give out at our end of the year event at work. I need 40 good sized, well made backpacks - we’re leaning towards Patagonia Black Hole 30L. But as a female, I find it much too big. We’ll be embroidering our logo on it, so that’s a consideration as well. That is our embroidery guy’s hoop, checking to see if it can work. A final decision will be made this week. I hope it’s not this one…it would literally be carrying a carryon on your back. It’s huge! If we get it, I’ll never use mine.
It needs to be lightweight and practical -
Check out the Osprey Daylite and Daylite plus. I THINK they are 20L, but I know they are smaller than 40. I see them used a lot while we are traveling, and they can be attached to the Osprey 40 L backpack for even more space.
That black one is huge. The blue one looks like it could be used by everyone.
My daughter uses the 30L, she has it in a pretty green, color seems pretty neutral. She says it fits under the seat on the plane.
I don’t remember thinking it was too big for her
She’s 5’3” and about 120 pounds.
I finally had her husband send me the links to the bags they have since there are so many sizes. They use 30L
That looks like it has what you’re looking for - top opening, etc. If it’s too big, you can try another in the same style that’s smaller, but you have an opening gambit..
As for the laptop sleeve, it is an equally good slot for a book, a folder, a small pouch, etc. - even a folded scarf or sweater. Good for you in finding what you wanted!
We just got back from 2 weeks in the Netherlands and I used this for my back pack and for my suitcase all in one. Sherpani Cabo (13 L) travel pack from REI. I was able to carry on long train rides, trams, airplanes and put under the seat in planes. You would be surprised how much you can put in it and it is light weight. I bought a backpack rain cover from Amazon which I did need some days.
I also like Osprey.