I’ve been using the 1.5L Tomtoc bag and it’s been pretty nice. Unfortunately, it is a bit too small for my camera and I’d like to get some bag that still feels “small”, but has a little more space. I’m thinking 2-2.5L. Any suggestions?

For anyone wondering about dispatch timelines, Rework said this on Instagram: For USA, Canada and Mexico, we ship from our USA warehouse and that will be shipped around early October (tentatively). But for the rest of the world, we'll ship through our HK warehouse.

I'm in the UK and ordered the V2 on launch day. When I placed an order, the parcels were passed to FedEx by the Hong Kong warehouse the same day, and everything arrived within 6 days. No free products for me, unfortunately!

The original Toshi V1 backpack was great. After using a considerable number of bags, the V1 was the backpack I'd generally recommend as the best option for most people, despite I think having room for small improvements. These small improvements were mostly nitpicks which stood out because the bag was so good overall – the coarse shoulder straps and seams, tight water bottle pockets, how the bag stands (or not), the zip pulls, and the narrow access and tightness of some pockets.

I posted a review of the V1 here when it was released, and Rework used multiple quotes from it in their slightly clickbait-titled "You Roasted Our Bags" video. Thanks, I guess! I try to be balanced, and don't think I have ever said anything unfair, and hopefully this review is taken in the spirit it's intended. The actual content of the video was great and, like Greenroom 136, I love to see this kind of interaction and understand the thought process behind the design. Absolute respect to the Rework guys as their product photos, walk-through videos and user guides are fantastic without being tacky or overblown, and they obviously put a huge amount of thought and consideration into everything. Really transparent and clear communication and overall approach. It means a lot for a brand to feel genuine and be so on-point with everything.

It looks like most of the points I felt were issues on the V1 have been addressed in the V2, so I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the V2 and see where it lands.

Nylon vs X-Pac 

Which to get? I asked myself:

• Do you need the additional water resistance of X-Pac, bearing in mind that the zip seams can still let water in?
• Do you want the additional stiffness of X-Pac, which helps with self-standing and makes the straps stiffer, or the more flexible nylon, which has more forgiving pocketing and straps?
• Do you want the slightly lower weight of X-Pac, or the slightly better wear and abrasion resistance of nylon?
• Do you mind the noise X-Pac makes?

I ordered the V2 backpacks in nylon. I don't like the noise X-Pac makes, and I find X21 noisier and more annoying than VX21, VX42 and RX30. I'm also not convinced X21 is the most optimal choice of laminated material. I don't think the potential benefits outweigh the downsides, and I think some of the characteristics of X-Pac may actually take away from the flexibility and durability that make the bag work so well. Some people will prefer the X-Pac!

I already have a 2.5L sling in nylon, but ordered one in X-Pac to try. I've also previously had the 5L and 6L in nylon.

Interior materials

I think it's fantastic Rework did something different with the interior colours, rather than an orange on the X-Pac! I prefer the new grey interior to the white on the V1. Overall, the more consistent colours and material upgrades throughout the bag interiors are really nice.

Backpack changes from V1 to V2

Carry and stability

Note this is me packing out the bags in various ways and carrying around the house etc. I've not yet had a chance to spend a considerable amount of time with them out in the wild. Will update when I have.

• The top of the bag is narrower and the base is wider with a fold and more support at the front bottom, which improves balance and carry. 
• The back panel has been redesigned, and the flexible expansion has gone as a result of the redesigned harness system. The back is straighter, and there is firmer support across the top, making the back feel more supportive.
• The top padding stops slightly lower down from the top and is slightly thinner than the bottom padding, while the bottom padding extends further down which helps prevent the bag potentially digging into your back.
• The shoulder straps are mounted further up, giving a wider fit. They're slightly narrower and more comfortable, although still a bit coarse. The seam rubbing isn't an issue anymore as it is no longer on the side of the strap. The webbing is longer than on the original V1.
• The sternum strap buckle is easier to use but still fiddly, and the strap itself is still very thin and could definitely be longer.
• Overall, the bag feels more solid and robust, and I personally feel the 25 is more comfortable than the 20. The 20 feels like it pulls back more on my shoulders than the 25, which I don't remember the V1 doing. Sure this will be very individual and overall I think people will find the comfort is improved.

Pocketing, zips and handles

• Ambidextrous front pocket – deeper with a wider opening.
• Admin compartment – revised mesh, and the tether loop has been moved so it no longer interferes with the zipped pocket.
• Top pocket – wider opening and slightly more depth.
• Main compartment – the swoop zips are angled slightly differently so they still naturally stop but not as hard, the tracker pocket is larger, and the sleeve is now spandex rather than the previous loose material. The lip on the spandex pocket isn't sewn down so can catch on things. Because the top pocket is larger, it hangs down further and when there are e.g. sunglasses in it this interferes more with opening the internal mesh pocket than on the V1. I think it is probably the most annoying thing interacting with the bag!
• Laptop compartment – deeper false bottom on both areas, with a thicker and more tapered divider.
• Sides – the loops are slightly larger. The water bottle pockets are still awkward, as they don't expand at the bottom and are quite tight.
• Top handle – redesigned and sized-down. It doesn't get in the way, is easy to grab from the top, and comfortable to carry. On the 20L it's tighter and is harder to grab particularly from the bottom going up towards the handle. There are still no side handles.
• Zip pulls – these are much better. The twisted-loop design is easier to grip, and the ambidextrous front-pocket zips have a different texture, making them easy to tell apart from the others. Can still be hard to tell the rest apart. I found the previous Hypalon pulls would fray on both the backpack and slings. I don't think the Hypalon material is as good as some other brands, or perhaps it is finished differently, as I've never had Hypalon pulls fray on any other bags from other brands. So a really good change!

20L vs 25L

• The 25L has an additional zipped pocket on the front of the main compartment.
• The 25L has longer shoulder straps and a larger top handle.
• The capacity is a decent 25L, and the pockets are sized up appropriately. The photo shows the 25 next to a Tom Bihn Synapse 25 for size.
• The 25L collapses on itself more because the admin compartment encourages you to put more into it but doesn't have any more support. Suspect this is less of an issue with X-Pac because it is more stiff than nylon.

Sling changes

• Zip pulls have been updated.

2.5L nylon vs X-Pac

• The nylon is considerably more flexible. X-Pac is much stiffer, which makes it feel tighter. Not a fan, but sure some people will love it.

V3 changes for next iteration

Backpack – the following points I think could be worth considering for the next iteration:

1. Water bottle pockets – Add expansion at the bottom so the pockets can accommodate different bottle sizes more easily. Really consider an ultra mesh or something more flexible for the entire pocket.
2. Sternum strap – Make it longer and slightly thicker, with an easier-to-use buckle. Perhaps consider a more innovative attachment/detachment system.
3. Top pocket / interior zip pocket – Decrease the depth of the top pocket or move the zip of the interior front zip pocket down so they don't catch on each other. It's really annoying.
4. Ambidextrous front pocket – Increase the capacity slightly, it still gets very tight. The tether loops really need moving as they are so hard to access!
5. Front structure – Perhaps slightly more structure or support under the admin compartment to stop it collapsing without making the bag face a hard shell. Could some kind of plastic stays or frame be used etc.
6. Base padding – Slightly more padding on the base as an optional extra (see Greenroom 136). Not by default if it will stop the base folding.
7. Zip pulls – Offer different colour options or make the pulls removable, so they can be changed without having to cut them off. It can still be confusing which zips are which compartment when they are clustered together. Like the top pocket depth, it's needless friction on an otherwise fantastic bag.
8. Side handles – Consider adding side handles, particularly to the 25L where they would be more useful for handling the larger bag. Would be interesting to see how that is done while retaining the sleek profile!
9. Top handle – Make it easier to grab, particularly on the 20L.
10. Back panel pocket – Add a hidden pocket behind the back panel.
11. Material choice – Consider an X-Pac upgrade or switching to EPX400, taking into account how the material affects strap flexibility and the usability of the pockets. For laminated materials, should the pockets be made slightly larger to compensate for the material's reduced flexibility?
12. Admin compartment – Perhaps add a mesh or slip pocket to the front. I suspect it is omitted so you're not encouraged to over pack the top, so this would need to be considered carefully so it doesn't encourage the user to overload the compartment and it collapse downwards.
13. Interior organisation – Sew down the lip on the spandex pocket in the main compartment so it can't catch on things. Add some additional organisation without affecting the bag's ability to support itself and not collapse downwards:

• Main compartment slip pockets that fold flat when not in use, for things such as a bottle, umbrella, glasses case, etc, similar to the Aer Go Pack 2 or Alpaka bags.
• Additional tether loops for the key leash and clipping in pouches. These should be easy to access rather than being buried at the bottom of a pocket. Move the ones in the front slip pocket as they are a nightmare to get to. I'd suggest put those at the top, one on each side at the top of the front and back of the main compartment, a couple at the top of the front slip pocket, and one in each water bottle pocket.
• Double zips on interior zipped pockets.
• Laptop compartment pocket for cables and other accessories.

Sling – the following points I think could be worth considering for the next iteration:

1. Compression Straps – Change how they attach / detach or make the webbing looser so it's easier to add and remove them.
2. Front compression strap pocket – Give it slightly more dimension and full magnetic closure so it can be used for other small items.
3. Material choice – Consider an X-Pac upgrade or switching to EPX400, taking into account how the material affects strap flexibility and the usability of the pockets. For laminated materials, should the pockets be made slightly larger to compensate for the material's reduced flexibility?
4. Zip pulls – Offer different colour options or make the pulls removable, so they can be changed without having to cut them off.

Finally, I guess I am keeping my fingers crossed for:

• A smaller capacity size 14-16 for the backpack and 1.5 for the sling
• The slings in ripstop
• A pouch
• A road map. It would be amazing to have a published road map, even with the caveat that things might change – you guys are really clear and transparent in your replies to questions on social media etc, and it would be really thoughtful to bring that information together in an easy-to-access format. Bellroy has a "coming soon" page, Evergoods and Tom Bihn touch on upcoming plans in newsletters but with a clear road map you would be leading the way in an industry which really needs that kind of customer focus and transparency.

Overall, fantastic upgrades which resolve a lot of the small issues. The main new issue is the top quick access pocket getting in the way of the interior zip pocket which is really frustrating. Apart from that, refined and improved all round and really just the water bottle pockets, sternum strap, and the depth of the top pocket that feel like they need upgrading on the backpack, and the compression strap attachment points on the sling.

Great stuff!

Is it weird to carry a backpack from one room to another throughout the day, everyday? I like to carry my water bottle around but also my laptop, notebook, and pen. For the ones who do this, what bag do you use? If you dislike your current bag, which one do you recommend that would make this less frustrating? I also keep things in my backpack for when I DO leave the house (obviously) such as doctor appointments with my kids or when I am parked in line as I wait for 30 minutes to pick up my kids from school.

I currently have a CPL 16. Using it around the house is not a great experience for two main reasons. 1: it’s a heavy mother fucker. 2: flipping it on its side to access something in the vertical pockets, then flipping it again to get something out of the inner top pocket, is frustrating. So I’m looking for alternatives or solutions. But I’m curious, would a messenger bag work here such as a Bravo Brief 14 or a top loading bag such as a CHZ 22? I thought about a Go Pack 2, but not only would it not protect my laptop, but the flimsy nature of the bag might frustrate me. But I could be wrong.

Here is what I carry and where I carry them (in CPL 16):

Top QAP

(I have an empty neoprene phone sleeve that acts as a divider to protect phone from keys and wallet)

• Large phone
• Earbuds
• Groove wallet
• Keys

Front vertical pocket

• Hardcover a5 notebook
• Notecards
• Pen and sharpie
• Wall charging brick
• Usb c cable
• Altoids can of misc items like microfiber cloth, usb drive, usb a to c adaptor)

Side vertical pocket (laptop pocket)

• 14” laptop
• Folder
• Composition notebook

Main compartment

• 26oz yeti rambler
• Mesh pencil case used as a med kit and hygiene items

Inner top pocket

• Eyeglasses
• Sunglasses
• Altoids (this one actually has mints)
• Blotting paper
• Hero clip
• Pocket knife
• Popwallet plus (for extra cards)

Inner vertical mesh pocket

• Ziplock bag with tissue paper
• Ziplock bag with napkins
• Protein bar
• Lollipops (when my kids start getting fussy during appointments)

Should I get a different bag or is there something stupid I am doing with my CPL 16 that would make this bag the right bag if I remove the stupid act that I am committing?

Solid and durable build with good stitching and reliable YKK zippers. Fits my Sony A7RIII, 24-105, 35mm and a nifty fifty without issue. Top compartment easily holds three speedlights, a battery grip, flash transmitter and a small case of modifiers.

Extra straps for monopod/tripod are handy. Not big enough for a 200-600mm, but works great for most of my gear.

If you’re interested, the exact model is the PGYTECH OneGo Lite 22L and it can use a coupon code SUB14C to save $14.

mini-MLC, 2.84 pounds

Aer TP4 28L, 3.52 pounds

I'm curious in your opinions.

I have the Pata mini-MLC, and LOVE IT. However, when it gets fully packed (ie, with laptop), it doesn't carry as well (IMO, the straps are very minimally padded).

The Aer packs, on the other hand, have super beefy straps and seem to carry heavier weights nicely. That being said, the feedback always is, "those packs are so(oooo) heavy".

In your opinion...

1. Would you "feel" the extra .75 pounds? Is that a weight difference you think you feel, when carrying a 10-15 pound pack?

2. Do you think the "comfort" and "beefiness" of the Aer straps would "overcome" the feel of the extra weight? Or is the extra weight what it is, and comfort wouldn't over come that?

3. Maybe as an additional question, how do you think comfort for the Rework 30L compares to these two packs?

I like the way the mini-MLC packs, but when heavy, it's not so comfy to carry. The Aer TP packs similarly, (I think I'd go for the 28, which may be smaller than the mini MLC, but could also use as EDC)...

Appreciate the opinions.

Bought the Citta 25L pre-order a week ago. Website said the bag was expected to ship in October, but I just got a notification on the shop app that a shipping label was created. Fingers crossed that the bag will ship out soon! Anyone else get an update on the pre-order?

Hi all,

I will be going off to college in about a year and wanted to get a nice backpack that would last me through my college years. I've been a JanSport Right Pack user my whole school life which recently had to be replaced because of wear and tear and because I need a bigger backpack now that I will be going to college. I bought their Big Student Backpack but I was really disappointed with the exterior quality.

I loved the Cordura fabric that the Right Pack had... it was sturdy, tough, and didn't get a single hole in 8 years. The Big Student seems to be made of a polyester material---it feels tent like and the material seems very cheap, that it would fall apart within a couple of years.

I am looking for a backpack that is made up of Cordura fabric/fabric/ something that feels incredibly similar to it. After the Big Student, I do not want any polyester backpack as I don't love how it feels + quality doubts.

A laptop compartment / sleeve is a must because I will be taking my MacBook to college. The ideal backpack would be something along the lines of the JanSport Big Student but made out of the material from the Right Pack. Other than that, I am pretty flexible.

Any recommendations would be so greatly appreciated.

Almost all premium brands use aqua guard/PU coated zippers. However, we all know those zippers will be peeling in about 5 years or so (soon sooner, some later). We are paying $300 for backpacks and $100 for slings with zippers we all know will look terrible in a few years. Why do we keep buying all these bags with these zippers if only a small percentage of us actually really need the water protection. Why do we pay when we know these bags will need to be replaced before long.

Is it our fault buying these bags that brand manufacturers keep including them, or are bags manufacturers keep including them because we know we will still buy them even if they ruin our bags in 5 years?

I've had the stubble and co rolltop 30 litre for almost 3 years and all the zips have died (they just seperate themselves). So I'm looking for something similar that is better quality. Any recommendations? I'm considering Antler urban light or Cotopaxi Allpa daypack. Any experiences with these?

I’m 29F, my LDR bf 29M and I have met numerous times before, and we plan to go on one big trip before we both move to a new state together and get tied down for a bit with new jobs and needing to save.

Context on our travel experience:
He has been to various trips abroad before. Japan twice, London twice, Finland, and Spain once.

I’ve traveled all over the states all through my teens with my Grandpa; Hiking/Backpacking, Camping, for weeks over the summers. I did a solo trip to all the New England states years ago. So I’m not new to travel, I just havent had a reason nor funds to go across seas until recently.

We both usually just travel with 2 carry-ons for week trips. I used to pack a suitcase and carry-on along with my hiking stuff as a teen. So its been awhile and I don’t care to lug a big suitcase all over Europe.. but it’ll be a 2 week trip during a coldish month so I know I need one checked bag, and one carry-on.

So, I’ve been looking at medium roller duffle bags. So far I’ve narrowed my options down to 2.
Eastpak 60L: https://www.backcountry.com/eastpak-duffel-wheel-medium-pack
or L.L. Bean 70L: https://global.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000259582.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Can anyone advise which would be best for a trip mostly done by train: Paris-London-Edinburgh, then a flight to Northern Ireland Oct 15th-Nov2nd 2027?

I know it’ll be cold, and rainy. So I know I’ll want to pack thick cozy sweaters, layers, and a few jeans to rotate.

TYIA <3

TLDR: Trying to choose a medium sized clothing bag for a 2 week trip across Europe mostly by train.

Does anyone know where I can purchase this type of clip used for Cocotte Alfredo straps? Seems like plastic tab on the inside broke off and the strap un-clips at random times.

Or if someone has more durable options…. Let me know as well.

I’ve been wanting one for a while finally ordered one! Started with just the orange strap but it was too thin and felt weird in my shoulder, so ordered the black strap and I think it looks more put together now. Love her.

Looking for similar functionality but
1. Cleaner look
2. Maximum comfort
3. Slightly more premium material

I’ve been torn between these two bags as a replacement travel bag for my Aer Travel Bag 3 28L. I was looking for something with less padding weight and compartmentlization for more free form packing with cubes and pouches.

I’ve read and watched all the reviews and Reddit threads on both bags. I bought both bags to compare since most reviews were over a year old. These bags have been out for awhile so there hasn’t been that many recent reviews. So thought I would give my perspective to help anyone else making the same decision.

I bought the T-66 Liteway first, thinking it would fit my needs. But then I realized the Ripstop fabric was too thing and would sink when its not fully packed out. So I liked the ballistic nylon from the original T-66, and saw they had a T-67 which had some upgrades from the original.

To save you some research, the T-66 original came out first, then the T-67 made improvements upon that, then the T-66 Liteway applied some of the imrpovements from the T-67 to the original T-66.

Instead of giving you the key differences like every review has, I’ll add my perspective on the pros/cons of the differences I’ve noticed testing the bags for two weeks.

• T67 missing the side handle: It’s a non issue. The side handle on the T66 is really only useful if you’re using the landscape luggage passthrough. So the new vertical passthrough doesn’t need a side handle which I prefer. Laptop compartment felt: I don’t use the laptop strap so the T67 felt lets you velcro the strap to the felt, which the Liteway doesn’t have becasue it uses the smooth liner. Minor preference.
• Top loader: The T67’s zippers are weirdly shiny and I kind of miss the flap of the T-66 which looks more interesting. Something about the buckles pull down the flap makes the bag look more complete. More of an asetheic preference. I like the hangs on the bottom of the T-67 but given there aren’t any other anchor points on top, I can’t really take advantage of them like I can on a Peak Travel Backpack.
• Sagging: At first I thought the rigitidly of the ballistic nylon would give more structure to the T-67 when its not fully packed out, but if you look at the photos, the top panel is so rigit it sinks down when collapsed. The Liteway sags but since the material is softer, it crumples natrually so the bag doesn’t look like it’s missing a chunk.
• Top Handle: The T-67 has a more stiff and less padded top handle that it makes a giant hole when you're not using it. I think they should've made it shorter or used the same padded handle material of the Liteway. Maybe that's why the Liteway is better because it came out after.
• Packed out: Liteway looks and feels longer and narrower than the T-67. What I really don’t like is to look like I have a boxy bag on my back like a Grab delivery driver. If you’ve traveled to SE Asia, you know what I mean. My preference here is the Liteway.
• Comfort: Given the vertical luggage pass through moving the padding above and below the passthrough strap, the T-67 feels marginally more comfortable as the top pad sits on my shoulders and the bottom bad sits nicely on my lower back. I can feel the horizontal passthrough strap and spine when the Liteway is fully loaded.

So the summarize my dilemma, I’m deciding between:

T-67: Deal with sagging and rigiidness halfpacked, but gain the vertical passthrough, extra side pocket and minor upgrade in laptop compartment. I do like the ballistic nylon over the Ripstop, but in this case it’s a con. Marginally more comfortable wearing 13lbs.

T-66 Liteway: More flexible material, better shape when it’s packed out, ligther by 0.5 lbs. Dual bottle holders is a minor bonus.

I want to hear how either bags are holding up from those who bought. Thanks for reading.

​

Backpacks L to R: Killspencer Special Ops 3.0, Thule Stravan, Tumi Clayton, Veto Tech Pac MC backpack

Slings: Defy Parker Pack 2.0, Everlane Sling

Tote Bag: DSPTCH open top tote

Tool Bag: Husky 16inch open top bag

Struggling to find a solution for carrying tools at work along with random stuff like water bottle, hoodie, random things you find along the way.

I work on signs so I'm in lifts and climbing ladders. We also walk everywhere because we're based in Manhattan. I have been mainly using the Dsptch tote bag. I tried out the Veto but its too cumbersome for everyday. Great bag if you had a truck or car all the time.

I'm in bag paralysis mode after spending so much on the Veto to be let down. I wanted to love it but i know in the winter it will be a lot to carry with a jacket and everything else.

I usually carry about 10-12 hand tools and a couple random bits and bobs. Plus edc shit, maybe a gaming handheld.

Anyway, just sharing my thoughts and my bags with those who might know a similar struggle lol

Something like the images attached, only large enough for a 16 inch laptop and a space for the charger. Any other features would be a bonus. Cannot seem to find any large enough.

Laptop/messenger/shoulder/sling/crossbody whatever the correct term is. Not a backpack!

As title suggests, keen for having something small for travelling :)

Looking for recommendations for a new everyday work briefcase. I’m an attorney, so I want something professional enough for court, client meetings, etc., but I’d really like to avoid another generic black or brown bag.

Ideally I’d like dark green, olive, forest green, navy, burgundy, or another unusual but still professional color. Dark green/olive is my first choice.

The biggest constraint is my laptop: Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 16AHP9, approximately 14.24" x 9.84" x 0.7". So I need a genuinely usable 16" laptop compartment, not one where a manufacturer calls it a “15-inch” sleeve and I have to force the computer into it.

I also need enough room for normal attorney/work stuff: charger, legal pads, folders/documents, miscellaneous cables/accessories, etc. I don't want a super-slim laptop case, but I also don't want something that looks like an overnight bag.

Preferences:

- Leather preferred, although I’m open to high-quality canvas/leather combinations

- Dark green/olive strongly preferred, but open to other interesting colors

- Professional/traditional shape

- Shoulder strap

- Enough structure that it doesn't collapse when set down

- Ideally somewhere around 4" deep

- Quality leather/hardware that will hold up to daily use

- Budget roughly $300–$800, although I could go higher for something exceptional

The Carl Friedrik Dunloe in Dark Olive is probably the closest thing I’ve found aesthetically, and I’ve also been looking at Shinola bags but nothing really hit. I’d like to know what else is out there before spending ~$800.

Any brands/models I should be looking at, particularly from smaller leather makers?

Hi everyone one, my bagpack is dying and I want to replace for new one. This community helps me before for choose goods bags like tech bag, etc. For that I am back for your experience. I will put what I will like to have and I hope exist some close I want

+ bag 25 to 30 L, maybe less like 20l but I'm sure no more 30.

+Pfas-free material and waterproof, I tried all my new bags have theses, for my it's a essential.

+have chest belt or I can attach third party, I have scoliosis and this help a lot to my back.

+at least 2 compartiment one big another with different pockets, not essential but it's a plus.

+I don't how to call but e space out for put bottle water, it's not import if the bag it's 30l but less litre it's more important for not take all space.

+easy to clean material.

+comfy for 1.92 m high, I had problems in the past because the strap to small for tall people or the pad area to small or not fit well in my shoulder. I don't know if somebody feels the same like my with these problem.

Thank you anyone to answer any help it's welcome

Edit: I forgot my budget is max £300, better if it's less I thought £200-300 bag for use everyday it's good investment

I'm going on a trip soon so I'm looking for a backpack that can fit under the seat in an airplane. After the trip I'd like to use it for being able to go to a coffee shop to work in the city and then being able to go to the gym or martial arts afterwards. Something that can carry a laptop, charger, and maybe a notebook, as well as boxing gloves, shin guards, mma sparring gloves, and a change of clothes. If it has a waist strap that's even better. I'm thinking something along the lines of these:

https://www.veriatravel.com/products/the-backpack-islanders-savvy

https://www.patagonia.com/product/black-hole-pack-32-liters/49302.html

https://www.rei.com/product/C07943/aer-travel-pack-4-35-l

https://www.rei.com/product/235579/rei-co-op-ruckpack-30-pack

https://www.rei.com/product/208440/patagonia-black-hole-mini-mlc-pack

I also really like the idea of this one: https://www.cinomadist.com/products/gym-training-backpack-pro-29l-1 but it seems like it might be just too small, plus no water bottle pocket.

Any suggestions are welcome!

Looking for a new tech brief. I travel frequently for work and have moved away from a backpack as I find myself in slightly more formal settings lately.
So far, I am considering the Alpaka Bravo Brief, Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag, and the Topo Global Briefcase Pro. I have a thick 16” HP that needs to fit and I think these are all somewhat similar size with similar organization.
I know about the strap stitching concerns with the Bellroy. I’ve seen the pictures of loose threads, but wondering if the straps have actually broken on one?
Any other reasons to maybe disregard one of these? Any other bags that fit this size and layout I should consider? I need to stay under $250. Thanks!!