I think I spent almost two years looking for the perfect backpack for myself and finally found it last spring. I considered a lot of options like the Peak Desi

I think I spent almost two years looking for the perfect backpack for myself and finally found it last spring. I considered a lot of options like the Peak Design offerings, Pinq Ponq, Wandrd, Boundary, Black Ember and Fstop. I had a hard limit of 300 dollars, wanted something that had 30+ liters, wouldn't look dumb half empty and water resistant and ethically procuced. It should also have a water bottle mesh, internal organisation and pockets on the outside and straps to hang stuff onto. I ended up choosing the Aevor Travel. It expands from 38 to 45 liters and has straps so that you can tighten it up when it's empty so it looks good even when it's empty and isn't ridiculously big. Fills all of my other requirements and it's durable. it also has removable chest and waist straps (as I don't use them usually except when traveling and fully packed) so they're never in the way. I even spilt my full thermos of coffee with milk on it, by accident obviously, and it cleared right up with no stains. Super happy, especially considering that I got it for under 100 dollars.