Looking for a backpack :)

Hello :)

so I'm looking for a backpack for my girlfriend that'll make her life easier.

Ideally, I'd have gotten her a Tom Bihn or Evergoods, but we can't afford that at the moment.

To be used as a work bag, a day bag and as a small weekender bag.

So here's my list of wishes:

25-32 liters
Protected work compartment: extended laptop area OR a separate compartment, for her laptop, tech, and work notebooks and documents - that will not get squished and ruined by bulky items in the other compartments (such as a lunchbox or a jacket).
So most standard backpacks, that have 1 very tight laptop compartment, and 1 large main area, won't do the job in her case.
I'm also considering something like the Ogio Brief Pack 10L as a solution.
Generous quick access pockets, for snacks, EDC tools, makeup and toiletries, etc.
Water bottle pockets (!)
Slim profile, preferably with expandability (like a knack bag), or with compression straps to cinch it down
Comfortable for females - some bags out there don't fit well on a female torso
Lightweight (up to 1.5 kg)
Budget - 60-120€ (depending on durability, lifetime guarantee, etc.)

I'm currently considering:

High Sierra Swerve / Access 2 - costs 80 € in Europe, lower quality all in all,
Custom Greenroom136 Northseeker - Needs to buy a separate to protect notebooks and laptop, can't afford it together with the bag
Fjallraven Raven 28L - no compression, water bottle pockets questionable, leather accents (she's vegan)
High Sierra Endeavor Work to Workout - lacks quick access pockets, only one water bottle pocket
Ogio Brief Pack 10L - as a protected notebooks + laptop compartment, to be put inside the main backpack. But not that budget friendly. Would love to hear of alternatives

In the end I might just expend the budget if I can't find anything :(

Posted Jan 7, 2024, 7:16 AM UTC