Hi,

I am new here and have enjoyed reading a few posts on the forum. I want a one-bag carry-on that can do it all. No wheels. I am trying to choose a bag with the following traits:
- Suitable for business or pleasure use in US and overseas. It should look at least somewhat professional.
- Can convert into comfortable backpack (should be able to walk a mile or two comfortably)
- Can carry pants, shirts, other clothing for trips from 1-2 nights to 2-3 weeks (longer trips I am washing and rewearing clothes), laptop, books, extra pair of shoes, sometimes an SLR camera and 1-2 small lenses. I don't usually travel with a suit more than once a year.

I have investigated the following bags and here are my impressions:

Tom Bihn Aeronaut: Probably the most versatile, but how well does it pack? It seems like an expensive duffel bag with nothing to help organize or keep clothes tied down or keep electronics separate from clothes. What is it like for shorter trips--does the bag get floppy and loose if it is underpacked?

Tom Bihn Tri-star: Looks fantastic, and I like the 3 compartments, but I wonder if it is slightly too small for longer trips where I have a laptop, camera, and a few changes of clothes. How much clothing can fit with a laptop, camera, and extra shoes?

Red Oxx Air Boss: Looks nice, but no backpack straps.

Red Oxx Sky Train: I heard the backpack straps are not comfortable. Also, it looks much larger than the Aeronaut even though they both have similar dimensions. Construction looks amazing.

MEI Executive Overnighter: Perhaps the best compromise since it offers the 3 compartment design in a full size carry on (like a larger Tri-Star). The design is not as appealing as Tom Bihn or Red Oxx, but it seems very functional. Seems hard to purchase.

Patagonia MLC: Lower on the list, but the price is around $150. Two compartments may work okay. The other bags are nylon and MLC is polyester.

What do you think? If I new the Tristar could hold everything, it seems like the best because the design looks like it expands and contracts nicely with different load sizes, it organizes well, and I know it will always fit in US and international carry on sizes since it is smaller than the maximum bag size. But I really don't want to be left with a bag that is too small...