I've been wrestling with this one for a couple months. I went through a period several years back downsizing my briefcase to avoid carrying too much with me all the time. (Herniated discs in low back) I now find myself wanting a bit more room and an easier way to carry what I need.

A backpack is the ideal choice given heavy international travel and avoiding checked bags. I've narrowed it down to the Briggs & Riley medium pack (non clamshell) and the Tumi medium pack (non clamshell) but haven't been able to pull the trigger. The Briggs is $279 and Tumi has now repriced all backpacks @ $445. Tumi is better organized but doesn't have the clean looks of the briggs and 50% higher price. Anyone have either of these packs and can comment?