Originally Posted by
number_6
I use the Wenger Synergy laptop backpack (Swiss Army). Bought it for $100 and well worth that price (really well made, protects well and most importantly enough storage room that I have made 2 day trips with it as my only luggage). Now it sells for $50! Gave a couple as xmas gifts so I had the link handy. I looked at a dozen other backpacks and none were superior to the Wenger.
http://www.buy.com/prod/synergy-lapt.../10393071.html
Forgot the name of the one you recommended here and was at Best Buy tonight with Mrs. Oneant where we ran across the Synergy. It looked plenty big for my stuff, so I picked it up.
Got home, put everything I need in it for daily use (laptop+cables), then added all the stuff I'd need for a 2-day trip (electronics+cables in the back, toiletries and clothes in the front--I still pack normal stuff like I did in the Marines...folded neatly, then tightly rolled to conserve space), and it was perfect!
Thanks to everyone who posted suggestions. This one fits the role ideally. Small enough for daily use to the office, but big enough for quick trips. No more roll-aboard or duffel for casual overnights.