What to look for in a backpack (something never considered much before)
 

Almost 10 years of hand baggage only travel, a brief period using a couple of brandless pullalongs and primarily 3 Cabinmax bags/1 nondescript bag (the most recent one), and an increasingly ambitious set of plans later, my last bag is now basically useless and really need to replace it. For now, I'm using the backpack attachment of my husband's Ikea Upptacka (pictured below), which I also use for my daily commuting.

I'm pretty clueless about what to really look for, but some things I do know are:

1) It should NOT have wheels!
2) Colour is not even remotely important
3) Should be able to fit most cabin dimension requirements (due to travelling various airlines frequently)
4) Several compartments would always be useful
5) Preferably not breaking the bank
(6) Ideally able to be bought in Russia)

One that I did spot on here that looks perfect was this - https://www.tombihn.com/collections/...nt=41947923719 - but at $330, it's a little on the steep side for me, not to mention impossible to find here in Russia. However, I am also unsure if there are other aspects which one should look out for when choosing a new bag, considering that it will serve both as my regular commuting bag and a travel bag (although I'm not against the idea of having separate ones)

Any thoughts?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/aUkAA...li/s-l1600.jpg

ebags mother lode is probably a good fit (or a smaller sized junior) - not sure if they ship to russia

https://www.ebags.com/hproduct/ebags...iABEgLzi_D_BwE

That does look good, although I can't work out if it has wheels or not? THanks for the suggestion!

I have the Tom Bihn Tristar that you linked. Still looks brand new after 3 years. If you can find it, I say splurge.

I have the Mother Lode convertible and it's a good bag, without wheels, BUT it's not a true backpack - it has tuckaway straps which you can see below. That works well for me because most of the time I use it with the single shoulder strap, but it's certainly not as comfortable as a 'proper' backpack.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2b88b640d2.jpg

I have a Tom Bihn backpack and love it and I've been drooling over that exact same bag as my next "present to myself" purchase for traveling probably early next year. I have the advantage that I live in Seattle just north of their showroom so I can go fiddle with bags whenever I like. If you like it, I'm sure they'll be happy to work out how to get it to you. Their customer service has been great for me when I've been in both to buy things and to get a tear fixed on my (heavily-used) backpack.

Looks pretty effective, but the comfort comment makes me a bit hesitant as I require an actual backpack - shoulder bags are utterly useless for me, unfortunately! But thanks for the heads up!

I actually contacted them and they can arrange shipment to Russia (albeit for $120...), so it is seriously tempting to say the least.

That Red Oxx one looks great! Looks similar to the Tom Bihn :)

I'm on my second North Face Surge II backpack. The first one lasted 8 years before I purchased another. Nothing was wrong with it, I just wanted an updated color.

I've never had a rip, tear, or zipper fail. They're reasonably priced, easy to find, and great quality.

Travel backpacks that I believe are roughly hand baggage (not carry-on) size:
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1211...=816-GN1&csp=f
https://www.nomatic.com/pages/nomatic-backpack
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product...TER30_531.html

LOL I've done the same going to their showroom/manufacturing floor to check out in person. Very courteous, knowledgeable and helpful staff indeed. Although I have to say on the Synapse Guide Edition, the ice axe strap seemed a little much!

Red OXX also has a lifetime no BS guaranty

briggs-riley.com/shop/function/backpacks?dir=asc&order=price

If you don't want expensive, Jansport Odyssey is the best. Many pockets (the older ones have more compartments, newer ones less).

Newer ones not as well made as the older ones though.