sppunk

The Synik 22 looks amazing. But for this bag I want to keep it under $125 if possible.

Any suggestions? I’m having a tough time finding alternatives that aren’t hideous, oversized, or lacking of exterior pockets.

I have a ton of bags and backpacks but want a backpack I can throw on my Platinum Elite spinner to roll around airports instead of carrying.

LordHamster

Patagonia Mini MLC (at 26L) might be a good alternative. It is a bit more expensive than your ask at $169, but they also use good materials (such as YKK zippers), and I've had good experiences with their full size MLC (which is too big for me).

freecia

Tucano Tugo has a small strap on the back but no easy access to laptop sleeve
https://www.ebags.com/product/tucano...uctid=10511117

Thule Subterra 23L keeps some of the organization inside the bag's main compartment
https://www.thule.com/en-us/backpack...-23l-_-3204052

Timbuk2 Division Deluxe has a trolley sleeve and dedicated laptop opening. Smaller volume than TB Synik 22.
https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/...ackpack-deluxe

Uniqlo's 3 way bag just came back in stock
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/3-way-b...ries-and-shoes
I have a slightly larger earlier version and the quality is nice for the price point. The orientation is towards length wise like a briefcase. The backpack straps much less built out (aka better with less weight) than the Synik 22's or Osprey.

Onebag spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...#gid=744941088

I have the Synik 22 and Synapse 19 (model before there were two sizes). A gear tie around a backpack strap & handle bar side helps with the Synapse 19. I got the Synik 22 because I can often use the extra few liters and like clamshell openings if I'm traveling with a (heavy) backpack + purse.

ordx

I own this bag and the laptop compartment is actually separate from the rest of the bag so it's easy to get to and it's very well padded. You can see it in the below pic. The one downside is that none of the external pockets have any kind of gusset so they don't expand at all. If the main compartment is full, you'd be hard-pressed to stick anything thicker than a pencil or a few pieces of paper into the external pockets.

freecia

ordx Thanks! I was eyeing the Tucano Tugo for a long time (pre-Synik). It ticks a lot of the desired feature list - clamshell, padded handle, side handle, sternum strap, trolley sleeve, bright lining, and "right personal item size". For some reason I thought the sleeve sewn in the bottom of the main compartment was the laptop pocket :/ Good to hear from an owner. It looks to be about 20L and fit a 15" laptop? Might be a bit better for carrying clothes than in-flight needs & frequently accessed tech accessories, then. Unless it was under packed or a small pouch right at the top so you don't need to unclip to open the main compartment.

ordx

Agreed on all counts. I'm careful not to overpack it and I use a small case to hold headphones, book, etc which can be easily removed from the bag.

boerne

Or, get the bag you like the best and get a bungee cord. Much less expensive. I also just started using one of these on my rollaboard for my jacket since my airport transits the past 2 weeks have been AUS-DFW-FRA-CAI-LXR-ASW-ABS-LXR-CAI-MUC-LHR-AUS

Tesla1856

Swissgear has a number of backpacks and offers a 10 year warranty if purchased direct.

Rusearch

I just saw that there's a new version of the highly respected MEI Voyageur that has a great price. There's not enough info on website to see if it has a trolley sleeve, but the company is known for customizing. Or, perhaps the compression straps could be used. (I'm hoping someone buys one and posts a review.)

https://meipacks.myshopify.com/produ...-voyageur-mini

freecia

Ikea has backpacks with a pass through sleeve. Might be suitable for some less frequent travelers or looking for a budget bag.

Roll top https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/foerenk...lack-20313571/
Smaller personal item https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/foerenk...lack-20313566/

Travlur

I just got this one: https://knackbags.com/products/small...30440339570749
I am quite happy with it. It is expandable, great quality, but it is over your price point. I have the smallest one (they have 3 sizes), and the only issue I have with it is that the opening for the luggage handle pass-through is too tight for 7" wide handles. I actually cut a few stitches out of each side of the pass-through and now it fits my carryon perfect, YMMV.
I have owned so many bags, most I didn't like and some I loved, but even the ones I love each have a flaw with them. I swear if I could find just the right bag I have been looking for I think I would buy 10 of them and then never buy another one. At least that is what I tell myself