Carry-on personal-sized backpack
 

I'm looking for a backpack to use a personal item for flying. The Tom Bihn Synik 22 looks like it could work, but the laptop compartment is a bit too small to hold my Thinkpad X1 Carbon (323.5 mm x 217.1 mm x 15.95 mm / 12.7" x 8.5" x 0.6"). I realize it could fit in the main compartment. Things I like about the Synik description include padded shoulder straps, a padded back and a removable rigid internal frame. The clamshell design is nice. https://www.tombihn.com/products/syn...31677158096959

What other backpacks should I consider that would be close to this description?

Have you looked at the Tom Bihn Synapse 25? It's not a clamshell design but similar to the one you're interested in. It holds a laptop in a removable cache (sold separately). The design of this backpack makes it collapse to look smaller when not full.

I'd prefer a clamshell, but if there's nothing appealing, I'm leaning towards Synik 22 or maybe that Synapse. The Syniks seem to be an improvement on the Synapse line.

There's another thread here about personal items, but the OP explicitly said no clamshells.

Yes. The Synik is sort of an upgrade to the Synapse with the clamshell style. I really like my Synapse because of how much stuff it holds and how slim it looks on my back and the all the different compartments. I always need separate compartments in all my luggage, otherwise it's just a big grocery bag. I do like the clamshell option on the Synik. Good luck!

For anyone debating which one, here's a video comparison:

Helpful video!
 

The one strike against the Synik (I own the 22), is it can get very egg shaped. You need to pack carefully.

Check out the Goruck GR 1 (21 Liters)

SEE:https://www.goruck.com/products/gr1

Everki also make some good laptop backpacks: https://www.everki.com/us_en/laptop-.../view-all.html. The Onyx 132 would be a good choice, it fits the 15" Thinkpads issued here perfectly.

I often use a backpack as a personal item, especially when I will be taking any trains on a trip. I have a couple of favorites. I think a sternum strap is a MUST, so if a pack doesn't have that feature, I won't even look at it. My current go-tos are 1) Pacsafe Vibe 28L (opens like a suitcase, many security features, has a pass-through for extendible handle on a spinner or roller). And 2) eBags weekender Convertible Junior (opens like a suitcase, holds a ton, no strap or pass-through for attaching to another bag).

Mountain Warehouse. Their products are cheap, lightweight and durable. And they have loads of styles that allow you to pick exactly the features you want.

Nomatic 14L, You can expand to 17L.

Compliant with United Airlines personal Item (under-seat) regulations. Please note this means backpacks must be no larger than 17x10x9 inches.

check out the newish arlo skye backpack
 

i've been using the arlo skye backpack as my personal item for the past 7 months. it works as it is advertised. fits below the seat. has a back sleeve to slide over the carry-on extendable handle. and it has 3 main pockets. 1. for laptop. 2. for pullover, books, etc. 3. for passport and electronic cables ( haven't seen this in other brands) there is also a smaller front pocket which is a bit hard to open but since its at the front... i like that as i know it will be very hard to get pick pocketed in places like rome. i use that smaller front pocket to store snacks or stuff i wont' use that often - medicines / vitamins. it's about half the price of tumi at $250.

CabiunZero 42 L has fit under every seat I have flown including pre pandemic. It has an interior sleeve for thin laptops. Also super light, probably cannot find one lighter. Its going to Africa and Borneo later this year where we are weight challenged.

I am currently in Europe using a black Recycled Firefighter 24. The bag is working perfectly for me.

SEE: https://recycledfirefighter.com/prod...-hour-backpack