Expandable 40L Travel Backpack for Women & Men - Waterproof Carry On Backpack with 17" Laptop Compartment | Flight Approved Personal Item | Perfect for College, Business Trips & Weekend Getaways

Backstory: After packing my standard laptop backpack for a trip and then having to pull some items out or add them, I got really frustrated with the mess I would make out of my carefully packed bag, or by not even being able to find certain things unless I dumped the entire bag out. I needed a backpack that opened more like a suitcase so I could easily find or shuffle items. I didn't even know that existed!I found it and more in this bag. 40L makes for a lot of room! I love everything about this bag - except for the non-zippered pockets in the main compartment because anything I put in them slides out and I find it in amongst my things in the main compartment (I'm thinking I might be able to modify the pockets with a few stitches to keep things in them better.) I have taken this bag camping, on overnight and weekend trips, and now am planning on testing my packing skills and taking only it on a 6-day trip in early fall though I'll have bulkier clothing to pack. I will also be flying with it for the first time in October, and I will update this review with my experience since I will be on a budget airline and I am planning on using this bag as a personal item and as my only luggage. I love that the straps fold away for carrying ease and that keeps the straps from catching on things (like airplane seat arms while walking to my seat...true story). I love all the zippered pockets and all the well-thought out details in this bag. It's sleek, it's pretty and still functional! It's even expandable! It's very well-made and durable. It's also a nice touch that it comes with the bonus two clear zippered pouches. My laptop fits perfectly in the laptop space and doesn't infringe on the usable space in the main compartment - unlike in my laptop backpack. I bought the black version of this bag for my husband and he is very particular about his backpacks. He loves it and has taken it on every trip! Next year we'll be flying for a 2-week trip, and I am planning to take only this bag with me as my luggage and pack a portable backpack inside for day trips. I highly recommend buying this bag! One tip: In the main compartment, put something at the bottom and the top to give the bag a little more structure while packing because otherwise you're fighting a little with the sides and top and bottom caving in as you pack. Remove when finished packing. (2 PCs of cardboard work well) It's become a pet peeve of mine because I utilize every inch of space I can. Pack this bag fully expanded then use the compression zipper and the side cinch buckles to make it more compact. Did I mention I love this bag?