Backpack/Duffel for both Work and Travel
I'm looking for either a backpack or duffel to be my go-to bag for both work and travel. I currently use the Everyday Backpack 20L from Stubble and Co for work and the Aer City Pack Pro 24L V1 for travel.
Work Carry:
16in MacBook Pro, Keyboard, Mouse, Headset, tech accessories, and a small care pouch. I really like the aesthetic and how it stays standing up. It fits everything I need for work, and leaves some room for me to bring extra things back from the office. Unfortunately, I am not too comfortable with how tight the laptop compartment is, so I put my 16in MBP in the main compartment.
Travel Carry:
13in MacBook Air, clothes for 2 nights (no large pieces), toiletries 3.5L bag, tech accessories, a small care pouch, and occasionally my Switch 2 space permitting. When I travel for a single night, I'm able to bring my Switch 2. If I travel for 2 nights, I usually don't bring my Switch 2 because of space constraints. On longer travels, I pair the City Pack Pro 24L with a carry-on. I often have to bring both my work and personal laptops for longer travels, so the backpack will have both laptops and tech items, while I keep my clothes and most toiletries in the carry-on.
The City Pack Pro organization is amazing. An outer pocket, admin compartment, two inner pockets, tablet sleeve in the main compartment, and dual-laptop compartment. What I don't like is how the top of the back becomes a bit bulky, bulging out when I utilize both the top inner pocket and the admin compartment. I'm mainly utilizing the both of them for quick access items, with the admin compartment for smaller items and the top inner pocket for quick access tech accessories.
What I'm looking for:
- 24L-26L, not too big for work and enough minimum space for travel.
- Budget $300 USD.
- Personal item size
- Sleek design (professional, non-college student)
- Has to be able to fit 2 laptops (both work and personal MacBook), like how the Aer City Pack Pro has another sleeve in the main compartment and two sleeves in the laptop compartment.
- Water bottle holder preferred but not required.
- Dedicated laptop compartment.
- Clamshell not required, I sometimes get annoyed with the clamshell of the Aer CPP, but I can live with it.
- Organization not required, I have many organization pouches.
- Quick access pocket preferred.
- I'm open to duffel bags that has shoulder straps.
What I'm considering (no particular order):
- FTL Bag Pro/Max 30L - This duffel looks amazing and checks off all the boxes for me. There is a lack of reviews for this bag, especially for the Max. Even though it is 30L, it still fits as a personal item.
- Bellroy Transit Workpack 26L - The quick-access seems a bit inconvenient, and I'm not a big fan of the top handle.
- Evergoods CPL 24L - Originally chose the Aer CPP over this because of water bottle holder.
- Able Carry Max EDC 26L - Slightly worried that the general experience with this bag is similar enough to the Aer CPP, despite some upgrades, to justify spending the money.
- Alpaka Metro Backpack Pro - The only negative I have is no water bottle holder.
I'm looking to explore more options for duffel bags, ones similar to the FTL Bags. I'm also open to just keeping my current setup of separate backpacks for work and travel. I'm just trying to see what's available out there. Thanks in advance.