>>2857807I would suggest either the Base Camp XS or S or the Osprey Farpoint 40, depending on your needs. Base Camp XS or S for rough use/allround, Farpoint 40 if you have to carry it on your back for longer periods, or have to carry a laptop with you.
I have three Large model Base Camp duffels. My sister borrowed one for eight years. The oldest, which must be like 17 years now, is in Italy, but the dago I lent it to five years ago keeps forgetting to bring it when I'm there.
Anyway it's a banging duffel bag. Rainproof enough that you don't need to worry about putting it down in the snow or leaving it in the rain for a little while., solid material. The D-shaped lid and the good zipper makes it easy to stuff it full. The shoulder straps are actually usable, even if it's not super ergonomic to carry it for very long periods of time. There's some lack of organizing options, but you can solve that with some lightweight packing cubes.
The Farpoint is an OK backpack. Hip belt that works and isn't for show, good straps, nice and airy back. If you're flying, you can easily pack the straps away, which is nice if you want to take it as a carry-on, so the straps don't snag on anything.
Outside-access laptop pocket is handy, and the organizing panels inside make it easy to organize your gizmos and doodats.
You will want packing cubes to pack in, and conveniently enough, Osprey's ultralight set fit beautifully. They also sell a transparent 1-litre toiletries bag, and that also fits. Bag isn't as waterproof as the Base Camp duffel, but surprise surprise, Osprey also sells a light rain cover for it.
One downside with the Farpoint is that if you use the stuff pocket on the back, it easily bulges backwards like a dome if you have anything in your pack, so it looks like you're lugging a turtleshell around. The shape is a bit odd, notably the width, because it's made to maximize the volume within carry-on size requirements, but it's still comfortable to carry.
