Someone on Reddit created this website(I think) and it goes over a lot of different things https://theperfectpack.com/
this post was submitted on 21 Jun 2023
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I have more backpacks than my wife has purses.. I also have more boots than her.. lol
I've bought at least two bags from ebags.com that I've been very happy with. The first bag was for a large 17 inch laptop I used in college. It was one of the only places I could find that carried laptop backpacks that could fit a thick 17 inch laptop. That bag is still getting use when I travel with very little signs of wear. I was so happy with it that when I needed a new carryon bag, I went back to ebags and got their Mother Lode Travel Backpack. It looks like they have a lifetime warranty for their ebags brand products.
Peak design travel backpack. Can hold 45 liters, but you can snap it down for a smaller profile. I did a ton of research and this one came out on top and I can't be happier
I can't speak for 5.11 quality today, but I got my Rush 12 in 2010 and it's still going strong. There were a few years there where I abused the hell out of it, too.
I'm a shoulder bag office lackey now, but the 5.11 remains my weekend bag. Other than the regrettable tacticool style, I have no complaints. The Covrt would probably be decent.
Depending on how much you want to spend, I've found GoRuck's products to be absolutely bomb proof in the past, and their GR2 should meet your size requirements https://www.goruck.com/collections/gr2.
There are a could quirks to them though -- they unzip completely open, but are a single storage compartment design. I mention it because it's a design I absolutely love but if you are looking for a lot of interior compartmentalization maybe look elsewhere.
The biggest potential downside (side from cost) is the tacticool styling and the weight (although that weight is due to the durable fabrics). I should also note that I have bought from them several times (for myself, and then for family), but not since COVID and the consequent effects on many businesses profitability. As of when I last bought they were still well-made and we've beaten the heck out of them with no damages.
I think the main benefit to that though is in the main compartment, you can add pouches and make mini compartments yourself. I guess that kinda requires a bit more effort but they are great bags and I'd argue that it's worth it.
I have a Thule backpack, think it is 32l storage. Had it for 15 years and taken it all over the world. The only thing that's broken is some of the plastic "handles" to make the zippers easier to pull. Very happy with it.