Set it down, and the Osprey Talia remains bolt upright due to its internal frames. Should you blop it down a bit too hard, your laptop is protected as its sleeve actually “hangs” inside the bag. The women’s specific perforated shoulder harness is covered with perforated mesh and the foam structure is also perforated to improve breathability. I find it very comfortable, even in sweltering hot and humid weather. Included Hydration system What we like: Extremely comfortable, loaded with features, and can pull double duty for light overnights. Multi-function internal padded sleeve fits a 15” laptop or a water reservoir, with hose route through the shoulder strap The Gregory Jade 28L is one of the most expensive bags in the lineup, but it acts as an overnight crossover and offers incredible support and comfort for longer adventures. The Osprey Tempest 20 is an exceptionally versatile bag that works well for a wide variety of activities, offering a high performance across all metrics for a moderate price. Meanwhile, the REI Trail 25L is a solid contender for nearly a fraction of the cost of other similarly performing bags, making it a great value. Comfort

Main compartment: bluesign® approved 300D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR • Accent: bluesign® approved 600D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR • Bottom: bluesign® approved 600D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR Generally works as a personal item in its smaller state, when expanded and filled it counts as a carry-on The sportier bags are not suitable for carrying laptops (as detailed in the tables); the Daylite Travel Plus is OK for smaller laptops and the Nebula/Nova, Heritage Series, Arcane Series, and Transporter series are the best choices for medium to larger laptops and tech gear. What we like: Well-rounded high-capacity design that's a legitimate competitor to Osprey’s Stratos above.

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Some of Osprey’s newer bags made with recycled materials are treated with PFC-free DWR, which means “durable water repellency” treatments that do not use PFCs, the environmentally disastrous perfluorochemicals. What we like: easy access to the main compartment, lots of organization, easy hydration reservoir access, carries & distributes weight well

Padded laptop and tablet sleeve that opens completely for airport screening without removing laptop

Our Verdict

The same as the Transporter Small Zip Top but with 20% more capacity and a padded side-access zippered panel for up to a 15" laptop Main compartment: bluesign® approved 450D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU Coated • Accent: bluesign® approved 450D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU Coated • Bottom: bluesign® approved 450D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU Coated

Its AirSpeed™ suspension offers great ventilation and, in addition, it has been improved with a multi-level molded torso fit. It also includes a Hydraulics™ next generation. Main compartment: bluesign® approved NanoFly® 500D recycled high tenacity nylon UHMWPE, PFC/PFAS-free DWR Materials, roll-top main compartment access, and protected zippers designed to withstand heavy rain Padded and interior-hanging laptop and tablet sleeve (separate zippered laptop access, very well protected)The Daylite Plus is better if will be carrying a laptop; the interior sleeve is padded (the sleeve for the regular Daylite is not). It can generally carry any 15″ laptop. The Mira 32 isn’t the lightest option out there, weighing in at 1.35kg. This is mainly due to its durable nylon construction and the technical design of the harness that allows a comfortable load capacity of 5 – 13kg.

The same design as the Simplex 20 but with Nanofly material, offering increased durability while maintaining a light weight

To share my personal experience, I’m not the sort of person to carry an umbrella; my Osprey Daylite has been caught in the rain with me a number of times and my papers and computer have come out dry and in good shape. I, on the other hand, came out a sopping wet idiot. What we like: Features specific for climbers, included rain cover, easily compressible, meets most airline carry-on size restrictions