All that I can tell you is that a hip built will make it much more comfortable to carry. The Osprey Fairview gets good reviews, and is carry on size.

I really like The North Face backpacks-- especially if you are going to carry a laptop with you. Well made, roomy and protects your technical gear.

I haven't had a standard Osprey backpack but I use a larger Osprey pack for weekend trips-- it's too big for a carryon and not great for air travel but I am VERY pleased with the quality. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a smaller Osprey pack even though they are a little more expensive.

Also happy with my Osprey backpack.

I traveled with this one for a good week through Europe. Hybrid backpack and carry on.

Also recommend the Motherlode TLS weekender. Used it for a 3 city 10 day Europe trip.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have some researching to do. Quick searching the one I like is, of course, $250 and probably overkill for my needs. I'll only really be using it on the plane (easy access to books, magazines, snacks, travel size toiletries, etc.) and maybe some light out and about. I need to think about what all I'd like to take.

I use a rolling backpack instead of a purse on the plane for the items listed above....snacks, magazines, and wallet of course....best of both worlds....you can roll it or wear it...and only one piece to worry about. I pack my purse(s) in my checked luggage for use at my destination.

Idk, but my best friend has traveled extensively with an Ozark brand black backpack. Works fine, looks fine.

If you're on facebook there is a group called Travel Fashion Girls. They discuss this topic extensively. If you search the group you'll find tons of recommendations for all purposes. I personally have used the Motherload Weekender from eBags for my clothes for carryon-only travel, and I also use a small backpack purse for my personal item that I carry on a daily basis at my destination.

I have nice bags but find a good old-fashioned school backpack is the best. I have a 26 year old Jansport that is still my favorite for travel in spite of having more modern "computer" backpacks (too heavy) and "fashion" backpacks (not quite as practical). It's purple and nobody would dream of stealing it or that it carries a nice PC.

I have the Synapse 19 by Tom Bihn. The website has lots of comments and information about their bags. I got the black so that it would look more ‘professional’ when we toured European cities but it also worked while hiking. Tom Bihn

To lock the zipper pulls together I use Nite-ize Slidelock carabiners. It isn’t a padlock but it is small enough to deter pickpockets. Nite-ize carabiners

I found the best selection of backpacks at my local surf shops. They generally have separate compartments for "dry" and "wet" and come in large sizes. If you do not have a surf shop, a sporting goods store in another good place to look.

I have the Osprey Daylite. I use it instead of a rolling carryon and usually shove it in the overhead. I use my Pacsafe shoulder bag to carry anything I need once on board. I put that under the seat in front of me.. Theonly problem I have is that the backpack tends to gets shoved to the back of the overhead compartment and I have to recruit some long armed person to grab it for me. Gives me a reason to talk to cute tall guys.

I used a roller duffle for free checked bag and my Osprey Daylight as carryon for a 3 week trip. The Daylight carried a smaller backpack for day trips. If I am doing shorter trips I use roller bags exclusively though.

I've used a Jansport(think it might have belonged to one of my kids a long time ago) the last 2 times I've flown. I find it easier to manage and fit under seat better than the two rolling bags I have. It seems to be the bag of choice, at least for now.

I use a LL Bean Deluxe Book Pack (Coal Dust Herringbone).

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/121113?page=l-l-bean-deluxe-book-pack-print&bc=50-816&feat=816-GN1&csp=f

Last year I needed to replace an older version that I've used for 15+ years. Since I am over 60 & have 2 knee replacements, along with arthritis in my neck & spine, I thought I'd like to replace it with something on wheels that had a slip sleeve to put over my checked luggage handle or a smaller leather backpack. I ordered & returned all options & variations that I hoped would fit my needs. None of them could fit the items I take with me in an organized fashion, so I decided to look at the newer version (link above) of the backpack I needed to replace.

It fits under the seat and holds the items I like to carry on with me in an organized manner. It fits a 13" Macbook PRO, with cord, makeup, daily contacts, eyeglass case, sunglasses in a case, jewelry, (I wear large pieces), 1 Qt plastic bag of liquid toiletries, hard candy, gum, dried fruit, phone & charging cord, travel umbrella, cashmere blanket, Kindle etc. I find it slips off and on easily as well.

Ah just lost what I typed.

Now Im thinking I want to take my DSLR. I wasn’t going to but think I’ll regret it. Looked at Pacsafe bags but need to look more. Maybe easier to just tsk rolling carry on and put camera bag in thee and muse a larger crossbody bag.

Feel free to make suggestions for compression socks too. I’m going to be in air a long time.

Also look at Travelon for anti-theft bags and backpacks. They have a lot more styles and usually better prices than Pacsafe.

For compression socks, look at a running store. Mine have lasted forever and are much easier to put on than the ones I bought at a surgical supply store. And they target the foot and calf areas specifically. Most come in black but some have colored areas that aren’t noticeable with shoes on.

I would recommend trying on any backpack before purchasing. Or buy one specifically for women, as they are usually more narrow across the shoulders and better balanced for a woman’s body. I too used to carry an old Jansport when I lugged around a large laptop and other stuff for travel but it was a workhorse. I think I still have it. I typically use a smaller North Face day pack with a water bladder now when we go on hiking trips. It’s one I can stash in a carry on if I need to and use something else as a carry-on. I can take the bladder out and my MacBook will fit it not a lot of other stuff.

Taking a DSLR presents a whole new set of problems doesn’t it? Then there is the choice of lens to take. Oy!

Shee.. sounds like you are taking a major trip! Exciting! (Care to share where you are headed?)

I personally think you will most definitely regret not taking your dslr-- there were some trips I took both a DSLR and a point and shoot (for when I didn't want the weight/size of my dslr) but I never traveled without mine. To conserve space and weight, I got a good all around lens (I worked PT at a camera store back in the day to feed my habit!) and used a pretty small case (the triangle style) that could fit in a backpack or luggage.

Alternatively, I got the bf a Lowepro sling for taking his camera out in the city. It's crossbody and has a lot of room for other stuff-- whether camera equipment or otherwise. I especially like it for travel because it doesn't look like a camera bag! (I was sold on it based on this video and here is another review by a small woman )

Terriks thanks about the Travelon info!

Outside - I was thinking they might be better. I think I'd like ones that the compression changes as it goes up the leg. My only concern is I have small feet and wider calves. The measurements seem off.

Funky - I'm headed to Hawaii to visit family! :) I just watched that video and I really, really like that bag. I think I'm going to get it. I like that it doesn't necessarily look like a camera bag. Thanks!! I have a few different Lowepro bags but they still look like camera bags. I think I'd rather have the sling one on me (worn as crossbody) and throw my purse (empty) in suitcase, then have another carry-on, I think backpack style, bag. I don't know. I still haven't had much time to sit down uninterrupted to dig around online.

I guess I will take my camera. Anytime I make the decision to leave it behind I regret it. Maybe the newer iPhones are awesome for photos but I'm using an SE and many times I'm not impressed with the white balance choice and the shutter speed just isn't fast enough. I feel I have more control with my camera. I don't know what lens I'll take. I like and prefer using a prime lens and leave one on 95% of the time but that doesn't make the most sense in this case. I'd like to only take one (risk it) but I should take a zoom.

No, an iPhone just doesn't give you the control over your image that a DSLR does. Not everyone wants that control or fuss but if you do, you'll be disappointed without it-- especially in such a photastic location as Hawaii! And if you like your prime lens-- take it! Shoot with what you are comfortable with! Assuming it is a 50mm or 35mm I don't think you can go wrong with the amazing landscapes.

I hope you like the sling-- shop around. I've seen them as low as $30/40. It is not the perfect camera bag-- but I think it's a great flexible travel bag! Since I gifted the bf with one, he has used nothing else. He uses his old bags for storage at home-- but when he is out and about, he always takes the sling.

Have an amazing trip!

DD is a runner. She asked for Comrad compression socks for Christmas. They come in really cute colors! Here is a small sample:

She also got a Nomatic [sic] backpack. She likes it because one section opens all the way (clamshell opening) and you can pack it fully, then find what you’ve packed without digging through everything from the top down. I want one with a clamshell opening too, but I find hers a little heavy for a backpack.

I have a High Sierra backpack. It is okay. My biggest complaint is that the zippers aren’t very smooth. I’m in the market for another one, but I haven’t found one that checks off all my requirements: lightweight, good zippers, and not too big and not too small. It needs to have an interior pocket for a small laptop, too.