I’m after a replacement for my well loved but slowly dying North Face Surge back pack. It’s 32L (IIRC). I don’t want anything larger. 25L +, I guess.

I want, hard wearing, comfortable when heavy. Plentiful smaller (as opposed to fewer but larger) pockets or at least organisation inside the larger pockets.

I rarely leave the house without my bag! I carry a netbook, iPad, books etc during the week. At the weekend it has milk, nappies, clothes, food and that kind of thing for children. It’s my carry on luggage when I fly too.

I do lots of walking so it needs to be comfortable when heavy.

Currently looking at;

The North Face Borealis
The North Face Big Shot
Columbia Silver Ridge
Karrimor Indie 25

Any opinions? Anything I’ve missed?

Thanks

Forgot – must have removable / stowable wait strap.

Widen your search and look at Deuter, Vaude, Osprey and Lowe Alpine. They have many suitable options.

For something understated and bomb-proof look at Aiguille Alpine but it might not have all the pockets you want