FWIW, I've used nested soft packable mostly-shoulder bags. Sometimes adding a semi-disposable interior cardboard half-shell, cut from a box, refolded, gaff taped, and edge mashed to transit size restrictions. So bag number and volume compress for transit, and reinflate at destination.
I envisioned adding optional shoulder pads, backpack strapping, waist belt, and even packable strap-on wheels... but the need hasn't been pressing.
I'd hoped instead to find a one true travel backpack, but the diversity of personal-item size restrictions, a brick of thinkpad, and a tech load tightening the volume budget, had me failing to find a bag which fit the constraint space, didn't regrettably narrow it, and leveraged opportunities (eg, with the laptop as pack frame, another would be excess - and it already barely fits flat as a United free personal item).
Off topic, I just saw a baggage size checker in an unexpected place: a NYC public library local branch. Together with additional luggage-in-the-library restrictions. I assume it's targeted at homeless, but seemed potentially problematic for travelers seeking wifi. I use public transit even in places where it's very class segregated, and the line between digital nomad, and impoverished homeless with nice kit, can be though-provokingly narrow. With an associated need to easily alter class flags, depending on who's inclined to hassle you as being out of place.
I envisioned adding optional shoulder pads, backpack strapping, waist belt, and even packable strap-on wheels... but the need hasn't been pressing.
I'd hoped instead to find a one true travel backpack, but the diversity of personal-item size restrictions, a brick of thinkpad, and a tech load tightening the volume budget, had me failing to find a bag which fit the constraint space, didn't regrettably narrow it, and leveraged opportunities (eg, with the laptop as pack frame, another would be excess - and it already barely fits flat as a United free personal item).
Off topic, I just saw a baggage size checker in an unexpected place: a NYC public library local branch. Together with additional luggage-in-the-library restrictions. I assume it's targeted at homeless, but seemed potentially problematic for travelers seeking wifi. I use public transit even in places where it's very class segregated, and the line between digital nomad, and impoverished homeless with nice kit, can be though-provokingly narrow. With an associated need to easily alter class flags, depending on who's inclined to hassle you as being out of place.