I am currently using an osprey 26+6 backpack. Not the most comfortable carry, but works for me. I can fit a weeks worth of clothes without expanding. Like the clamshell opening.
In the past, I have used an Ogio Metro backpack. Similar capacity, or even more. Lots of pockets and organization. No clamshell opening, so I typically used an Eagle Creek garment folder to easily slid the bundle of clothes in and out.
Goruck gr1 21L https://www.goruck.com/products/gr1-usa
It’s small, it’s compact, it’s very sturdy. I lived out of this bag for a year traveling the world. It has a laptop sleeve that is very sturdy. I cannot recommend this bag enough
It’s gotten dirty, beaten up, sun dried, and just works. Plus it’s very quiet, no metal on metal jingling
magic-packing-trick
All of this…
Fits into this
And looks like this
That’s awesome. I greatly admire the lighter packs < 25l.