The Thule Aion backpack is my go-to option when I don't plan on traveling with a carry-on suitcase. It's expandable to 32L, which offers 15% more packable space (yay!), and its main divider feature allows you to unzip it fully just like a suitcase — perfect for easy packing.
Look, I used to be a Bose girl all the way, but when I'm living out of my backpack (which is usually the case), these take up way less room and still have solid noise-canceling abilities. They’ve become my go-to and make working from cafes so much sweeter.
We both LOVE this bag! It somehow fits everything we need, still counts as a carry-on, and comes with a lifetime warranty, which makes it even better.