Backpacks for Packing Light

I have the first one. It is too heavy although I liked the light colored inside.

I have the old style Weekender bag, which is similar to the second of your choices. It's a little long for me worn as a backpack (I'm 5' tall) but it's lightweight, easy to pack, durable, and the eBags warranty is superb (they replaced my bag no questions asked after 5 years of use when a buckle ripped off). The only drawback is that it is softsided, so if you plan to pack something fragile and check the bag, you might have some problems.

I had the first one and, like Monte, it was too heavy for me. I use the L.L. Bean quickload.

I have the eTech Convertible, and I think it's great. It's very durable, and a well-organized bag with some small and large pockets to organize documents, small items, and clothes. Really, really hard to beat for the price. I can fit what I take on any trip in a Jansport Big Student Pack, so the eTech is more space than I need, but I like the organization, and it can be cinched down as small as you like. The ability to open the bag completely along one side is unusual in more back-packish backpacks, and makes it very nice to travel with, even if other backpacks hold almost as much. The laptop sling in the MotherLode TLS takes up unnecessary space...unless you plan to bring a laptop. It's also more expensive. Personally, if I did carry a laptop, I would still just carry it loose in the bag in my own padded sleeve. The shoulder straps on the eTech are comfortable, and the detachable hipbelt is nice for longer trips carrying the backpack. By the way, I am 5'2" and find the bag comfortable to carry. I think for the price, it's hard to beat. I've taken three 2-3 week trips with mine, and it's still in great shape and I had no complaints traveling with it. But maybe someday I will work up the courage to travel with the Jansport Big Student...

Just checked the stats to compare the LL Bean Quickload. True, it is 2 lb, 2 oz, while the eBags eTech is 3 lb, 10 oz. But it is also more than twice the price (with eBags's frequent coupons). My main concern would be that I don't see that the Quickload has a detachable hipbelt (does it?). It does come with a shoulder strap, but that would be way too uncomfortable for me to carry for any distance. Only a hipbelt makes carrying a backpack-type bag bearable for me for any long distance. Maybe the Quickload owner can say if it has a hipbelt? If not, I myself would take that into consideration for a backpack-style bag.