Backpack/daypack recommendations?

i just use a generic small backpack from Walmart--just large enough to fit a 12 inch lap top in. No fancy backpack required--as I'm often just carrying sandwiches left over and snitched from our continental breakfast.

I bought a “mini” style messenger bag from Timbuktu that I use pretty much everyday now for the past seven years. Fantastic quality product, durable and easy to clean. Can hold a lot, but can also roll up so I can attach it to my larger bag for the plane. I prefer the look of it over a backpack as well. A messenger bag is a little more “urban-working-hipster” versus “tourist looking for the right bus” energy.

I also use a Timbuk2 for "plane stuff". I am pondering a big backpack that I used on transport in Alaska, but it holds SO MUCH meaning it's HUGE and my feet barely have space under the seat in front of me and I can't stretch out (I was pondering how those foot hammock on airplanes people manage to have their feet on those!), so I am still leaning towards one of my various timbuk2 messenger bags. I use a crossbody purse for daytime (which is a timbuk2! HAHA but I keep it IN my messenger bag if I will need it generally after I am done traveling for the day), especially since I am in places with possible pickpocketing, I need to keep my hands on things.

Maybe I'm just a Rick Steves sycophant, but for a daybag I can't do better than Rick's offering: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/civita-day-pack. So light and flexible.

Just about anything will work including your kid's school backpack. What would be your prime criteria? Weight, cost, pockets, straps, etc.? I agree with the Civita mentioned above. But have also used cheap bags bought on the street. I think this Matein bag (mentioned in this forum recently) is a good price: matein on amazon If you want simpler, this Rangeland bag (also mentioned on this forum) looks OK: rangeland on amazon I have all three of these now, so not just repeating info.

But I can't say they are significantly better than a Jansport, or any other common backpack from Target or Walmart, etc.

Thanks, everyone! This is all very helpful.