Backpack recommendation to fit under airline seat

I carry an Osprey backpack that is very comfortable, plenty of room and easily fits under the seat. Note that it's more of a regular backpack, not one to pack a trip's worth of clothing.

I would ordinarily recommend going to REI and trying on backpacks, but it looks like the closest store for you is in Memphis. There are lots of good brands out there. Comfort is so subjective, but a good choice is to look at companies that make backpacks for hiking, like REI, Osprey, Gregory, Deuter. Sierra.com is a good place to find backpacks at discount prices, and they do carry a lot of brands. They generally have the measurements, as well, so be sure you know what size you're looking for. I would order several options and test each one out. Just make sure you can return them for free. I think Sierra and REI both allow that on most purchases. If you have store like REI in your area (EMS? Are they still around?), they should have weights you can put in the bag to approximate what you would be carrying in it, so know that when you go, too.

The size of a backpack to go under the seat in front of you varies by airline. What one allows another might think is too big.

Will this be your main bag or act as your personal item?

We flew Delta to Paris last year and upgraded to Premium Select. The way the seats were designed, we could barely slide the tip of our shoe under the seat in front of us. It was pretty surprising.

Sorry, not enough info.

What is your expectation? Is this a "daybag" or your only luggage for the trip? Are you trying to meet carry-on requirements for a specific airline, or a common denominator type bag that meets all requirements?

My general impression, is if you are looking for a backpack for all your packing needs, with decent straps and a waist belt, it will not fit under the seat. For use as a smaller daybag, then lots of bags would work, just depends on what you want to carry.

Fitting under airline seats, I'll assume the OP is asking about a personal items bag or a day bag. Personally I use an Osprey brand Daylite Plus -- https://www.osprey.com/daylite-plus-dayltpluss21-795?size=O%2FS&color=Black

There is also the slightly smaller Daylite -- https://www.osprey.com/daylite-daylites21-794?size=O%2FS&color=Black

Fitting under airline seats, I'll assume the OP is asking about a personal items bag or a day bag.

Well, you probably know the old saying about making an assumption. "Fitting under the seat" is Budget Airline speak for the lowest tier of ticket (though usually a weight is also indicated). Many think they can travel for a couple weeks or more and stay within the scant underseat requirement. Some can, most can't.

Even for a daybag, what do you want to haul, electronics? a laptop? Books? Clothes? That influences the style and shape of the bag.

for several years, I've been happy using a foldable backpack from Eddie Bauer, similar to this one. it folds up into itself and is super lightweight, but holds a lot and has some good organizational features, like a laptop/tablet sleeve inside, side pockets for water bottle or small umbrella, and a top small zippered compartment with easy access for things like phone, passport, wallet. Even fully packed -- I often put a small compression cube with a change of clothes into it -- I can squish it under most seats. we use it as a daypack while hiking on our travels, but otherwise just use a small crossbody bag when we're out and about.
I just bought the Biaggi packing cube backpack for a couple of upcoming trips, and it looks like it will also fit under the airline seat. it's more structured, and opens like a suitcase but still has some good features. I will pack the foldable backpack in case we need to have a handy lightweight daypack, but this new backpack will give us a studier option as a checked bag on our way home if we end up buying a lot of stuff :~).

In the past 9-1/2 years I took 6 trips to different parts of Europe, a trip to Mexico, and some small trips in the United States. My luggage was two main pieces. I packed my clothes into an approximately 19 inch long duffle bag with a single strap. I used a Japsport school backpack with a padded back, for everything that wasn't clothes. I was often able to squish it under the seat, depending on how full I stuffed it. On my last trip, I overstuffed my Jansport backpack. It ripped. I bought another backpack at a camping and outdoor store in my first city. I transferred my stuff to the new bag and threw the Jansport bag away. The new backpack is both well made and barely too big to fit under the seat. The new bag is supposed to be about 1,830 cubic inches. It has a back that is too rigid. Most school backpacks that are not too rigid will fit under the seat in front of you on a plane. If the backpack is super big but not too rigid, it will squish under the seat if you don't pack it too full. For the price Jansport bags look durable enough but obviously the seems by the zippers can't handle the stress if you stuff them too full. If you are having trouble zipping a backpack closed because you put too much in it, take something out!

I use an Aer Fitpack for my carryon when I travel. It is very comfortable to wear and fits under airline seats. It has a number of compartments and holds a surprising amount of stuff. That said, I think it’s too bulky to carry every day, so I use the RS crossbody bag instead.

Edit to my above post: the Jansport backpack might cost approximately just under $60+ tax. Perhaps a more expensive backpack would be more durable than the Jansport. I suppose if the material was thicker the backpack would be more durable but the bag would weigh more. Any backpack will probably rip if you overpack it and force the zipper closed. I probably broke the Jansport because I had stuffed plastic food-storage containers into the Jansport when there wasn't quite enough space and forced the zipper closed but I didn't notice the rip until after I arrived.

Lots of good comments here. Here is my nickel's worth.
Size: 15 - 20 liters if this is going to be used as a daypack and not a sole piece of luggage. (One bag travel backpack.)
25 - 27 liters if you are using this as a piece of luggage to haul most of your clothes.
Try to stay within the dimensions of 18" x 13' x 8" or close. (Check with your airline.)
Budget? How much are you willing to spend?
Features: Water Resistance is important. Are you traveling with a computer? How important is that side water bottle sleeve to you?
Grab handles. Pocket arrangement. Trolley sleeve if you want to attach the pack to the handle of a suitcase.

Here is a starting point: 1) Patagonia.com - 24 liter Terravia tote pack or 25 liter Black Hole 2) Rick Steve civita for a daypack, easy to squish and carry Rick Steve - Appenzell for a larger bag. 3) Osprey.com - osprey tote pack 4) Amazon.com ecohub bags.
Note: I have some of the above bags and can comment on them if you have specific questions.

You just need to hone in on how you plan to use this bag, cost, etc..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B7G22FF?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6&th=1

$35. Been using it for about 9 years. Was $25 when I bought it.

What I hope someone above mentioned is that its not just about the size of the bag, its about the maximum size allowed by the airline and that can vary quite a bit. Mine fits most if I dont over pack it, but not all.

Its no great outdoor bag but it is sufficient to get my fishing gear on a hike to the river, never more than a mile or two.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/trouble-finding-a-personal-item-due-to-size-restrictions

Look up the cost of an approximately two-thousand square inch Jansport backpack. I am afraid anything that costs less wouldn't be durable enough... there are backpacks that are probably worse quality, and models more heavy-duty or durable, than the Jansport model I had... The thinner the material of a bag, the less weight the bag can handle. A good day-backpack has to be able to handle at least an approximately 50 ounce bottle of water, a folding umbrella, 20 Euros worth of coins, toothbrush and floss, and an extra shirt or sweatshirt... A decent quality backpack probably has a padded hand-carry handle, padded shoulder straps, padded back, a padded slot in the main compartment meant to protect a laptop or tablet computer or e-book reader; a side compartment, possibly about 1/4 the side size of the main compartment, that has at least one pen slot and a clip to attach a key-ring and perhaps some other slots or compartments... comparing a cheap backpack and a more durable backpack, the more heavy-duty model will have zippers that are wider, with bigger teeth and bigger handles.

I use the same one as Mr. E (although I have it in the turquoise). I've used it for several years, and it's held up well, considering the low price point. I like the fact that it opens like a suitcase, which makes it easier to pack. The straps are padded and comfortable, and it has a trolley sleeve, so I don't have to carry it through the airport or when walking from the bus/train to the hotel.

Laurie, it's just different styles. If my (our) cheapie lasts 10 years, the "O" brand would have to last 50 years to be a better cost value. But then I do other silly money things like buy all 4 seats in an Opera Stall just to use 2 of them alone. So, there is no place for me to comment on cost and style.

I used a backpack from Amazon that almost exactly fit the measurements for British Airways. Only to find that the middle row of seats had almost no room for even a purse. I had to try to jam it in. The way the seats are positioned, it's ridiculous how little room there is. My travel partner had a box like thing taking up some of the room, as well. If you're lucky, there will be room in the overhead lockers. This was on a Boeing 777, in premium economy. The Airbus we flew for the 2nd part of the trip had more space under the seats. My backpack measures 15.7x9.8x7.9 inches, to give you an idea. It was not overfilled' in fact, I used the compression straps to make the height smaller.