This seems like as good a thread as any to drop this. I'm finally ready to ditch my Orvis messenger bag for a backpack. A few days per week, I have to lug my work laptop back-and-forth to the office. The messenger bag has a shoulder strap that just no longer works for me. It's just not overly comfortable when loaded up with laptop, charger, iPad, work folio and various other things.
It would be nice to also settle on something I can use as a carry-on bag for trips -- we don't do air travel that much (3-4 times per year). I've had a smallish North Face backpack that I've had for years but I don't mind stepping up my game a little and getting something that will function for work commuting and also take over when we travel. It can accommodate a small laptop, iPad and most of what I need but it's not laid-out well and gets a little tight with all the things.
I don't need anything that will look absurdly huge and out-of-place when I hop into a business meeting at a local coffee shop but the added functionality that I can convert it to a useful travel bag would be nice as well. Basically, I want something that doesn't look out of place in an office environment or walking through the Denver airport.