>>1044411There's certainly nothing wrong with a jansport, but it adds weight to your footsies before what is already kind of tiring, the airline and jet lag experience....leaving you a bit wiped at the beginning of a trip.
A smart frequent flier bag for short jaunts and light packers is a 4 wheel carry on. I vote soft-sided, so you can easily tuck things in and out of pockets at the gate and such.
Travelpro line called Crew is pretty much the domestic #1 for that. Absolutely nothing wrong with the top lines of the major brands like samsonite either. Why top of the line (soft sided)? The inside storage is more intuitive. They limit pockets and features as you go down each tier, and the wheels go down to 2, or are more stiff. You should be able to save wear and tear on your neck, back, shoulders by being able to push that handle ahead of it with your pinky finger and see it glide down a concourse without stopping. Hours in immigration lines? Park your jacket little personal item right through the handle and be handsfree. Tuck the ticket into that outside pocket (should have 2 pockets, not 1 big one).
Macys has good closeouts and sales both. Nothing bad to say about how much you can pack into a High Sierra if you want a checked bag. If it matters to you if you look foreign, check out a euro brand, but know that it costs more. Hardside is a big no-no, though they charge alot for it, it's not practical. And opening a bag that is clamshell requires more space (or a bed, not ideal for living out of your bag and can even get you bed bugs, lol.