Bags should have a purpose.
No bag will fulfill all purposes.
What is the purpose this bag will serve to fulfill?
What are size limitations you require?
What functionality is mandatory?
What is your price point?
I'll give the same advice I give on every bag thread.
Determine what your bag needs to carry. Gather all of that stuff. Arrange it as best you can in a reasonable pile on a table. Measure the pile. If possible, weigh the pile.
You now have the parameters for your new bag. Do NOT exceed these parameters.
Humans have a tendency to overpack. "I have room, I can fit this one more thing... and this one more thing, and this one, and this one...."
Resist this urge by sticking to your parameters. Get a pack that will carry what you need, and allow no room for more. The more you pack, the more you have to carry.
Ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain.
If you think you actually need more, repeat the first steps and get your new parameters.
When looking for a bag, go with quality. Cordura is an abrasive resistant and strong material. I recommend it for most heavy-use bags. Canvas can be good too, if the use-case is appropriate. I've not found a material I like outside of these two, if I want a long lasting bag. Look for YKK zippers, metal if possible. Check the stitching. Everything that bears weight, whether a carry handle, MOLLE, or strapping, should be properly bar tacked. A lot of manufacturers skimp on stitching. It's the first thing to give out on lower quality bags.
Yes, you will pay for this quality. And yes, it will be worth it.
