Sojourn Porter 30L

In addition to the backpacks already mentioned, you'll want to add the Patagonia Mini MLC and the Osprey Sojourn Porter 30 to your list of candidates to replace your old bag. They are both spec'd at 30L. Another option is the Osprey Daylite 35L, which is reasonably priced at about $120.

In my experience with my packing style, I get more into the Mini MLC than the 26+6 even when expanded. And it carries much more comfortably, like night and day different. I wonder if the Osprey sojourn Porter 30 might be a better match for you though?

If you have a shorter torso, the Osprey Sojourn Porter 30L would be a good match for your priority list. However, as mentioned in the Pack Hacker review, the bag does better as a travel backpack than a day bag.

Going off this comment about looking at 30L, I too, thought I wanted a 40L pack as a bare minimum, but I never found a pack that size that was comfortable for me. I ended up with the Osprey Sojourn Porter 30L and have absolutely loved it. It had a padded hip belt, a chest strap, and load lifters for

My partner 75M 5'6" and I 61F 4'10" have an Osprey and a Mystery Ranch. His Osprey Sojourn Porter 30L is a mustard tan colour and my Mystery Ranch 22L is torquoise. We both find that load lifter straps and hip belts make all the different for our old bones. His Porter has side panels that squash it