50 Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack (not on Amazon)
This is the first travel backpack I invested in when I started traveling, because I wanted something functional but still cute and minimal. I love the carry-on-friendly size, wide opening, and the pockets that keep essentials accessible, plus a padded laptop compartment and bottle holders (including a mesh holder inside that I use to stabilize my tripod). After long-term travel, I do wish the straps were more supportive and the front pockets had better organization.