Why not check out the local luggage shop in your nearest shopping mall. I am sure they will have something that meets most of your needs.

Suggest you check Ebags, which others have already mentioned, and REI. Both have online stores with large selections and reviews. I have my eye on the North Face Surge at Ebags and the Roadster Mini Rucksack from RedOxx for day packs.

I do not carry a daybag just a small purse which contains tissues, hand sanitiser, comb, ATM card, some cash and a map. Most places you can easily buy water etc. I always feel that 'the backpack' is an invitation to theives - even if you just have water and your old sneakers in there. If I did feel the need to carry a larger bag it would be a messenger style one.

Ciao

I have two, maybe three, daypacks I can use. However, my personal preference is my Swiss Gear sling bag which has two outside water bottle pockets, a change and wallet pocket at the front lower end and cell phone holster built into the strap. There are also numerous inside pockets with both zipper and velcro closures.

If I had a picture, I'd show it, but I don't. If you're on the eBags site, look for a sling bags. They are very accommodating.

I think you will find what you want under Pacsafe, which have everything from small handbags up to backpacks. Your most economical buy may then be through somewhere like Ebags.

Also check out The Healthy Back Bag.

I spent 2 weeks in China using a large Bumbackpack.

I carried my laptop, ipad, phone, video and P&S camera, plus various items in the pockets.

What I liked about it:

Convertible from backpack to messenger bag in about 5 seconds. Great to carry as a back pack most of the time, but in crowded areas where pickpockets were a worry, changing to a messenger bag took no time at all.

Lots of pockets/compartments...the flap provides easy access but also gave me a secure feeling knowing that you couldn't get to the main compartment without me knowing. The small pockets were great for batteries and other supplies that I wanted to easily access.

The bag overall was quite comfortable to carry and the Large size had lots of room for stuffing various items in it while out shopping. There are also pockets for umbrellas and water bottles too. It was nice being able to use the bag as both a laptop bag for the flight and also a day bag when I left the laptop in the room safe. I made 3 daytrips by train with this and highly recommend it.

It isn't cheap, but I thought it was a great solution for several needs.

http://www.bbpbags.com/hamptons.html

I am still on the perrenial search for this 'perfect bag'. My current collection of packs ranges close to 2 dozen!

My latest incarnations of the perfect bag for a daypack are:

1. a stuffable day pack from REI that I take when taking my larger carry-on daypack (Deuter 32 Futura which I use for trips like 3 weeks in Europe kind of trip http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=futura32&sub=hiking&tert=futura )

http://www.rei.com/product/754685

2. when taking a carry on roller suitcase I take a 2 litre hydration pack (with or without the hydration bottle depending on the trip). Made by High Sierra it is an absolutely awesome deal at $25. Expandable, loads of pockets and a very, very useful. I frequently use this bag for hiking or even a 1 or 2 night getaway!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0R5CcLSPFM

I am obviously of a completely different mindset to most but to me lugging round one of these huge bags (the size of my laptop carry-on) would be torture. I use an 8' x 10' bag - just big enough for my kindle - with an across body strap and that is enough for me.

To each their own!! Happy travelling.

I like small day bags too. That is why I prefer my SwissGear sling bag for day outings and to the beach.

I just saw another convertible roller SwissGear bag last weekend. Took lots of pictures. It was $80CDN. Could easily be used as a Medium to large checked bag. Nice feature was a Zip-off and Clip-off Day bag attached to its' exterior. When I get the chance, I will upload photos.