Hi everyone,

I’m looking to upgrade my trusted backpack and would love to get your recommendations based on my specific loadout and packing workflow.

1. Current Bag & Reason for Replacement

• Current Bag: JanSport Wynwood 28L (47.5 x 30.5 x 22 cm).
• Why I’m replacing it: I’ve used it for a long time, and the decorative leather trims are starting to peel.
• What I love about it: It’s super lightweight (~680g) and has a fantastic top quick-access pocket where I keep small items like my AirPods Pro and oral spray. It's incredibly convenient for quick grabs.

2. My Profile & Constraints

• Height: 5'7" (170cm).
• Weight Sensitivity: I previously tried the Able Carry Max but felt the bag itself already had too much weight to it even before loading it up. I’d prefer something with a lighter empty weight.

3. Use Case, Loadout & Packing Style

• Usage: 60% Daily Commute (EDC), 40% Light Travel (3-4 days).
• My Packing List Includes:
  • 14" Laptop
  • Tech pouch (for charging cables and bricks)
  • Xiaomi 90 Points travel toiletry bag (22 x 9 x 15.5 cm)
  • Water bottle & Folding umbrella (depending on the weather)
  • Loose EDC items: AirPods Pro, pocket tissues, power bank, pencil case, ethernet cable, wallet, etc.
  • Travel Packing Style: I pack 3-4 days of clothes inside MUJI compression bags and layer them flat at the very bottom of the main compartment. I only take them out once I reach the hotel.

4. Key Requirement: Occasional ROG Ally Carry

• I occasionally need to bring my ROG Ally (in its official soft case, ~30.5cm long) for trips.
• The Dilemma: I prefer to lay it horizontally at the very top of the bag. I'm worried that storing it vertically might interfere with or disrupt how I organize the MUJI compression bags at the bottom.
• The Issue with JanSport: When I lay it horizontally at the top of my JanSport, it stretches the fabric and squeezes the exterior water bottle/umbrella pockets.

5. Bags I’ve Considered & My Concerns

(Note: I haven't been able to check out any of these bags in person yet; my concerns below are purely based on online reviews, videos, and discussions.)

• Fyro Levo 30L: Seems perfect on paper (33cm wide for horizontal carry, independent water bottle pockets, under 1kg) but it's currently out of stock.
• tomtoc UrbanEX-T77 26L: Perfect height (47cm) and weight (~1kg). The 31cm width can fit the Ally horizontally, but since the shell is rigid and water bottle pockets eat into the internal space, I'm worried it will still crush my umbrella/water bottle setup.
• Evergoods CHZ26: Love the harness and the legendary top yoke pocket. However, I'm worried if its actual usable capacity will feel smaller than my current 28L JanSport. Also, due to the tapered top, the ROG Ally would have to go vertically or diagonally. That said, since I only carry the Ally occasionally, maybe the vertical carry isn't a dealbreaker?
• Thule Aion 28L: This one looks solid overall with a perfect 47cm height. The width is a bit narrow, but it seems to have a bit more depth (thickness) compared to the other options. Plus, the ability to expand up to 32L provides great flexibility for travel.

Given my specific setup (MUJI compression bags at the bottom, top quick-access pocket for small items, and wanting to occasionally lay a ROG Ally horizontally on top without choking the water bottle pockets), which bag would you choose? Should I wait for the Fyro, compromise on a vertical carry with the CHZ26, or is there another hidden gem I should look at?

Thanks in advance!