re: Backpack recommendations for month-long trip

bought new backpacks this year since my Redwing was getting old and I wanted a smaller main pack. I bought the Osprey Farpoint 40 which I really like. You can tuck and zip the shoulder straps in their own compartment in about 20 seconds which is great for checking you backpack. My Osprey weighed 12 lbs packed which is a record low for me. I also bought a new carry on pack as my old carry on pack was very small. Swiss Gear Lightweight ScanSmart Laptop Backpack SA1923 is what I went with as I travel with my laptop so I can work while we are traveling. Again, really good pack. It has a TSA friendly laptop foldout thingy but I never used it. I just pulled the laptop out like normal.