Rucksack recommendations- very specific!

[overwhelmedbyitall]

When I did lots of travelling, about 20 years ago, I had the absolute perfect rucksack.
It was
*about 50-60l
*zipped open like a suitcase, not stuffed from the top, with extra pockets at top, bottom and sides
*had a cover in a pocket at the bottom that zipped over the straps to make it easier to get in and out of bus and aeroplane holds

it also had a waterproof cover, but they may have something I bought separately.

I've looked at a few places online but can't see anything that quite fits the bill.
Can anyone help me find something similar now please?

The Osprey Fairview pack would fit what you want. I have a very similar bag from Osprey that I have had for about 20 years.

We still have our ancient Berghaus and Jack Wolfskin ones - great for travelling.

Osprey also do a model called the Sojourn Porter in 46l and 65l sizes, but you might find the Fairview more ergonomic?

www.gapyeartravelstore.com/category/carry/travel-backpacks/

I was going to say Osprey. I just got home with mine once when a bloke at the train station quizzed me about it, as he'd been thinking about getting one.

Thanks.
Maybe should have said looking for my son who is about to start his own adventures but Osprey looks like a brand to check out.
Hopefully can find some to try out rather than just online.

Search for duffel back packs.

Cotopaxi do ones which open like suitcases.

i e got some Osprey ones which are good quality, mine don’t open like suitcases but they might do some which do.

Eastpack are also worth checking

I have a 40L one from mountain warehouse that ticks most of those boxes. It opens up fairly wide, but also has a zip access at the bottom. There is a hidden cover which covers the entire thing when needed.
Mine has a very supportive back support too which I love. I don't know their 60L range, so he might need to go to a shop to look.

www.mountainwarehouse.com/travel/backpacks/large-backpacks/?_gl=15sxs92_upMQ.._gaMTc5MjU5NzM3Ni4xNzQ4MjU5NzM4_ga_3F0STYNNTV*czE3NDgyNTk3MzgkbzEkZzEkdDE3NDgyNTk3NDMkajU1JGwwJGgyMTIxMTAxMTkwJGQtR1RTcHVuWVdxNUFBeTNFWThjVzRIQXFIcV9nYmFsMXd3

Second East Pak for ones that fully open like a suitcase..

I had a very similar backpack to the one you described. I loved it! You could also zip and unzip a day pack onto the front. It was a Macpac brand. I’ve just googled and still around.

https://www.ultimateoutdoors.com/19656489/technicals-colossus-6520l-rucksack-19656489

Look at the technical range too OP.

Osprey and Cotopaxi both do them.

I really, really wanted to love the Cotopaxi one as it’s so pretty but the Osprey was much better.

Round me outdoors shops have them.

https://www.themountainedge.com/packs-luggage-c5/daysacks-c108/osprey-farpoint-40-travel-pack-p36039

https://www.themountainedge.com/packs-luggage-c5/rucksacks-c107/osprey-farpoint-70-p34424 This one is a 50+20. Straps zip away rather than covered.

Decathlon: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men's-travel-trekking-rucksack-with-suitcase-opening-70-6-litre-travel-900/_/R-p-324139

Cotopaxi Allpa range

I’d recommend ones that have good padded waist belts and a design that allows air flow between the pack and your back.

Can you get to a large Cotswold outdoor shop? They can help you find a suitable rucksack and make sure it fits your body and needs. Their service is excellent.

https://www.stubbleandco.com/products/the-kit-bag-65l?variant=44899016835301

Stubble

I dropped into Go Outdoors and Cotswold Outdoor today, they both had the Osprey Farpoint packs, which includes a detachable daypack.