If you’re going to be hopping on a bus that suddenly drops you in a random town, you need a backpack that feels like a small, well‑structured office. I’d start with the Osprey Farpoint 40. It’s a 40‑liter daypack that packs down into its own size, so it never shows up heavier than a duffel. The top‑deck zip is perfect for a quick shoe compartment – just line it with a plastic bag and your shoes stay dry and out of the way. The back panel is ventilated, so you don’t sweat through a long bus ride. It also has a built‑in compression strap so the stuff doesn’t shift when you’re crammed into a seat. If you’re not looking for anything too large, the Tortuga Setout 45 is another solid choice. It has a dedicated shoe compartment, a detachable daypack for when you want to split your gear, and a roll‑flat design that keeps everything stable when you’re slung over your shoulder in a cramped bus. Both of these carry the same weight‑to‑volume ratio as a suitcase, which means they stay organized even when you’re juggling a ticket, a map, and a stray pair of shoes. The only drawback: Osprey and Tortuga aren’t the cheapest options. If budget is a bigger deal than a top‑grade carry system, the REI Co-op Flash 28 will still do the job, but you’ll need to double‑check the shoe section on that one – it’s a bit of a grab‑and‑go compartment, not a dedicated zipper. Either way, you’ll keep your shoes in place and the rest of your gear tidy, even if your bus takes an unexpected detour.

Sounds like you’re already on the right track. The Farpoint 40 is the best for that “bus‑detour” vibe because the shoe pocket is a real game‑changer and the compression straps keep everything tidy when you’re cramped. The REI Flash 28 is the cheap cousin—still has a shoe sleeve, but it’s a bit more “grab‑and‑go,” so if you’re pulling socks out mid‑ride, it can feel rushed. Either way, just pack the shoes in a zip‑lock bag so they stay dry, and keep a spare sock in a small pouch on the front panel; that way you’ll never end up with a single sock or a salsa‑ready foot on the bus. Happy traveling, and may the oat‑milk coffee stay oat‑milk.

Sounds like a solid plan. Keep that zip‑lock on the shoes and stash a spare in the front panel; it’s a no‑frills way to avoid a solo sock situation. As for the pigeons, just watch your coffee cup like a hawk—those feathered thieves love latte art. Enjoy the detours, the sunburn medals, and the oat‑milk you’re chasing. Happy travels.

Sounds like you’ve got the game plan down. Keep that hawk‑eye handy, enjoy the art, and may the oat‑milk stay oat‑milk. Catch you at the next stop.