What is the best kind of backpack?

What kind of backpack should I take to D.C. and New York?

• So, I'm going with my school to D.C./N.Y. (I don't care about 'looking like a tourist' which is stupid because I am one, so... Plus, we have a special bus and a full tour guide, so I guess we're going to stick out very severely). I have to carry a few things around, like some money, perhaps a few souvenirs every now and then, my light Bloggie camera, my cell phone, a stupid 'travel journal' we're required to fill out, a reusable water bottle, a tube of sunscreen, a map and itinerary, blah blah blah, the usual stuff, I guess. The problem is that I don't know what kind of backpack to buy for the trip. I have a slight shoulder problem so I need good strap padding and I'll want to use the backpack for school afterwards. I don't care about getting a 'brand' backpack at all, either. Also, we leave in a week, so it can't be online. All suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

• Answer:

  General advice...Don't sweat the small stuff. Go to a mall or sporting good shop and pick one. You already know that an important criterion is the strap comfort, so choose with that in mind. Then select among them for practicality, style and price in whatever order is most important to you.