Recommend a backpack instead of luggage?

[Anonymous]

My strategy is to pack a carry on roller to check and I don't ever check bags but if flying international for an epic 3+ wk trip than absolutely I would. Carry a 30/35L bag to fit under the seat on the plane with a luggage sleeve and then a 12-20L pack or just a 30L pack. I'm looking for max L to bring but dividing it into small portions to make it easiest to carry and if I do day trips I just use the pack/carry on bag.

I find the packs sometimes are better when it's not esp deemed travel bags. I find Ospreys to be mortifying ugly actually. I also find Peak bags to be crazy heavy. I have looked at a lot of major brand bags! I go back to just regular packs that are simple. Calpak makes a convertible mini diaper pack which is easy. I think diaper bags for women are totally overlooked. Another great pack is skiphop. Eddie Bauer has a 32L one as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

It's unlikely a carry -on sized backpack would get up to 40 pounds. Mine weighs about 4 pounds, and when fully packed (including computer) it's around 25 pounds, probably 22-23 if I don't bring my computer. Yes it is pretty heavy and I wouldn't walk 2 miles with it, but it's manageable for most, I would think, over the say half mile distances you would normally be taking it. You can pack a fold up backpack inside it to use when out and about (not in transit) at your destination.

To each their own, but I find it so freeing having both hands free and not dragging something over stairs and uneven pavement.

On a recent trip I had to weigh both my backpack (25L) and roller (25L). Both end up at 25 lbs. I do think if my backpack was a 45 L I could double the weight if I fully packed it. I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight - but I do think you could get it to 40 pounds. BUT I don't know that a 45L liter backpack would be considered a carry-on size for a lot of airplanes.

[Anonymous]

^ both of later diaper packs. My rolling luggage I can get about 45/50L carry on size which is Briggs & Riley - it has the marvelous capacity to hit the bag and automatically compress everything at once. It's crazy $$ but worth every penny. I can pack for a month in that bag. No other carry on I've ever seen can pack as much as that bag- I've looked

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

What a pointless post that essentially admits your own poor fitness.

When I was an obese 20-something, I schlepped a big backpack for 3 months all over Europe. As a much more fit woman in my middle age, I can easily do it.

In any case, thank you OP for this thread. Following!

[Anonymous]

For me it's about comfort and adjustability not about how much can I fit. If the bag is comfortable for me - but small - then that is all that I can/will bring. The diaper bags a PP mentioned have no waist or sternum belt and no adjustability- for me personally these are deal breakers. The thing I like about an Osprey bag - is the back netting - during a recent hot summer trip - having the breathability of the bag - off of my back was a feature I had overlooked - but boy was that nice not to have my back sweating. I think as with many things - it's trial and error for what fits your body and lifestyle. I really need something that doesn't injure me when I'm using it - so I tend toward the backpacking style bags that provide adjustability. I care less about the look and more about the fit. So OP I would try a lot of different options - figure out what works for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

It's unlikely a carry -on sized backpack would get up to 40 pounds. Mine weighs about 4 pounds, and when fully packed (including computer) it's around 25 pounds, probably 22-23 if I don't bring my computer. Yes it is pretty heavy and I wouldn't walk 2 miles with it, but it's manageable for most, I would think, over the say half mile distances you would normally be taking it. You can pack a fold up backpack inside it to use when out and about (not in transit) at your destination.

To each their own, but I find it so freeing having both hands free and not dragging something over stairs and uneven pavement.

On a recent trip I had to weigh both my backpack (25L) and roller (25L). Both end up at 25 lbs. I do think if my backpack was a 45 L I could double the weight if I fully packed it. I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight - but I do think you could get it to 40 pounds. BUT I don't know that a 45L liter backpack would be considered a carry-on size for a lot of airplanes.

The Osprey 40L is 22x14x9, so exactly carry-on size.

The Peak Design 45L has basically 2 settings- standard (35L) and expanded (45L). The standard setting is carry -on compliant, and I have always used it in that size and have had no issues with usually 6 days worth of clothes. The expanded setting makes the height 11 inches, which isn't technically compliant, but on mainline US airlines I really doubt they would flag it for checking, and most overhead bins nowadays are actually sized to give a bit more flexibility. So if I needed the full 45 liters I would feel good about my odds of being able to carry it on for a domestic mainline flight (but again, I have never had to use it in the expanded setting, so haven't tested this). But yeah on a Euro airline like Ryanair, probably not, and I would check it anyways because you have to pay more for carryons.

[Anonymous]

Go to REI and get fitted.

Imagine going to Europe with shoes that don’t fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

It's unlikely a carry -on sized backpack would get up to 40 pounds. Mine weighs about 4 pounds, and when fully packed (including computer) it's around 25 pounds, probably 22-23 if I don't bring my computer. Yes it is pretty heavy and I wouldn't walk 2 miles with it, but it's manageable for most, I would think, over the say half mile distances you would normally be taking it. You can pack a fold up backpack inside it to use when out and about (not in transit) at your destination.

To each their own, but I find it so freeing having both hands free and not dragging something over stairs and uneven pavement.

On a recent trip I had to weigh both my backpack (25L) and roller (25L). Both end up at 25 lbs. I do think if my backpack was a 45 L I could double the weight if I fully packed it. I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight - but I do think you could get it to 40 pounds. BUT I don't know that a 45L liter backpack would be considered a carry-on size for a lot of airplanes.

The Osprey 40L is 22x14x9, so exactly carry-on size.

The Peak Design 45L has basically 2 settings- standard (35L) and expanded (45L). The standard setting is carry -on compliant, and I have always used it in that size and have had no issues with usually 6 days worth of clothes. The expanded setting makes the height 11 inches, which isn't technically compliant, but on mainline US airlines I really doubt they would flag it for checking, and most overhead bins nowadays are actually sized to give a bit more flexibility. So if I needed the full 45 liters I would feel good about my odds of being able to carry it on for a domestic mainline flight (but again, I have never had to use it in the expanded setting, so haven't tested this). But yeah on a Euro airline like Ryanair, probably not, and I would check it anyways because you have to pay more for carryons.

And the Osprey 45L measures 26 x 14 x 9in - too big for a carry-on (21.5in x 10in x 13.5in) for KLM which is the airline I use a lot - KLM also has weight limits of 26 pounds if you are in economy.

Its nice to the have the expansion option that it sounds like the Peak Design has - even if you don't need or use it often -its nice to know you can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

It's unlikely a carry -on sized backpack would get up to 40 pounds. Mine weighs about 4 pounds, and when fully packed (including computer) it's around 25 pounds, probably 22-23 if I don't bring my computer. Yes it is pretty heavy and I wouldn't walk 2 miles with it, but it's manageable for most, I would think, over the say half mile distances you would normally be taking it. You can pack a fold up backpack inside it to use when out and about (not in transit) at your destination.

To each their own, but I find it so freeing having both hands free and not dragging something over stairs and uneven pavement.

On a recent trip I had to weigh both my backpack (25L) and roller (25L). Both end up at 25 lbs. I do think if my backpack was a 45 L I could double the weight if I fully packed it. I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight - but I do think you could get it to 40 pounds. BUT I don't know that a 45L liter backpack would be considered a carry-on size for a lot of airplanes.

The Osprey 40L is 22x14x9, so exactly carry-on size.

The Peak Design 45L has basically 2 settings- standard (35L) and expanded (45L). The standard setting is carry -on compliant, and I have always used it in that size and have had no issues with usually 6 days worth of clothes. The expanded setting makes the height 11 inches, which isn't technically compliant, but on mainline US airlines I really doubt they would flag it for checking, and most overhead bins nowadays are actually sized to give a bit more flexibility. So if I needed the full 45 liters I would feel good about my odds of being able to carry it on for a domestic mainline flight (but again, I have never had to use it in the expanded setting, so haven't tested this). But yeah on a Euro airline like Ryanair, probably not, and I would check it anyways because you have to pay more for carryons.

And the Osprey 45L measures 26 x 14 x 9in - too big for a carry-on (21.5in x 10in x 13.5in) for KLM which is the airline I use a lot - KLM also has weight limits of 26 pounds if you are in economy.

Its nice to the have the expansion option that it sounds like the Peak Design has - even if you don't need or use it often -its nice to know you can.

Yes that's part of the reason I got the Peak Design. It's also really well made. At $300 I am not sure it's worth it- I got it a few years ago on a Black Friday sale for $200- jumped on it. I think I would go for the Osprey 40L right now based on price.

Have you ever seen a mainline airline weigh a carry-on? I have never seen it, including BA, Virgin and Air France.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can go to REI and check some out

Yep this.

Osprey brands REI will help make sure it fits you correctly.

We one bagged recently to Malta, Sicily and Barcelona fabulous so much easier than a roller.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

It's unlikely a carry -on sized backpack would get up to 40 pounds. Mine weighs about 4 pounds, and when fully packed (including computer) it's around 25 pounds, probably 22-23 if I don't bring my computer. Yes it is pretty heavy and I wouldn't walk 2 miles with it, but it's manageable for most, I would think, over the say half mile distances you would normally be taking it. You can pack a fold up backpack inside it to use when out and about (not in transit) at your destination.

To each their own, but I find it so freeing having both hands free and not dragging something over stairs and uneven pavement.

On a recent trip I had to weigh both my backpack (25L) and roller (25L). Both end up at 25 lbs. I do think if my backpack was a 45 L I could double the weight if I fully packed it. I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight - but I do think you could get it to 40 pounds. BUT I don't know that a 45L liter backpack would be considered a carry-on size for a lot of airplanes.

The Osprey 40L is 22x14x9, so exactly carry-on size.

The Peak Design 45L has basically 2 settings- standard (35L) and expanded (45L). The standard setting is carry -on compliant, and I have always used it in that size and have had no issues with usually 6 days worth of clothes. The expanded setting makes the height 11 inches, which isn't technically compliant, but on mainline US airlines I really doubt they would flag it for checking, and most overhead bins nowadays are actually sized to give a bit more flexibility. So if I needed the full 45 liters I would feel good about my odds of being able to carry it on for a domestic mainline flight (but again, I have never had to use it in the expanded setting, so haven't tested this). But yeah on a Euro airline like Ryanair, probably not, and I would check it anyways because you have to pay more for carryons.

And the Osprey 45L measures 26 x 14 x 9in - too big for a carry-on (21.5in x 10in x 13.5in) for KLM which is the airline I use a lot - KLM also has weight limits of 26 pounds if you are in economy.

Its nice to the have the expansion option that it sounds like the Peak Design has - even if you don't need or use it often -its nice to know you can.

Yes that's part of the reason I got the Peak Design. It's also really well made. At $300 I am not sure it's worth it- I got it a few years ago on a Black Friday sale for $200- jumped on it. I think I would go for the Osprey 40L right now based on price.

Have you ever seen a mainline airline weigh a carry-on? I have never seen it, including BA, Virgin and Air France.

European airlines, including KLM, do weigh carryons sometimes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

It's unlikely a carry -on sized backpack would get up to 40 pounds. Mine weighs about 4 pounds, and when fully packed (including computer) it's around 25 pounds, probably 22-23 if I don't bring my computer. Yes it is pretty heavy and I wouldn't walk 2 miles with it, but it's manageable for most, I would think, over the say half mile distances you would normally be taking it. You can pack a fold up backpack inside it to use when out and about (not in transit) at your destination.

To each their own, but I find it so freeing having both hands free and not dragging something over stairs and uneven pavement.

On a recent trip I had to weigh both my backpack (25L) and roller (25L). Both end up at 25 lbs. I do think if my backpack was a 45 L I could double the weight if I fully packed it. I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight - but I do think you could get it to 40 pounds. BUT I don't know that a 45L liter backpack would be considered a carry-on size for a lot of airplanes.

The Osprey 40L is 22x14x9, so exactly carry-on size.

The Peak Design 45L has basically 2 settings- standard (35L) and expanded (45L). The standard setting is carry -on compliant, and I have always used it in that size and have had no issues with usually 6 days worth of clothes. The expanded setting makes the height 11 inches, which isn't technically compliant, but on mainline US airlines I really doubt they would flag it for checking, and most overhead bins nowadays are actually sized to give a bit more flexibility. So if I needed the full 45 liters I would feel good about my odds of being able to carry it on for a domestic mainline flight (but again, I have never had to use it in the expanded setting, so haven't tested this). But yeah on a Euro airline like Ryanair, probably not, and I would check it anyways because you have to pay more for carryons.

And the Osprey 45L measures 26 x 14 x 9in - too big for a carry-on (21.5in x 10in x 13.5in) for KLM which is the airline I use a lot - KLM also has weight limits of 26 pounds if you are in economy.

Its nice to the have the expansion option that it sounds like the Peak Design has - even if you don't need or use it often -its nice to know you can.

Yes that's part of the reason I got the Peak Design. It's also really well made. At $300 I am not sure it's worth it- I got it a few years ago on a Black Friday sale for $200- jumped on it. I think I would go for the Osprey 40L right now based on price.

Have you ever seen a mainline airline weigh a carry-on? I have never seen it, including BA, Virgin and Air France.

European airlines, including KLM, do weigh carryons sometimes

Interesting. Even on their long haul flights? Have only been on one mainline airline for intra-Europe travel- BA almost 10 years ago, so maybe not relevant now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

It's unlikely a carry -on sized backpack would get up to 40 pounds. Mine weighs about 4 pounds, and when fully packed (including computer) it's around 25 pounds, probably 22-23 if I don't bring my computer. Yes it is pretty heavy and I wouldn't walk 2 miles with it, but it's manageable for most, I would think, over the say half mile distances you would normally be taking it. You can pack a fold up backpack inside it to use when out and about (not in transit) at your destination.

To each their own, but I find it so freeing having both hands free and not dragging something over stairs and uneven pavement.

On a recent trip I had to weigh both my backpack (25L) and roller (25L). Both end up at 25 lbs. I do think if my backpack was a 45 L I could double the weight if I fully packed it. I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight - but I do think you could get it to 40 pounds. BUT I don't know that a 45L liter backpack would be considered a carry-on size for a lot of airplanes.

The Osprey 40L is 22x14x9, so exactly carry-on size.

The Peak Design 45L has basically 2 settings- standard (35L) and expanded (45L). The standard setting is carry -on compliant, and I have always used it in that size and have had no issues with usually 6 days worth of clothes. The expanded setting makes the height 11 inches, which isn't technically compliant, but on mainline US airlines I really doubt they would flag it for checking, and most overhead bins nowadays are actually sized to give a bit more flexibility. So if I needed the full 45 liters I would feel good about my odds of being able to carry it on for a domestic mainline flight (but again, I have never had to use it in the expanded setting, so haven't tested this). But yeah on a Euro airline like Ryanair, probably not, and I would check it anyways because you have to pay more for carryons.

And the Osprey 45L measures 26 x 14 x 9in - too big for a carry-on (21.5in x 10in x 13.5in) for KLM which is the airline I use a lot - KLM also has weight limits of 26 pounds if you are in economy.

Its nice to the have the expansion option that it sounds like the Peak Design has - even if you don't need or use it often -its nice to know you can.

Yes that's part of the reason I got the Peak Design. It's also really well made. At $300 I am not sure it's worth it- I got it a few years ago on a Black Friday sale for $200- jumped on it. I think I would go for the Osprey 40L right now based on price.

Have you ever seen a mainline airline weigh a carry-on? I have never seen it, including BA, Virgin and Air France.

Just had KLM weigh my carry-ons this spring- they were a few pounds over - so the dimensions were fine but the weight wasn't. Had to gate check one bag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a super fit twenty something who is comfortable schlepping 40+ pounds?

I think a hiking backpack would be difficult for most folks.

Take a roller bag and a normal backpack. If you need to ever carry your roller at by hand, at least it will be manageable weight-wise (since you’ve split the weight into 2 bags).

It's unlikely a carry -on sized backpack would get up to 40 pounds. Mine weighs about 4 pounds, and when fully packed (including computer) it's around 25 pounds, probably 22-23 if I don't bring my computer. Yes it is pretty heavy and I wouldn't walk 2 miles with it, but it's manageable for most, I would think, over the say half mile distances you would normally be taking it. You can pack a fold up backpack inside it to use when out and about (not in transit) at your destination.

To each their own, but I find it so freeing having both hands free and not dragging something over stairs and uneven pavement.

On a recent trip I had to weigh both my backpack (25L) and roller (25L). Both end up at 25 lbs. I do think if my backpack was a 45 L I could double the weight if I fully packed it. I wouldn't want to carry the extra weight - but I do think you could get it to 40 pounds. BUT I don't know that a 45L liter backpack would be considered a carry-on size for a lot of airplanes.

The Osprey 40L is 22x14x9, so exactly carry-on size.

The Peak Design 45L has basically 2 settings- standard (35L) and expanded (45L). The standard setting is carry -on compliant, and I have always used it in that size and have had no issues with usually 6 days worth of clothes. The expanded setting makes the height 11 inches, which isn't technically compliant, but on mainline US airlines I really doubt they would flag it for checking, and most overhead bins nowadays are actually sized to give a bit more flexibility. So if I needed the full 45 liters I would feel good about my odds of being able to carry it on for a domestic mainline flight (but again, I have never had to use it in the expanded setting, so haven't tested this). But yeah on a Euro airline like Ryanair, probably not, and I would check it anyways because you have to pay more for carryons.

And the Osprey 45L measures 26 x 14 x 9in - too big for a carry-on (21.5in x 10in x 13.5in) for KLM which is the airline I use a lot - KLM also has weight limits of 26 pounds if you are in economy.

Its nice to the have the expansion option that it sounds like the Peak Design has - even if you don't need or use it often -its nice to know you can.

Yes that's part of the reason I got the Peak Design. It's also really well made. At $300 I am not sure it's worth it- I got it a few years ago on a Black Friday sale for $200- jumped on it. I think I would go for the Osprey 40L right now based on price.

Have you ever seen a mainline airline weigh a carry-on? I have never seen it, including BA, Virgin and Air France.

Just had KLM weigh my carry-ons this spring- they were a few pounds over - so the dimensions were fine but the weight wasn't. Had to gate check one bag.

PP Here: This was a long haul flight from Europe back to US. Had I not been in economy I would have been ok on the weight and the dimensions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go to the Pack Hacker channel on YouTube. The hosts are annoying and nauseating but provide good insight.

Also there are a million travel EDC videos on YouTube.

Was just coming to say this. Also check out the one bag subreddit. This is a very popular topic and there are tons of dedicated discussions, tips, product suggestions etc. There’s a one bag travel guy on you tube as well.

We one bagged it to Europe (no roller bags at all). My daughter had a Cotopaxi and it worked really well for her.

Also consider that 45L is likely too big for international airplanes.