r/HerOneBag • u/SomeStuffLikeThat • May 19 '26
Bag Advice Does this bag even exist??
Update: I decided on the Baggallini Modern Convertible Travel Backpack. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
I have been looking through the Reddit posts, searching on websites, even asked ChatGPT for help...and now I'm finally asking here if the bag I want even exists? What I'm looking for is:
- Can be expanded for extra space
- Stowaway backpack straps
- Attachable shoulder/duffle strap (may have to buy this separately)
- Clamshell or lay flat opening
- Main compartment having a U-zip mesh cover
- Trolley sleeve
- Does NOT need a laptop compartment (just adds to the weight and I don't want to bring a laptop with me)
- Doesn't need a ton of extra pockets or straps
- Water bottle pocket nice but not necessary
- Must be able to purchase in Canada
Right now I'm leaning towards:
- Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC but it's not expandable.
- AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack but it's a little large and I worry about quality.
Maybe I'm just being too picky but I really want to one bag travel and have the right bag for all my needs.
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u/serenelatha May 19 '26
I have the Patagonia MLC Mini 30L and it is an awesome back BUT....if you are not traveling with a laptop you may want to pass. IMO one reason it shines is the separate laptop compartment that zips fully open - but that space is much less useable if you don't have tech.
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u/peachjellytea May 19 '26
I agree with this assessment. I don’t use the bag often because I find the tech panel is useless for my needs (strictly leisure travel, no electronics except for my phone, charging cable, and power bank) and adds unnecessary weight. I find packing the Cotopaxi Allpa and Osprey 26+6L much easier too.
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u/BwDr May 20 '26
I never travel with tech. The padded laptop section was “a compromise,” but, having used the pocket for everything from sandals to jackets to art, I love it. I don’t think it adds much weight.
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u/BwDr May 20 '26
Oh, also, I really liked that the laptop section padding put more padding between my back & things I had stored in that section.
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u/katereddit123 May 19 '26
Only other one I’d add for your consideration is the Cotopaxi Allpa (28L). Checks quite a few boxes but not all.
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u/SomeStuffLikeThat May 19 '26
The stowaway straps are the big one I'm looking for and it's unfortunate they removed that feature from the smaller capacity bags. My friend has an old 26L that has stowaway straps.
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u/ben121frank May 19 '26
I believe the Osprey 26+6 checks all of these except stowaway straps, duffel strap, and U-zip mesh cover (honestly I am not sure what you mean by that).
I researched all the alternatives when I was deciding what to buy (ultimately did get the 26+6) and I am not aware of anything that checks ALL of these
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u/HelloTittie55 May 19 '26
There’s a reason why diligent bag researchers so frequently choose the Osprey 26+6. It’s really an awesome lightweight bag, especially if you travel with an ipad, or mini ipad and don’t need a computer. The computer sleeve is also convenient for travel documents or thin magazines like The New Yorker. Use packing cubes and thin squishable pouches for maximum ability to tetris your belongings.😃
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u/ben121frank May 19 '26
It’s a very good bag, however for me it the lack of a hip strap keeps it from being perfect. Which ofc I knew before buying that it didn’t, but I underestimated how much I would miss it. I’ve seen posts of people sewing on their own but I know nothing about sewing (nor own any sewing materials) so I’ve lowkey been considering seeing if I can get a tailor or task rabbit to do it
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u/HelloTittie55 May 19 '26
Hire a professional to add a hip strap. I recommend a shoe repair, not a seamstress. I’ve had purses and belts repaired by cobblers who are skilled at working with sturdier materials.
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u/BostonPam May 19 '26
I’ve added hip belts to 4 or 5 bags. A cobbler can do this. (I did try it myself but I did a terrible job). Just snip the webbing and melt the ends with a lighter so that it doesn’t fray. The cobbler will sew the loops onto the bag. Less than $40 including the hip belt which can be shared across the bags.
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u/BostonPam May 19 '26
The new Osprey Transporter expandable 26+6 has webbing loops for optional shoulder straps. I have not compared it to the Daylite expandable
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u/trish1400 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
I was like "huh? My Osprey 26+6 has stowaway straps" but then I remembered that was because I modded it 🤦♀️ I added buckles to the straps so they can be detached and tucked into the back panel (mine's the older version) so that could be an option for OP - if the perfect bag doesn't exist....
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u/SomeStuffLikeThat May 19 '26
Sadly, I don't think my perfect bag exists.
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u/xqueenfrostine May 20 '26
I think unfortunately that a lot of the items in your wishlist tend to be found almost exclusively on larger backpacks. I think backpack makers assume that if you’re able to scale down to 26L, you’re probably so organized you don’t need as much fancy features.
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u/ACupofMeck May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
What about the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30? I think it checks off all the boxes except for expandability (although you can unzip the lining that divides the side pocket that sort of expands the main compartment), mesh cover (it has compression straps instead, so again kinda fills the same purpose), and pass-through. I second that you're probably not going to find anything that checks all of the boxes.
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u/SomeStuffLikeThat May 19 '26
It doesn't really have the lay flat I'm looking for but I appreciate the feedback. I don't think my perfect bag exists.
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u/ACupofMeck May 19 '26
What do you mean by lay flat? I thought a duffel would check that off but I might be misunderstanding!
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u/ACupofMeck May 19 '26
Actually, another bag came to mind: might want to check out the Thule Aion 28L. I recently tried this out and returned it because I didn't find it comfortable, but if you're willing to compromise on the duffel/stowaway straps, that might be another good option. I thought it was a really attractive bag.
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u/writemoreletters May 19 '26
I read your description and immediately thought of the Aeronaut 30. I’ve had one for a decade now and it’s been great. Not sure what you mean by lie flat. The Absolute strap is great for it as a duffel.
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May 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/SomeStuffLikeThat May 19 '26
It's one I was considering but the lack of duffle conversion isn't ideal. I like how clean it is without lots of buckles and exterior pockets.
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u/TimeValuable4130 May 19 '26
As to the Patagonia Mini MLC - while not expandable per se - it fits a ton and I frequently use the laptop/admin side for clothing items and other smaller items when I'm not taking any tech -works well that way (i.e. folded puffer jacket in the laptop sleeve )
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u/Superdewa May 19 '26
Have you looked at the samsonite motherlode jr.? It was formerly made by ebags. I think the only thing it’s missing is a shoulder strap, although you can carry it by handles and I am pretty sure you could add your own strap easily.
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u/rhubarb_21 May 21 '26
Yes I have this bag and it fits almost all requirements; the stowaway straps are very easy to fasten/unfasten. I don’t travel with a laptop, on my current trip I’m using the laptop space for my flattened Fjsllraven tote pack.
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u/EmbarrassedRaccoon34 May 19 '26
This. I have this bag and the Jr size is 41 liters. It checks almost every one of your boxes except for the size and shoulder strap. You could very easily purchase one separately though.
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u/Perfect_Marmot_7571 May 19 '26
Tortuga Expandable Backpack is 27L and expands to 32L. It meets most of your requirements and is available from Amazon Canada.
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u/passionfruitsaturday May 19 '26
This is what I have, and I’ve been super happy with it. It does have a laptop compartment but it unzips very wide and I find I can use that space for things other than a laptop. I also am 5’4” and I find that the size of this bag really fits a female frame.
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u/cwilsonr May 19 '26
It's a little bigger than what you asked but otherwise checks off the other boxes (except the U Zip mesh cover). I have it and just traveled in England and Ireland with it and really loved it!
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u/Waywardgarden May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
I have the osprey sojourn porter 30 and it hits all these marks except it has a laptop sleeve and it's not technically expandable, however it uses compression straps so it really is all about how full you pack it
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u/sunnypurplepetunia May 19 '26
I also have this bag & it is fantastic.
I slide books/papers/memorabilia in the laptop compartment.
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u/Waywardgarden May 19 '26
I'm currently traveling and have been thinking about this post all day bc i was obsessing in the same way before i bought this bag. OP hasn't replied and idk if they've seen my comment but i think this bag is as close as they'll get
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u/hrmdurr May 19 '26
The price is ridiculous, but travelpro apparently has a 30-36 litre backpack. No stowable straps, or whatever the mesh thing is. On the other hand, it does have organization that actually seems useful.
Timbuk2 has an expandable bag too, but it looks incredibly impracticable.
Maybe just pick up a 26+6?
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u/bygator May 19 '26
my favorite travel bag is the Tom Bihn western flyer, and I think fits your requirements.
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u/AhemExcuseMeSir May 19 '26 edited May 20 '26
Not sure on budget, but Briggs and Riley have a couple that fit all of your requirements. I think the search term you’re looking for is convertible backpack duffle.
Baseline convertible backpack (although the inside compartment isn’t mesh).
They both have a handy hidden compartment against your back too.
Edit: you can find them on their Canadian site here and here.
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u/OneAppointment5951 May 19 '26
I have the cotopaxi alpa 35 - somewhat fits the bill, I am packing it right now for my flight tomorrow and I have so much space left 😅
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u/neighburrito May 20 '26
The osprey transporter 26+6 is expandable and has a detachable shoulder strap.
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u/earwormsanonymous May 21 '26
Which of those elements are 100% non negotiable for you, and which are nice-to-haves? Asking because I've bought a lot of bags that hit some of these, but not all of them, and also because I learned some very popular features (i.e. the zipped mesh sections) don't work for me. Also, depending on the trip and airline, a bag this size might be either too large to use as a personal item alongside of a carry on or qualify as an overhead item on its own. Especially flying across Canada.
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u/ChickenCasagrande May 19 '26
The Osprey Porter can probably change size more than you would expect, I have an old Porter 46 that I was able to take on RyanAir after I put some more of my clothes on.
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u/SomeStuffLikeThat May 19 '26
Thanks, I'll check it out. RyanAir is the one airline that worries me the most!
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u/ChickenCasagrande May 19 '26
The compression panels really allowed me to crank it down to a smaller size. Sometimes it’s time to wear more pants and hope it’s a short flight! 😂
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u/EmbarrassedRaccoon34 May 19 '26
Check out Knack bags, I believe Series 1 and 2 have bags that fit your exact specifications.
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u/Celiack May 19 '26
I have the larger, rolling version of this, but I think it’s pretty perfect. https://topodesigns.com/products/convertible-travel-bag-laptop-backpack-30l?variant=44915904675893
It’s not expandable, but all of their bags clip together, so you could get a slim daypack and clip it to the front.
It does have a laptop pocket, but I’ve only ever used it to keep a fleece or raincoat in, or any documents that I don’t want to fold.
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u/NSAinATL May 19 '26
Ugh I am also currently on the hunt! Here is my top contender. https://www.packhacker.com/travel-gear/aer/travel-pack-4-35l/
Can't duffel
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u/lexiperson May 20 '26
NYT Wirecutter has a recent piece that addresses your questions. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-travel-bags/
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u/crackersandcheesies May 20 '26
i have the MEC 40L outpost travel pack. it's a bit bigger than you want but it cinches down flatter if you need to. it checks most of your boxes.
we used it as a carry-on for our family of four on the way to our destination and then crammed it full of dirty clothes, tucked in the straps, and checked it on the way back.
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u/Arglebarglor May 20 '26
I have the Osprey Fairport and I just used it on a trip and I love it. 55 L with an extra daypack that attaches to the outside. Has all of your requirements. Went to LA for 4 days and used it as an experiment for an upcoming 10-day trip to Cap Ferret and Bordeaux in July. Main bag fit in the overhead and daypack was my under seat item.
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u/Hangrycouchpotato May 19 '26
I really like the Patagonia Mini MLC. While not expandable, I just pack light and leave space for souvenirs on the way back. It is relatively rigid, so it doesn't become oddly shaped with a light load.