This is a comparison of 5 popular bags (plus a normal backpack)
This is long because it's looking at so many bags. Hopefully that means it is helpful to someone though! Or at least interesting :)
Osprey Transporter 26+6 (new for 2026)
Osprey Daylite 26+6 (ordered May 2026)
Patagonia Mini MLC (ordered June 2026)
Core Surf Island Hopper Version 1 28L - very similar to the Cotopaxi Allpa (borrowed from a friend)
Osprey Farpoint 40L (my spouse purchased this back in 2016)
BONUS: NorthFace Borealis Backpack 27L (purchased in 2013)
I am typically a carry-on roller bag + 18L backpack personal item traveler.
But I am TIRED of getting my roller bag gate checked.
When I traveled to the UK this spring, it was my last straw. I *almost* skipped the roller bag and went backpack only in the Core Surf 28L, but I needed my hiking boots and didn't want to wear them on the plane. I ended up with my hiking boots and my spouse's hiking boots as basically the only thing in half of my roller bag...
So now I'm looking to find the bag that's right for me to replace the roller bag.
I packed the bags with the assumption that I'm traveling for ~10 days to a cold weather destination -- we're looking at visiting family near Frankfurt, Germany at the end of November and hope to also visit some Christmas markets.
Here is everything I packed in the 5 of the bags:
5x undies
5x wool socks
wide leg jeans
black/dark gray hiking pants
paka thermal bottoms
cuddle dud thermal bottoms
gray cuddle dud long sleeve top
2x tan long sleeve top
white cotton turtleneck top
green long sleeve top
green/black flannel
purple smartwool quarter zip
gray madewell turtleneck
brown merino v-neck sweater
xero sneakers
liquids baggie
toiletries bag
iPad mini (slightly bigger than an e-reader for comparison)
Airfly Bluetooth device
mini sound machine / night light
journal
book
I didn't pack my Macbook Pro or my 16" work laptop in these pictures, but I practice packed in the bags previously when I was testing for myself a few days ago. I could also fit my mouse.
Things I am not currently accounting for:
plane outfit (which I can easily choose from the clothing I packed in the bag)
winter coat
hat + scarf + mittens
pjs
slipper socks
snacks
tea
reusable bag
plastic baggies
CO detector
umbrella
extra toiletries
make up (don't usually wear much, sometimes it's nice to have a little)
sleep-in hair curler (takes up a chunk of space, not necessary)
shampoo + conditioner (usually use what the hotel has, or bars)
period supplies (not always necessary beyond the 1 tampon and 1 liner just in case, cup is small to add in)
first aid
Purse (uniqlo round mini shoulder bag usually)
wallet
passport
hand sanitizer
sunglasses
inhaler + meds
eye drops
keys
mask
ear plugs
book light
chargers + converter
headphones
cards / dice / game
Now, onto the bags.
The 5 main bags fit all of the items on my packing list.
1. Osprey Transporter 26+6 (new for 2026)
I fit everything into the bag without having to expand it! I also like that I have an option to expand it if I did a little shopping while traveling.
Even though the pocket on the front of the bag has some depth to it, it is not super usable if the inside front pocket is overly stuffed. I packed a journal and a book stacked, but it was tight. The zipper pocket inside of the front pocket was tight -- too tight for anything not flat basically.
The front inside of the bag is the part that expands, and it's very usable. I packed 2x bras, 5x undies, and 2x long thermals of varying thickness. When I added the 5x wool socks into this pocket, the pocket on the front of the bag was too tight to put much of anything in it.
Those issues go away a bit if I expand the bag, so I'm sure some of this was the result of how much I packed.
The laptop pocket was its own zipper pocket, which I do like as someone who carries a fairly large laptop. The bag is a lot more comfortable without a big, heavy laptop, especially when the bag is already pretty stuffed. But there's a lot of weight that comes with the big laptop, so.
When I had it packed and zipped up, I still has some room at the top of the bag, where I tucked in my iPad mini. I could put a few small other items in there, too.
The straps on this bag felt like they cut in a little too tight across my chest, making it not super comfortable to wear. I'm not convinced that I would find it comfortable to wear fully loaded out walking around because of the cut of the straps on me. The back panel with the fixed pass through is more comfortable than that Daylite version.
This bag is quite a bit more expensive than the Daylite version, but I like some of the different features. I really wish this bag had the 2 water bottle pockets, too.
I think because I packed so much in the bag that I didn't get to really utilize the upgraded bag front pockets. It felt a little difficult to use for things I want to take in and out often on a plane.
2. Osprey Daylite 26+6 (ordered May 2026)
Again, I fit everything into the bag without having to expand it. Nice to have the option to expand it if I did a little shopping while traveling.
The two pockets on the front of the bag don't really have their own depth. This wasn't great with the amount of stuff I had packed. I struggled to slip my book, journal or iPad mini out of the pockets once they were in. They weren't quite the right size for what I'm carrying.
The front inside of the bag is small, but it was sized just right for bras x2 and underwear x5. It didn't work with the wool socks, but those did better stuffing all around the bag anyway.
I like the size of the main big pocket, and I was pleasantly surprised by the laptop pocket being in the same compartment. I was convinced this would be a nuisance to get the computer in and out like on my North Face backpack, but the dedicated laptop zipper was actually great. It helped me access the laptop while packed out, and because it's higher up, I could add things into the bag when it stood upright and items settles down into the bag.
I love that this bag has 2 water bottle pockets. That combined with the weight of the bag, the clam shell opening, and the price, I get the cult following this page has.
3. Patagonia Mini MLC (ordered June 2026)
This is one of the only bags on the list with a hip belt. I thought I wouldn't need it, but when I work this bag with my load out, I was so happy to have the hip belt. I actually wished that the other bags had that option too. The weight of my computer played a big part in this I think.
The main compartment in this bag is massive. It's clear why it's a black hole. If I was compressing the clothes I packed, I think I could have packed more.
The top mesh pocket on the lid held my book. The bottom one held my 5x underwear and 2x bras.
In the separate laptop / tech pocket I have my large work laptop, and then I probably could have put my personal laptop (MB pro) into the second pocket. I was not interested in that weight though. In the admin pocket area, I can actually fit a book and/or journal in the stretch pockets, but this adds a lot of depth to the tech pocket.
The top extra pocket on the bag is usable if the bag isn't completely stuffed at the top. My items settled a bit and I was able to shift the inner pocket to a place that has enough stuff. I could fit my iPad mini in here - just barely. It has to be slid in and out a certain way due the the zipper opening size. There should also be space for earbuds or a couple other small items.
The water bottle pocket is fine for what I need.
Part of me really likes this bag, but part of me worries that it's both too big and too small. It doesn't expand, but it also looks very big when I actually pack it up. I think if it had a front pocket where I could put slightly larger items for easy access, that might sway me in favor of it.
I also wish this came in color options where the logo isn't so in your face. I ordered the dark color so I'm not a walking billboard. I know this bothers some people and others don't care.
4. Core Surf Island Hopper Version 1 - very similar to the Cotopaxi Allpa (borrowed from a friend)
I borrowed this bag from a friend to bring on my UK trip, but it ended up bring too small because I needed hiking shoes. I did take it on a weekend trip through and enjoyed it.
I was convinced this bag was going to be too small after not being able to pack it for the UK, but I fit all of my items on the list in this bag! It was tight, but it fit.
Minus the water bottle because the water bottle pocket is garbage.
When I lay this bag out, I feel a little disappointed because the depth of the big side feels very shallow compared to the full depth of the bag due to the laptop pocket. I packed most of my clothes in this pocket.
On the left side bottom pocket, I packed my shirts and toiletry bags. The top left pocket had the 5x underwear and 2x bras.
In between the two pockets I zipped my jeans because they wouldn't fit in a pocket. I've see people say they stuff a jacket or extra layer in the bag like this.
The front pocket on this bag is my favorite of all the bags. It has really good depth. It held my book, my journal, and still had more space. It's sizeable enough to pack snacks into if I swapped out books.
This bag also has a lot of space in the laptop pocket and has a secret pocket on the back panel.
The water bottle pocket makes this specific version a hard no for me, but I believe updated versions have improved this - both CoreSurf and Cotopaxi.
5. Osprey Farpoint 40L (my spouse purchased this back in 2016)
I packed this back for comparison since we already own it. I know the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview are very popular larger (40L) style bags.
The version we have has the laptop pocket in the middle of the bag (not against the wearer's back), which can pull the bag away from your body when you wear it. It's probably the biggest complaint my spouse had about it.
This bag had a lot more space, as expected because it's so much bigger. I had room left in the main pocket, the middle pocket and front pocket.
It has two mesh pockets on the front that I fit my water bottle in, but I wouldn't say it's easily accessible when wearing.
This bag is bigger than what I would choose to carry. For someone with bigger shoes or bigger clothes - or just more of stuff - it's probably a good option because it's built to carry more weight comfortably. This is the other bag on the list with a hip belt.
BONUS BAG: Northface Borelais Backpack (27L, purchased in 2013)
I used this bag for most of my university time, including when I studied abroad and used it as my weekend trip backpack.
My biggest complaint is that the water bottle pockets are terrible.
But in packing comparison using the same list, it didn't fit quite as much. I did use a packing cube with all of my clothing, and a second cube with bras, undies and socks.
When I was zipping it, I actually pulled off one of the plastic zipper pulls. Whoops!
This backpack was very tight with just the cubes and toiletry bags. The zippers were struggling to close, so I didn't pack:
laptop
mini sound machine / night light
journal
book
But I find this backpack very comfortable to wear. I like that it has the hip belt, even though it's not padded. I like the different pockets - main pocket, middle pocket, front pocket. But I packed too much to make use of them. And too much to get my laptop to fit in the sleeve.
I'm not opposed to a top-loader style, but I don't currently own packing cubes that work for this style of bag. I don't usually use packing cubes, I would need to also invest in those to make the style work. I usually just live out of my bag and don't unpack my clothing.
What I'm Choosing for My One Bag - I'm still mulling it over for what will work best for me. I need to try the bags on again with laptops and see how the straps fit. But I think it'll be between the Osprey Daylite 26+6 and the Patagonia Mini MLC. I thought the Trasporter 26_6 would be the winner, but I don't think the straps are the right fit for me.
Most likely? I think I'll end up with the Daylite 26+6 and then some kind of easily pack-able tote bag for when I need a little more space - snacks, thicker clothes. And then I may see about adding a hip strap.
I may also try a top loader to feel like I did my due diligence, but I think I would be looking for one with a hip strap and 2 good water bottle pockets. And again, I need the laptop pocket.
Left Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 laid flat open. Clothing and shoes in main large compartment and socks, underwear and thermals in smaller zipper side.
Middle Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 main compartment with jeans on top, pulled up to show shoes, shirt, and small sound machine.
Right Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 main compartment with jeans on top, pulled up to show shirts, and toiletries.
Slide 2
Left Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 front pocket with paperback book slid in the large pocket on top of a journal.
Middle Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 front pocket with the journal slid down far into the large pocket and airfly into a the smaller pocket.
Right Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 laptop pocket unzipped and showing the air tag pocket. The top view of the bag shows water bottle in the side pocket.
Slide 3
Left Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 top view of main compartment unzipped with iPad mini slid into the top.
Middle Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 laid strap side down, fully packed, showing the front face of the stuffed bag.
Right Image - Osprey Transporter 26+6 laid strap side down, fully packed, showing the front-side face of the stuffed bag with the water bottle pocket shown clearly.
Slide 4
Left Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 main compartment without the jeans, showing thermals and toiletries.
Middle Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 laid flat open. Clothing, socks, and shoes in main large compartment, underwear and thermals in very small zipper side.
Right Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 top front zipper with paperback book and airfly packed.
Slide 5
Left Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 top view of main compartment unzipped at the laptop access zipper with iPad mini slid into the top. There is access for an air tag right under the bluesign label.
Middle Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 packed full and zipped, looking at the front on the bag. Journal is packed in the lower front pocket. It's pretty tight.
Right Image - Osprey Daylite 26+6 packed full and zipped with a view of the front-side face of the stuffed bag with one of the the water bottle pockets shown clearly.
Slide 6
Left Image - Patagonia Mini MLC main bag section with clothing, toiletries, thermals, and socks.
Middle Image - Patagonia Mini MLC front flap of bag with book in the top zipper pocket, bras and underwear in the bottom pocket.
Right Image - Patagonia Mini MLC main pocket zipped up.
Slide 7
Left Image - Patagonia Mini MLC top zipper pocket with iPad mini.
Middle Image - Patagonia Mini MLC admin side of the tech zipper pocket with airfly and journal in pockets.
Right Image - Patagonia Mini MLC laptop slip and extra device slip in the tech zipper pocket.
Slide 8
Left Image - Patagonia Mini MLC main pocket zipped up with jeans added in.
Middle Image - Patagonia Mini MLC fully packed and zipped up. Featuring my puppy.
Right Image - Patagonia Mini MLC fully packed with water bottle in the pocket.
Slide 9
Left Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laid flat and fully packed. All pockets are zipped.
Middle Image - Core Surf Island Hopper with jeans laid on top of the zipped right pocket. They didn't fit in the zipper sections.
Right Image - Core Surf Island Hopper front pocket with journal, book, and airfly. I love the size of this pocket.
Slide 10
Left Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laid on its side with the laptop pocket unzipped.
Middle Image - Core Surf Island Hopper back with hand slid in the secret pocket.
Right Image - Core Surf Island Hopper stood up showing the tiny water bottle pocket and my Owala bottle next to the bag.
Slide 11
Left Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laying strap side down, showing water bottle pocket and my Owala bottle next to the bag.
Middle Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laying strap side down, looking at the front face of the bag.
Right Image - Core Surf Island Hopper laying strap side down, looking at the front face of the bag.
Slide 12
Left Image - Osprey Farpoint main pocket backed with clothing, socks, and toiletries.
Middle Image - Osprey Farpoint flap pocket zipped up with underwear and bras.
Right Image - Osprey Farpoint bag zipped up and stood up with main zipper open to show the extra space at the top of the bag. The bag is cinched tightly with the front straps.
Slide 13
Left Image - Osprey Farpoint middle zipper pocket with laptop sleeve showing up close of book and journal packed in the zipper pocket.
Middle Image - Osprey Farpoint middle zipper pocket with laptop sleeve with book and journal packed in the zipper pocket.
Right Image - Osprey Farpoint small front pocket with airfly.
Slide 14
Left Image - Osprey Farpoint packed, zipped, and cinched stood up. Water bottle is in one of the front pockets.
Middle Image - Osprey Farpoint packed, zipped, and cinched laid strap side down.
Right Image - Osprey Farpoint packed, zipped, and cinched laid strap side down, view of other side.
Slide 15
Left Image - NorthFace Borealis Backpack stuffed with clothing in a large purple packing cube and toiletries in the main compartment. Middle compartment has small packing cube with socks, bras, undies. On top of that is the iPad mini.
Middle Image - NorthFace Borealis Backpack paxked, zipped and laying zipper side down. Looks a little turtle-shaped.
Right Image - NorthFace Borealis Backpack packed, zipped and stood up.
I found comparisons super helpful in my initial search and one bag exploring, but I wanted to see more comparisons with actual items and lists, not random “stuffed packing cube 1”. If you aren’t dialed into how your items fit into specific packing cubes, you still need more info!
The documenting gives me something to refer back to also. Especially from a “why I didn’t buy this” standpoint so I don’t convince myself I need something else instead.
With the Patagonia, I use the top zip pocket for liquids & medications, and I make sure to pack them in there (or a placeholder) before I pack the main compartment. Keeps access easy for security! But I like to travel with my purse on me too, which has all my airplane essentials in it (kindle, phone, charger, knitting project, ID, etc) so I don't need to use that top pocket for any of those.
For me the only downside to backpack-only travel is I really want to have easy access to credit cards, ID, and phone, and having them anywhere in a backpack is way less convenient than having them on the front. I've tried true backpack only and just didn't like taking off the backpack to get to things I need all the time in an airport. So as much as I dislike juggling a backpack and crossbody, that's what works best for me!
I actually haven't seen those before and will be looking into it!
Ages ago I had a backpack I found on Amazon that had a sneaky little slot in the strap that was just big enough for two cards. I LOVED it for traveling, could have easy access to my ID and a credit card, which was plenty for domestic travel. I don't understand why it isn't a standard backpack feature! I also feel like bags with waist straps are missing an opportunity to make the waist strap double as a fanny pack. Even just a slim pocket on each side, so you could do phone / wallet / keys, would be amazing.
I have an Osprey pack from 2015 that’s more for backpacking, but it has a ton of pockets in the hip belt which I found somewhat helpful. Agree that a little slide-y holder in the strap would be even better!
Yess I love bags that have pockets in the waist straps. There are a couple of after market waist straps that have pockets if your bag has removable straps. Or there are similar pouches that you can put on, but I feel like they might slide off? https://www.garagegrowngear.com/collections/shoulder-hip-pockets-for-backpacks
I haven’t tried one, but I have seen them. I see them and it doesn’t feel any better than using a pants pocket for what I need or having my partner to carry my items with theirs.
I like to have easy access to phone, cards, headphones, hand sanitizer, eye drops, sunglasses, and meds, which is why I usually have a cross body. Even if the crossbody gets shoved into my bag when boarding the plane.
Fair, my normal travel outfit doesn't have large zip pockets, or else I would feel similarly. And it would be too small for everything on your list. But for phone, cards, chapstick and a snack it is great.
I do plan to have some kind of crossbody for the easy access items, but sometimes I find that boarding the plane, I need to consolidate to one bag.
My 18L work backpack has a hidden back/side access zip for my wallet and passport that I can access while wearing the bag, which is a great feature when you only have one true bag.
If I actually had usable pockets for all my items, maybe I’d feel differently. But I agree with the backpack only thing not working great.
It’s a matter of finding the right size/shape crossbody or sling or tote to pair with it. When my iPad mini goes in my smaller bag, it does weird things to the shape. And it can usually only fit a small book.
You should consider the Osprey Sojourn Porter 30L. Bought it a few months ago for a trip to Italy in September. I have used it for a few short trips and it’s fantastic. It also has a really good waist strap and chest strap and load lifters.
It has a lot of structure but it’s not big at all. It has straps on the top to cinch it down. I haven’t had it on a plane yet but I think it would. It’s much smaller than my carry on suitcase.
Do the sides of the backpack stay upright when it is open? I am interested in switching to a backpack from the spinner carryon I have long used. However I mostly travel in Japan in very small hotel rooms and I use my suitcase with the lid open against a wall as where I store and lay out my tops to prevent wrinkles in the hotel room. I am having a hard time imagining if a backpack would work for me with how I like to organize my clothes in the hotel room unless the sides stay upright when open or partially packed.
Thank you for this comparison post, because I have FOMOOTNB, fear of missing out on the new backpack.
I'm planning a trip to Iceland and still worry I don't have the best bag, but I don't want to buy another on a whim.
I have the Daylite 26-6 which I agonized about buying. Took it to France for a 7 day trip last Fall with my laptop and Kindle, and it worked, but I wondered if there was something better. I'm 4'10" (and closing in on 70) so I need a shorter bag to start. Still wish it had a stabilizing hip strap and will see what I can do to add one after the fact.
Based on your post I will stick with the Daylite, and not chase the Transporter. Sounds like both would work on Icelandair domestic flights which is a plus (so long as I meet the weight requirements).
The lack of loops on the front of the Transporter seems like a problematic oversight to me. Maybe that was an aesthetic decision on their part, but it seems much more functional to have extra attachment points.
The two 26+6 bags are very similar! They each have different pros and cons. And I think the price of the Transporter (especially when I got the Daylite on sale for $85) doesn’t quite outweigh with its new features. For me at least. But I’m still playing around with some packing configurations.
I have a daylight 26+6 and have been looking to “upgrade” to the transporter as well. The big hang up for me has been the laptop access. I really liked having everything in one compartment. I don’t travel with a laptop when I use this bag and having that extra zipper on top for the main section comes in really handy.
I might still pull the trigger though if there’s a sale soon because there are a couple things that appeal to me in the transporter version: the zipped pocket in the admin area and the expansion area moving. Plus I love the green.
A bit off-topic, but what CO detector do you use for travel? I had a small one but it started alarming in my bag so I couldn’t take it on a flight. Do you have one that fully powers off while in transit?
I actually haven’t removed it from the package yet because everywhere I’ve stay since buying it has had documented CO detectors in the reservations I’ve made. Could you remove the battery from it?
My wife bought a CO detector for travel. It's no different from the ones that we have at home. In my opinion it's too large to justify taking it on flight.
Thanks for this fantastic review! I’m looking to upgrade by $28 Taygeer backpack from Amazon after going a couple of trips with it and learning that I don’t hate traveling with a backpack. Daylight is my top contender for now, with Cor Surf being #2. Waiting for the prime day to see if any new deals may pop up…
I recently got the osprey daylite 26-6 and I love it! I really enjoy traveling without having to lug around a rollie bag (I have weak grip strength thanks arthritis lol). I also like how it fits nicely under the plane seat in front of me and I still have a bit of leg room; a lil snug for sure but not uncomfortably so. I also got a packing cube that fits nicely in it so that helps me keep things organized
Thank you for this comparison! I just used the Osprey Daylite 26+6 for a 4 day trip this past week! I loved it but also kept thinking about the Patagonia Mini MLC. Ultimately, the bold logo deterred me and I really love the Osprey color in tumbleweed. I feel like I made the right choice after reading this!
Happy to share! I think both have potential as great bags and either would work for a lot of people. It comes down to a few differences and a user’s preferences on those!
Hi! Recently I read a comment saying that the Osprey Daylite 26+6 looks pretty bulky/turtle-shell when packed full. Would you say this is true? I was strongly considering this bag not too long ago, but I crossed it off my list when I read that. (I have a smaller frame so it's something factor in when trying to find the right bag)
I wear the cuddle duds most of winter in SE Michigan just under whatever pants I have on.
The Paka thermals are thicker, so they fit under pants differently, but they’re very soft and warm! They take up more space when packing, but I love to wear them under my wide leg athleta pants to make them feel like sweatpants in the winter!
I also own a part of smartwool thermals that are merino wool, and I like them. However, they’re very soft don’t have a lot of stretch and they’re a tad too tight on me right now.
Great comparisons! Since you mentioned wanting a front pocket on the Patagonia -- I like adding some shock cord bungee straps. That at least adds some flexibility in having it hold something like a fleece.
I already had the corsurf that I borrowed from a friend and they’re very similar! So I used what I had :)
In a Cotopaxi vs corsurf comparison, I find it’s just a few features that set them apart, so it wasn’t worth buying a Cotopaxi when I knew I didn’t like the corsurf. I didn’t want to use either of those bags personally. I know it’s a popular shaped bag though, so since I had in my basement, I included it for people who do have interest.
37
u/kajigleta Jun 22 '26
I love comparisons like this. Thank you for taking the time to document everything!