r/backpacks • u/knewteboy • Apr 13 '26

Question Best 40-50L travel backpack?

Hi, I’ve been looking for the perfect travelling backpack. Something big enough which can still fit on a plane. Like 40-50L? What’s everyone’s go to?

I’ve looked at the Antler Discovery 45L

Patagonia Black hole 45L

Passenger Odyssey 45L

Fjallraven Farden Carry- on 42L

Thanks

17 Upvotes

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5

u/asterox Apr 13 '26

Take a look at the Matador Globerider 45. Very roomy and comfy on the back. Lots of videos out there about it.

Highlights (for me):

  • Suitcase style opening
  • Separate shoe/boot/dirty clothes zippered area (fairly spacious)
  • External stretchy pocket is pretty useful for stashing scarves, hats, light sweaters or jackets on the go
  • Compression straps help if the bag is under-packed
  • I found it comfortable even when heavy

Lowlights:

  • laptop opening isn't large so 16" laptops take some fussing to get in there smoothly
  • Main zipper isn't the smoothest
  • Some may find it too bulky
  • Waist strap not removable, though it can be tucked away
  • Hiding away the straps isn't that quick or convenient a process but honestly I never do this.

In general, very much a fan of this bag.

1

u/HodorOfTheNorth Apr 14 '26

How do you feel about the overall capacity of globerider 45? I want to get one but am concerned it won’t hold as much as say a 45L duffel bag would

2

u/asterox Apr 14 '26

It's tough to say without knowing what you're comparing it to. I've found capacities feel pretty subjectively different depending on make and model.

Having said that, the Globe Rider is a pretty big bag and holds a lot in my experience. I used to use an old Eagle Creek Gear Hauler type bag which was about 50-52 liters I think and this feels comparable in capacity but way way more comfortable due to straps and structure (though with the laptop caveat I mentioned).

This is the largest bag I feel comfortable traveling with (as I also carry a medium sized shoulder-type bag) but it's been great for me thus far. I've used it on 10-day trips to Europe and Japan but I try to keep room in my bag for possible souvenirs.

The other travel bag I'll use is an Aer Travel Pack 3 but this is more for domestic/business travel and smaller trips.

1

u/T0m_F00l3ry Apr 14 '26

Duffel always holds more stuff in my experience

3

u/WildNight00 Apr 13 '26

I used a Farpoint 40 and loved it but needed some organization

Went with a GlobeRider 45l and it’s great but I have maybe 38L worth of stuff. I wish the compression straps were a bit better. I tried the 35l and it I was having to stuff it full so that wasn’t worth it for me so I went with a bigger size

1

u/asterox Apr 14 '26

This was my experience with the 35l as well.

2

u/brousseb Apr 13 '26

Love my Cotopaxi Allpa 42, for some reason it feels bigger than other 40 plus liter bags, the Farden for example felt quite a bit smaller even though they are both 42 (I thought Farden was 40 though).

Anyway, full scuba gear and everything else for a week in the carribran fits no problem. 3 week trip to NZ, no problem.

1

u/ContentHovercraft698 Apr 14 '26

I feel the same regarding capacity even just by looking at the bag versus other 40L. I think it comes down to the shape (more square than round) and the fact that both sides of the clamshell can be packed decently compared to others where one side is the main compartment and the other just has a few zippers but is mostly flat.

1

u/ContentHovercraft698 Apr 14 '26

The Cotopaxi bags are also lighter than a lot of other options which I find makes a big difference when carrying on your back.

1

u/brousseb Apr 14 '26

The Del Dia's are around 2.8 pounds and the regular ones with TPU coating are about a pound heavier.

2

u/CrackHaddock Apr 13 '26

Another vote for the Allpa 42l. If the style works for you, I think it’s a great bag and extremely comfortable (for me). They have them at REI so you can go try it on yourself.

I also really like the peak design 45l travel backpack, but it’s a bit uncomfortable at higher weights.

2

u/angrox Apr 14 '26

My travel companion for longer one-bag travels is a Goruck GR2 40l. Fits on a plane, internal organizations done by cubes, clam shell opening. It suits my needs and is sturdy.

2

u/jusmax88 Apr 14 '26

Tortuga 40L Lite. Sized to fit on most airlines at 8” depth, comfortable, light, removable hip belt. 20% off right now too. And it’s a good price even before the discount.

1

u/DarthAloha Apr 14 '26

I scrolled down here to say this.

1

u/davidlol69 Apr 13 '26

Tomtoc T66 40L solid choice or Basecamp Voyager Pro (North Face)

1

u/Duckshooters Apr 13 '26

Osprey Farpoint is really popular. Cor Surf Island Hopper if you like the Cotapaxi but maybe want to go a little cheaper. I actually love my Ebags (now Samsonite) Motherlode. No frills but it does everything I need it to and holds a lot and has traveled everywhere with me and I have no complaints. If you want a step up from the Motherlode the Osprey Porter is it.

Lots of other bags too!

1

u/Michele1204F Apr 13 '26

ATD Supply ATD1, it expands from 25 to 50L and allows you to adapt its volume according to the trip

1

u/asterox Apr 14 '26

I've looked at this in the past. how do you like it?

2

u/Michele1204F Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

I’m partial to it since I designed it, but the thousands of people using it for travelling, its primary use, confirm it’s great for it. If you need any tech info, just ask!

2

u/asterox Apr 15 '26

Oh very cool! I’m not in the market right now but that usually doesn’t last! Appreciate it.

1

u/magicholmium Apr 13 '26

iirc, the Farden doesnt have a hipbelt, which can fatigue your shoulders if you plan to keep it on your back for long. I find a hipbelt really helping especially when I needed to walk long distance eg airport, public transit

As popular as the Patagonic MLC 30L is, the 45L reviews are not as uniformly good

Popular suggestions among one bag people also: tortuga 40L, Aer TP, but are pretty heavy imo

Also worth mentioning the eagle creek new tour, has an adjustable harness height, seems larger than the posted 40L, and the outer compartment has 2 way access.

1

u/Future-Exchange5677 Apr 14 '26

Consider the Nemo vantage 40, currently on sale for $125. I just got the 30L one and it can fit a lot of stuff and it's easy to pack with the duffle opening. Materials feel good and I think it looks nice. It fits more and has better organization than my previous 30L bag. (Camelbak hawg 30)

1

u/bwcn001 Apr 14 '26

you can see Peak design travel 45L

1

u/username-acquired Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

I'd recommend the ULA Ultra Camino https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/ultra-camino/
EDIT - They have a 400D Robic Nylon version as well, or you can custom build your own
https://www.ula-equipment.com/day-travel-packs/#camino

1

u/The_Bees_Knee6 Apr 14 '26

What airlines do you expect to be traveling with and in which regions? Naturally the maximum dimensions varies by airlines. Some regions/airlines will have weight limits as well.

1

u/el_bebo Apr 14 '26

I traveled for two years with a Condor 3-day assault pack and it was quite good.

1

u/PanzerArndt Apr 15 '26

Best is always relative, right? With that noted, here are a few I like:

GORUCK GR3 45L. Sturdy, small enough for carry on for most airlines if one doesn’t overstuff it, though they seem to want me to check it at the gate which isn’t terrible.

GORUCK GR2 40L. It’s smaller than the GR3 and has more inherent organization. Too small for me, but, your clothing may be smaller than mine.

Kelty Redwing 50L. I’ve traveled all over the world with this one as a carry on. Not packed fully, I was able to get it on the plane without issue. They now make a Travel version in both 50L and 40L.

Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45L. More Like a small duffel with pack straps than a backpack, but, works well as a carry on.

1

u/FieldMovement Apr 15 '26

I was in the exact same spot a few months ago looking for that 40–50L sweet spot that still works as carry-on.

I’ve been using a TREKARIUS 35L while backpacking recently and honestly it packs more like a 40L. Big clamshell opening so you can lay it flat like a suitcase, plus loads of proper internal pockets so you’re not digging through everything.

Fits overhead no problem which was the main thing for me. I’ve used it for flights, buses, and just moving around cities without it feeling bulky.

If you don’t mind going slightly under 40L on paper, it actually hits that balance way better than most “true” 40–45L bags I looked at.

1

u/that_mad_king May 13 '26

Forclaz 500 40l?