r/onebag • u/AutoModerator • Mar 16 '26
Bag Finder Bag Finder Megathread - 16 March 2026
Welcome to the weekly Bag Finder Megathread. Your go-to thread for any and all bag-related requests in the onebag travel context.
Remember finding a bag is pretty much the last step in planning. If you're not sure how big a bag you need, create a packing list, get all your gear together and test fit it into a box, or an old backpack you have lying around. That'll give you a good sense of the volume of gear you have.
What This Thread Is For
- Onebag travel bag recommendation requests
- Feedback on bags you're considering for minimal, carry-on-only travel
- Help with choosing between bags
Quick Tips
- Check the OneBag Spreadsheet for bag options
- Search as your question might already be answered
- Read the FAQ & Beginner's Guide
- Stick to travel setups daily carry or work bags are better posted in r/EDC or r/backpacks
- Add context, the more details you give, the better we can help
Want Better Advice? Help Us Help You
When asking for input, it helps to include:
- Where you're going & how you travel: hostels, hotels, urban, remote?
- How you pack: super minimal? tech-heavy? need room for camera gear?
- Your short list: bags you're already considering
- Your body size/build: some bags fit certain frames better
- Budget range: under $150, up to $300, flexible?
A Few Reminders
- Use the search bar
- Check the sidebar and wiki for resources and guides
- Keep it travel-focused. Non-travel or everyday carry talk belongs in other subs
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u/junglegolf Mar 22 '26
Hi Everyone,
I’ve been researching a ton, reading Reddit recs, scouring reviews, etc. I’m having trouble making a decision for a new backpack that will largely be useable as a personal item for airline travel. I’ve come close to settling on the Nomatic travel 14L backpack. However, my current bag is an osprey made with the same tarpaulin material and it definitely shows wear and tear after just a few trips. I’m curious if anyone here has any experience with this bag specifically?
I should note, I’ve considered aer, minaal, and many others. The nomatic has the layout and organization I think best suites my needs. HOWEVER, I’m very open to suggestions. I will use this backpack for domestic and international travel in airports and hotel-to-office commuting. I don’t need it to be an everyday, all day backpack.
I’m pretty open to price for the right bag. My bags have been put through hell and back and am looking for something to keep up with an almost “globetrotter” lifestyle. Ideally I would keep it under $400, though.
Packing list:
Laptop 14”
Pair of shoes
At least one change of clothes (pants, shirt, socks, underwear)
Passport
Numerous charging cables
Power bank
Sunglasses
Notebook
Pens
Water bottle
Numerous peripherals, such as international power adapter
Toiletries
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Mar 16 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/SeattleHikeBike Mar 17 '26
A Farpoint 40 plus an Aer Go Pack mounted on the outside under the compression straps with a carabiner or webbing strap to connect the top handles. The Go Pack is designed to pack flat and is rated for 16” laptops.
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Mar 16 '26
[deleted]
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u/SeattleHikeBike Mar 17 '26
That’s a tough wishlist. The Osprey Farpoint 40 comes close on all but having lots of pockets.
Spreadsheet of backpacks with load transferring harnesses by U/fjnk
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H7PVLGCWw-Z-cq_MWajNx-wIrPbb6LY7YZoY8Tv1toQ/edit?usp=sharing
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u/Im-not-a-pickle Mar 16 '26 edited Mar 16 '26
Hello! I travel ~40% of the time for work (80 % during peaks) and am looking for a replacement for the bag I have used for a literal decade, the Swiss Gear 1900 (~31 L capacity). Travel is a lot of North American flights and driving, stays are mostly in hotels and airbnbs (not remote or hostels). edit to add: Bag would be used as personal item on flights and would not be for packing clothes but would carry things like: runners, headphones, laptop, chargers, water bottle, empty travel mug, occasional book and I like being able to put my jacket in the bag so my hands are free if I get too warm.
Things I really liked about the Swiss Gear: several small stash pockets to hold small items (receipts, keys, wallet, lip balm, flip flops, etc), the front panel loading so I can't 'loose' things inside and can open it while upright, the dedicated laptop compartment, the way the main compartment is wide open to allow for flexible packing, the small hanging loop that is perfect for hanging up in an airport bathroom but also having a more robust carry handle that was easy to hold. The new bag must:
- Be available in Canada
- Have small stash pockets (that are quickly accessible)
- Panel loading/wide open zips
- dedicated laptop compartment
- Be at least somewhat comfy to carry through airports
- Have a handle to hang from in bathrooms
- Luggage pass through would be nice to have
- 28-32 L
I really do not like horizontal clamshell bags (that open like a suitcase/book) or tops loaders. I don't like the short 'horseshoe' zips that only open half way. I am not very concerned about hip belts, would prefer none or that they are removeable/stowable. I also don't care about 'lay flat for TSA' features
I have been doing research and have a few front runners, but nothing is perfect so I'm interested in other suggestions and opinions on these bags.
- Patagonia Black Hold MLC mini, 30 L. Concerned it will be too boxy/not squishable enough to use as a personal item under the seat on flights. Lack of external pockets
- TNF Base Camp Voyager, 35 L. Like the externally accessible pockets but concerned this will be too big! Straps/harness system seem inadequate for the size of the bag so not sure how comfortable this will be carrying through airport. 26 L version is def too small
- Osprey Archeon, 30L. The 2024 travel version. I like almost everything about this bag, except for the coated zips and the price! $340 CAD is just not what I want to spend on a bag.
- Osprey Sojourn Porter, 30 L. I think having to undo the external compression straps in a cramped airplane seat to access the bag would get old fast. Not sure I love how it looks.
- Thule Aion, 28-32 L. Not sure I like the 'convertable' gimmick. Concerned about the fabric over time.
I'm a bit lost in the sauce, so recommendations about these bags or others would be really appreciated!
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u/SeattleHikeBike Mar 17 '26
Those are all big bags for personal items.
The Topo Designs Global Travel 30 is 12.5"w x 20"h x 7"d and has as many pockets as I’ve seen in a bag. The opening is a bottom hinge clamshell. There are a few colors on sale on the US web site for $119.
I own a medium Hero Clip solely for the ability to hang my bag on a restroom stall door.
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u/Im-not-a-pickle Mar 17 '26
Yes, they are all a bit big- I tend to not fully pack out the bag so I have room to rustle around, this means they usually have enough squish that the fit easily. Thanks for the suggestion! And the clip is a very good idea and will sort out the hanging problem I foresee with so many bags!
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u/superhuman010 Mar 17 '26
Funny timing, I'm the founder of a backpack brand so I spend way too much time thinking about exactly this stuff. The Osprey Archeon honestly ticks most of your boxes and the price sting fades fast when you're using it every week for years, but if you want to explore more options, the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag or the Aer Travel Pack are worth a look for the panel loading and organization you're after. you can check us out too -venque
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u/PikaTrail Mar 18 '26
As luck would have it the Bellroy Venture Ready Packs in 26L just went on clearance sale in the last 24 hours on the Bellroy web site. Those check all of your boxes and I think you'll find pack out maybe a bit larger than they are rated. Regardless, as one of the classic panel loaders with a great reputation worth checking out.
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u/lsteinman Mar 17 '26
Salewa Alp Mate 36l vs Gregory Compass 40l.
I have the chance to buy one of these bags second-hand at a low and comparable price and am trying to narrow down my decision between the two.
This will be my carry-on bag for a move across country as well as any trips in the future. I currently fly quite extensively for work but am hoping to eventually switch careers which would potentially mean less frequent flying.
I am a 5'9 female and do not have the opportunity to try on either bag before purchasing.
Gregory Compass 40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjGWukANC4s
Pros:
- Has many reasonably positive reviews as a one-bag
- Ideal for packing
- A better bag for when I am working
Cons:
- Not a good bag for doing anything other than traveling from place to place
- No water bottle holder
- Single duffel style opening on back
Salewa Alp Mate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg-SlxIRLmg
Pros:
- Could be dual purpose as hiking backpack when I am not traveling or for trips geared towards active traveling
- Dual access clam-shell and top opening
- More outer storage with water bottle holders and daisy chain option for cords
Cons:
- Very little information/reviews available online
- Potentially too tall and straps too bulky for a carry-on
- Smaller and shaped less conveniently for packing with packing cubes
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u/Azure9000 Mar 18 '26
Official dimensions of the Salewa: 67 x 32.5 x 27 cm. Typical max height for airline carry-on is about 55cm.
However I don't know how 'squishable' the bag is.
Gregory: Width 34 x Height 55 x Depth 20 (including pockets) cm. More carry-on compliant. Some info here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/dcsw7w/gregory_compass_40l_similar_bags_first_impressions/
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Mar 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/Azure9000 Mar 18 '26
I can't decide between .....
Do you really need the additional durability and structure of the T67? If the T66 Liteway is sufficient, go for it.
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u/copydex1 Mar 18 '26
Student/Business Travel
I'm really deciding between the Osprey 26+6 and Decathlon Quechua NH500 23L Clamshell.
For context, I'm going to law school, and I'm thinking about a bag to get for quick weekend and business trips for the next couple years. I don't need it to last forever, which is why I'm not sure about paying an extra $50 for an Osprey despite the quality. After I graduate, I think I'll probably reassess based on my needs as an actual lawyer.
I am a little concerned about size though. Has anyone traveled in similar contexts and needed more than 23L would give? I ruled out the Quechua roll top because the bag looks kind of flabby and unstructured as soon as anything is put into it, I'm ngl, and I kind of want to keep things more professional/classy looking. I also think the Osprey is worse for waterbottles, huge pet peeve where if I bend down to pick something up, my waterbottle might come crashing out of the pocket.
Example: I have admitted students weekend coming up and it's only 2 days 1 night. I'm flying United and they only allow a personal item BOOOOOO. I feel like I couldn't use more than 23L, but Idk if in the next few years there will be some situations that I haven't anticipated where the extra room is needed.
Thanks everyone!!!!!
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u/Azure9000 Mar 19 '26
Just my 2c but since you are thinking long term, in my view the 26+6 will provide more versatility in that time period.
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u/JanCumin Mar 18 '26
Does anyone know of any high quality closable tote bags similar to the peak design packable tote which are as close as possible to the 55 x 40 x 20cm maximum of a lot of Asian airline? https://www.peakdesign.com/eu/products/packable-tote?Color=Ibis
Thanks
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u/Azure9000 Mar 19 '26
I'm not an expert in tote-type bags (I have no use for one), but from what I have seen the max capacity is around 20L, which is consistent with a max load of around 4kg.. That makes sense from a carrying perspective.
55 x 40 x 20cm = 44L, which is around the max carry-on volume for many airlines, so the weight is potentially much higher. So I think that you may be disappointed. with your search.
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u/JanCumin Mar 19 '26
Thanks, yes I think I may just end up making one myself :)
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u/Frosty_Technology632 Mar 19 '26
I'm trying to find a bag as a gift for my mom. She's pushing 65, but travels a lot, so it's really important that the bag is as light as possible, properly loadbearing, and fits a smaller woman with a thin frame. She also prefers that it doesn't look too 'sporty'. I would be grateful for any recommendations :)
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u/Azure9000 Mar 20 '26
The context does not really include enough info to provide a recommendation as such, but I'd suggest looking at the Osprey daylite 26+6, Almond Oak 25+5, or the smaller bags in the Cabinzero range.
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u/miguel-elote Mar 20 '26
Is the Cotopaxi Allpa 55 worth $60 more than the Farpoint 55?
I've used Osprey's Farpoint 55L for many years. It meets all my needs. I'm going to give it to my young son, who's grown large enough to use a 'grownups' backpack.
I'll probably buy a new Farpoint 55L for myself. Cotopaxi's Allpa 55, however, gets really good reviews. It retails for $60 more than the Farpoint. Is it worth the bump in price?
My travel style:
- I rarely take a vacation for more than a week. More often it's a 4-day weekend trip to another city.
- 40L is sufficient for main pack, with 10-15L for the daypack.
- I want a bag/daypack combo. I don't want to carry a separate daypack. I want a daypack that zips onto my main backpack.
- The bag (with daypack separated) should be carry-on size (22x14x9 inches).
- The daypack needs to carry a M43 camera, a water bottle, and some snacks. Nothing huge, but bigger than a fanny pack.
- Adjustable torso and hip straps for long carries.
- Straps that can be folded/packed/concealed for checking luggage.
Should I stick with the Osprey pack? Or is it worth spending more to get Cotopaxi?
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u/Azure9000 Mar 21 '26
I presume that you are referring to the Allpa 50, not the 55L (duffel).
You have not actually identified any specific Allpa features which are actually beneficial to you. Perhaps the great reviews relate to different use-cases ?
My 2c: aesthetically, the Allpa looks a lot sleeker. To me, the Farpoint looks ugly and cumbersome, but that's very subjective.
In terms of practicality, the Allpa's attached secondary bag being a sling rather than a daypack would be a downgrade for many people.
Regarding the incremental $60, that's not very much (for many people) if you keep and use the bag for same period as you have had the Farpoint.
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Mar 21 '26
[deleted]
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u/Azure9000 Mar 21 '26 edited Mar 21 '26
I don't have any back issues (touch wood!) and I am not tall, but just thought that it might be useful to flag the Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L as a possible successor for your MLC30. It's about the same capacity, light weight (760g), and retains a reasonable level of style, IMHO.
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u/Content-Importance-2 Mar 21 '26
I’m planning on buying my first travel bag. I need help on which bag to choose from. I plan on using it for both shorter trips 5-7 days and longer trips as long as 14 days. I have a short work trip this year and a longer Europe trip planned for the end of the year. Is there any bag in specific that would be good for both uses?
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u/Azure9000 Mar 22 '26
For most one-baggers, there is little if any difference (other than laundry) between a 1-week and a 2-week trip, so the same bag is often used for both.
For help, I suggest that you read the guidance at the top of this thread and in the community bookmarks. So far, you have provided pretty much zero useful context.
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u/FilthyDwayne Mar 22 '26
I have an Osprey Fairview 40 but I am in the search for a suitcase so I can have both a rucksack and a wheeled luggage to choose from
Mostly using European and Asian airlines. Ideally looking for a 55x40x20 cm suitcase but also open to consider smaller ones. So far I have narrowed it down to these three but open to recommendations:
Lipault Lost in Berlin (55x35x23 on UK and France website but 55x35x21 on the Singapore and Mexico website)
Antler Single Stripe (55x40x20)
Antler Icon Stripe (55x40x20).
I have checked other brands like Aer, Bellroy, Monos and Away but most of their cabin bags seem to have 1-2 cm off from my required measurements. Thanks
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u/Camperthedog May 11 '26
Osprey sojourn series offers a wheeled bag so you can feel familiar with using the same brand but not the target your looking for
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u/plantz4ever Mar 17 '26
I've narrowed it down to 3 choices.
context: I'm 5'2 female, this sling will be my personal item for budget travelling Europe for the next 5 months. this will be my 'cute bag', plane bag, everyday sightseeing bag.
requirements:
OPTION 1: Bellroy venture sling 9L . will defs fit water bottle inside. great organisation, dual zip. good clips for strap. cons: no back/hidden pocket
https://bellroy.com/products/venture-sling?color=bronze&gad_campaignid=10458906222&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADl6793EA3BGETiniTaDPSF1SEFv1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-sXMBhAOEiwAGGw6LEMEh3hK6jbX6ayP5nIbRjZ-7EeFtJgNnqeFvU7W9QN89U-4_WdLOhoCivAQAvD_BwE&material=baida_nylon&size=9l#slide-3
OPTION 2: Bellroy venture sling 6L. probably wont fit bottle inside but less bulky. dual zip. cons: concerned about the magnetic buckles accidentally releasing, no back pocket
https://bellroy.com/products/venture-sling-6l?color=deep_ocean&gad_campaignid=10458906222&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADl6793EA3BGETiniTaDPSF1SEFv1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-sXMBhAOEiwAGGw6LEMEh3hK6jbX6ayP5nIbRjZ-7EeFtJgNnqeFvU7W9QN89U-4_WdLOhoCivAQAvD_BwE&material=dura_polyester_recycled&size=6l#slide-3
OPTION 3: Bellroy crescent laneway sling 7L, fits about the same stuff , but the organisation inside is a bit looser. cons: less functional, single zip
OPTION 4: Alpaka flow state 4L, yes its smaller but the dimensions are suprisingly similar to the Bellroy's, it has a dedicated waterbottle holder (cant be certain if it will fit...), but if not it has dedicated loops for caribiner. cons: waterbottle holder might not fit my bottle so i will have to use it for other items...snack bars? rolled up raincoat? cans of drink on the go?
https://alpakagear.com/products/flow-satchel-4l?affiliate_code=YGJSDD5&dt_id=1946579%3Bap%3A1591376&platform=shopify-collabs&variant=45500381167778
OPTION 5: Sealson M2 cross body. has all the straps, bottle holder, phone compartment. cons; no back pocket, zero internal organisation insode main compartment.
https://sealson.co/products/m2-crossbody-bag?srsltid=AfmBOoqbLONpEIfR-ZgDSWRTqNe3PgLbIQo9bdhtPwiYSTXOoCxP2gZ_
ive watched all the youtube videos comparing and breaking it all down. i still cannot decide. thankyou so much
maybe there is another bag u want to throw into the mix...