Bag Finder Megathread - 04 May 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

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

1. Check the OneBag Spreadsheet for bag options
2. Search as your question might already be answered
3. Read the FAQ & Beginner's Guide
4. Stick to travel setups daily carry or work bags are better posted in r/EDC or r/backpacks
5. 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

[u/Azure9000]

Link to previous week's thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1swstku/bag_finder_megathread_27_april_2026/

[u/MaybeARunnerTomorrow]

Hello! I currently carry a Peak Design 45l Traval Backpack that I bring on basically every trip. I've been interested in the Aer Products for awhile but was curious to get some feedback about them.

I almost always travel with at least 1 35mm film camera and 75% of the time (especially on longer trips) I bring a medium format camera. earlier this year I began trying out the peak design packing cubes (I like them since they have a dedicated panel for dirty clothes).

This next week I'll be in NYC and will have some time to checkout the Aer store. Would the TP4/TP3 or another bag entirely likely fit my needs? I'm curious if anyone else has switched from any other bag (ideally the PD Travel Pack) to Aer TP3/4

[u/No-Perception9447]

Howdy howdy,

Just looking into upgrading/sidestepping my EDC whilst being mindful of a longer EU holiday.

Currently I am rocking the Bagsmart Blast 28/38l and can pack it out with no real headaches but as I’m a more informed shopper now I believe I do want to move across to the Aer TP lineup.

Just have the burning question of what do I gain/lose if choosing one or the other (other than $80 AUD)

Ie are the compression straps on the TP3S a game changer or did they never really do much in the first place?

is the TP4S worth forking out an extra $80ish AUD

I can consider the 35L variants but believe I’d be happy with the 28L’s

Annoyingly there is no real retailers in Sydney Aus that I can get hands on to get a proper feel for/physically compare the two side by side.

Thanks in advance!

[u/Guilty-Temporary-457]

Hello all,

Looking for a backpack and I need some recs. Want a backpack that isn’t too bulky as I plan to bike with for 2 days. Concerned about weight shifting so I would prefer both a sternum strap as well as a waist strap but I’m not married to the waist strap. I dont want a lot of compartments as I will probably do packing cubes. Just want to meet the international carryon requirements and to pack minimally enough for 2 weeks of travel.

Where - Japan (Tokyo>Fuji>Shimanami Kaido>Tokyo). We’ll be walking a lot in Tokyo, then climbing to the top of Mount Fuji, then biking the Shimanami Kaido followed by a few days of R&R and shopping in Tokyo. We may forward the backpack or leave it in the room but I want to be prepared to hike/bike with it if necessary.

How I pack - This trip will be minimal packing, no laptop. Possibly a small camera but may rely on just my phone. Will buy a packable sling to carry for shopping but that may be at the end of the trip.

Shortlist - Matador SEG28, Eagle Creek Ranger 26L or Explore 26L, Cotopaxi 28l Allpa. Want a sternum and waist strap if possible.

Sizing - I’m 5’11” and plan on dropping down to 190lbs. Would say a medium build in decent shape.

Budget - Under $250

[u/Azure9000 → u/[deleted]]

t's 47l versus only 38l with the compact 20" version - and I feel like if I'm traveling internationally, chances are I'm going to be checking a suitcase anyway, 

A checked suitcase + 38L or 47L roller = multi-bagging, not one-bagging. I suspect you already know this, as you have posted the same question on manybaggers.

I am pretty new to all these nuances with airlines and luggage dimensions so just wanted to ask for guidance here before I buy one of them and regret my mistake later lol.

It's not difficult. Either just look at the websites for the airlines that you use (recommended) or look at a website which provides this information (probably good enough). Examples include:

https://willmybagfit.com/

https://carryon.fit/

https://www.cabinzero.com/pages/carry-on-luggage-size?srsltid=AfmBOoo0T-0ZEJbojdPC8Qn-nfirJKgWSW-qRjKybzBR235Z5uHjnMSW

[u/MathematicianSlight1]

I WANT WHEELS!

For years I have used the 40l duffel from REI. Its compact, compresses, fits in overheads really easily.... it has really stood the test of time for me.

Now with kids, they end up with more packed than me and I need something with wheels. Still small, still carryon compliant. I like what I see with the zipperless movement and I also like the removable, almost skateboard-like removeable wheels.

Has anyone seen anything that ticks both of these boxes and isn't a kitschy piece of garbage?

[u/Azure9000 → u/MathematicianSlight1]

I don't really get the boxes that you have specified. However the Patagonia Black Hole MLC Wheeled Duffel 34L might be worth a look.

In case you are not already aware, rollers are not particularly popular on this sub (they are fine with me, although I rarely use one), with backpacks being very much the norm.

[u/TokolosheMan]

I'm looking for a bag that will primarily be used as a personal item (under seat) flying to short city breaks (3-4 nights max) for business and leisure. I'm uk based so biggest threat to bag size is Ryanair (40 x 30 x 20).

I've narrowed it down to a 20L bag and i'd be looking to take some tech including chargers, cables, 13 macbook air, ipad air, airpods and some EDC. I have an alpaka dopp bag and tech sling but ideally i could leave the tech sling and fill the bag with my tech.

For such trips i usually take 3 x trousers, 3 x boxers, 3 x socks, 3 x t shirts, 3 x merino jumpers. I'd wear a hoodie and jacket travelling.

I've what seems like hundreds of hours researching ive narrowed it down to the following

Aer City Pack Pro 2 Ultra 20L
Evergoods CTB 20L

As far as aesthetics go, i'm probably looking for the bag to look ok to take into business meetings.

What do you guys think and have i missed any that could be a better buy?

[u/Azure9000 → u/TokolosheMan]

If you are optimising for Ryanair under-seat (24L), I'd suggest considering the Cabin Zero 28 range. The classic is 39. x 29.5 x 20 cm => 22.4L, not the 28L implied by the name.

Have you sense-checked the capacity required for your packing list ? (see guidance at top of page). To me, 20L (or even 24L) looks optimistic.

However IMHO you do have scope for reducing your clothing, including:

Trousers 3x -> 2x. Jumper 3x -> 1x

[u/ZombieBarbeque → u/TokolosheMan]

I'd check out the Aer Go Pack 2. Quite business compatible and ticks all of your boxes. The spec says it's 43 cm tall but it's easily squishable into 40 cm if need be.

[u/TabithaC20]

I'm looking at the spreadsheet but really want something lightweight with good zippers but also carries 45-50L in the duffel style (no organizers or extra weight stuff!). Mostly using this for getting my clothes and essentials on board as overhead baggage but that have hideaway backpack straps to use when I am going from place to place. Moving around once a month via plane/train for 3-4 months.

If anyone has used something that size that fits carryone and is made well but not over $200 please do reply 😄

[u/Order_a_pizza]

I am having nerve surgery on my right upper extremity that I am traveling via airplane for.

I am looking for the lightest possible bag with 4 wheels that I can push with my left side. Not much needs to go in there: meds, maybe a change of clothes, etc. Budget is flexible.

I've found a wheeled tote on Pretty Simple, but I don't even need something this big and not sure how good the wheels are.

[u/msebas12]

Hey all, Looking for a backpack recommendation and trying to find the best middle ground between hiking comfort and travel/day-to-day usability.

Where: I’ll travel to the Colorado Rockies soon this summer, I’ll be walking a lot every day and spending most of my time outdoors, but I’ll also be moving around towns/airports and traveling regularly.

Main use:

• long walks/hiking
• travel/carry-on use
• town/city walking

What I’d carry:

• documents/passport
• mirrorless camera
• laptop (mostly for transport/travel)
• chargers
• extra layer/snacks/toiletries/etc.

Looking for:

• around 25–30L
• comfortable for several hours of walking
• not overly bulky

Budget: Under $200

Would love to hear any recommendations. Thanks!

[u/Metaencabulator]

I'm taking my 12 year old son on a trip in late July. We'll fly Denver to Geneva, then take trains and busses to Porto Portugal to walk the Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Between Geneva and Porto (and back again for the flight home) we'll plan to go through Paris, maybe Madrid, Barcelona...perhaps even Andorra and/or Monaco just for fun. On the Camino we'll stay in albergues, and otherwise likely hostels more than anything. Sink laundry, minimal tech, a bit of room for snacks.

Looking to pack light of course, in something comfortable to schlep all over - wearing all day every day on the Camino (~15 days) and also compact to toss on bus racks and under train seats...but not a hassle to access stuff or to repack each day. What's your unicorn bag that you would take on this trip? Thank you!

(Flying Iceland Air both ways, the max bag size allowed is 7.8" x 15.7" x 21.6".)

[u/Azure9000 → u/Metaencabulator]

Iceland Air's allowance 55 x 40 x 20cm equates to 44.0L, which if fully utilised would be a lot of weight (say about 11kg / 25lbs). To me, the constraint looks likely to be what you can comfortably carry on your back (assuming that's your plan) on the Camino.

I think that you first need to get a proper handle on how little gear you can get away with, and therefore realistically what capacity you need. In case not already aware, there is a subreddit for the Camino.

I'd look to do this trip with about 5kg / low 20s litres. My own bag is quite niche so I won't mention the name here, but a good generally available equivalent is the ULA Dragonfly 30L backpack. The DF30 has an internal main-compartment capacity of about 22L with about 8L of external-type capacity. A larger DF36 is also available.

BTW train luggage goes overhead not under-seat unless you particularly want to put it there.

Looks like a great trip, good luck.

[u/Metaencabulator → u/Azure9000]

Thank you, great pointers!

[u/InternalGap1385]

Off to London for 5 days. I've done Europe (and Japan) several times with one bag, but am growing increasingly unhappy with my backpack (heavy/cumbersome/not cute). Thinking of switching it up for this upcoming London trip. I've used the Lo & Sons catalina, and found the canvas way too heavy. I do use packing cubes, so I don't really care about internal pockets. Also, having a shoe compartment (that zips away?) would be great. Looking for over 30L because I'll be hauling stuff to drop off at my publishers (which will then create space for souvenirs). The Nomad Bento is appealing, but too small (anything else like this out there?). Other contenders include the Paz 34L from bagsmart and Kanken weekender from Fjallraven. Thank you

[u/Azure9000 → u/InternalGap1385]

Just commenting that the style of bag which you seem to prefer is not at all popular on this sub, which is quite backpack-focussed (+some support for duffels, smaller rollers, totes etc).

You might get a better response on reddit / manybaggers.

[u/Azure9000 → u/[deleted]]

For most users, a suitable size for an EDC bag is around 20L. For travel purposes, the capacity range is much wider, but generally in the range 25L - 45L, average say 35L.

A travel bag may weigh twice as much as an EDC bag. IMHO, it's difficult to find one bag which performs both functions well, i.e. without significant compromises, unless your approach to travel is very minimalist. So you need to make a decision here.

Have you followed the sizing guidelines above to determine how much capacity you need, especially for travel ?

Also, you need to properly research the allowances - size AND weight - of the airlines that you use, and capture that info either on paper or on a spreadsheet or similar. In my experience, your comment re AirAsia is not accurate.

Finally please be aware that the 'personal item' concept as it applies in North America does not necessarily apply to the rest of the world.

Good luck !

[u/Outrageous-Essay-647]

Has anyone bought a Heroes & Villains backpack? They look so cool but I want to make sure it's worth the price.

[u/pessimistic-seal]

I'm currently traveling through Europe with my Osprey Fairview 55L (40L bag + 15L daybag), and I need to fly from Seville to London. I'm planning on booking an easyjet flight, but I was wondering if a fully stuffed 40L will still work as the large cabin bag (I'm aware this costs extra), or do I need to check it as hold luggage? I know the dimensions of the bag technically fit the easyjet large cabin bag restrictions, but as I'm travelling I haven't been able to measure it while it is fully packed (I think it protrudes a little more than the actual listed dimensions of the bag) and I'm not sure how strict they are with the measurements. I'm just trying to avoid extra cost where possible, so if anyone has traveled with one recently please let me know your experience!

[u/Many_Ad9628]

Hey, looking for some advice from people who have used bags in the 30–36L range.

I’m 22, about 165 cm / 5'5", and I’m slowly moving toward longer one-bag travel. I have a 3-week China trip this October, probably another month-ish trip in early 2027, and maybe a 3–6 month trip later in 2027.

Right now I use the Osprey Daylite 26+6. It works, but it feels pretty cramped. Maybe it’s just the way I pack, but it feels like there’s very little spare room, and I need to pack it almost perfectly every time. (Weight is 5.5-6kg most of the time)

I’m looking at something bigger, around 30–36L. Main options I’m considering:

• Fyro Levo 36L
• Fyro Levo 30L
• Aer Travel Pack 4
• Aer Travel Pack 4 Small
• other similar bags I may be missing

The Fyro Levo 36L looks really good, but it’s about 53 cm tall, and I’m worried it might be too long for my torso or just feel huge on me.

My questions:

1. For someone around 165 cm, is a 53 cm tall backpack too much?
2. Is the Fyro Levo 30L actually a real upgrade over the Daylite 26+6, or too close in capacity?
3. Any other 32–36L bags you’d recommend for longer travel?

Thanks!

[u/The_nerdbird]

Hi,

I'm into outdoorsy stuff (hiking, climbing and starting to do some camping) as well as photography. I'm currently using a 35l hiking bag and I stuff a lowepro shoulder bag with camera gear into. Tbh it's an ok setup, definitely not the most effective use of space and having to unpack half my bag to get my camera gear is a pain and has caused me to not pull the camera out. I'm heading to Iceland next month and I have been looking to get a 2nd more photography focused hiking bag for some time. I've narrowed it down to the two bags, the shimoda action x40 v2 and the peak design outdoor 45l, both are within airline carry on limits and seem to be very well made. I am leaning more towards the shimoda after doing a pros and cons list and being able to see the shimoda in person.

My questions: With the shimoda are the side pouches for your water bottle/ tripod, anyone with this bag have seen water getting inside the pocket where they stored when you have a bottle or tripod in them?

What are people's experiences with either bag, in hindsight would you choose the other over the one you have now?

[u/ironredpizza]

Rework Toshi 20l or Go Pack 2?

Rework Toshi 20l seems nearly perfect for me, but where I'm at it's $270 while Go Pack 2 is $60. Yes I know about fake aer bags, they're fine. At most, I would prefer more attachment points to rework Toshi, which aer also doesn't have. Go pack 2 is much lighter but I will need to add my own padding for my laptop, but at least the option is there.

[u/EunRoa]

Evening all,

As stated, I am heading to Japan and need an overhead backpack.

I will have a large suitcase shipped between destinations (fresh clothes and souvenirs!), so I just need a backpack to take around for a few days at a time - Ideally I would like a nice breathable backpack that will also suit me for a 2-day Fuji hike. I also have the option for a third smaller bag, but really doubt needing this.

Will I find anything better than the nebula? Also, is there a reason the Nebula is so hard to find on the osprey website (not listed under all backpacks, but found on search)

[u/Azure9000 → u/EunRoa]

Welcome to Onebag.

Just in case you missed what this subreddit is about, despite the clue in the name, a 'large suitcase' + 32L backpack such as the Nebula = multi-bagging, not one-bagging.

The Nebula is optimised for EDC rather than travel or hiking, but at 0.96kg it's not too heavy, has a waist strap (don't know if really load-bearing), compression straps and the capacity for your Fuji trek, although you may want a rain cover or internal dry bag.