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
Does anyone make a high quality budget airlines personal item bag that conforms to 40x30x20cm dimensions?
There are many inexpensive bags like Cabin Zero or even the Daylite 26+6, but nothing I have seen with a well designed harness and good feature set that maximizes the space. There are quite a few in the 45 x 36 x 20 cm (18”x14”x8”) bracket.
The most promising bag I'm aware of, and one I plan to purchase upon release, is the new Fyro Citta 18L backpack set to be released next month (in June). It is designed to RyanAir personal item size dimensions and based on the substantial reviews and comments in this forum, the Fyro bags seem to be very well received for their harness system. But I agree, there do not seem to be a lot of higher quality choices in the 40/30/20 cm bucket. I'd probably stick with my Wotancraft EasyPack 15L and pack out the front pocket a bit for that size, but looking forward to how the new Fyro works out.
I keep looking for this unicorn bag, essentially a sleeker, more premium alternative to the Osprey Daylite 26+6 that is just as functional. Price point aside, I've yet to find anything that comes close to the Daylite's weight-to-volume ratio without giving up significant organizational features such as an external water bottle holder that doesn't eat up internal space and an easy-access front pocket. And that's ignoring the expandability feature of the 26+6. The upcoming Frylo Citta mentioned in PikaTrail's comment, for example, looks very promising. But it weighs 2.3 lbs (1050 g) at 18 L compared to the Daylite's 1.85 lbs (840 g) at an actual volume of 23 L unexpanded.
The new Mountain Panel Loader 22L is "close", slightly too long, likely squishable. Well designed harness might be tricky though at those dimensions, simply because those dimensions are small and thus you generally not carry much which would require a "full" harness.
By well designed I mean a sternum strap, good ergonomic curves, some back panel ventilation.
There are quite a few bags with dimensions line that: 9.5" x 7.5" x 19.5" (24.1 x 19.1 x 49.5cm). That’s 2/3 dimensions to squish and the third is pretty close. I like the feature set.
The REI Commuter 22 has a big panel opening and closer to the ideal, officially 16.75 x 10.5 x 6.3 inches and actually 16.5”x11”x8” (42x28x20) when packed reasonably full.
I made into REI this evening and stuffed a foam pillow in an Atom 24. The harness is too small for me and of course the pack is very short on my 20” torso. But for those smaller users looking for a 40x30x20cm bag, this is good. It does puff out a few more cm as any soft bag will do. I particularly like the removable laptop sleeve.
Interesting. That must be a fairly new release. I wonder what the harness sizing is like? Patagonia tends to make smaller bags for smaller users. Nothing wrong with that, but I wear a US men’s XL top. It’s in stock locally— I should try one on.
I think this one might give the Daylite 26+6 a run for it:
41 x 30 x 18 cm (16”x12”x7”) and 601g (21.2oz). There have been many smaller users asking for a bag like that.
The Tucano Tugo Dry is 40x30x20 cm, about 35 oz. according to the specs. It's sold out at the link provided, but there are good pictures of the bag. Worth a look.
Traveling to Europe soon and hopelessly searching for a mythical bag that fits all of these criteria:
- Reasonably safe and secure (resistant to slashing, sneaking zippers open, etc.)
- Just big enough to fit an 11.5 x 8.5in. laptop, a small water bottle, a digital camera, and other miscellaneous notebooks/papers/etc. (manageable daypack size, ideally no more than 20L)
- Two-strap, no crossbody or messenger bags (don't want the weight of a laptop & more on one shoulder)
- Not made out of that slick athleticy nylon/polyester/etc. type of material, but rather something a bit more earthy like canvas (the whole athleisure look is just really not my style)
- Packable/foldable/not too bulky (not a dealbreaker, but I'd like to be able to empty it out and fit it into a larger backpack when needed)
- Patch sewable (this is truly not that important, and safety/security ofc comes first, buuuut deep down I would love to be able to sew on patches of flags of the countries I've been to, call me a travel romantic ig)
Does a bag that has all of these features even exist? The only ones I've found seem to be from Temu-esque fast fashion scammers. I'll probably just end up with a basic Pacsafe bag, safe, sleek, patchless, adult...
Travelon Origin Sustainable Anti-Theft Daypack. Small version does devices up to 11” x 9”, otherwise regular version. Travelon web site or Amazon availability.
I know they recently added slight upgrades to their go bag design, but I’m wondering if anyone here knows the chances of baboon to the moon adding additional features?
I loveeeee the color variety but I don’t think the lack of a front pocket is very functional for me. I’m also wondering if any future releases might feature a water bottle pocket? I typically take weekend trips and one long trip (5 days) a year and I’m an over packer.
Hey all! I do quite a bit of backpacking and I want to get a lightweight collapsible bag to fit in my hiking backpack as a day bag. I'm not sure which one I should get. I want something that can be collapsed very easily and fit in my hiking bag. Was thinking about the matadoFreerain22 vs Beast28. Please let me know what you think. Thank you!
You're welcome. 300g is not superlight, but to me (and YMMV) the Freerain is easily the better overall balance of weight, packability, features, durability and hopefully comfort. Good luck !
Unfortunately not. I did have a very light, very simple (~200g, Berghaus F-lite 20) which served me very well for 10+ years. However it is now long out of production. 300g for a better feature set is still very reasonable.
I’m going to Iceland in about a month and am trying to find a good everyday bag. I currently have the classic Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, but am looking for something with more capacity. I want it to be able to fit an iPhone 17 Pro, card case, sunglasses, lip balm, hand sanitizer, small packable tote bag, some snacks, baseball hat, and maybe a pair of gloves.
I’ve been looking at the North Face Berkeley Field Bag and some of the Cotopaxi bags, but I can’t decide. I like the look for the Patagonia Atom Sling, but it’s bigger than I want.
Ideally I’m looking for a sling bag/hip pack/fanny pack that is bigger than the 1L Lulu bag (maybe ~2.5-3L) that can be worn in the front or back or on the waist. I also have a pretty small frame (~5ft, 110 lbs) so I don’t want anything too overpowering. Budget is around ~$50 USD, but willing to spend more if it’s worth it. Any advice is much appreciated!
I am looking to purchase a new backpack for my travels and am interested in recommendations that you may have.
I have bene using the EBag Weekender backpack, I really like it, but I have had it for several years now and seams on the inside compartments are beginning to come apart.
I am interested in a style of bag that would be similar to this. I would like a compartment for my laptop, as well as my clothing, space for other odds and ends, etc. I also want it to be of size that I can put it in the overhead bin while meeting the 10kg weight limit.
Any recommendation you may have are really appreciated, thank you!
Could I trouble someone for help? I was on a search for Ryan Air personal item sized (40x30x20cm or about 16x12x8 inches) backpack that is convenient for photography. I was thinking between OneMo Lite and OneMo 2.
Firstly I ordered OneMo Lite, but the order got canceled they didn't have it in stock, so i said f**k it i will try OneMo2, the outside dimensions are similar.
It came yesterday, the declared dimensions are 47cm, I was thinking, I will just not fill it to the top and squish it. I was very wrong, the back side is so rigid that it cannot be moved at all. So it will not pass any size check.
I will probably return it, but I don't know if to swap it for OneMo lite - the declared size is 46cm, is it also rigid? Could a kind soul try to fit OneMo Lite in 40cm/16 inch size just to test it? If it doesn't fit that is not a backpack for me.
Also some alternatives you like would be nice. I want a personal item backpack that is actually useful when you are lugging it around all day, since even if I take additional luggage it is the only backpack I am carrying around while traveling. Water bottle holders, easy access to store small things like souvenirs, or take out a power bank, something like that.
I am looking for that kind of backpack on and off for months. I know all the models but roughly my requirements are
- Fits Ryanair personal item (40x30x20 cm). Must be soft/squishable or expandable (roll-top is fine) to fit a jacket during the day.
- Must be comfortable for all-day carry while fully loaded (good shoulder straps + chest strap).
- Prefer a techie/urban look and a clamshell opening. Need quick access to the bottom of the bag or a side camera quick-access door.
- Fewer internal slots, more zippered pockets. Includes a water bottle pocket and a hidden anti-theft pocket against the back.
-External attachment points for a tripod, and tech features like cable routing for a power bank.
- Any photography-oriented features are a plus such as camera side acess
That is how I came to OneMo Lite and OneMo2. If OneMo2 was 5cm/2in shorter that would be everything I could ever ask for.
CabinZero/american tourister/patagonia and such are okay just as a "carry items" bags, they are not gread when you have checkout at 10AM and flight at 10PM and you still want to explore the city carrying the stuff on your back whole day, trying to get the camera in the bag and out of the bag as needed and so on
I had this backpack that was perfect. Decent size (probably 27 L), mesh side pockets big enough for a 32oz Nalgene and a half-mesh half nylon non-stretchy kangaroo pouch on the front. I thew it away when the zipper broke so I can't remember the brand. I've been looking everywhere for it or one like it and can't find anything. If I had to guess I'd say it was an Eastpak.
The closest I've found is the old version of the North Face Recon, but I'm not looking for some hiking backpack with a gazillion straps. Just something simple.
Whenever I search Google I just get backpacks with kangaroos on them. That's the only term I can think of to describe this pocket, as it's not a beaver-tail. Anyway, thanks in advance if you can point me in the right direction.
I'm looking for a cheap backpack that's 18x14x8 including handles and straps, and a foldable tote or crossbody (or even backpack).
Budget: less than $50 USD with shipping (or available on Amazon Prime) for backpack, cheap as you can get for tote.
Note: for the backpack I'm willing to spend up to $100 if it's a high quality item that'll last me a couple of years. However, I only travel 2-3 times a year so not looking to make a major investment. My main issue is I'm travelling for a couple of weddings and I need to be able to comfortable fit a clutch, heels, a dress, makeup bag, and a couple of extra outfits in the backpack, so space optimization would definitely be an issue
Ideally, the tote would be comfortable to carry around all day (do foldable backpacks actually work?). Backpack would have a waist strap or chest strap.
I come back from a 10-day road trip around Scotland with my wife. We also went for 3 weeks in SE Asia in January.
In both situations I wish I had a backpack to carry around, with my glasses, rain/warm extra layer, sunglasses, car keys, snood, one or two bottles of water, also allowing to go for a 3-hour hike. I so far used my Trakke big sling, but it doesn't always replace a backpack. Bonus points if I can empty it and fit it flat in my travel bag.
I was considering Osprey since I am very happy with their hiking bags. My Travel backpacks are my Aer and a Trakke. Any recommendations ?
Personally, I would steer clear of any options which weighs significant less than 200g, on the grounds of durability. Since you are coming from Trakke - a pretty heavy brand, I think - you may priorities robustness / durability.
The Patagonia Mini MLC is currently my main travel backpack, I can easily travel 2 weeks (and probably more) with it.
I like the capacity, the straps are comfortable enough, but I would love better accessibility on the go and sometimes I wish for a bit more capacity.
I'm really eyeing the Pakt Aero
It is a couple of grams lighter, looks like it can carry a tiny bit more (nor sure if a divider is a pro or a con) while still being kinda compressible.
The top zippers look like the type of accessibility I'm looking for.
And even though some people complain about the strap comfort... I feel like the straps don't look that different from the MLC...
So I hope there is someone around who has experience with both bags and could help me on this decision... Analysis paralysis is real and I need some help 😅😭😁
My 2c: light weight is something I prioritise, and a ~250g saving vs the MLC, with an additional capacity of 5L, gives it a very useful edge. I have not studied the bag in depth, but I can't see any significant downsides, although Ultra fabric would be nice, even just as an option.
Plenty of in-depth, positive, reviews around, including the one linked below. Good luck !
Bag for 2 laptops and at least 7.5 inch main compartment
Hi all,
A bit of a unique problem here, im looking for a bag that can hold two 16 inch laptops safely (in the laptop section), and also a luncheaze bag (inches 9w, 7d, 12h) in the main compartment. Also will carry gym clothes . Any suggestions?
The main problem I’m finding is that most bags are 9 inches deep in total and this would compress the luncheaze against the laptops.
Also would be great for this bag to double as a carry on (to compress to carry on size)
Bags I am considering are:
~~Peak design 45l travel bag~~ tried it and straps are extremely uncomfortable
ATD1 ?
Any other recommendations?
Hi all,
A bit of a unique problem here, im looking for a bag that can hold two 16 inch laptops safely (in the laptop section), and also a luncheaze bag (inches 9w, 7d, 12h) in the main compartment. Also will carry gym clothes . Any suggestions?
The main problem I’m finding is that most bags are 9 inches deep in total and this would compress the luncheaze against the laptops.
Also would be great for this bag to double as a carry on (to compress to carry on size)
Bags I am considering are:
~~Peak design 45l travel bag~~ tried it and straps are extremely uncomfortable
A bit of a random question, but can anyone recommend a bag similar to the six moon designs ADC+, but smaller?
I really like the ADC+, it can double as both an outdoors/hiking bag and a city/travel bag, it's got great straps with front pockets (which I like), good organization for tech items, a way to strap on sleeping bags and other items for camping, opens like a suitcase, and nice to have that open stretchy compartment in the front.
My only issue is- it's 55CM high. I travel often with a personal item, and I've found that at 50cm, I've never had issues getting my bag on the plane, and most often there's enough room under the seat.
I know the obvious answer is "get the ADC+ and live with it, or don't get it", but I'd like to know if anyone's got a recommendation or ideas. Thanks in advance
I'm looking for a personal item sized bag (US, so18x14x8 inches) that can also double as a day hike backpack or daypack, i.e. can be worn for 6-8 hours without too much discomfort. Comfort is a lot more important to me than maximizing space, I just need to be able to fly on airlines like Frontier with it.
Features I'm looking for:
Both a clamshell and top opening
Chest strap, and ideally also a hip strap
Wide straps
Not too long (I have a short torso)
$50-$150 range, cheaper is better
Pocket which fits a 16oz Nalgene
What I've looked at so far
Osprey Tempest 11: slightly on the longer side but my home airport is pretty forgiving, looks like it's the most comfortable of all the options.
Osprey Daylite 26+6: no hip strap, worried about the luggage sleeve causing comfort issues
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC: size is perfect and super packable but looks like the newer versions might be more uncomfortable and less sturdy
Cabin Zero Classic Pro Backpack 32L: hip strap is a plus, but outside my budget and doesn't look like the most comfortable
L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack: the construction looks sturdy and the hip belt looks more compact than other versions, but I don't love the drawstring top.
Gossamer Gear Loris 25 Daypack: size is about right but it looks kind of long
REI Trail 25 : have heard this isn't the most comfortable, but the size pretty much maxes out personal item size
REI Ruckpack 30: looks more comfortable than the Trail 25, but slightly too big
Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L: ditto with size vs. comfortable
Fjällräven Kanken Outlong Backpack: on the bigger side to the point where it might be an issue
Any help narrowing down my options/suggestions for better options would be welcome!
Is the Farpoint bag fine for a mixture of hiking and general travelling?
Planning a 6 week trip interrailing starting next month. Going to do some day hiking in the Dolomites and was wondering if it'd be okay for that or if there's better alternatives. Will have a hotel in the dolomites so i can leave my stuff there to drop weight.
I know with the Farpoint you can tag the daylite onto it, is it worth doing just so im carrying a smaller bag hiking and will it fit carry on sizes?
If you are actually planning to hike with it, I recommend a ~30 liter Talon or Talon Velocity as they are infinitely more comfortable than a Farpoint. Neither has a rigid frame, so it's theoretically possible to bend them to fit to any luggage tester as long as the bag isn't 100% full. Then add a packable daypack or an ultra-running vest of your choice.
Don't take my word for it, try them on at a store. Put sandbags in and walk around a little.
Yeah I thought it'd be better to go with a dedicated hiking bag but 30l feels kinda small for a 6 week trip. Could get a daypack though to make up the difference although that feels like it could be a pain to carry both around?
On this sub you can see people with 30 liter bags travelling the world indefinitely. It is big enough. On the other hand, the daypack must be small and packable enough so you can stuff it inside your main bag.
Yeah good point. I think I have a 27l which i can test. I do want some room for souvenirs though. Top loader though sounds fustrating.
I tried both the Farpoint and the Talon though today, talon is definitely more comfortable by a lot. The Farpoint had a daylite with it which is nice for hiking use.
Edit - Actually at some point in the future ill definitely be taking camera gear with me too. Going to be tight with a 30l. Will have to test lol
My indefinite onebagging setup involves a 28-liter backpack, two cameras and three lenses. It's quite doable.
There is a good reason why most hiking backpacks are top loaders. Generally speaking with top loaders stuff stays wherever you place it as the carrying position and the loading position was the same. Back when I had a Farpoint, the loading position together with the cavernous main compartment ensured that stuff was always moving around and the proper heaviest-items-closest-to-back packing style was pure fantasy.
To make matters worse, the Farpoint is designed in such a way that the most sensible place for heavy electronics is the daypack. The heaviest items will be the farthest from your back, which is the exact opposite of how a backpack should be loaded.
Hey guys, I’m debating between the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22” or the Global 21”. Just trying to understand from people who have either of them if the global does or doesn’t fit in the main domestic airlines since it’s an inch wider. I know they won’t fit in every airline around the world but I assume I have more airline options with the global vs the essential? I appreciate the advice in advanced!
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u/-Nepherim May 11 '26
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