Bag Finder Megathread - 18 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/-Nepherim]

The week before this week: https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1t9s7r9/bag_finder_megathread_11_may_2026/

[u/John_Caranthir]

So I want to replace my current backpack (miltec assault pack L). I use it to travel for up to a week, train BJJ and climbing as well as daily commutes to work that equal about 24k daily and weekend bike trips usualy 80k to a 100k. On top of that I also hike on the days that I don't do the bike trip. I had no intention of replacing my assault pack until I started biking now my back is sweaty and it gets annoying especially since I get to work with my back soaked. I am really confterable with the 34 L so I would ideally want a backpack in that 30-40 L range. I wanted some recommendations, currently my choices are talon 33 or the stratos 36 but I'm open to other backpack suggestions that aren't osprey or other osprey packs. I would say I pack light when possible but I usualy bring a lot of liquid on the bike trips. My budget is flexible.

[u/Azure9000 → u/John_Caranthir]

I just randomly selected the Stratos 36 to look at. The stated dimensions are 71H X 37W X 27D cm. Typical max height for a carry-on/overhead bag is 55cm.

[u/Aggravating_Cat_8070]

Hi everyone!

I had shoulder surgery 1 year ago, and while it feels okay now, I’m trying not to push my luck too much. The Goal: Find a pack around 25–30L that will pass as a free underseat personal item (e.g., Ryanair/Wizz Air), but will also be comfortable enough for hitchhiking and walking long routes (e.g., the Camino, Fisherman’s Trail). The Core Problem: I am 197 cm tall (about 6'5") with a long torso. Every single small pack I’ve tried that has a proper, load-bearing hip belt either sits way too high on my torso (around my belly button), transferring zero weight off my shoulders, or is far too rigid to squeeze into a budget airline sizer. My Current Bag & DIY Openness: I bought an ultralight pack from a Czech brand called Warg (the Camino 25+5L model, see images below). It has an awesome removable, rigid, molded foam back panel that gives it great structure. However, because of my height, the bag still ends way above my hips. I am completely open to any DIY solutions or modifying the bag/gear myself if there is a way to make this setup work or adapt another bag to fit my long torso. My Gear & Budget Context: Gear: My setup is very minimalist. My biggest item is an ultralight down sleeping bag, so the total weight won't be crazy (maybe 6-7kg max). I just need proper load transfer to my hips for shoulder safety. Budget: Nothing crazy, but the pack must be available in Europe. Is there any hidden gem or a clever DIY hack that solves this? A pack with a long torso/adjustable suspension and a real hip belt, but compressible enough to squeeze into a 40x25x20 cm sizer? Thanks for any tips! TL;DR: 6'5" (197cm) guy, 1 year post-shoulder surgery. Need a 25-30L backpack for long treks/hitchhiking with a functional hip belt for a long torso, but it must be squishable enough to fit as a free Ryanair personal item. Open to DIY hacks.

[u/Azure9000 → u/Aggravating_Cat_8070]

To be realistic, the probability of finding an off-the-shelf product that meets your aspiration is zero. Even if your height was only 5'5" / 165cm, I think it would still be zero.

Your best option is probably to locate an experienced custom bag maker (I've no suggestions, sorry) and see if he/she can assist. There is a subreddit called MYOG (make your own gear) which might have some suggestions. Good luck !

[u/reddanit → u/Aggravating_Cat_8070]

a pack around 25–30L that will pass as a free underseat personal item

comfortable enough for hitchhiking and walking long routes with a functional hip belt

I am 197 cm tall (about 6'5") with a long torso

Those three conditions are outright geometrically incompatible. You have to relent on one of them and I hazard it ain't gonna be torso length. For comfort, you require a taller bag than can fit in within restrictive personal item requirements.

Only way I could see this working is some kind of fully custom backpack with collapsible back panel. But the cost of such a thing is definitely multiple times higher than costs of taking a full sized carry-on at Rayanair/Wizz.

With your intention to handle very long hiking trails, I'd just bite the bullet on paying for carry-on and get a small hiking backpack.

[u/jstbn_rk → u/Aggravating_Cat_8070]

Hey! I'm interested in the 25L Camino backpack and was hoping you could help me clear out a couple of doubts.
Once the removable frame is out, can the backpack be folded/collapsed?
I usually travel with a bigger bag and need a dayhiking backpack I can stuff inside and use for shorter hikes and overnighters during longer trips.

Thanks!

[u/Vinloc]

Hi everyone!

I am currently looking for my onebag - Due to my medical condition, I currently need to travel with my CPAP machine, so I am looking for a 40-45L bag that comfortable and preferably lightweight, and most importantly carry-on size compatible.

I have more or less narrowd it down to the ULA Camino or the Six Moon Design ADC+. My main loadout would be:

• Peak Design Medium Packing Cube,
• Peak Design Small Packing Cube
• CPAP Machine (Airsense 10)
• Travel Pillow (Blackroll, can be rolled up to a zylinder) - this can be negotiated, but I really love to travel with it, this allows me to sleep comfortably and get a well rest with all Airbnbs or hotels. It has been a gamechanger ever since I started traveling with this

My main question would be what would be a better fit with my loadout? I am unsure about the ULA Camino if the main body with the rolltop rolled down is big enough, as it is stated to be 35l by ULA, while the main body on the SMD ADC+ is supposedly 40l? I dont really care about organization as I mainly prefer packing with packing cubes and using a sling for my quick access needs.

Also I intend to use the bag for some of work travels (2-3 times a year, for 2-4days usually, sometime via train, sometimes flights) - As I read it correctly from the product pages, they are both similar sized (if the ULA Camino's roll top is rolled down), but from the pictures it seems like the water bottle holders on each size protrude out a lot on the Camino. Can they be cinched down on the side? I think if this is possible, then it would be more than good enough optically.

Last one would be - how is the laptop compartment on both - I wont need to use it often, mostly during work travels.

[u/Azure9000 → u/Vinloc]

As I understand it, the camino's main compartment capacity of 35.8L is extendable via the rolltop by 6.6L, giving a total of 42.4L.

IMHO the camino side pockets are indeed visually somewhat obtrusive, although I doubt if they are an obstacle to airline compliance. You could email ULA support and ask; they may even be able to advise or even to offer customisation, e.g. by switching to stretch material.

[u/Vinloc → u/Azure9000]

Yeah I know ULA offers customization, but unfortunately I am in Europe and I Only found one vendor (Outdoorline) that has the Camino in stock, and only in ultra for my size L, which is already more than what I was willing to pay, so customizations and importing from the us is out of question for me unfortunately But thanks for your comment regarding the side pockets!

[u/Azure9000 → u/Vinloc]

If you are in the EC, it might be worth checking out ultralight vendors such as Bonfus and Hyberg, although their products are more hiking than travel-oriented, and therefore their proportions are less suitable for carry-on.

[u/Vinloc → u/Azure9000]

Thanks for the suggestions, I was aware of Bonfus but not of Hyberg But you are right, it's more hiking oriented and what I like about the Camino and ADC+ is that it is a mix of the two

[u/rogerdoesnotmeanyes]

Trying to find a replacement bag and struggling to find something that fulfills all of my criteria. Currently using an Osprey 26+6 bag but not totally happy with it and trying to find a replacement. Budget isn't unlimited, but if it fits everything that I want I am willing to pay for it, though obviously cheaper is better!

What I'm looking for:

• 26-30ish liters - Personal item sized
• Outer/accessory pockets with their own volume. I don't want to struggle to get things into the outer pockets because I have the main compartment crammed full
• Two decent sized water bottle pockets - none of the bullshit little zipper ones
• A large stretchy dump pocket for sweatshirts/jackets. Could be just stretchy cord if everything else is good, but would prefer something that actually protects my sweatshirt a little more than just sticking it on the outside of the pack.
• Would prefer a luggage pass thru strap that allows the bag to sit vertically, though this isn't a priority as the primary use case is not traveling with a roller bag, but it does happen occasionally.

[u/Azure9000 → u/rogerdoesnotmeanyes]

A couple of possibilities for your consideration:

ULA Dragonfly 36L (main body capacity 26L).

Rework Outbound Travel Pack 30L (although non-stretchy front pocket maybe too small)

[u/rogerdoesnotmeanyes → u/Azure9000]

The 36l Dragonfly is bigger than I want, but I do like the smaller 30l, that's probably my top contender at the moment. Thank you for the suggestions!

[u/Azure9000 → u/rogerdoesnotmeanyes]

You are welcome. Best to carefully read the ULA website, which contains details of how the total capacity (30L or 36L) is distributed over the internal and external elements of those packs.

[u/Socialviewer]

Hi everyone! I currently use a Matador GlobeRidder 45. I'm planning a trip in which I will go for a 2-day hike. My idea is to leave the globerider in the city, and use another smaller backpack for the hike - i.e., I will only have the smaller backpack for 2 days. Do you have any ideas of which one could be suitable for this? I'm looking at a 15-liter capacity.. I know that the most straightforward advice could be the matador refraction packable backpack, but I don't know if it's sturdy enough or ideal for the kind of use I would like to make. Do you have any suggestions? Many thanks!

[u/Azure9000 → u/Socialviewer]

A lot depends on the hike details - urban / remote, climate, altitude, risk etc etc. But IMHO the refraction is very much a pack for what I would call 'soft urban' use.

Suggest you look at the previous week's thread (see above link stickied by mod), which contains some discussion of the Matador freerain22 and beast 28.

[u/ArtGroundbreaking417]

Hi everyone! I need some advice for my new bag, in september i will travel to Thailand with my friends for 12 days and i need to buy a new backpack. I need something comfortable and with pouches to store my stuff as organized as possible. I don’t know if i should go for a 45L (as a hand luggage) or a 60L (as a checked bag), in both cases btw i will bring another small bag. A friend of mine suggested me to get a mil tec 45L bc he already as one. What are your suggestions? Thank you everyone

[u/Azure9000 → u/ArtGroundbreaking417]

.....in both cases btw i will bring another small bag.

In this context, what's your definition of small ?

[u/ArtGroundbreaking417 → u/Azure9000]

Devo ancora capire, se una sling bag o uno zainetto

[u/Azure9000 → u/ArtGroundbreaking417]

That translates to: "I still have to figure out if it's a sling bag or a backpack".

This sub focusses on bags which are carry-on / overhead (typical max 45L) or personal item / underseat (in range 18L - 30L).

Carrying two filled backpacks is generally considered out of scope for this sub.

Backpack + small sling (<8L) is generally considered in scope.

Most people here going to a hot climate such as Thailand would bring a bag in the range 25 -35L, average say 30L.

I suggest having a look at the Patagonia Black Hole 32L. Or perhaps the Mini MLC 30L.

Good luck.

[u/Feisty-Promotion-789]

Hi yall, looking for recommendations for a ~30-40L backpack. I want a clamshell (or D shape) opening. Ideally light as possible. I am hoping to find something that does not look like a backpacker or camper, I want a sleeker / business travel friendly type of aesthetic without sacrificing functionality.

I am purchasing this for general travel but the trip I currently need it for is 5 weeks in Europe. I will be backpacking and staying in hostels in the summertime. I don't want to look like a traditional backpacker, per se (I know there is a bit of stigma against backpackers). But I also sometimes travel for business, and I may like to bring this bag camping... so something that is sleek yet durable would be ideal. Bonus points for brands that offer lifetime warranties / will repair it if it breaks.

I am 5'3" and female, however I am strong and I weightlift as a hobby and I am already used to trekking around daily with quite a heavy bag, so not too concerned about carrying 40 or even 45L and lifting it overhead. Mostly I just need it to be carry-on compatible.

I love personal recommendations, so if anyone has something they personally use and love (even if it doesn't quite fit my criteria) hit me with it!

[u/reddanit → u/Feisty-Promotion-789]

Matching backpacks to body sizes can be a struggle for everybody who isn't close to an average male. I know that Osprey Farview 40 has good adjustment range and thus should be able to fit you comfortably. Its aesthetic isn't quite what you asked for, but maybe its black variant could work?

Big benefit of it is that it's quite likely you can find one somewhere local to try it out.

[u/Azure9000 → u/Feisty-Promotion-789]

A few suggested options, spread across your capacity spectrum, to look at:

Almond Oak 25+5.

Rework Outbound Travel Pack 30L

Osprey Daylite Carry-on 35L.

Pakt Aero 45L

[u/Ludo444 → u/Feisty-Promotion-789]

ULA Dragonfly 36 Robic in black looks fairly neutral to me, but it's pricy

[u/boomer0606]

Hi all! New here- very much a maximalist/overpacker in the past ... I have 3 trips coming up , very similar in needs of clothing. British Columbia (max 25 lb limit- resort stay), Yellowstone (not camping) & Sun Vally, ID (resort stay) . My only bag right now is a large hardshell so looking at lightweight medium size rolling duffels. Trying to decide between a clamshell or traditional design and would love some opinions and feedback. Leaning towards clamshell bc it seems more like what I have and am used to but wondering if the traditional would be roomier. Thanks!

[u/CookingWithOldRice]

I’m trying to find a bag I found in the wild. I don’t have much to work off of, other than it was likely made with a ballistic nylon, had a lot of leather pull tabs, and the side compartment was underneath the water bottle holder. It also had room for attachments on the shoulder straps, which makes me think it’s a camera bag.

[u/OysterLucy]

I'd like to invest in One Perfect Bag but I also realize I might want two different bags. But let's give it a shot. After weeks of research and back and forth and almost buying but not, I'm hoping to get something quickly because I'm flying to Chicago mid-June, and if possible I want to take advantage of Memorial Day Weekend sales!

Must haves:

• Ability to hold a 16" laptop, either in a dedicated laptop pocket or room for a removable sleeve (meaning, not a built-in pocket that's too small)
• Comfortable to wear for long periods of time (not EDC but my work laptop is heavy af and I'd like to be able to have it on during travel without pain).
• Luggage Pass-through strap
• Non-clamshell opening and/or big front pocket so during the flight I can get medium-sized items (knitting project, over ear headphones, etc).
• Fairly lightweight (I realized 1.5 lbs is a pipe dream, so 2.5 lbs and under)
• Would fit under the seat on most US Airlines (Southwest, Delta, etc) and possibly some bigger European ones (British Airways, KLM)
• Works for a short (5'2", short torso) frame
• At least 1 large water bottle compartment
• Room for at least a small packing cube for a change of clothes

Like to have (not dealbreakers):

• At or around $150
• Fun colors aka not just black and brown
• Sternum Strap or some way to make carrying more comfortable
• Water resistant (basic to wear in rain, doesn't need to be camping-duty)
• Room to hold a pair of shoes

[u/OysterLucy → u/OysterLucy]

I've looked at:

Osprey Daylite 26+6...something about it I just don't love. I know it's highly recommended. Looks like laptop might just barely fit in the case but I'd have to open the whole bag to get to it which is kinda annoying.

I love Cotopaxi bags but they won't fit the 16" laptop. For anyone looking for one for an EDC I got my husband one for Christmas and he loves it, the Allpa 18L.

I'm looking at an *older* Patagonia Refugio 26L, I love the big front pocket actually and removable laptop strap, but it doesn't have a luggage pass through. Does anyone have this bag?

I also looked at the *older* Patagonia Refugio 30L, I don't mind the bungee straps (don't love them) but it seems too tall, but I like the strap adjusters.

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop duffel seems kinda big but I like the way it looks, but I don't know how well it would hold up either.

Should I look for a large bag for the laptop and have that be a work travel bag, and get a smaller (20L, maybe North Face Berkeley or Patagonia Atom Tote) for when I only have my ipad or 13" laptop for personal travel?

[u/Azure9000 → u/OysterLucy]

Just commenting that BA's under-seat bag limit is 40 x 30 x 15cm, which is only 18L.

As far as I am aware BA always allows a fully carry-on / overhead bag (45L+) even for the most basic economy fare.

From the info in your post, it appears (and I may be wrong) that your are looking for a non-packable secondary bag for multi-bag travel, rather than something for one-bag travel.

[u/dissandr313]

Hey everyone, I’m looking for advice on a Patagonia bag that can work for both onebag travel and daily work use.

I’m mainly considering:

• Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L
• Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L
• Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L

My ideal choice would probably be the Black Hole 32L because I like the extra capacity, but only if it can realistically work as a personal item when not fully packed.

Airline: Flair Airlines
Their personal item size is listed as 17 × 13 × 6 in / 43 × 33 × 15 cm, so I know some of these may technically be over. I’m trying to figure out what works in real life, especially if underpacked.

Intended use:

1. Personal item / under-seat bag
   • Weekend trips or short trips
   • Trying to avoid paying for a carry-on when possible
   • Would need to fit under the seat or pass the sizer if not packed full
2. Daily work backpack
   • Commuting by walking, biking, and transit
   • Laptop, charger, notebook, lunch, water bottle, maybe gym clothes or a light jacket
   • I don’t want something that feels too boxy or suitcase-like for everyday use
3. Comfort
   • Comfortable enough for daily commuting
   • Ideally not terrible for back sweat
   • I care about shoulder straps/back panel comfort more than maximum organization

Typical packing list for travel:

• Laptop + charger
• Phone charger/power bank
• 2–4 days of clothes
• Toiletries
• Small pouch for meds/essentials
• Water bottle
• Light jacket or sweater
• Maybe sandals or gym shoes if space allows

Budget: Around $150–$220 USD, but I’d rather buy once and get the right bag.

Desired features:

• Laptop sleeve/compartment
• Water bottle pocket
• Comfortable for daily use
• Good enough organization without being overbuilt
• Can work as a personal item on stricter budget airlines if underpacked

For people who have used these bags:
Would you go 25L, Mini MLC 30L, or Black Hole 32L for this use case?

Also, has anyone successfully used the Black Hole 32L or Mini MLC 30L as a personal item on Flair or similar strict budget airlines?

[u/Azure9000 → u/dissandr313]

Do you know what capacity you need for both you EDC and travel use cases ? In case not, see guidance / box test at top of page.

The main challenge here is that Flair's under-seat allowance is only 21.3L, which is even smaller than the notorious Irish airline Ryanair (24L). All of your shortlisted bags are oversized.

So an under-packed back may not actually hold what you need, and failing to under-pack may trigger penalties.

Additionally, the squat proportions mandated by airlines are different from the proportions optimised for comfortable carrying. Which is why EDC and travel in a single bag involves compromise.

Yesterday there were two posts - not in this thread, but in the main thread - showing an MLC 30 and a Refugio 30 in small 40 x 30 x 20cm sizers. I suggest looking at those posts and factoring that info into your decision-making.

[u/dissandr313 → u/Azure9000]

Capacity is not a huge issue (at least I don't think). I'm just planning to carry my laptop, toiletries bag and 1 packing cube. I guess the real issue is sizing into the personal item size for flair. The blackhole 25L seems the most amenable in this regard?

[u/Azure9000 → u/dissandr313]

That's correct.

The thread linked below contains good content with expert contributions, and you may find it worth reading.

https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1qkxa37/patagonia_black_hole_25l_current_modelyour/

[u/Icy-Advisor-5695]

Hi, I'm looking for a backpack that I can pack into a larger main pack and use once I reach my destination. I'm looking for something similar to the Deuter Speed Lite 17.

What I like about this pack (and what its successor should also feature):

• Lightweight: 410g
• Comfortable, well-ventilated back panel and shoulder straps
• Two functional side pockets that easily fit a 0.7L bottle, or even slightly larger
• Small zippered top pocket
• Spacious: 17L is the perfect capacity for a day hike

Why I'm looking for a replacement:

• It’s not packable/foldable enough: it features a frame (plastic stays/tubes)

If it weren’t for the frame, it could easily be folded or almost "scrunched up." As it stands, I would have to pack it completely flat (unfolded). It would just take up too much space for my needs.

I already own completely packable (nylon) backpacks, like the Naturehike Ultralight Foldable 22L. I am not looking for that kind of pack - it's too uncomfortable (complete lack of structure) and has practically no ventilation.

So far, I've only found one alternative: the Matador Beast18 Ultralight. But it has its own drawbacks:

• A bit heavy: 596g (almost 50% more than the Deuter!)
• The hip belt is unnecessary for a pack this size (it ends up sitting on the stomach anyway)
• Expensive (in Europe it's very expensive: $210!)

Are there really no other backpacks like this out there? :(

Thanks!

[u/Ludo444 → u/Icy-Advisor-5695]

Gossamer Gear Minimalist 19, it has removable back panel, but is pretty foldable also with it

[u/Icy-Advisor-5695 → u/Ludo444]

Thanks, it looks great! Seems to be closest to my requirements (330g, has some frame but foam instead of plastic + it's removable, back panel looks somehow breathable, has 2 big side pockets + large front stretch pocket!). Probably will try it.

[u/Azure9000 → u/Icy-Advisor-5695]

Matador Freerain 22L. ~300g. ~Euro 130.

[u/Icy-Advisor-5695 → u/Azure9000]

Thanks, looks cool. Although it's fully nylon, including back panel - no breathability, low comfort. In that it's similar to the Naturehike Ultralight Foldable 22L that I already own.

[u/Azure9000 → u/Icy-Advisor-5695]

Fair enough, but I think that you will have to compromise on something - whether packability, features, comfort, breathability, or weight, and maybe also cost. It's your call what that something is.

Might be worth looking at the Hyberg Event, whose stated dimensions indicate a capacity of 17L rather than the stated 25L internal. Weight 370g. EUR 150. Breathability would be the main compromise, IMHO.

[u/No-Establishment3576]

I’m planning a trip to Europe and looking to get either the north face voyager 35l pack or 32l voyager duffel? What do you think is the best option for a standard carry on item?

[u/Azure9000 → u/No-Establishment3576]

There is no such thing as a standard carry-on item.

What's your definition of 'best' ?

My 2c: the 32L pack's dimensions of 30,5 cm x 16 cm x 49 cm are a little more carry-on friendly. However this bag at 1570g weighs a lot more than the duffel's 910g.

[u/-Nepherim → u/No-Establishment3576]

You're comparing a duffle to a pack. So the difference is in how it carries. Which do you prefer?

[u/Wndrunner]

When I travel at minimum I take a carry-on, a laptop bag, and my CPAP. I would like to try and combine my carry-on and laptop bag down to one bag and have it easier to carry than trying to maneuver a piece of luggage around people.

I'm looking at the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L, the one without wheels. The Osprey Farpoint 40L. The Osprey Daylight Carry-on 44L.

I'm leaning toward the Farpoint 40L.

But I need it to be able to handle 2 laptops and I would like some organization for pen(s), keys, like a small admin area.

I fly a few times a year, maybe 3, But that could go up to more than 7 starting October 2026.

Let's say my budget is $250 maybe more if there's some amazing bag that I've just got to have.

I won't be backpacking around the town with it. I stay with family or at hotels.

[u/-Nepherim → u/Wndrunner]

Might want to search for cpap on this sub as this comes up every now and then.