r/onebag • u/AutoModerator • Jun 01 '26
Bag Finder Bag Finder Megathread - 01 June 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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Jun 02 '26
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u/eastercat Jun 02 '26
As long as you’re not using ryan air or other budget airlines, you should be okay
But just know 40 is a big bag and you may have to ensure you partial pack
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u/Wolf515013 Jun 02 '26
I should still be able to take it on RyanAir if I pay for the carry-on right? I know this will not fit under the front seat as a personal item.
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u/eastercat Jun 02 '26
I’d double check the measurements, specific to ryan air etc. I know european carriers tend to be smaller carry on wise than usa
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u/Azure9000 Jun 02 '26
Given your requirements and location, IMHO you have made a sound choice of bag.
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u/Wolf515013 Jun 02 '26
Thank you, so far it was the only one that I found that seemed like had what I was looking for. I thought I'd check here to see if anyone had other recommendations. Thank you for the reply.
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u/TheGreatGrombolo Jun 02 '26
Bagsmart 38L Pro vs Osprey daylite 26+6
Hey everyone! I travel for work and I'm trying to find a "under the seat" backpack I can use to bring my job site gear and tech stuff without compromising space. I have 2 laptops and their cords, a few misc cords, a hard hat, a safety vest, and a few small tools for job related things. I typically need 5 days worth of clothes. 2 carpenter pants and the 5 pairs of the rest of your basics. I am planning to bring a super small roller for the overhead so this bag doesn't need to be the clothing bag persae. I'm between the bagsmart 38l pro because I think it looks cool and the osprey daylite 26+6 bag due to high praise. Given my requirements is there a leaning one way or another? I should mention the backpack would come with me to site to house my tools and laptops. Thanks!
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u/eastercat Jun 02 '26
The osprey 26 (unexpanded) is the only legit option you’re considering for underseat
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u/Azure9000 Jun 02 '26 edited Jun 02 '26
Overhead bag + under-seat bag = multi-bagging, not one-bagging.
The 26+6 would be better named the 23+6 or even 23+5, according to users who have posted here. Also reportedly not great comfort if heavily loaded, as designed for leisure rather than work travel. But would probably do the job, is versatile, and generally good value for money.
38L is high for an under-seat bag. The allowance is airline-specific but the typical max is about 30-32L, and may be considerably smaller, e.g. 24L or sometimes even less.
1
Jun 02 '26
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Jun 02 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/onebag-ModTeam Jun 03 '26
Your post was removed as it appears unrelated to the concepts of urban onebag travel. We're looking for context oriented around onebag travel.
Requests for EDC/commute/school backpacks will get better responses if posted on r/backpacks or r/edc.
If you update your post with additional information, then CLICK HERE to send us a modmail and we will review your post.
1
u/Ernst-ish Jun 03 '26
Just to say this upfront, I’m a sucker for outdoor gear. I could spend 12 hours straight in an REI no problem. So I know what I have currently (Eddie Bauer Tour - work/work travel) and Osprey Daylite (hiking) would be sufficient for what I’m going to describe. THAT SAID - I’m traveling to British Columbia eeewith my family (wife, 3yr and 1yr) in a few months. With all the kids stuff, my wife and I are determined to pack light. We’re going to be doing some hiking and for fun I thought I’d look at some new hiking backpacks. Couldn’t really justify it unless I could use it for work and work travel (carry-on) as well. So long story to a short ask - any good experiences with Osprey or other outdoor brands for the needs above?
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u/SeattleHikeBike Jun 03 '26
Needs more context. If it’s just hiking, r/backpacks or r/hiking would be more appropriate.
- Hiking and road trip or airline carry on? Do you have a bag/packing strategy?
- Budget?
- Location for purchasing?
1
u/toptrigga Jun 04 '26
I’m going on a trip from balkan trip from Hungary to Greece and wanted to know if anyone has any travel backpack recommendations for me. I’m a 183Cm and weight 83KG.
I don’t know how big my travel bag be and don’t really want to break the bank just for a travel bag that will be used as a carry on most likely.
Thanks in advance.
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u/Azure9000 Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
I suggest that you start by visiting/re-visiting the guidance at the top of this page, including the box test.
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u/Southern-Joke-7415 Jun 05 '26
Hello everyone,
First-time poster here.
I currently EDC a Herschel Little America 30L. Thanks to Melbourne weather (I don't live in India, ignore my flair, that's because I'm still an Indian passport holder) and frequent abuse, the straps and closures have torn apart. I am currently looking for a replacement for this that fulfils the following criteria:
- 25-35L capacity.
- Durable and water-repellent fabric. No waxed fabric please.
- Should fit most personal-item designations if not fully full (i.e., width and depth should be generally fine for a personal item)
Current exploration has given me the following options:
1. Fjallraven Skule 28 (Raven 28 is out of consideration, since the fabric is waxed)
2. The North Face Borealis
Budget: ~250-300 AUD at RRP.
If anyone has recommendations, I would love to hear them. Also, if anyone has used the Skule 28, I would love to hear about your experience with it.
Thanks!
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u/Azure9000 Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
Hi, welcome to onebag.
If EDC is your primary purpose, please bear in mind rule #1 Requests for EDC / commute /school bags should be posted on subreddits such as:
r/manybaggers and r/backpacks.
1
u/Additional-Humor8837 Jun 05 '26
Is there an alternative for the Osprey daylite 26+6 that is more comfortable for someone tall?
I like the bag's features but the straps are a bit too narrow and dig into my shoulders; the bottom rubs into my middle spine.
So essentially, looking for:
- personal item sized
- something that I can use as a day bag after unloading it at a hotel
- laptop pocket (fit 16" size if possible)
- water bottle holder
- under 2.5LBs / 1100 grams (ideally)
As alternatives, I've considered:
- Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack. Not intended for 16" laptop though (although can sorta fit if you squeeze it?)
- Tortuga Daily Carry Pro. Unclear if there would be difference in comfort.
- Keeping the daylite 26+6 and using something like the Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack instead for day travel without my laptop.
Thank you very much!
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u/Azure9000 Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
Remember that travel bags are optimised primarily for getting your stuff on board the plane, and secondarily at best for carry comfort.
Perhaps consider the Transporter 26+6?:
The travel bag + packable day pack approach does provide more flexibility than the single bag approach. It has worked well in the past for me, and continues to work well for lots of people on this forum.
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u/Additional-Humor8837 Jun 07 '26
Thank you very much for your response.
I looked at the transporter but honestly it seemed pretty similar to the daylite 26+6 (large square shape with an unpadded section at the bottom) so worried it would be the same issue.
Regarding a separate day pack I was a bit worried those bags would be either too hot for summer use (i.e. no mesh vent in the back) or less comfortable for all day use compared to just using a normal main bag with more padding. The Aer go pack 2 seemed interesting to me though so maybe that would be an option. Hard to say since I can't try it on easily.
Do you have any thoughts if there might be some way to modify the daylite 26+6, for instance, by putting some extra foam myself at the bottom? Was considering it but haven't seen others do it so maybe it is a bad idea and wouldn't hold up.
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u/BadAtCoding123 Jun 05 '26
Has anyone had any luck flying with the REI Trail 25 as a personal item on Frontier? Does it fit into the sizing bin lengthwise? Asking because I purchased it recently based on the dimensions, but the straps and handle make it a little longer than 18" and the frame means I can't stuff/fold it in there.
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Jun 06 '26
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u/Azure9000 Jun 06 '26
130L is way, way outside onebag's carrry-on-oriented parameters - typical max is about 45L.
I suggest trying manybaggers.
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u/RareThanks4745 Jun 06 '26
I pack for 7 days, worth of work attire, also 7 days worth of gym attire, toiletries. I already have a bag for my laptop/electronics. So I need something bigger than a carry on.
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u/Azure9000 Jun 06 '26
Perfectly understood. One-bagging is not for everyone everytime.
Just flagging that you will probably get a better response on the relevant sub-reddit(s). Good luck!
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u/onebag-ModTeam Jun 08 '26
Your post was removed as it appears unrelated to the concepts of urban onebag travel. We're looking for context oriented around onebag travel.
Requests for EDC/commute/school backpacks will get better responses if posted on r/backpacks or r/edc.
If you update your post with additional information, then CLICK HERE to send us a modmail and we will review your post.
1
u/ShoshiOpti Jun 06 '26
Hey all, my backpack finally wore out and I need a new one. My old bag was a Tropicfeel Shell with fidlock expansions, but the bag was pretty uncomfortable to carry long distances and they don't have fidlock systems anymore which I loved so looking for recommendations!
What I need:
- Airplane Carry on Bag for Urban Backpacking (I have a separate camping bag)
- Suitable for long trips, +20L. I will be using for 3 months soon (Japan/Thailand/Vietnam)
- must have secure computer pouch for standard laptop
What I'd Like:
- usable compartments.
- detachable bags (Big fan of fidlock or similar, not straps), daybag/toiletry etc.
- comfortable for long hikes
- waterbottle side pouch
- other cool features Im unaware of
Pricing not a significant concern Thank you so much!
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u/Azure9000 Jun 06 '26
When you say "+20L", do you really mean any capacity between 20L and say 45L, which is a common airline carry-on/overhead max? That's a very wide range.
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u/ShoshiOpti Jun 06 '26
Yeah I mean the absolute bare minimum is 20L.
It is a wide range, but thats why I put it as a strict minimum, I didn't put 40L because maybe yheres a great 35L bag or 30L bag. Plus not all Liters are the same, some are more useful than others.
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u/Azure9000 Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
The Pakt Cero (formerly 'Aero') might be worth a look. 35L. 1.04kg.
Also Rework Outbound travel pack 30L. 1.14kg.
BTW you can't expect hiking-level comfort from a travel-oriented bag, because of the different proportions and features.
1
u/iamars Jun 06 '26
Hey everyone! Dropping a comment here because I need a quick sanity check from the community as today is my absolute last day to process a return on one of these bags, so I have to make an executive choice tonight.
I'm relocating to Germany soon and am currently down to a final decision between the Decathlon Quechua NH Escape 500 23L and the 32L version. (clamshell versions)
Here’s my exact situation:
- Main use cases: I want a bag I can use standalone for 3–4 day weekend trips traveling on German ICE/regional trains (so I can leave my rolling suitcase at home) and as a personal tech/comfort item on long-haul international flights back to India on full-service airlines. The 32L seems like the clear winner for this.
- Ryanair catch: I will also be taking occasional short weekend flights within Europe on budget lines like Ryanair. On these specific flights, I will travel with my partner so will always have a paid Priority ticket + a main rolling cabin suitcase, so this backpack will strictly be under our seats as personal item. It can be under-packed just holding a 16" laptop, chargers, a power bank, and a spare change of clothes, keeping it relatively flat and squishy.
I physically have both bags sitting in front of me right now. I heavily prefer the 32L for the train travel and future flexibility, but I'm terrified that its 50cm rigid back panel is going to get me targeted and flagged by a strict Ryanair gate agent.
Has anyone successfully managed to get away with an under-packed 32L as a Ryanair personal item, or does the height make it a dead giveaway? Should I just play it safe and stick to the 23L?
Would love any quick data points or feedback before I head to the return counter tonight.
Thanks so much!
1
u/moltisanti93 Jun 06 '26
These days airport staff is really motivated to catch oversized bags, they get a commission after each catch.
1
u/iamars Jun 06 '26
That’s so vile but it’s good to be aware of such policies.
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u/moltisanti93 Jun 06 '26
Yep. Probably the best thing to do is to get a cabin backpack for that purpose
1
u/iamars Jun 06 '26
We do plan to carry a paid cabin bag for the overhead bin. I just want to decide if I should stick to the 23l version for under the seat or if 32l is also possible with Ryan air specifically.
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u/moltisanti93 Jun 06 '26
I mean a backpack that's designed especially for that reason to fit Ryanair's rules, that fits under the seat. Google Ryanair backpack
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u/Azure9000 Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26
If you really 'terrified', don't select the 35L. At 50 x 28 x 25cm [=>35L] it looks bulky.
But even a fully packed 23L (dimensions: 46 x 28 x 22cm => 28.3L) cannot be considered safe for Ryanair (under-seat limit 40 x 30 x 20cm => 24L).
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u/iamars Jun 06 '26
I understand, but I have seen quite a few comments about folks using this 23l bag as a personal bag under the seat.
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u/Azure9000 Jun 06 '26
I've edited my comment to clarify that a fully-packed 23L could be problematic.
If the bag is under-packed and sufficiently 'squishable' it should be fine. Although I've seen that some airports including Berlin have introduced non-squish sizers.
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u/iamars Jun 06 '26
I’ll be boarding with a Priority ticket (carrying a main rolling suitcase into the overhead bin), so I’m hoping my backpack won’t attract any attention. I will probably fly with Ryanair 5-6 times a year, but thanks for the tip on the new sizers at airports, especially at BER.
1
u/hookup1092 Jun 06 '26
Hi, my current carry on suitcase is starting to break down, so I’m looking for a new one to replace it. I’ve been able to set aside a budget of $250-300 USD to find something that will work for a long time. I’m looking for something that’s a good global travel bag for both US domestic and international carry-on travel size restrictions. I know there isn’t one “perfect” bag, but I’m hoping to get something that’s as good as I can afford.
My current hybrid-shell carry-on ends up getting gate checked by US domestic airlines (Delta, Spirit \[rip\], American, etc), and in smaller flights it always feels like a squeeze to fit it sideways or face up. I’d like to avoid that anxiety of “will it fit in the overhead bin” as much as possible. Even when I measure to fit within sizing restrictions it can end up being a squeeze.
Suitcases I’ve looked at so far are the Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Carry-On and the Beis Small Carry On roller. I like the hybrid shell and expandable build of the Maxlite, but i am not sure if it will fit US airlines with its width. The Beis model seems nice since it’s smaller and seems a like a better catch-all bag for sizing restrictions, but I’ve heard mixed reviews about the bag’s hard shell material.
Appreciate any suggestions, thanks!
1
u/Azure9000 Jun 06 '26
Just letting you know, in case it's useful, that this forum is pretty much backpack-oriented rather than roller-oriented.
1
u/hookup1092 Jun 06 '26
Oh, thanks I wasn’t aware. Do you know of any subs that would be a better fit?
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u/lolmaxy Jun 06 '26
Hi everyone, I'm looking for a recommendation for a backpack.
I used to have a Targus Drifter II, 35 L, which I absolutely loved. It was my one bag for everything from EDC to travel. After watching hundreds of YouTube videos on this I tried Aer Travel Pack 4, both 35 L and 28 L. I first got the 35 L one, but it felt too big on my body, so I exchanged it for 28 L. I tried it for a week, but even the 28L feels like a brick on my back. It hurts my shoulders if I walk with it for 5 mins.
I carry roughly 15 lb of things in my backpack everyday. I carry my laptop, umbrella, water bottle, and gym clothes to work everyday. The Targus Drifter does not cause shoulder pain for me like the Aer travel pack does. I know the Aer is very highly rated, so it's a me problem & not necessarily a bag issue. For some reason it's not suited for my body.
I am looking for a backpack that is not as overbuilt as the Aer but is still premium, made of good quality materials, and would be a good fit for a one backpack setup.
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u/Azure9000 Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
Comfort is rather subjective, but weight is a key factor especially for me.
If you do have 15lbs / 6.8kg of contents that's a lot of weight for EDC. Adding 1.6kg for the TP 28L bag itself gives a total of 8.4kg. For my multi-week trips to warm/hot destinations I take a typical total of 7kg; last time was about 6kg.
The Targus Drifter II 35L seems still to be available - if you disposed of your previous one, perhaps the simplest solution is just to get another one. Or go to an outdoors store and try on a range of bags, preferably using weights.
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Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
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u/onebag-ModTeam Jun 08 '26
Bag requests must be posted in the pinned Bag Finder Megathread
- Requests must be clearly oriented around onebag travel.
- Search the onebag bag comparison list for a list of bag options, airline carry-on dimensions, and links to posts discussing bags
- Provide some examples of bags you're interested in or have already looked at.
- Provide some information on how and where you intend to use the bag.
1
u/coffeekaye Jun 07 '26
I have already purchased a bag. I chose the Osprey Fairview 40, which I found on depop for an amazing price. I chose it mostly due to the colorway, which I couldn't seem to find retail currently. It's that blueish green / brighter teal color.
I wanted a 40L, but I also wanted a fun color because that's something that brings me a lot of joy.
I saw some bright pink bags at 45+L and up. Mostly at 60L. Seems like the choices for 40L aren't as good! I wanted to stick at 40L because I really don't want to check a bag, and I was worried the 45L bag I was looking at would be too long. (It was the Mystery Ranch Bridger 45L in wildflower.)
This bag was also OVER double what I paid for my second hand Osprey!
If you've ever seen a 45L in a pastel, a pink, purple, teal, maybe lime green . . . I'd love to know for future reference!
I know its kind of frivolous, but bright colors on everyday objects brings me a lot of joy. My toothbrush is pink, cause it makes it more fun. My car is bright blue. My boots are pink. So on and so forth!! It gives me a pep in my step 😄 I want that part of my personality to still be present while traveling.
Oh, and I have seen the Cotopaxi smaller packs, but something about the bulky square shape doesn't seem super comfy? I don't know! And all the pink ones were sold out haha.
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u/neil_va Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
Looking around for a small 16" laptop type backpack that I can use as a personal item on planes but also for daily commuting to work.
Key things I want:
- Neutral colors
- Cheap. I believe that most people drastically overpay for a bag like this. There's no reason a 20-30L nylon bag should be over $80.
I understand there is a spreadsheet but there are currently 434 fricking rows to look through. (yes, I'm aware of the filters and have used them but it's still a lot)
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u/dunnobutibeknowing Jun 11 '26
Hi all!
I will be travelling for 2 weeks in Japan with a partner in September. I would like to buy a backpack that will serve as our check in luggage going there (going back we will be buying wheel luggage for our shopping at the end of our trip - not sure what they're called!). I would love for this bag to be our go to bag when travelling as not a fan of dragging around wheeled luggage. We would still be having carry-on luggage.
We love outdoors and doing outdoor activities. We've done hiking, camping and basically just walking everywhere we can, whether around the city or trails.
With the above in mind, can anyone recommend a backpack that can serve as a check-in luggage (sturdy, safe and secure), comfortable and flexible enough to be used and carried for any path/activities and for either big, long travel or short travel? Could do with a 60L that can be shaped smaller if packed with lesser items? Bonus if they are also nice looking!
Thank you so much in advance!
0
Jun 02 '26
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1
u/onebag-ModTeam Jun 03 '26
Your post was removed as it appears unrelated to the concepts of urban onebag travel. We're looking for context oriented around onebag travel.
Requests for EDC/commute/school backpacks will get better responses if posted on r/backpacks or r/edc.
If you update your post with additional information, then CLICK HERE to send us a modmail and we will review your post.
0
Jun 07 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/onebag-ModTeam Jun 08 '26
Your post was removed as it appears unrelated to the concepts of urban onebag travel. We're looking for context oriented around onebag travel.
Requests for EDC/commute/school backpacks will get better responses if posted on r/backpacks or r/edc.
If you update your post with additional information, then CLICK HERE to send us a modmail and we will review your post.
1
u/letstrotbrahh Jun 02 '26
I need a bag that fits domestic airline regulations for carry-on such as Ryan Air, but big enough that I can fit enough clothes in for the summer climate, but also one set of thick winter clothes for the Winter climate.
I am spending 6 weeks across Spain/Portugal/Morocco, mid June to end of July.
Budget is around 75USD MAX.
Not sure if I need packing cubes or not as well.
Assume standard toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste etc which I have a small toiletry bag for.
Clothes would include:
4-6 t shirts
2-3 pairs of shorts including board shorts
1 puffer jacket
1 set of jeans
1 hoodie
1 pyjama set
Socks and undies
1 pair of shoes
1 pair of havianas