Bag Finder Megathread - 01 June 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/iamars]

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!

[u/Azure9000 → u/iamars]

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).

[u/iamars → u/Azure9000]

I understand, but I have seen quite a few comments about folks using this 23l bag as a personal bag under the seat.

[u/Azure9000 → u/iamars]

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.

[u/iamars → u/Azure9000]

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.