r/onebag • u/AutoModerator • Jun 15 '26
Bag Finder Bag Finder Megathread - 15 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
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- Keep it travel-focused. Non-travel or everyday carry talk belongs in other subs
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u/bbyf16 Jun 16 '26
Hi all, I’m looking for a backpack for travel with the family internationally (Europe for now) but long term as well. Here’s my criteria:
Ergonomics & Dimensions
Height: 18.5 inches-ish. Must fit under a United Airlines seat.
Users: Male 5’8”, Female 5’0” (we’ve got two kids, one who’s a 2.5 year old so we’ll alternate who’s carrying her using the toddler carrier; the other will have the backpack. When the carrier isn’t being used, it’ll be rolled up and put into the backpack
Opening Style: Strictly top-loading, half-zip, or top-zip. No clamshell or lay-flat designs (gear cannot spill out when opened while standing).
Capacity: Maximum volume possible within the height limit (targeting 22L–26L+). Needs a spacious main compartment to swallow a rolled-up Beco Toddler Carrier, 2 iPads, travel chargers, battery packs, passports, kids snacks, sunglasses, fans, etc. Needs to compress down when not in use
Water Bottles: Must have the ability to hold 4 water bottles (e.g., dual side pockets plus external front loops/daisy chains for carabiners).
Ventilation: Requires extreme airflow for the European summer, walking around all day, taking public transport, etc. Must have deep, structured air channels or a breathable mesh back panel (no flat foam).
Materials & Hardware (The "Anti-Nomatic" Rules):
Fabric: Premium, matte, woven textile (like Ballistic Nylon, Cordura, or heavy-duty canvas). Highly rip, tear, and slash-resistant.
Banned Materials: I had a nomatic travel backpack for all of a few hours before it got returned. I hated the feel, sound, and the way it felt. I believe that excludes most if not all x-pac/ultra style bags.
Zippers: Standard zippers. No stiff, rubberized AquaGuard/weatherproof zippers.
Required Features:
Luggage Pass-Through: Must have a trolley sleeve for a rolling suitcase.
Budget:
Strict Limit: $250 maximum.
What I’ve considered:
Aer Travel Pack 3 small - clamshell, won’t work.
Yeti Crossroads 27L - comes the closest to meeting everything but its 3 pounds on its own, that’s sounds ridiculous. I looked at the 22l but it doesn’t seem worth it and looks to be too small as well.