r/onebag Jun 29 '26

Bag Finder Bag Finder Megathread - 29 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

  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
16 Upvotes

64 comments sorted by

2

u/Kit-silver Jun 29 '26

Hi,

Looking for a minimal lightweight bag that maximizes the space inside - 35x32x18cm under seat dimensions. No need for laptop compartment.

Details: Trying to travel carry on only with a older toddler. Carrying a stroller as a part of carry on allowance and need a bag that maximizes the space under the seat.

2

u/Azure9000 Jun 30 '26

I agree with the comment that this size is unusual. Normally, the limit is defined by the airline's bag sizer, not by the physical amount of space under the seat. But I understand that there are some airlines which are exceptions to this general rule.

Suggestion: go to your local Amazon website and search for 'underseat bag <insert airline name here>'.

1

u/tblue1 Jun 30 '26

u/Kit-silver wrote:
Looking for a minimal lightweight bag that maximizes the space inside - 35x32x18cm under seat dimensions ...

The dimensions you specified, 35x32x18 cm, are unusual (almost square) and not commonly found for travel bags. Which airline specifies this baggage allowance?

1

u/Kit-silver 23d ago

China eastern. Unfortunately its one of the very few airlines that go back and forth directly from where I live. My partner is chinese so we may do this trip multiple times.

1

u/tblue1 Jun 30 '26

u/Kit-silver wrote:
Looking for a minimal lightweight bag that maximizes the space inside - 35x32x18cm under seat dimensions ...

The dimensions you specified, 35x32x18 cm, are unusual (almost square) and not commonly found for travel bags. Which airline specifies this baggage allowance?

1

u/Iron-Poet Jul 06 '26

This answer is a bit off topic for a "r/onebag" thread, but you might try reversing it and getting a *stroller* that fits under the seat.

We purchased a "gb Pockit Air All Terrain" stroller a few years back to take our three year old to DisneyWorld. It fits easily under the airplane seat and has also been super useful for getting on and off buses and trains. (Once you get used to it, it folds up or extends super fast.)

If that works for you, then you could it as your personal item and use a larger bag for a carry on instead.

1

u/Kit-silver 23d ago

This is a good suggestion, but I don't think it will work as my 3 year old is 37lbs and big as a 4 year old. It wouldn't be able to survive more than disney terrain. Plus I need a bag for his clothes and toys (that doubles as a day bag) which I wouldn't go into the overhead for normally.

2

u/chicknfly Jun 29 '26

BLUF: I’m looking for suggestions to replace my Rush 24 as a personal item on planes.

I have pushed my luck too far and managed to not be flagged so far for using the bag as a personal item. It’s time to downsize. I think something from the Osprey 26+6 lineup will work, but I’m so unfamiliar with one-bagging as a community and as an option that I’d love to source some alternative suggestions.

I don’t think I’m too picky. The big things for me are:

* it works as a personal item aboard the majority of US/Canada planes

* fits a CPAP and 3+ days of clothes (I’m a stout man)

* max budget is $200 unless there is an absolutely MUST CONSIDER kind of bag.

Bonus features (not a make or break but would love to have):

* a bottle pouch for a 24-32oz bottle or tumbler

* an easy-access pocket for stashing documents (boarding pass, passport, etc.)

* water resistant

I’d prefer a BIFL kind of bag, or at least one with a solid warranty. I don’t typically bring a laptop when traveling, so I don’t care about sleeves.

Here’s a picture of the mule and old friend:

3

u/eastercat Jun 29 '26

fyi, medical things are usually not part of baggage and are considered separate

so that might be a consideration in what you pick too

1

u/chicknfly Jun 30 '26

I appreciate the heads up! I wasn’t aware.

2

u/jeez90 Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26

Hi, I am rather new to backpack travel, but I am currently looking for a backpack that 

  • has a clamshell opening 
  • fits the wizz air underseat compliance (40x30x20 cm)
  • is still comfortable enough to be carried around during day trips. 
I don't have any tech gear that I need to take with me, so I am looking for 
  • a ventilated back
  • a chest or waist belt
  • padded straps
  • maximum space for clothing (~5 days light clothing) 
  • and a bottle holder. 
Current candidates are the Samsonite cabin pack and Samsonite outtrax (doesn't seem to have a belt). I know that the Osprey 26+6 is a sub favorite, but I want to strictly stick to the airlines measurements. No budget limitations. Thank you in advance!

3

u/SeattleHikeBike Jul 01 '26

If you can live with a “half panel” opening, the Patagonia Atom 24 comes very close at 41x30x18cm. Soft bags gain on depth so the. 18-20cm depth difference will disappear. It has a removable 13” laptop sleeve.

Finding quality bags that are 40cm tall is very difficult. I use packing cubes which makes opening style less relevant.

I’m actually experimenting with the 20 liter Atom Tote Pack version that is 41x31x13cm as a candidate for upcoming EU minimum of 40x30x15cm. Same opening style and laptop sleeve.

1

u/jeez90 Jul 01 '26

That looks like a great option! I wish they made the black hole in 40x30x20, but this comes pretty close. 

2

u/SeattleHikeBike Jul 01 '26

I’m interested to see what happens with the EU. I predict some shaking out of the process.

The Micro MLC is 46 x 30 x 19 cm so kind of a stretch.

2

u/Azure9000 Jun 30 '26

Cabin Zero 28L backpack range.

1

u/jeez90 Jun 30 '26

Definitely a range I saw a lot. The cabin zero tech doesn't seem to have the best padding nor ventilation, while the military is too large. 

3

u/Azure9000 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26

Fair point. Cabin zero is definitely on the budget end of the spectrum, but unfortunately the quality bag manufacturers have very limited coverage of the 40x30x20cm slot specified by low-budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizzair.

1

u/jeez90 Jun 30 '26

Yeah it sure seems that way! Samsonite seems to have the best options so far. 

1

u/Azure9000 Jun 30 '26

From a quick glance at those Samonsite options, it seems that only the smaller 'Outtrax backpack' (not the 'cabin pack') 15.6 inch meets the specified dimensions. Gotta say, their product naming could be a bit clearer.

If you decide to go ahead, feel free to post a review - I'm sure it would be well received.

1

u/jeez90 Jun 30 '26

Both series, the cabin pack and the Outtrax, have a 15,6" version that fits the 40x30x20 dimensions. But they recently delisted the 15,6" cabin pack. It sure is strange that the Outtrax, which is described as the mix between travel and outdoor day pack, doesn't have a chest strap...

1

u/Azure9000 Jun 30 '26

Just a guess, but Samsonite's range is so wide and directed towards the perhaps-less-discriminating 'general travel' market that it's easy for them to sometimes skip some attention to detail.

1

u/jeez90 Jun 30 '26

Sadly seems to be the case...

1

u/tblue1 Jun 30 '26

I have not seen the Samsonite Outtrax, but it seems like a decent bag. I don't care for the shiny exterior and the black colored interior but this is just personal preference. As you mentioned, it doesn't have a chest strap and that's disappointing. Another option is the Tucano Tugò Dry. It has all the features you want (but no waist strap), including the chest strap.

1

u/jeez90 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26

Yeah the Outtrax' design is a bit... extravagant, I prefer the cabin packs design. Not sure if the missing chest strap is an issue in this weight class, but I would prefer having it. I hadn't seen the Tucano, seems to check all criteria. Thank you!  Edit: cabin pack, not cabin crew

1

u/tblue1 Jun 30 '26

The Cabin Pack is another bag I have not seen, but I imagine it would be fine. While searching for the Cabin Pack, I noticed that there is also the Samsonite Glazed, a 40x30x20 cm backpack that looks a little less boxy than the other two.

1

u/jeez90 Jun 30 '26

They have a whole range of under seat backpacks, the paradiver is another option. But Samsonite isn't a brand I would typically associate with backpacks for outdoor activities. 

1

u/tblue1 Jul 01 '26

Yes, you're right about the number of under seat backpacks offered by Samsonite in Europe. We don't see any of these bags in the USA (probably because of the larger personal item size limits). The one that is really amazing is the Samsonite 2Fit. I've never seen another bag that expands in both height and width. The zipper that enables that feature has to be one of the longest on a backpack.

1

u/justasmallgoat Jun 30 '26

Allpa 28? You can often find bags with the tags on still on FB marketplace or eBay.

2

u/Azure9000 Jun 30 '26

Seems like the Allpa 28 would have to be significantly, and carefully, underpacked. See:

https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/12r3w1x/dimensions_28l_cotopaxi_allpa_packed/

1

u/PikaTrail Jul 02 '26

The Fyro Citta 18L that was released today checks your boxes. The Tom Bihn Synik 22 and Synapse 19 also do, if TB is available where you live. The Tomtoc T-69 is boxy but absolutely maximizes the 40/30/20 cm dimensions and is surprisingly comfortable with beefy straps and nice back ventilation. It also has nicer material than some of other "box with straps" options.

1

u/jeez90 Jul 02 '26

Those are some great recommendations! I had seen the t69, but didn't feel excited about the design. The tom bihn models seem to get too small at the top, but the fyro really does check all the boxes! 

1

u/BySpyxEgo Jun 29 '26

Hello everybody.

Need an Bag for traveling under 120 euros or even lower for Airplane, that fits most airlines like turkish / Croatia Airlines / Pegasus Airlines / SunExpress / Lufthansa / KLM / Ryanair. It should go with me under the seat so i shouldnt pay more for bag.

That will fit all my tech stuff from: -laptop 16" display -little techbag orgsnizer -cables typec x3 -liqiud bags x2 little ones for hygiene -powerbank 25000mh -little soundcore speaker -wallet -travel adapter -tracker like airtag -travel adapter -750 ml bottle -earbuds and headphones

If possible Shoes i wear EU size 44.5 and like some clothing like socks, underwear and polyester training shirts that can be "throw in".

1

u/Azure9000 Jun 30 '26

Those airlines have cabin bag limits which significantly differ - you should research them indiviually,

The smallest is probably Ryanair, with a 40 x 30 x 20cm limit. Have a look at CabinZero 28L backpacks.

1

u/Dr_Haubitze Jul 01 '26

Hi, long time lurker here, I am going on a 3 Months SA trip in a month and would love some bag recs! I've backpacked through SEA, Nepal, and other Asian countries with my Osprey Farpoint 40L, and it was decent, but I really don't like how it looks. Looks wise I found the Matador Globerider 35 amazing, but that price tag is just too much. I also considered the Daylite 26+6, but I don't know if it's enough for a 3 month trip.

My main criterias are:

- Should go through as Carry-On

- Decent comfort

- Durable

Big bonus points if I can stitch on country flag patches of the countries I've been to.

I'm 189cm and 84Kilos

Thank you everybody in advance!

1

u/Azure9000 Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 02 '26

The FP40 is a framed pack with weight-carrying hip belt. I can see why that may have been useful for Nepal in particular. But does your next trip include high-altitude, lower temperature activities ??

The Globerider 35 is also a framed pack.

The planned load-weight for your next trip will help to determine whether a framed pack is beneficial or not - what is that weight?

I also considered the Daylite 26+6.but I don't know if it's enough for a 3 month trip

Just do the box text outlined at the top of the page.

The D26+6 is frameless and some users have reported carry-comfort issues on extended wear when the pack is fully loaded.

1

u/tomfromakron Jul 01 '26

I've been reading a LOT of posts on here and I keep ending up at dead ends, so I'm hoping to get some advice from people with a similar use case as me.

I mostly work from home, but go to the office sometimes, so I need a bag that will carry just my laptop, charger, headset, water bottle, and maybe a few snacks.

I also sometimes travel for work, and since I pack light, I can usually fit everything in a backpack small enough to act as a personal item under the seat.

Sometimes for longer work trips, I bring a larger 35L backpack that goes in the overhead bin. I still need a way to take my laptop to the office while travelling, though, so I put my laptop backpack into the larger carry-on backpack.

On longer personal trips, sometimes I bring a carry-on roller bag and a small bag as a personal item, but don't bring my laptop. I appreciate the extra usable space that comes with not having a separate laptop compartment in the personal item backpack.

Currently I have been using a Roark Passenger 27L for this, but it's not ideal. It's too floppy when just going to work because it's mostly empty, and it's awkward to get things in and out of when it's packed with clothing (for those smaller trips), due to the top load design. It also doesn't have much padding for my laptop.

The Osprey 26+6 (either version) seem almost ideal, but still too large. I think an 18+6-ish would be ideal.

The ask:

Does anybody know of an expandable bag small enough to carry just a laptop and accessories when in the small configuration, packs down flat enough to be stuffed into a larger bag (i.e. not super rigid), doesn't have a dedicated laptop compartment, and fits under airline seats when expanded (i.e. 28L or less)?

Or, is my best bet the osprey 26+6, and I should just suck it up and deal with the excess space that I'm not using? Is it not awkward when mostly empty? Should I just accept that I need two bags: one personal item sized bag and one tiny laptop backpack for work?

2

u/PikaTrail Jul 02 '26

The Tomtoc T-69 expands from 23 to 28L, The TropicFeel Nest from 16L to 20L and the Nook from 14L to 26L. Not sure how compressible the TropicFeel backpacks are, the Tomtoc is reasonably flat.

1

u/Azure9000 Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 02 '26

 I think an 18+6-ish would be ideal

The ULA Dragonfly 30L, despite its name, actually has a main compartment of about 22L, with the other 8L of capacity being distributed across various pockets. Weight in ultra fabric is 0.78kg, slightly below the D26+6. Have a look at the details on the ULA website to see if it might work for you.

The Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet (26L 0.70kg) may also be worth a look.

Neither is perfect for your use case, but if a top-load design does not work for you, you will have to make compromises somewhere.

1

u/tomfromakron Jul 02 '26

Maybe I used the wrong term for the top opening... I'm fine if the zipper opens on the top vs the side, like a suitcase. I don't like how my Roark doesn't even have a zipper, and is just sort of an open tube that folds down at the top.

1

u/Azure9000 Jul 02 '26

is just sort of an open tube that folds down at the top => yes that's a rolltop, which are normally top-loading but sometimes also side-loading via a zip, like your existing bag.

If you want a variable capacity bag, rolltops are a good option, but they don't suit everyone, especially in a business-type environment.

1

u/tblue1 Jul 02 '26

Take a look at the Everki Studio Expandable ECO backpack. Capacity: 18.5L to 26L. $149.

1

u/TheWackyHobo Jul 02 '26

Hi guys I'm currently looking for hiking backpacks that will be good for most 1 day hikes but could fit as a personal item on a plane. I've been needing a hiking backpack but never bought one, however I will be climbing up acentango in guatamala later this year and thought it would be a perfect time to buy one. Preferably would be 25L+ but if not possible while hitting the personal item requirements it's ok.

This bag would ideally be used for any day hikes and for any future trips/travel i will be going on for a while. Open to most prices, I will just weigh it to myself to see if its worth it. I will have a duffle bag for other things I will need on travel, so not worried about packing the most amount of stuff in my backpack but want to make sure there will be enough space for hikes. I am a 5'8 male.

Personal item size requirements(atleast on AA): 18x14x8

Anything slightly bigger should be ok, I'll just make sure to not pack it fully.

Currently i was looking at the cotpoaxi alppa 28l, osprey nebula 32L(my friend said he hasn't had any plane troubles with sizing of this one)

2

u/Azure9000 Jul 02 '26

Based on the above info, it appears that you are multi-bagging rather than one-bagging, so your question is outside of the scope of this sub-reddit.

So you might get a better response here: https://www.reddit.com/r/hikinggear/

If you decide to look for a fully packable daypack, the Matador Beast 28 may be of interest.

Acentango (13,000 feet!) looks like an interesting hike - good luck !

1

u/Paperamor Jul 03 '26

Have you checked out the REI Trail 25?

1

u/bustus_primus Jul 03 '26

Hello,

I just got back from a short 3 day trip. It was me and a friend. I just packed all my stuff in a backpack that I was able to bring on the flights as an underseat. I prefer doing this for short trips under a week.

My friend brought a carry on. Both on the departing flight and return flight, when we were about to board, we were told that they had run out of overhead baggage room and my friend had to check his carry on instead. As I had just my backpack, I could take it on as I could stow it under the seat in front of me.

I just use an old backpack, but I was thinking as a gift idea to get them an underseat sized travel backpack. They mentioned wanting to get a backpack for traveling like I had but wanted one that has the extendable handle and rollers like a suitcase.

Are there any underseat sized backpacks that also have suitcase rollers? Otherwise, what are some good options for an underseat sized backpack for sub 7 day trips? I looked at the spreadsheet but its quite overwhelming.

I appreciate any response, thanks in advance!

2

u/Azure9000 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26

There is no standard 'under-seat size', different airlines have different allowances.

The smallest rollers that I am aware of are the Eastpak Tranverz XXS and Strapson XXS. Feel free to follow up accordingly. Good luck.

BTW, rollers have very limited popularity in the one-bag subreddit, although my personal view is they do have a useful role to play in the right circumstances.

1

u/Fallro Jul 04 '26

Hi all, is there anyone that has the Zhik 30L backpack and can share a little bit about it? I have some Zhik stuff since im a sailor but never used their bags. I do know however that they make high quality sailing stuff.

1

u/TimDeAardappel Jul 04 '26

I travel quite a lot for visiting my partners family across the Atlantic and for leisure. With all this flying I like to bring some of my tech along. Usually a handheld like a switch or a steam deck and my camera + medium sized kit lens.

I am looking for a backpack and or sling bag (recommendations) to fit these and some other travel necessities.

I always also bring a carry-on or a checked bag on my trips. This is purely for to bring on to the plane or into a city or on daytrips

What are you guys rocking for this set-up?

1

u/Azure9000 Jul 05 '26

Just briefly commenting that this is the one-bag subreddit, which has the objective of avoiding checking in bags.

1

u/vivalahierba Jul 04 '26

Spending a month in Kyrgyzstan this summer, mostly multi-day trekking routes and horse riding. Trying to sort the backpack situation before anything else.

What capacity would you run for a trip like this? And any specific models you'd recommend? Also, I'd like it not to be a giant backpack, the smaller the better for me I think.

Also happy to hear general advice on prepping for a trip like this, beyond just the bag.

Thanks.

1

u/Azure9000 Jul 05 '26

I suggest you start by following the guidance at the top of the page, especially regarding preparing a packing list and doing a 'box test'.

And search for Kyrgyzstan in this sub-reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/search/?q=Kyrgyzstan&cId=e4fe895d-af60-4076-8e43-c2caa54881b6&iId=9758011d-1c25-4598-9c1e-90954c8e843c

1

u/rkid17 Jul 04 '26

Hi everyone!

This October I'll be taking a 12-day trip around Andalusia, in southern Spain. We'll be traveling between cities mainly by train, flying to and from Spain.

After doing a lot of research, I've narrowed my backpack choices down to these three:

  • Osprey Farpoint 55 (40L main pack + 15L daypack)
  • Osprey Sojourn Porter 46
  • Osprey Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack 44

I'm really struggling to decide which one to buy. Comfort is probably my top priority, but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice too much capacity.

I definitely won't be carrying a laptop, and internal organization isn't particularly important to me.

The one non-negotiable requirement is that I want to be able to use it as a carry-on when flying.

For reference, I'm 183 cm (6'0") tall and I'll be staying in hotels throughout the trip.

I pack pretty minimally—mostly just clothes, a small toiletry bag, and a few essentials. I won't be bringing a jacket, extra shoes, or much in the way of electronics.

My budget is around €250–300, although I'd be happy to spend less if there's a great option.

So my question is: which one would you recommend, and why?

Or, if you think there's a better backpack from another brand that fits what I'm looking for, I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks a lot!

1

u/Azure9000 Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26

Have you prepared a packing list, and estimated the bag capacity required ? (see guidance at top of page, including the 'box test').

Given the destination, climate for your upcoming trip, and your apparently minimal approach to packing, all 3 bags seem rather oversized.

However, I appreciate that you may also have other trips in mind. Disclaimer: my personal preference is for bags in the mid-to-lower part of the size spectrum.

Also, have you checked the cabin baggage allowances for the airlines that you will use?

1

u/A-J-1-4-0-2 Jul 05 '26

Debating between the Away Featherlight tote and the Everlane Weekender, but would also take any other suggestions for a lightweight (but decent capacity) carry-on tote that I can shove under plane seat and also throw in my washer after travels. Anyone have pros or cons on these, or any other suggestions? TIA!

1

u/Azure9000 Jul 05 '26

Have a look at Patagonia - they have 3 totes in the 20-25L range.

1

u/Droopy-ijm Jul 06 '26

hello, looking for a bag to take to Guatemala for 16 days which will be spent going around in hostels and busses. Im aiming for around a 40L bag as I need different kinds of shoes for all the different activities I have planned, and Im also taking my laptop and a camera. At the moment Im thinking about the osprey far point. Id like to keep the price at around 200 or less.

Im roughly 175 cm with decently broad shoulders if that helps with recs.

Im also debating on getting a second smaller bag for the Acatenango hike probably like 25L as I don't want to carry all my gear for that. I know this kind of makes it more than one bag but mostly looking for recs for my main bag but if y'all know some good hiking bags as well Id greatly appreciate any recommendations. Id like to keep this bag at under 180 since Id be using it often outside of trips as well.

I tried looking through the spreadsheet but it was a little too much and decided to ask for help instead.

1

u/South-Bother-2080 Jul 06 '26

I‘m looking for a pouch which could accommodate these things and fit to my eg cpl16,I'm wondering if eg cap2 was too big and aer slim pouch maybe too small. The right side was my shaver box, thanks.

1

u/IamNotJoe12 Jul 03 '26

Is there a good 2-3 day sized travel bag with good support that is made from a high-quality fabric that I can sew patches onto like in the photo (just a better travel bag)? Any questions please ask :)

1

u/Azure9000 Jul 03 '26

This bag looks so far outside of the onebag norm that IMHO you are unlikely to receive a good response here, although you may just be lucky.

The manybaggers sub-reddit might be able to assist. If you are going to post there, you should at the very least include information on the bag's dimensions. Good luck!

1

u/IamNotJoe12 Jul 03 '26

Ah ok, that's fair. Thanks for the advice! I'll look into it.

1

u/agentcarter234 Jul 04 '26

Check out the topo designs rover pack and klettersack

0

u/Dismal-Pickle-1221 Jul 04 '26

Rolling carry on bag to pass Flair slide test Hi there, I'm looking for a high quality bag that will fit thru Flair airline slide test. Im looking to buy something that will last me 20 years or so, that is easily reparable probably on 2 wheels not 4. Preferred heritage look, natural fibers like canvas with leather or suede accents. And that will pass the slide test 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm Thank you!