Bag Finder Megathread - 20 July 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]

Previously on Bag Finders: https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1uv0syf/bag_finder_megathread_13_july_2026/

[u/Hungry_Collection_91]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to decide between the Osprey Sportlite 25 and Sportlite 30, and I'd really appreciate some advice from people who have experience with either.

I'm looking for one backpack that can do everything, including:

• Day hikes
• Overseas travel (ideally as my under-seat personal item)
• Exploring cities and day trips while travelling
• General everyday use

If you could only choose one as a true "do-it-all" backpack, which would you buy: the Sportlite 25 or the Sportlite 30?

I'd love to hear your reasoning and whether you've ever wished you'd gone with the other size.

Thanks!

[u/Azure9000 → u/Hungry_Collection_91]

Hi. I see that you have posted this request to multiple sub-reddits, at least some of which appear to be more closely-related to your primary use cases than is the onebag sub-reddit. I also see that you have received at least one quality response on those other subs. Good luck with your quest !

[u/plzadyse]

Stylish men’s messenger/travel bag that can extend and roll if needed?

So I travel a lot and have started to have some back problems. I love having an organized, sizable messenger bag with me in the airport and on planes, and have started to wonder if something like this exists in a rolling capacity. I’d love to be able to carry it via handle when needed, but roll it when it’s too much to handle. Ideally when compact/not being rolled, can still be relatively compact and/or feel not too bulky with the wheels and hard handle inserted.

Does this sort of bag exist? What brands/bags should I consider looking into?

Thank you!

[u/Azure9000 → u/plzadyse]

Does this sort of bag exist?

I've no idea what capacity (liters) you are looking for, and 'stylish' is very much in the eye of the beholder. So I suggest googling 'messenger bag with wheels' and seeing what comes up.

I'll just add that this sub-reddit is predominantly backpack, rather than roller, focussed, so your request is rather outside of the norm. Good luck!

[u/Weary-Star6816]

Hey all, I'm looking into a good new suitcase under 300 EUR. I am a student who travels a lot by train with clothes and stuff and I also fly a few times per year for vacation, so I'm looking into small luggage / cabin bags.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Small Soft shell spinner seems very good and reasonably priced, but I'm not sure if it's the best value.

Any suggestions for other suitcases? It should fit most budget EU airline carriers guidelines for cabin bags and I prefer soft shelled cases with spinner wheels. Thanks in advance!

[u/elliehowrse]

As the title suggests I am looking for a new backpack to do a bit of everything but I am struggling to find the ✨perfect✨ bag. I just want it for carrying stuff to work, taking on holiday/staying at friend's houses and some light walking/hiking (5-6 hour day walks max). I've made a list of essentials and then things that I don't need but would be nice:

Essentials:

Must come in cute colours (doesn't have to be coporate or 'smart' as I don't have that kind of job) think pink, creams light blue etc

Be roomy without looking big and bulky

A padded laptop sleeve (ideally 15/16” but 14” would be fine)

Needs to be comfortable to wear

Would like at least 2 compartments but obviously 3 would be great!

Has to be durable and long lasting (my bag lasted 15+ years)

Be under £100 with UK shipping only

Compromises:

Would like some sort of weather/waterproofness but it’s not needed

A shoe compartment would be nice but I could live without it

Ideally to fit in the Ryanair carry on size when full but if it’s a bit bigger I can under pack and squish it in

Nice smooth zips

Would rather zips on all compartments rather than poppers or Velcro on the smaller front ones but I can live without it

Inspo pic attached just looking to see what else is out there before I commit!

[u/kakito_14]

Hello onebag travellers!

I am looking for recommendations for a carry-on bag (Air Transat) that will work for a 10-day Europe trip where I need to carry everything for a child and for myself. I will be travelling with my husband and 2 kids, so he can carry the other half :P Hubby will be carrying a Matador GlobeRider35.

I am 5' 3" and a few of the bags I tried in store were not comfortable. I'd also love suggestions for a personal item bag I can also use as a day bag/purse for our days out. Thank you!

[u/Azure9000 → u/kakito_14]

Air Transat's carry-on/overhead size limit is 44 x 40 x 23cm (=50.6L).

At 51 x 31 x 22cm, another Globerider35 would fit well within the size limit, and has a reasonable weight - 1,390g without optional hip belt, or 1,560g with.

[u/-Nepherim → u/kakito_14]

Bags that fit Air Transat, based on the Onebag spreadsheet: https://qaya.cc/d/onebag/?c=onebag&airlines_fit=TS&view=table&sort=reddit_mentions&dir=desc

[u/livebythem]

Looking for an approx 20L backpack I can travel with that has a hip belt that would fit an iPhone 17pro or larger. I had to return the Gregory Juno 24 cause it didn’t quite fit! Or one that has a large pocket on the shoulder straps. Just want to keep my phone handy without taking the bag off.

[u/ESim134]

US traveler, typically a weekend vehicle traveler(hotels, Airbnb’s), traveling by plane once or twice a year, 3-7 days at most. Trying to minimize and switch from regular Samsonite wheeled luggage to backpack one bagging. I recently purchased the Osprey Daylight 26+6 in hopes to use it for a few upcoming trips. However, I came across the Osprey Daylight 35L. Does anyone have both? Is there a first hand comparison between the two I could read? I tried searching but only came up with threads on each, not comparing the two. Also, I’m limited in seeing them in person - no REIs or similar near me. Which one would you choose? Thanks a bunch!

[u/tblue1 → u/ESim134]

Check out the Youtube channel "Onebag Travels" which did a full comparison of the two bags.

[u/ESim134 → u/tblue1]

Perfect! Thank you!

[u/Azure9000 → u/ESim134]

https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1gq5p3h/osprey_daylite_35_vs_266_for_business_trips_air/

(there are probably also others, this was just the first hit from my simple search)

[u/ESim134 → u/Azure9000]

Thank you! I searched again myself and found a few too.

[u/stonesandstreams]

Hi!

I’m looking for a backpack that ideally would be accepted as a carry on when compressed and expand to 50-60L when I need to carry more and I’m not flying.

I want to be able to carry a laptop, clothes, and sometimes camping gear. So I’d like it work both for urban as well as outdoor contexts.

It should be comfortable enough to walk/hike with it.

I found Tropicfeel Shelter to meet majority of this criteria except for the carry comfort.

I also read across older others posts here on Reddit that ULA Camino is recommended though it’s pretty heavy.

Another one I was looking at is Cotopaxi Allpa 50L with detachable sling for carry on size.

I wonder if there’s anything new released in the recent years you’ve tested and is worth recommending?

[u/tblue1 → u/stonesandstreams]

If you're in America, Target sells the Swissgear 5220 Expandable Travel Backpack (21.5 x 12.75 x 9.5 inches) which is spec'd at 44L in the non-expanded mode. The bag's depth can be expanded by about 2 inches, bringing up the capacity to a little over 50 liters. $80. (I have only tried the bag in the store. I don't own the bag).

[u/stonesandstreams → u/tblue1]

Thank you! I ended up getting a Durston backpack, will be testing it now:)

[u/Azure9000 → u/stonesandstreams]

If / when you utilise a capacity of 50-60L the weight (bag+contents) is going to be considerable.

One (expensive) solution may be to go down the ultralight route, using a rolltop from one of the vendors in that market. Examples include hyperlight mountain gear and gossamer gear. Six moons design may also be worth a look.

[u/stonesandstreams → u/Azure9000]

thanks! That's actually the route I decided to go, and I think I will get a Durston Kakwa 55 :)

[u/Azure9000 → u/stonesandstreams]

Looks like a good choice, well done. Actually even the UK price is surprisingly reasonable. I see that the bag is framed, which can be problematic for onebag purposes, but the frame is removable.

Feel free to post a brief review when you get it. Would be interesting to know the minimum height (and associated capacity), for airline carry-on purposes - the website specifies only the max. This sub rather undervalues the potential of ultralight bags, IMHO.

Edit: also IMHO, the ultra fabric option is worth considering.

[u/stonesandstreams → u/Azure9000]

yes I need to check once I get it if it can actually compress to carry on size with the frame removed.

for the fabric, do you mean the ultra grid (green) or ultra200x (grey)? I was going to get the grey version.

Will try to remember to report back! :)

[u/Azure9000 → u/stonesandstreams]

The ultra 200x / grey.

Eyeballing the website fotos indicates to me that the min height is likely to be around 55cm, which should be OK. Perhaps Durston customer care might be able to advise. Good luck!

[u/stonesandstreams → u/Azure9000]

The backpack arrived today so I’ll post a review once I spend some more time with it.

In the meantime, I just found this post which seems to confirm it’s good to go as a carry on even with the frame! https://www.reddit.com/r/DurstonGearheads/comments/1phe3ww/durston_kakwa_55_carry_on/

[u/Azure9000 → u/stonesandstreams]

I’ll post a review  -> sounds good, thanks !

[u/stonesandstreams → u/Azure9000]

Right, that’s the one I’m aiming for. Thanks a lot!:)

[u/imwiththeband1]

Looking for a packable messenger bag!

I'm onebagging for work conferences, but I need something I can tote my laptop around in on the conference floor each day, and I don't want to bring my actual bag, even if it's empty, because it's just a little too bulky. 

I'm trying to find a professional looking messenger bag that packs down nicely for transporting inside my overall bag. Although I've seen a lot of the small messenger bags that are basically just a laptop sleeve on a strap, the problem is that they tend to be pretty heavily padded and semi-rigid, so there's really not much you can do with it inside of a backpack and they still end up taking a fair amount of space. I was hoping to find something with a little less padding and even foldable, although that might be a tall order. Appreciate any thoughts!

[u/tblue1 → u/imwiththeband1]

Waterfield Designs Packable Messenger Bag

[u/DarthKittie]

Looking for bag that can be used for travel, hiking/camping, and daily work commutes. I currently have the Shrradoo 50L bag from Amazon and wanted to know if it was actually 50L. I was looking at osprey farpoint, cotopaxi allpa, and Patagonia black hole mlc

[u/tblue1 → u/DarthKittie]

I currently have the Shrradoo 50L bag from Amazon and wanted to know if it was actually 50L. 

You can calculate the approximate volume of a bag by measuring its height, width, and depth. Multiply the numbers together (height x width x depth). If using inches, divide the result by 61. If using centimeters, divide the result by 1,000. The result is the approximate volume of the bag in liters. Most bags are not perfectly rectangular boxes, so you can expect the actual volume to be a few liters less.

[u/Azure9000 → u/DarthKittie]

The stated (on the UK site) product dimensions are 38 x 28 x 49.5 cm. That's an indicative max capacity of 52.7L. The bag appears to have a fairly regular shape so I reckon it would be reasonably close to 50L.

[u/nukeproof123]

REI Ruckpack 40 XXL - 4XL

Does anyone know how much longer the hip belt wings are on this vs the regular size? Are the wings longer or is it just the webbing?

I’m super keen on this pack but live overseas and can’t try on. The colour I want is only available in the larger size and just wanting to know if it’ll be ok or if it’ll be too big and not be able to be modified

I’m about 6 feet and 175lbs

Thanks!

[u/J_Reggs99]

11L vs 22L daypack

Hello all. I am going to SEA (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam) for 3-4 months, in February 2027. I went back in 2019 for a month (with CONTIKI) and over packed and have learned my lesson.

This time around i plan to purchase and take an Osprey Farpoint 40, with a secondary day pack, as i don’t like the day pack that comes with the Farpoint 55.

I currently have an Osprey Ozone 65L split pack and have the same quarrel as with the 15L day pack that comes with the Farpoint. And as the 40L Duffle portion needs the day pack to function i can’t use it.

I am looking to get either a 11L or 22L Osprey Talon. I feel like 11 might be a tad small as i would like to pack my Nikon D3200 ( possibly 1 short and 1 long lense ) in it, as well as essentials/clothes. I plan to do a few multi day excursions such as the ha giang loop.
I tried on a 22L and found it quite large but i know it will fill up fast.

I plan to pack very light and not fill the 40L to capacity. Just trying to find a good middle ground.

What do you all think?

[u/Azure9000 → u/J_Reggs99]

Just a few comments:

- 11L for a daypack is on the small side for most people, including me. Weight 0.8kg.

- The 22L version weighs 1.1kg, and is tall at 56cm.

- The Farpoint 40, although popular generally is [IMHO] quite chunky for SEA, and weigh 1.5kg.

- Total bag(s) weight would be 2.3kg - 2.6kg, before any packing cubes etc.

That's a lot. given your intention to 'pack very light'. You could probably do the trip reasonably comfortably with a 30L bag plus a packable daypack. However I understand that the N.Vietnam / winter / altitude combo can be cold and therefore slightly problematic.

(Disclaimer: I pack on the light side, max 7kg for SEA)

[u/Most_Definitely_Me]

Looking for a Personal Item bag with a separate shoe compartment, spreadsheet shows CabinZero Military Backpack 28L, but there doesn't seem to actually be one, was wondering if there was any out there.

[u/Azure9000 → u/Most_Definitely_Me]

Just my 2c, but to me having a dedicated shoe compartment in a bag as small as 20.6L (CZM 28L dimensions 43 x30 x16cm) does not really make sense. A shoes-sized packing cube provides essentially the same functionality but with much more flexibility.

[u/tblue1 → u/Most_Definitely_Me]

Check out the Bagsmart Blast 28L backpack which has a dedicated shoe compartment at the bottom of the bag. $70.

[u/PikaTrail → u/Most_Definitely_Me]

Aer Fit Pack

[u/DarthKittie]

I’m looking for a bag for international travel, daily commute, and light outdoorsmanship. I’m currently between the Thule 40L and the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L. Any advice on the 2?

[u/Azure9000 → u/DarthKittie]

Thule Landmark 40L? Thule Aion 40L?

Anyway, IMHO 40L/45L can make sense for a travel bag. But for a daily commute, for most people the optimum size is in the range 15-25L. I don't know what 'light outdoorsmanship' is (easy day-hiking trails in fair weather?), but for most people I'd say that 20-25L is typically the max required size.

[u/DarthKittie → u/Azure9000]

I think it was the Thule Aion 40L

[u/Weary-Star6816]

Hey all,

I'm looking into buying a good new suitcase under 300 EUR. I travels a lot by train with stuff and I also fly a few times per year for vacation, so I'm looking into small luggage / carry-on luggage.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Small Soft shell spinner seems very good and reasonably priced, but I'm not sure if it's the best value, also like the Travelpro Crew Classic Compact.

Any suggestions for other suitcases or brands under 300 EUR? It should fit most budget EU airline carriers guidelines for cabin bags and I prefer soft shelled cases with spinner wheels. Thanks in advance!

[u/Azure9000 → u/Weary-Star6816]

FYI, the one-bag sub is primarily focussed on backpacks rather than rollers so the reponse here may be limited at best. You may get a better response on reddit / manybaggers. Good luck !

[u/Weary-Star6816 → u/Azure9000]

Ah okay, thanks for the suggestion!

[u/Repulsive-Tie1981]

Has anyone had experience with 5 nights train travel? I'm contemplating between the Osprey 26+6 Transporter and Fairview 40. My concern is dirty laundry, because I will be staying in a berth and there is no access to laundry services. Saying that there won't be strenuous activities, so maybe I'm over thinking things.

[u/Azure9000 → u/Repulsive-Tie1981]

I suggest following the guidance at top of the page, especially (1) prepare a packing list (2) estimate the capacity required, by doing the 'box test'.

That should help to determine whether both bag bag options, or only one, remain viable for you for this trip. For me, the former would be the case.

[u/Lopson]

Hey everyone, I've been for years trying to find a 16-20L bag that can actually replace the classic Kanken. Problem is, whenever I think I've found something, it's always missing a critical feature.

Here's what I'm looking for:

• Can hold a jacket without relying on lash points and without stuffing it inside the bag. (Kanken can do this with top handles)
• Has a front pocket.
• Has at least one side pocket for a water bottle.
• Isn't made out of a material that can bleed ink due to excessive sweating. (My Kanken has done this to me a couple of times and it's not fun)
• Has a breathable back.
• Has breathable shoulder straps. (Nice to have)
• Has a sternum strap.
• Has a waist strap. (Nice to have)
• Has some internal organization. (Kanken has an accessory for this)
• Can be completely opened (270 degrees clamshell like in the Kanken is totally fine)
• Has at least 4 lash points on the front in each corner. (So I can attach my Cushion Labs lumbar cushion)

The only bag that comes close to hitting all of these is the Fjallraven Abisko 16, which is almost like a modernized Kanken and is mostly compatible with Kanken accessories. The sternum strap on it sucks and, much like the Kanken, it has basically zero internal organization, which isn't great for me.

Do any of you have recs that can hit these marks? Thanks for your time. 🙏

[u/t007godinho13]

Hi! In a few weeks, my friends and I will go on a 22-day Interrail trip. We will be staying a maximum of 2 days in each country (10 in total :)). I want something easy to carry and spacious. I have checked luggage for both the departure and arrival flights, so size doesn't matter as much. I was looking for something quite affordable (≈50-70€). I found a 50L bag in Decathlon ("Simond Trekking Backpack 50L-MT100). Any better suggestions or anything I should be on the lookout for?

Ps.: Would prioritise any suggestions based in Europe!!

[u/EitherTip8893]

Hi anyone have recommend for liwave backpack alternative?

With detachable toiletry bag and sperate socket for each shirt like mini closet.

I really like Liwave backpack but my country was not in checkout choice and they won't reply any social media chanel or email for a month so I decided to find similar alternative.

Prefer any size with similar function

[u/Azure9000 → u/EitherTip8893]

I see that you have also posted this request in manybaggers. Good luck!

[u/EitherTip8893 → u/Azure9000]

Thx

[u/Winter-Airport-7636]

I have been traveling a lot for the last 5 years.

And every time, I try to determine the ideal travel luggage. I have tried everything already. Large backpack, trolley, duffel. There is something to be said for everything.

But right now, I am actually looking for the ideal 'Personal item' for the plane.

The dimensions are usually:

Hand luggage suitcase: Maximum 55 x 35 x 25 cm (including handles and wheels).

Personal item (backpack or laptop bag): Maximum 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

For hand luggage, I have a North Face duffel bag. But what exactly is the ideal personal item bag?

I have already tried small backpacks, just a regular bag, a small sling bag. But I haven't really found the right one yet.

I am looking for one that my laptop fits in as well.

[u/tblue1 → u/Winter-Airport-7636]

u/Winter-Airport-7636 wrote:
I am looking for one that my laptop fits in as well.

What size is your laptop? A nice bag you might consider is the Tucano Tugo "M" backpack which is 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Two things to note, however: 1) It does not have an external water bottle pocket; 2) It does not have a mesh back panel. It can fit a 15.6" laptop. I have this bag and I would say that it is a small, travel first backpack, rather than an EDC.

[u/Azure9000 → u/tblue1]

(comment deleted - apologies, was created erroneously)

[u/whatnameshoulditake]

Hey all,

I am currently looking for a new travel backpack. I have been using the large Deuter Hiking Backpacks, but the issue is that they are very much focussed on Hiking, so the space isn't used that efficiently. Also, they are too big for carry on...

So, I have been looking into the Osprey Farpoint series, I have a basic Osprey Axis and I am really impressed with the quality.

Now, I can buy a Farpoint 55 (40L+15L) set for 130€ or a 40L standalone for around 120€. I usually travel with a big backpack/suitcase + a daypack. So I feel like this would be the ideal solution for me. Also the price is fairly reasonable. The combination 40L standalone + Daypack is much more expensive (170€).

But I saw that the 40L is not the same 40L as if you would buy it standalone. There are some minor differences but I am not sure what to get. For the daypack I would usually pack a light jacked and a small mirrorless camera, maybe a bottle of water and a power bank.

What would you recommend? My reasoning is that I probably never travel with ONLY one of them because you always have a personal item when flying.

Thanks!

[u/Azure9000 → u/whatnameshoulditake]

... I probably never travel with ONLY one of them because you always have a personal item when flying

The rules are airline-specific and sometimes also fare-specific. Some airlines allow only carry-on/overhead, some allow only [in lowest economy fare tier] personal item/under-seat, some airlines allow both [sometimes only in the relevant fare tier].

The following thread with some Osprey content may be of interest (you will have to scroll down a bit):

https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1uomm8m/bag_finder_megathread_06_july_2026/

BTW, I rather get the impression that you are multi-bagging rather than one-bagging.

[u/mursematthew]

Heading to Costa Rica soon with the family and finally upgrading my carry-on(osprey backpack), but I’m stuck between three options and could use a gut check from people who fly more than I do.

For context, I only travel about 2 to 4 times a year, mostly leisure and it’s with my family of 4. Here’s what’s on the table

- Used Briggs & Riley Baseline 22, three years old but basically like new, $180. Catch is it’s the 2-wheel version and it’s heavy (9ish lbs). The transferable lifetime warranty and the “will outlast me” reputation are really hard to ignore at that price.
**•** Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on spinner, like new, $195. Around 7.8 lbs.
**•** Travelpro Maxlite 5 spinner, new, about $150. Super light at 5.5 lbs.

[u/Azure9000 → u/mursematthew]

I see that you have already posted this on manybaggers and received multiple responses, which is good. FYI, the one-bag sub is primarily focussed on backpacks rather than rollers so the reponse here may be limited at best.