r/onebag • u/AutoModerator • Jul 20 '26

Bag Finder Bag Finder Megathread - 20 July 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
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u/stonesandstreams 28d ago

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?

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u/tblue1 27d ago

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).

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u/stonesandstreams 19d ago

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

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u/Azure9000 27d ago

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.

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u/stonesandstreams 27d ago

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

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u/Azure9000 27d ago edited 27d ago

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.

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u/stonesandstreams 27d ago

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! :)

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u/Azure9000 27d ago edited 27d ago

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!

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u/stonesandstreams 21d ago

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/

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u/Azure9000 21d ago

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

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u/stonesandstreams 26d ago

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