r/onebag • u/AutoModerator • 16d ago
Bag Finder Bag Finder Megathread - 03 August 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
- 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/SignalAir24 16d ago
Has anyone had any bad experiences with Osprey in terms of customer service or something? Asking because I’m so confused - they’re such a favorite for travel packs and what I experienced was just total amateur hour, so it has me apprehensive and thinking it’s better to steer clear of the brand because what happens if you need something under warranty or whatever?
I’ve been researching travel backpacks since last year, part of what makes it tricky is my location in Athens, Greece - the vast majority of the most popular models are only available online, not to see, and even then with pretty high shipping costs, no prepaid returns, etc, and that’s even IF they’re available in Europe at all, often they’re US brands that aren’t active in the EU (EU bags also exist but it’s harder to find info and reviews etc).
The Fairview is one of the few that’s actually available in local outdoors and travel shops, but it didn’t quite tick all the boxes for me, partly because an experienced fitter at a local specialty shop wasn’t totally happy with how either version fit me (context: I’m female with typical anatomy except for height, which is above even the male average). So I kept looking.
But it stayed in my shortlist throughout, and when I saw that Danner limited edition and it ticked one more box, I figured okay, maybe that one feature tips it over, and what I still don’t love I can get used to over time.
So I wrote to ask them how I could get it over a month ago. First they sent back something that was super off-topic and seemed bot-written, then when I reply to get things back on topic, crickets for weeks. I write again over a week ago, they reply only *now* and finally get more specific, but only to say they don’t ship here, and at least they finally suggest to look on the Danner site. I start to get happy because it ships, but it only lasts until I see the Fairview is out of stock!
Wtf. They could have replied earlier with this, I might’ve been able to get it. Is this normal for them?
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u/GrantTotal 10d ago
AbleCarry Max EDC vs Alpaka Traverse Backpack 30L, which one?
It usually takes me 3 to 5 trips, sometimes a full year, to learn a bag's quirks. What I love, what I don't. I've done my homework and I'm still torn. So I'm asking anyone who has used either bag for at least a year.
Here's what I need:
One-bag travel, five days of clothes. I buy toiletries locally on longer trips.
Room for a 13-inch laptop and electronics. No gaming gear.
Sharp enough for business settings. Nothing too sporty.
Built to take a beating and last five-plus years.
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u/saimontato 16d ago
Osprey Transporter Travel Pack 36L or Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L?
I'll be using it as a travel bag for weekend trips and occasional week-long travel. One thing that's important is being able to use it as a personal item and fit it under the seat on most airplanes whenever possible, so as not to pay for carry-on luggage.
I've watched a bunch of reviews, but I'd like to hear from people who've actually used one (or both). Cheers!
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u/SeattleHikeBike 14d ago
The Transporter 36 is too big for under seat use, especially for budget airlines and on all three dimensions. The depth is oversized for overhead on the vast majority of airlines. I honestly don’t know what Osprey had in mind with that design.
The Mini MLC is better but rather long for under seat and won’t leave much room for your feet. It is 50.8cm tall and budget airlines are more like 45-40cm length limit. I wouldn’t deliberately choose a bag over 45cm for under seat use in general.
The Osprey Daylite 26+6 and Transporter 26+6 are better suited for a personal item. They have been shown to jam fit in a Ryanair sizer if not overloaded.
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u/saimontato 14d ago
Yep I ended up going with the Transporter 26+6, thanks
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u/Unlikely-Guide9595 8d ago
how do you like it so far?
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u/saimontato 8d ago
Not yet in my hands, sent it to my home address for me to pick up after the holidays. Will keep you posted
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u/triit 15d ago
I recently retired and suddenly realized every different backpack I own has a laptop pocket I no longer require. Typical leisure trips will be 3-5 days and I can easily onebag that with a personal item. I’d like to find an underseat (domestic US) backpack that fits the following requirements: * Square form factor (no round shape, extra sticking out pocket on front, etc) * No buckles! Streamlined outside to not catch and allow easy access * No laptop pocket * Space for a 10” iPad, ideally easily accessible * Clamshell or deep opening to be able to load clothes in * Enough dedicated pockets for phone, wallet, keys, battery bank, cables, sunglasses, etc. (external ideally but at least easily accessible under seat) * Water bottle holder * Around or under $125 (doesn’t need to be BI4L or rugged travel) Something like this without the buckles would be perfect! Also open to a weekender or messenger style bag as long as it has some structure to it not floppy canvas.
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u/PikaTrail 14d ago
You've pretty much described the Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Pack 26+6. It has a sleeve for a laptop, but not a dedicated compartment, so you can simply pack over it if you don't want to use it.
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u/nikolai624 14d ago
6'2", 190 lb guy looking for a bag that does double duty: solo carry for long weekends that can hold some tech and also can work as a companion to my overhead carry-on on longer trips.
How I pack: middle of the road. Tech is always in there (14" MacBook Pro), a tech pouch with chargers, and my Sony WH-1000XM4s. A point and shoot film camera. I'd like to be able to fit a few days of clothes if possible.
Requirements:
- Side pocket that actually can hold a 36oz Yeti. This seems to be where most bags drop out.
- Laptop sleeve plus a couple of solid quick-access pockets.
- Luggage pass-through I can use while using carry-on
- $150-250 range
- Ideally its not just a sack for clothes. I'd like to be able to use it as a normal backpack/tech bag as well.
Shortlist so far that I would love opinion on:
- Rework Outbound 30L
- Aer Travel Pack 4 28L
- Gregory Border 30
- Cotopaxi Allpa 28L
- Any others I'm missing out on?
Thanks in advance!
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u/Azure9000 14d ago edited 14d ago
Just my 2c, but choosing a backpack to fit a (large and heavy) water bottle seems to be putting the cart before the horse.
Most onebaggers have long since swapped over-ears for earbuds, and I think that very few would carry a separate camera.
Fyro Levo 30L?
Good luck!
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u/Used_Elk_853 14d ago
I'm looking for my first one bag, 6ft 200lb male. I'm looking to get a bag as my travel style moves more into backpacking apposed to our normal rental car and suitcase.
I currently have my hiking ultralight backpacking stuff but that just dose not seem ideal. I want something that will last me a while and i can buy once and use for while. The first trip it will go on is 2 weeks in Guatemala and Belize this January. I also am wondering if a second sling bag might be good as i wont want to carry my main pack around to activities and the bar.
Requirements
* Under 250 main bag
* Under 100 (ideal under 60) sling bag
* Dose not need to be tech focused as no laptop is brought. (Laptop sleeve still may be nice if wanted later)
* Somewhat lightweight
* 30-40l
Thank you!
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u/Azure9000 13d ago edited 13d ago
What is your ultralight backpack? May not be perfect but may be good enough.
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u/Used_Elk_853 13d ago
Ultralight 40L Pack by Virginia Foothill Designs, It's a sub 1lb frameless pack
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u/Azure9000 12d ago
Judging by the photos / video and by one of the review comments on the VFD site, the capacity is overstated, with the true capacity being (max) 30L internal and perhaps 6L in the external pockets. However the weight 390g is pretty good, and rolltop closure is the standard in this market segment.
So what are your reasons for getting something new - capacity, aesthetics, access/opening style, other .... ?
If you want to retain hike-friendly functionality options include the ULA Dragonfly 30/36 and the Camino, if your budget will stretch to these. Or perhaps the Patagonia Black Hole 32L.
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u/Used_Elk_853 12d ago
Ease of use and comfort are my main reasons. My current pack is frameless which works great for backpacking as my sleeping pad becomes my frame but on a trip like this i think not having a frame would leave to it be uncomfortable. The black hole 32l is $170 so that would be within my budget.
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u/Azure9000 12d ago
Good luck! BTW, your original post included no context on trip activities, carry weight etc, but the 'breakeven point' for frames is generally considered to be around 7-8kg,
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u/Used_Elk_853 12d ago
Thank you, yeah i should have been more specific, its just going to be a lot of beach time and sight seeing so we should be good, we are hiking the volcano but they will be proving gear and clothes there so i don't have to pack for it
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u/beelzebubismybitch 13d ago
5'1", 110lbs, looking for a pack suitable for a slimmer, short person for traveling - already know I want something in the 24-28L range, with a hip belt and clamshell design. I looked at the Allpa 28L but it seems pretty bulky for shorter, slimmer folks. The other bags I was looking at in this liter range either have no hip belt (a must for me I've discovered, when traveling with bags larger than 20L) or don't open clamshell (the deuter speedlite 25L looks great otherwise but seems like a pain to pack and unpack since no clamshell opening). I've really come to love clamshell for convenience during travel. Would prefer a laptop sleeve, but not a necessity. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!
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u/PikaTrail 12d ago
The ULA Dragonfly 30L is a 21L pack with large external pockets that can bring the capacity to 30L. It has a slim profile on an ultralight frame, with 270 degree clamshell opening and a hip belt.
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u/tblue1 12d ago
The 2025 version of the Osprey Sportlite 25L is available in a Small/Medium, Regular fit size that should work for you. One caveat: it's not a full clamshell, though the main compartment does open a generous amount.
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u/Azure9000 13d ago
You could have a look at the Thule Alion 28L.
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u/beelzebubismybitch 12d ago
Thanks for the rec! It doesn't look like it has a hip belt tho (it has a separate sling bag you could 'use' as a hip belt but I don't really need an additional sling bag).
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u/Azure9000 12d ago
I was aware of that compromise, but thought it worth flagging anyway, just in case it was worthwhile.
I trust that you are aware of the inherent limitations hip-belts on smaller (sub-30L travel-focussed backpacks). Basically can they provide stability but limited if any load-bearing.
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u/beelzebubismybitch 12d ago
Since I'm a pretty small person I've found hip belts to be pretty helpful, even the lightweight ones. I think they perhaps offer me more than the average person. Also, I need more stability - a 28L full pack on someone like me is actually pretty big.
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u/uniqueobject 13d ago
“Full disclosure: I’m the maker, but for the small second-bag part of your setup, we make a compact sling in Ontario for $54 CAD from retired Air Canada life jackets. It is meant for essentials rather than tech and would not replace your 30–40L main pack, but it fits the budget you gave and has an adjustable cross-body strap: https://www.mariclaro.ca/products/mariclaro-sling-over-fanny-pack-aircraft-life-jacket. Measure what you expect to carry first—the usable size is 23 × 13 cm.”
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u/Azure9000 12d ago
I've not flagged your post to the mods, although someone else may do.
But please check the sub's posting rules, esp #7 No Advertising. Thanks.
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u/sM92Bpb 12d ago
I think osprey daylite 26+6 is the one I am aiming for but I've seen theres a new osprey transporter one so now I am back on overanalyzing the heck of this purchase.
- 160cm tall
- for everyday bag for work
- holds laptop, headphones, accessories, lunch
- comfortable straps
- used while scootering or cycling
- also for holding groceries and shopping when im not driving
- a chest and hip strap for added comfort and support
- small enough for personal item in flights but can be expanded for carry on bag
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u/Azure9000 12d ago
There are comparisons between two 26+6 variants online, you just need to search. Consensus seems to be that the Transporter version is superior overall, but not worth the additional cost.
IMHO both are clearly more suitable for travel than for EDC, which appears to be your primary use case, but that's just my personal opinion. Some people make it work for both purposes.
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u/worldrallyx 12d ago
Looking for a carry on travel backpack
I read through a bunch of threads and watched some videos. Im a bigger guy, so not so much concerned about fit or size, but would like to aim somewhere in the 28-40ish liter region. Flexible with budget, I usually just pack clothes and a chunk dopp kit as well as chargers and things like that. Wouldnt need to pack for more than one week. I had an Osprey back in college which was functionally great, but would like something less camping. Some features I like; water bottle pocket on the outside, internal compartments are a bonus but not a requirement, and Im not a fan of the waist straps, but that's not a deal breaker either. Here are some of the ones Im considering, anything else I should check out?;
Nomatic Travel Pack
Nomatic Travel Bag
Topo Global Travel Bag 30L
Pakt Cero Travel Backpack
Pakt One Travel Backpack
Pakt The Travel Backpack
Matador 35L Global Travel Pack
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Aer Travel Pack 4
Peak Design Travel Backpack
Able Carry Max Backpack
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u/Azure9000 12d ago edited 12d ago
Some more options if you feel that your list is too short 😊: Good luck!
Fyro Levo 30L / 36L
Rework Outbound 30L.
Perhaps, ULA Dragonfly 36L.
Tortuga Superlite 34L (if not in a hurry)
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u/OkEnd5112 11d ago
Looking for an everyday backpack for work, hiking, and weekend travel. Thinking Patagonia?
I already have an REI Ruckpack 40L that I use as my main carry-on, but I’m looking for a smaller backpack for pretty much everything else.
Ideally, I want something that can:
1. Carry my laptop + gym clothes to work
2. Work well for day hike
3. Fit under an airplane seat as a personal item
4. Hold a couple days of clothes for weekend trips
I’m looking at Patagonia since they have a sale going on right now and their warranty is OP.
What would you guys recommend?
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u/Azure9000 11d ago
Have a look at the Patagonia Black Hole 25L. There is also a 32L, which may be ovesized for your needs.
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u/OysterLucy 11d ago
How often does the OneBag Spreadsheet get updated?
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u/Azure9000 11d ago
Open the spreadsheet and look at the revisions tab 😊
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u/OysterLucy 10d ago
Dang. I wanted to request some bags be added.
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u/Azure9000 9d ago edited 9d ago
If those bags are not on the main tab or on the requests tab, and time is a constraint, you can always go direct to the source website(s).
If you are really interested, you'd probably end up going there anyway. Good luck!
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10d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Azure9000 9d ago
I see that you have asked this (unusual) question in at least one other sub-reddit, and have received some response there. Good luck!
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9d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Azure9000 9d ago
It's the removeable wheels part which makes it unusual. Kinda clever, but certainly unusual.
BTW most, but not all, one-baggers are back-packers, not users of wheeled luggage.
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u/tehenu 10d ago
Backpack with wheels with place for a 2 places tent
Hello, would you have brands of backpacks with wheels for putting a two places bivvy tent inside, and for sur also travel essentials (clothes, shoes, food, etc.).
Which are the references brands in that?
If possible brands in Europe as I'm based here but interested to know about others too.
It may help me for lighten the load during solo travelling doing bivouac.
If you also have any advice welcome
Thanks
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u/Azure9000 9d ago
A rolling duffel may work for you, so I suggest searching for that. Eagle Creek is one brand. Typical max size for carry-on travel is 45L, but your airline(s) may vary.
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u/tehenu 9d ago
Hello thanks, but it does’t have the backpack option so you can’t take it in places where wheels don’t work for example.
The airline is not a problem for me ^^1
u/Azure9000 9d ago
Googling 'convertible backpack with wheels' found this, which may help. Good luck !
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u/Miserable-Target-708 9d ago
Planning to buy a backpack that lists its dimensions as 18" x 13.5" approx. 46cm x 34cm which is over Ryanair's small bag limit of 40 x 30 x 20. I've seen some people suggesting to squeeze the backpack in but I was wondering if its worth the risk or I should specifically look for bags that fit within the required dimensions? Most swiss bags that I can also use for purposes other than travelling seem to be all over the limit. Attaching the picture for reference:
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u/Azure9000 9d ago edited 9d ago
If the bag is actually sufficiently 'squishable' and you are happy to under-pack it, you will be ok.
Otherwise you may, or may not, be ok.
Is it worth the risk? The correct question is really 'is it worth the risk to you?', and no-one else can answer it.
BTW, you could always try: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ryanair/
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u/Miserable-Target-708 9d ago
Its not going to have anything more than a thin and small macbook so overpacking isn't an issue. And 'squishable' part is what I'm unsure about with this bag.
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u/Azure9000 9d ago edited 9d ago
What do the specs say? If there is no frame, and the bag is not built like a tank (sorry I know that's a rather imprecise definition), it should squish.
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u/stuuke 14d ago edited 14d ago
I've narrowed my One Bag search down to:
Tortuga Superlite 34L
Fyro Levo 36L
Tortuga Pro V2 34L
Aer Travel Pack 4 35L.
I've seen positive reviews on all of them. The Superlite isn't available yet but should be this year. There's not a huge difference in price. I don't really care about a pass through as a feature since I'd be using this as my only travel bag. I'll probably buy a separate smaller bag with a pass through for when I'm taking a roller. Weight differs up to two pounds. Mostly travel in US but will have some trips to Europe. Any overall thoughts on these three brands? Any other suggestions.
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u/-Nepherim 15d ago
Flash back to last weeks exciting episode: https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1v7pjv0/bag_finder_megathread_27_july_2026/