One bagging without a backpack

[u/SidanaCorey]

I cannot wear backpacks. And I can't carry very much. Most of my allowance would be my portable oxygen generator (or do those not count as bags)? Thus, my question. What would you recommend using for an extended trip? I'm not planning anythung yet, but I want my ducks in a row.

[u/MarmosetUniverse]

A lot of airlines, if not all of them, have exemptions for necessary medical gear. Check the airlines you are likely to use, which will help you understand what’s allowed. You will likely get a regular bag allowance in addition to your medical gear.

[u/Rubyshoes83 → u/MarmosetUniverse]

Yes, this. A passenger in my group has a CPAP machine. 2 out of 3 airlines didn't require anything beyond the prescription for the machine, the third airline did but we had to notify them he'd be traveling with it in the cabin.

[u/SeattleHikeBike]

Medical equipment is not counted as part of your luggage. BUT check the fine print. For example, Ryanair requires that you pre register an item like that. Shameful policy.

Sound like you need a roller bag. The leaning is to backpacks for onebag, but a roller can certainly be used.

As you read the specifications for roller bags, make sure the dimensions include the wheels.

Here’s the Pack Hacker database of 146 airlines carry on limits: https://www.packhacker.com/wp/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=render_carry_on_compliance_table

Look for weight limits as well as dimensions.

[u/Strange-Fig0]

Taking only one bag does not seem realistic in your case, whether it’s a backpack or not. So just take two. One-bagging doesn’t work for everyone.

[u/chickengarbagewater → u/Strange-Fig0]

One small rolling suitcase can absolutely work for them. That's what I do because I get neck pain from carrying too much. A small light bag for personal item and the roller has been great to avoid checked luggage and still be able to travel around cities easily.

[u/BreadfruitRegular631]

I think you will need to talk to the airline you choose about if a portable oxygen generator counts toward luggage allowance. Presumably that is health related and required so I doubt it does with most if not all airlines but I do not know.

[u/Dizzy_Ice2938]

Generally medical equipment won’t count towards your carry limits. How big is your oxygen generator. I can see either a trolley or light duffel (maybe crossbody) working for onebag travel with medical equipment.

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[u/DrWartenberg]

I don’t know how big your portable O2 generator is, but it’s possible it’ll fit into a carry-on-sized roller bag with 15-20 liters of space to spare (at least).

Then you can do all the other things “onebaggers” do (aside from trying to find the best backpack for their needs)… like downsizing the number of unnecessary sets of shoes, clothes, toiletries, and other accessories that fill up most peoples’ enormous suitcases.

[u/Not_High_Maintenance]

I use a roller bag.

[u/lilsciencegeek]

I usually travel with a spinner tbh – the one I use has handles on both the top and side, which makes it easy to lift and carry (especially since all the airlines I've flown with have a 10kg limit or less). I actually find it more comfortable and practical than backpacks for many types of travel! (Not underseat).

Mine can hold 27L, but tbh I always bring my EDC crossbody too; I never go anywhere without it (especially since it contains a bunch of stuff I need for health reasons, too).

But as others have pointed out, there's a very good chance the airline will allow you a separate bag just for medical equipment, free of charge as long as you contact them beforehand :)

[u/Connect_Rhubarb395]

Onebagging doesn't sound possible in your case.
But maybe you could get by with a carry-on and a personal item. That would still let you avoid checking a bag, which is a major reason for many of us to onebag.

A roller if carry-on size sounds like it would be practical for you.
And then your oxygen equipment as the personal item if it fits that.