Say you've already found your ideal bag, which serves you equally for: - 4 weeks of travel in Japan/Thailand/Vietnam. - 1 week of semi-formal business trip. - As a (slightly oversized) day bag.

Say you now need to choose shoes. Ideally something that works both as semi-formal attire and for a long backpacking trip. Durable materials, but something that doesn't scream "I'm climbing the Himalayas with this".

Is there a versatile OneShoe to such versatile OneBag?

I’m traveling and want a flexible base, mid, shell system. I went to Japan recently and was COLD. 🥶 Unfortunately I’m “cold blooded” LOL. I was wearing a Vuori shirt, Vuori hoody (both sporty polyester material), a slightly thick cotton overshirt, and a thin banana republic jacket (more windbreaking than anything, very thin warmth layer) With temps in the 30’s I was just barely squeaking by. I occasionally subbed out a thinnish merino wool base layer for the Vuori T. Did not really make a huge difference. He’s case is general travel, walking around the city exploring.

Need maximum warmth, minimum weight (and space if possible). Hopefully I don’t have to look completely like a hiker. Considering the classic base layer, mid, shell approach. Here’s two things I came up with:

BASE - Any T shirt or merino base layer

MID - Patagonia R1 Air full zip hoody OR Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece

SHELL - Many options, Patagonia, REI, Kuhl. Need pockets for hands so Patagonia Houdini is out. Or maybe just upgrade mid layer and keep the Banana jacket

Any reccos? Experience with any of these? Got your own system?

Thanks!!!

if you are one bagging, what do you do with things you can’t or potentially can’t put in your carry on but that you don’t want to have to constantly repurchase? Like hiking poles, pocket knives, etc. can you check like a small cardboard box with those items and recy it at destination, or do you bring a compressible bag and check that, though it wouldn’t protect poles. Or just not bring anything that can’t be carried on? Or put your one bag in a protective bag and check it?

Hello fellow travelers!

I am planning some indefinite travel around Europe where I will be visiting friends all over the continent and taking planes, trains, busses, and of course a lot of walking.

I'm looking for the perfect roller bag that is carry-on size (45L maybe) and can primarily be rolled but is also easy to carry in different ways when going up stairs, navigating crowded and narrow trains, jumping on and off busses, etc.

I've done a lot of travel with a Patagonia Black Hole bag as a backpack and generally I've been quite happy with it, but in my last few trips I was just so exhausted (and with so much shoulder pain) that I desperately wished I had something I could roll. It is also a bit harder in terms of organizing stuff. I use packing cubes but I like to keep them within the suitcase, especially when staying with friends who have limited space, and the design of my older black hole doesn't let me do that as the opening is too small.

I've checked out the Topo Global Travel Roller Bag which has backpack straps but is a roller bag, but I see a lot of bad reviews so I'm hesitant to buy something so expensive when people say the backpack straps are uncomfortable and the design makes poor use of space. I also checked an Osprey backpack/roller bag and did not find it convenient for packing or as nice for rolling (though the straps are much more comfortable than the Topo).

Any advice on a good roller bag with a few different good and comfortable carry options in a pinch? They don't necessarily have to be backpack straps, but something more than one handle on top that would help me navigate around more easily!

Thanks in advance!

We are travelling for 12 days, and are trying to avoid checked bags and rolling suitcases. I have an allpa 35 which I love and will be using, but wondered what bags the kids could carry.

Looking at the Allpa 20, but it looks small and that its utility would be somewhat limited. Would an underpacked 28 be a terrible idea?

I have a few travel bags, and I wanted to try this one because the pictures looked good, and the company is excellent—I have several other items from Western Rise.

The bag arrived just in time before a ten-day trip to Mexico.

I was immediately impressed with how much I could fit in the bag. It could hold everything from a 40-liter pack I had been using and still had room for other items.

I was initially doubtful of the straps. They seemed thin, and I thought they would not be as comfortable as my current bag with broad, thick straps, but I was wrong. The bag and straps were easy to put on, and the weight was distributed nicely. Once I adjusted them to my body, I had no issue with the straps.

The handles are thinner than those of other bags, which, too, surprised me. However, the straps remained strong and easy to grab throughout my trip, including when loading and unloading from a plane overhead and car trunks along the way.

The materials are top-notch, and the zippers are a pleasure compared to other bags whose zippers quickly catch on the fabric or refuse to budge.

The compartments worked exceptionally well for me, allowing me to add organization. The main compartment is well thought out, and the quick-access pocket is easy to open and use. I could get to my quick-access items even when the bag was full.

In summary, I could not be happier. This bag has done better than other, much more expensive offerings and will continue to get much use in the coming years.

The only nit I have with this bag is the thin handles. They did put up with all the pulling during the trip, but I do wish they were a bit wider or more cushioned—again, I am stretching here.

I recently also purchased the Western Rise packing cube set and am looking forward to using it for my upcoming Italy trip.

I did not mention in the review which bag I was replacing, but I will mention it now—the Goruck 40l Dyneema. I still have it. It is a great bag and very useful, but I find the Western Rise more my style.

Hiya,

I've searched this subreddit and I'm still super unsure on what to go for.

Basically, I travel for work across Europe from Europe quite regularly and I recently bought a TomToc 27 which I really don't like. I find it sits low and doesn't fit my torso very well. I quite like some of the features of it but it just isn't ideal.

What I'm looking for is something either expandable or that I can cinch down with external straps. A decent sized water bottle holder and maybe a stretch panel on the front to throw a lightweight jacket in or snacks/whatever. And maybe a small pocket or two for sunglasses/passport/earphones Ideally between 30-40lts and either no waist strap one that can be hidden/removed.

Generally I carry a shirt or two, underwear, trousers, gym/casual wear, trainers and a jacket & hoody weather dependant and a 15" laptop with a small power bank/cables/etc.

Looks wise I'm not fused if it's more a hiking style or more formal, I don't really mind as long as it fits my needs.

I've looked at quite a few bags but I'd like to see what you guys recommend. I've pretty much discounted the Osprey Farpoint 40 as the waist strap doesn't look like it's removable or stowable.

Budget around €200, don't mind spending more if it's "the one"

I don't know if this is the right thread,but I still want to make this question. can I pack my beauty case in my luggage,or does it need to be in my on flight backpack

Hi everyone. I've been reading on here for a few days now and I've seen a couple of people reference a microbag. Basically something they carry on them just as they are walking around and I was wondering what that is? When I searched, bags for sunglasses came up and I can't imagine why that would be useful.

Hi, I travel for work on 2 to 3 day trips and I’ve been using an osprey nebula which is really just a backpack laptop carrier. It’s about a 32 L. I want to upgrade to a little more space and I want something with some pretty good structure so it’s comfortable to wear. I recently ordered the Cotopaxi allpa 42 L, the osprey far point, and the Osprey Archeon to trial them all. Honestly like the layout of the allpa best but its structure isn’t great and very few adjustments on the backpack straps. Ospreys are more comfortable to wear but have layouts not as great. Any suggestions for a bag I should try?

Hi all,

I like the idea of soap bags for bars of soap etc. From researching I have noticed the Matador FlatPak looks great but it’s AUD$30 each, which adds up fast considering I'm looking at purchasing 3.

There are some cheaper ones on Amazon (2 for AUD$10) – wondering if the Matador is really worth the extra cost?

Happy to pay more if it’s noticeably better, just don’t want to overpay for something simple.

Appreciate any thoughts or recs!

I'm thinking ahead, but in January I'm backpacking from Singapore to London with no flights. I'm very excited. I take four tablets a day, plus some other prescriptions as needed. I've survived packing with five months medication before, but a year is a big step up. Has anyone had issues not keeping their pills in the original packaging? Ideally I'd pack them into ziplock bags to save space. I have considered packing enough to get me to Turkey, and then seeing a doctor there to get new prescriptions. Just curious to hear what some of the options may be. Thanks!

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Looking to get a duffle, pack, or bag that I can hand carry (normal) or (not as important / critical / required vice desire) use a backpack that is light, uber durable, and ideally water resistant / waterproof that fits in an airline approved overhead space (can not check baggage).

Jealously - Driver: I've seen buddies stuff their trash easily in Patagonia 40L duffels that they can carry or use as a backpack with great success.

Requirement(s):

• Fit in aircraft overhead size bin/stowage
• 40-45L based on ability to place in aircraft overhead (largest possible)
• Store 5-7 days of regular (street) clothes, hygiene kit, meds, sunblock, set of large shoes (boots) and a uniform (bulky), lightweight/technical towel, etc.
• NO roller bag format - I end up having to carry it most times anyway.
• Water resistant required - durable material - minimum
• For backpack formats - must be able to stow/secure straps for duffel/bag format carry
• Fit a Long (or XL) torso - 76" tall
• I travel with a 45L backpack for essential junk (1 change of clothes, flip flops, meds, chargers/cables, passport/papers, office junk (pen, wheel book, etc.) - need to be able to carry both concurrently
• Less than $350

Desires/Preferences - Not Required:

• Not specifically looking for backpack format (duffel preferred).
• Subdued, black or green.
• Waterproof
• Store SLR camera (not required)
• Side storage for water bottle
• Internal storage for small items (passport, computer, etc.)

Potential bags (not a complete list - just first finds) not in any order other than increasing volume.

Open to any recommendations or great ideas based on the above.

Thank you in advance!

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- 5.11 RUSH LBD MIKE DUFFEL BAG (40L)

https://www.511tactical.com/rush-lbd-mike.html

- Nomatic Travel Bag (40L)

https://www.nomatic.com/collections/travel-bags/products/nomatic-travel-bag

- Patagonia Disperser Roll-Top Pack (40L)

https://www.patagonia.com/product/disperser-roll-top-water-resistant-pack-40-liters/48575.html

- Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (40L)

https://www.patagonia.com/product/black-hole-duffel-bag-40-liters/49339.html?dwvar_49339_color=PFGD

- Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro (40L)

https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/travel-backpack-40l

- CLASSIC PLUS BACKPACK (42L)

https://www.cabinzero.com/products/classic-plus-backpack-42l-orange-chill?_pos=1&_fid=1083f2f97&_ss=c

- Osprey Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack (44L)

https://www.osprey.com/daylitetm-carry-on-travel-pack-44l?srsltid=AfmBOop26z9aPVApjopqshRJ1dFEiEHbBCT9K1dd87v87Z1T3gr64ULP&size=O%2FS&color=Blue+Spikemoss%2FAlkaline

- Patagonia Black Hole MLC (45L)

https://www.patagonia.com/product/black-hole-mlc-convertible-travel-backpack-45-liters/198077046479.html

- Tom Bihn Aeronaut (45L)

https://www.tombihn.com/products/aeronaut-45?variant=44784761995453

- Osprey Sojourn Porter (46L)

https://www.osprey.com/sojourn-porter-46l-porter46f23-819?size=O%2FS&color=Brindle+Brown

- BAD BAGS Nº 3 DUFFEL BAG BACKPACK (47L)

https://badbags.com/products/duffel-n-3-bp

Very hard to find any reviews on this expandable carry on, other than on the manufacturer website. Anyone have experience with this bag? How limiting has the size been for you?

Hi there!

I need help deciding which bag to purchase for a 3-week Europe trip. I'll be flying between most countries so must be carry-on compliant for budget european airlines, and comfortable for a petite (5'2'') woman. I am completely new to the "one bag" travel concept, so will probably need to be on the larger side (preferably 40-45 L) as I am typically a chronic over packer and will probably buy things while I am there as well. The time of year I am traveling will require me to bring a variety of wardrobe choices for both warm and chilly conditions.

Here are the bags I have been considering so far:

• Peak Design 45 L
  • Love the organization and space of this pack, so this is my first choice aside from the fact that I have heard this might not be the best fit for short women and that it is heavy. However, I am open to hearing personal experiences! Just don't want to be uncomfortable.
• Osprey Fairview 40 L
  • Has the best reviews so far from women based on fit and durability, but have also seen that it does not actually fit 40 L worth of stuff? Also does not have external pockets for easy access to main compartment which could be inconvenient in the airport if I need to move stuff to a personal item.
• Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L
  • Seems super durable and like it would last a long time. Also lots of people say it has the best weight to capacity ratio on the market! However, have not seen much info on the comfort factors of this bag and don't love the fact that there is no exterior/easy access pockets.
• Tortuga 40 L Travel Backpack Pro
  • Love the exterior pockets and extensive storage. Most expensive option but maybe most practical? However, have not seen any info about comfort for petite women which is a priority for me.

Would love input on these backpacks for petite women like myself, and also would appreciate any suggestions for packs that would fit my criteria and I have not found yet! Thanks!

Heading to Miami for 3 nights, Spirit personal item only. Not a particularly challenging pack given the weather - but it's been fun trying to accommodate a mix of beachy and clubby wear plus more makeup and toiletries than usual (I have voluminous curly hair that needs a decent bit of my own products at the beach if I don't want to look like a poodle).

Pack:

REI Trail 25 and random sling from Costco

Clothes:

Sweatshirt, T shirt, Sweatpants, Sports Bra - worn on plane

Althletic shorts - if we feel like a beach run lol

Sleep shorts

Dress for nightlife (I do not own or wear heels so hoping we only go to places that allow sneakers lol)

2 bikinis

2 day time tops + 1 black coverup top

2 pairs of shorts (could've done with 1 but had the space)

Underwear x 5

Socks x 3

Bits and Bobs:

I won't list out everything here but a mix of makeup, toiletries/hair stuff, sunscreen, jewelry, etc

Not shown:

Sandals

Packable towel

Snacks aka 2 granola bars (1 for the bf because he will inevitably forget)

I-pad for the plane ride

Overall thoughts -

Honestly need a way to trim down my bits and bobs but I'm a big believer in bits and bobs... sigh.

When I've travelled personal item only before, it's always been filled to the brim, so the goal this time was to try to leave plenty of room. I think I more than achieved this given how roomy it is all packed, so I'm happy.

I'm travelling through Italy and France for two weeks at the end of the month. I've been looking through this sub and seeing lots of great looking options but my problem is that a lot of the bags seem to be too deep for my airline's requirements. It has to be 55 cm (21.5 in) in height, 23 cm (9 in) in depth, and 40 cm (15.5 in) in width. (Air Canada and Air France)

I have found a couple options that are 9 inches deep:

Allpa 28L Travel Pack

Fairview® 40 Travel Pack

But, I like the price point of the Decathlon Forclaz Travel 500 Organizer 40 L Backpack. Unfortunately, it's 10.6 inches deep. Could anyone give me any advice. If the bag is one or two inches over, will i be able to squish it down to size?

Any recommendations or tips would be appreciated!

(Also, I'm Canadian and I would like to be able to purchase from a retailer that ships from Canada to avoid long shipping times and tariffs.)

Recently, I took a trip to Europe (First time, usually I travel mostly to EAsia) using the Ecohub bag that I found on the spreadsheet (the larger variant 18'), I packed it using some packing cubes on amazon, 2 shirts, 1 long sleeve, 6 pairs of socks and underwear, a sling bag, small tech bag, and a small bag for shampoo, face wash, etc.

I found that the straps on the bag were pretty uncomfortable and would hurt after a fairly short period of use. I think that they might be too small or just simply don't fit very well with me, I am 6 ft tall and a medium build male. I am looking for a bag that can be used as a personal item for airlines like scoot, jetstar, us budget airlines, etc. Should be around the size of the Ecohub bag that I tried. If anyone has recommendations for a bag that is more comfortable for longer hours of carry that would be great.

I've seen a lot of posts about the Osprey 26, Farpoint 40 (larger than the smallest personal bag size but tickets I usually come across have at least one carryon bag so should be fine), and Peak Design.

I am pretty flexible with how much I need to pack, but I would prefer a suitcase style opening(clamshell?), potentially the tie down straps that the Ecohub bag has, and a waterbottle holder. Don't need crazy amounts of pockets but wouldn't mind a more hidden one for travel docs or something. My budget is maybe max $100~ I would like to keep it low for now and upgrade later down the line.

I am an "every night in the sink" washer (and sometimes use a gallon ziploc when the sink situation wont work -- eg, hostel, etc). But for multi-week trips I want to upgrade my laundry situation and use a drybag, which can then also double as, well, a drybag. Probably 8L as a 4L ziploc (gallon) was touch-and-go for a long sleeve shirt.

Sea-to-Summit is "the" brand but pricey, especially the ultra-sil. Since I"m not shaving grams of weight from my kit I can't see the UIltra-sil as worth it.

So: suggestions for which drybag (unknows brand) to buy (from Amazon, alas) -- weight? size? Where the objective is to spend as little as reasonable to get a decent bit of kit that will do the job and isn't over-engineered.

Cheers

My 40L has been stuffed to the brim because all my clothes are dirty, and i try to keep them out of the packing cubes when they’re dirty. I had to spend a lot on a last minute flight tomorrow because public holidays in Indonesia are making flights expensive, so i have a checked bag included on my flight. My expensive camera is in a separate bag I bring with me regardless. I’m wondering if anyone has checked in their Fairview and if it came out the other way pretty unharmed? Both flights are with the same company which is also good for checking. Just wondering everyone’s opinions? I could probably get away with carry on but I honestly just don’t want to have to deal with it when it looks so packed full. Any opinions are appreciated! My main concern is obviously my bag not making it or getting damaged.

Update: Checked in my bag and got it back literally unscathed. Thank you for the advice everyone!

First trip with one bag. Requesting to please review my packing list for ~2 weeks in Peru that is coming up in a few days. I will be spending 5 days in Cusco, 4 days on the Salkantay Trek, and 4 days in Lima. Am I forgetting anything? Overpacking?

Bag Osprey fairview 40

REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants\ Rain coat\ Base layer - REI medium weight 1 long sleeve & 1 pair of tights\ Fleece jacket\ 3 hiking socks\ REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking Pants\ 3 regular socks\ asics sneaker\ 7 pairs of underwear\ 2 sports & 1 regular bra\ 1 set of Pajama\ Birkenstock slides\ 1 piece Swimming suit\ 1 biker short\ 2 t-shirts\ Sunglasses\ Headlamp\ Water bottle\ Sun hat\ Microfiber towel\ Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack\ Sahara long sleeve\ Water shoes\ Toiletries - face wash, body wash, deodorant, sunscreen, lotion, tooth brush, toothpaste, lip balm, raisors/nail clippers, Small perfume\ Medication - Tums, Acetazolamide (altitude sickness), Azithromycin (food poisoning)\ 5 protein bars\ 1 pair of shorts\ 1 sun dress\ 2 trash bags ( protect items from water in duffle bag, provided by porters)\ Warm hat - REI Co-op Lightweight Logo Beanie

Wearing on the plane

Multi weather Northface jacket\ Hiking boots\ Phone, phone charger, kindle, travel adapter, power bank, headphone (for plane), AirPod\ Travel pillow\ long sleeve shirt\ Active tights

Renting

Hiking poles\ Sleeping bags

Provided by Tour company (for Trek)

Tents\ Water\ Food - breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bag I'll be taking: Berghaus Bio-fit Jalan 60 + 15 (image attached)

60L Main Bag with plenty of inner pockets

15L detachable day bag

Very brief breakdown, I'm backpacking with a friend around SE Asia in around 6 weeks from now, from Mid-May to Mid-August, and currently going through essentials to take with me, trying to plan what I'll need a bit ahead of time. We're likely going to be in Northern Thailand and Laos for the first month or so, then travelling down through Vietnam for around a month, then flying across to Indonesia (Java) for the final month (all subject to change lol) so just thought I'd see if anybody in here had any more detailed insight/advice packing-wise. Think we might hit rainy season towards the start of the trip, but think we might avoid it whilst in Indonesia towards the backend of the trip.

There's so much useful info in here, which has been great to comb through, but wondered from maybe more experienced backpackers than me, and people currently there/have been there during summer, what are your essentials? Also, what will I forget/not think of taking that has come in handy whilst you've been there?

Another thing maybe worth noting is that I'm planning on taking a handheld camcorder/camera and potentially my laptop, so a couple more electronics than others may have taken before, which I plan on trying to ensure don't get stolen and/or damaged lol.

I am looking at the hard shell B&R 22” 3.0. If you really stuff it full, does it ever pop back open? This is my one concern with this carryon. I tend to really jam stuff in my carry on… like a 5 year old 🫠. Feedback welcome!

US tariffs announced today include 47% on Vietnam and 34% for China. I’ll bet that effects 80% of the US travel products market. Even the US manufacturers are going to get hammered on the raw materials.

“May you live in interesting times.”

This question is directed towards minimalist travelers only. Do you think it is possible for a minimalist traveler to enjoy traveling with a maximalist traveler?

Person A would be someone who travels with a small backpack only (20 liters or less), while person B travels with a large checked suitcase, a wheeled carry on, as well as a personal item (all three, every trip).

If you have had this experience, please share how it impacted your enjoyment of the travel experience, the ways it limited you, etc, if at all.

And if you have been offered this experience, and declined it, please share why you decided to decline. Thanks in advance!