Maximum Sized Carry On (overhead) Tough/Expeditionary Pack/Bag Help

[u/East-Ad-6476]

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) but convertible would be ideal
• Subdued, black or green.
• Waterproof
• RIp-Stop or tear resistant fabric
• Store laptop if needed in a separate protected/padded pocket
• Internal storage for small items (passport, computer, etc.)
• Side storage for water bottle
• Made in USA

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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- Red Oxx Sky Train Convertible Backpack (38L)

https://www.redoxx.com/products/sky-train-convertible-backpack

- Red Oxx Lil Hombre Convertible Duffel (40L)

https://www.redoxx.com/products/lil-hombre-convertible-duffel

- 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

- Osprey Transporter Duffel Expedition Duffel (40L)

https://www.osprey.com/transportertm-duffel-40?size=O%2FS&color=Blue+Flame%2FNocturnal+Blue

- Cabin Zero 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

- Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack (45L)

https://www.matadorequipment.com/products/globerider45-travel-backpack

- 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

- Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (55L)

https://www.patagonia.com/product/black-hole-duffel-bag-55-liters/196924909281.html

[u/Xerisca]

Be REAL aware that with 40-45L bags, there's a really good chance your bag could be selected for gate checking. It also won't meet the requirements for some regional and budget airlines either.

I stopped carrying 40L when my bag got picked for gate check a few times... and when I realized 40L is about 20L more than I needed anyway.

Cabin storage bins are getting smaller too, not bigger.

[u/thebemusedmuse → u/Xerisca]

They’re definitely getting bigger. Most new domestic plane refits fit a full size carryon turned on its side.

[u/BudgetKey2705 → u/thebemusedmuse]

Even international on my last flights through JAL IMO - monster O/H

[u/Xerisca → u/thebemusedmuse]

I guess I haven't seen that. I don't fly domestic too often. Int'l are definitely getting smaller..

[u/BudgetKey2705 → u/Xerisca]

Thank You! Very helpful and may shift me from 45 to more in the 35-40 range. I can’t swing 20L with my gear.

[u/Xerisca → u/BudgetKey2705]

There are a number of ways to get the space you need and never have your bags checked.

The first question might be... is this work or vacation travel? Or, indefinite nomad travel and work?

Are you domestic in North America mostly? Or global?

Are you moving accommodations every couple of days? Or posting up somewhere for a few weeks at a time?

When I traveled globally for work, I'm in IT so electronics and some tools were necessary, I would insist that any large items be shipped ahead of time. I had a... beefy... laptop bag and a small backpack for clothes. Done.

Domestically I did an underseat roller for tools and heavy stuff I could not check and had no desiree to haul around on my back. Those umderseat rollers hold a surprising amount of awkward stuff..And my 20L backpack wrnt in thr overhead. Neither ever got selected for gate check.

Vacation is always 20L only. If I can't live without my camera gear, I'll take a camera bag as my personal item.

For you, depending on why you need so much stuff and where you'll be... you may need another configuration, or consider finding a way to check a bag. Is something like a 30L bag and a 20L underseat duffel or something workable?

Remember, while not all airlines enforce it, weight is also a restriction, and out of nowhere, they might check.

[u/BudgetKey2705 → u/Xerisca]

Thank You Xerisca,

I think I have a different account on my phone - but to post a response as the OP

• Purpose: Work only.
• Duration: 5-7 days of travel
• Location(s): Global travel and domestic
• Lodging: Typically in one lodging, but not always
• Shipping: Can not ship ahead of time

As mentioned

• Checking a bag is not an option
• A roller setup is not desired / required

Based on that any recommendation(s)?

[u/Xerisca → u/BudgetKey2705]

I'd really try to split them up if not checking is a high priority. 2 20L or if you want to really push it, a 20L and a 30L.that will largely guarantee nothing gets selected for checking and isn't overweight. If you fly Ryan Air, or any regional airline, you're going to get charged or gate checked.

[u/Able_Worker_904]

Patagonia Black Hole is the 🐐

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[u/LTR_TLR]

My current favorites are tortuga and matador

[u/East-Ad-6476 → u/LTR_TLR]

Thank you - they both look great!

[u/SeattleHikeBike]

The Porter 46 IF it fits your torso. It’s really a convertible duffle bag with a good harness. I’ve found used Porters for $40 off Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

The Cabin Zero is light and inexpensive but mediocre ergonomics. The Pro and Military models are a bit better.

If not carrying a laptop, consider the REI Trail 40 too.

[u/East-Ad-6476 → u/SeattleHikeBike]

I'm 6'3" roughly, but 32" inseam, so I have a very long torso. Is the Porter 46 better for a short or long torso? I tried a Patagonia bag and it was WAY too small.

Thank you for the suggestions and the top list updated!

[u/SeattleHikeBike → u/East-Ad-6476]

Osprey says 15”-21” and I have a 20-21” torso and agree with that.

I use a 32 liter backpack and an 8 liter crossbody/shoulder carry personal item. You could boost your cargo capacity that way.

[u/BudgetKey2705 → u/SeattleHikeBike]

Sounds a little small for me - similar to Patagonia. I’m carrying a shoulder bag already so looking to keep this focused on a duffel bag with backpack straps or something similar that I can secure/stow preferable.

[u/SeattleHikeBike → u/BudgetKey2705]

I was just giving my example. You have the shoulder bag so we’re doing the same thing, just a matter of scale (pun intended).

[u/WoeToTheUsurper2]

You’re describing an assault pack sir. Give in and get the 5.11 Rush 24 or splurge on whichever Mystery Ranch tickles your fancy (the Mission Rover 45 looks like what you’re looking for)

[u/East-Ad-6476 → u/WoeToTheUsurper2]

Yes Sir! My range bag is 5.11 and terrific.

[u/tblue1]

Take a look at the B.A.D. N° 3 Duffel Bag. There is also a version that converts to a backpack.

[u/BudgetKey2705 → u/tblue1]

Heck yeah! Made in USA love it!

[u/SeattleHikeBike]

Red Oxx might be interesting on the duffelish side.

[u/East-Ad-6476 → u/SeattleHikeBike]

Nice! Made in USA, never heard of them but look great! Updated the list above.

[u/SeattleHikeBike → u/East-Ad-6476]

Buy it for Life stuff. Spendy.

[u/East-Ad-6476 → u/SeattleHikeBike]

I'm a fan of buy once, cry once.

[u/SeattleHikeBike → u/East-Ad-6476]

I’m a fan of finding that level stuff used and cheap, like me :)

[u/SeattleHikeBike → u/SeattleHikeBike]

If that doesn’t scare you the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 and Techonaut 45 are in that league. Made 10 miles from by doorstep :)

[u/kale_mustang]

I love my Patagonia Black Hole, it definitely carries quite a bit & I appreciate that it's its own bag when folded up.

Throwing another backpack idea into your list: Matador Globerider 45L

[u/weeddealerrenamon]

The Patagonia 55L's actual measurements work out to ~46L, and I've carried it onto planes with no problems. It's durable and has a lifetime warranty.

Other people aren't wrong to tell you otherwise, but I've never had a problem with such a bag and I'll keep taking that risk.

[u/East-Ad-6476 → u/weeddealerrenamon]

That's great! I was a little heartbroken that the 55L might not make the carry on cut, since it has a trout print (avid fly-fisherman) and was bummed to pull it out of my first list. Thank you for the help and updated above!

[u/weeddealerrenamon → u/East-Ad-6476]

It's my go-to "I just need maximum space" carry-on! Definitely recommend it over all of those "backpack first, duffel second" packs.

[u/East-Ad-6476 → u/weeddealerrenamon]

Win! I'm looking for a maximum (legal/permissible) carry on duffle bag, that, if required, can shift to a backpack, but not required. Nice feature, but if it does have straps for a backpack feature, they need to be able to be secured so they don't snag on things.