For travel i currently use an Osprey Hikelite 26 and it isn’t really great to access passport, electronics etc. that is needed for travel, layovers and security. The volume is fine for me. I only carry a set of clothes (in case the checked bag gets lost), chargers, power bank, and a light jacket and soem food. But this bag not having compartments, makes it hard to access.
I don’t travel with laptop or iPad. I reside int he US and only want to buy from US vendors (tariff etc.). i only fly 2-3 times a year (one of them trans-Atlantic with 3 flights), so a super expensive bag isn’t worth it. Id say $100 is my uppe limit right now unless soemthign extremely impressive comes up.
I hope to find a backpack that has more compartments and makes it easier to access the things i actually need at the airport or on the plane vs. just the luggage (the 1 set of clothes that I only need if the checked bag gets lost). Weight matters to me since I don’t want to be a cargo donkey and airlines have weight limits.
I found this Tomtoc Navigator T66 40L for $80. Some reviews complain it actually is a bit less than 40L. But this is fine since my current 26L backpack suffices. I’m also fine with the price. But it seems to lack the easily accessible compartments for charger etc. But it has (to me) useless laptop compartment. It also doesn’t have a compartment for glasses etc.
Is there something similar, but with more smaller (accessible from outside) pockets instead of the laptop compartment? I’m sure the T-66 40L is a great upgrade over my hikelite 26L. But it seems the lapotp compartment wastes weight and volume.
A friend of mine recently moved back to the states from Japan and he told me that his Cotopaxi bag was awesome for day and weekend trips over there.
I got to check it out and it does seem nicely organized for traveling, but when I just checked the price the 28L bag is about double what you’re wanting to spend.
Personally I have an Ogio bag I picked up at Costco a few years back, very similar to this one.
It’s very well constructed and it should last a very long time. It’s also styled a bit more like a typical backpack, if that matters. It does have a laptop pocket but it’s in the back and doesn’t really take up your other storage space. Since you mentioned glasses it also has a “crush proof” compartment for items like sunglasses
I do like the concept, but fear 28L may be too limiting (even if my current bag is 26L). This is my only carry-on. I’m not one of the people that get away with roller-carry-on, backpack, and purse. Only the backpack for me
i like the many pockets and the glasses comparmtne. But it would be nice if there was a separator for clothes or a clampshell design. Ideally my 1-day emergency clothes are separated from what i actually need to access while traveling. It seems to be at 29L. While I don’t NEED more space, you never know. Something in 30+ or 35+ L would be nice to make the upgrade worthwhile.
Neutral look is fine. Ideally dimensions are close to a rectangular cuboid to get the most volume while staying within airline size limits. Typical backpacks with non-rectangular shapes seem to waste volume, or exceed limits.
Does it stay upright when packed? This is a huge annoyance with my Osprey backback that it always lays flat and i have to lean it against something.
I also found the Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 Weird color for $65, normal colors for $65 (they seem to go on sale at times). I think i want at least 30L.
I’m not too keen on expendables since that zipper adds weight and complexity.
It is light (840g). Some people complain the luggage passthrough is noticeable when wearing on back.
Going down the YT rabbithole, there is a whole bunch of good $200-$300 bags. But that truly isn’t what I can justify with my little travel.
Edit: this 35L Osprey Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack 35 seems to be a good compromise as well. It is very light and the front pockets seem work well for my electronics, passport etc. Listed for $130, but some clown colors on sale for $92. I guess i have to keep my eyes open for sales of more subtle colors. I also like, the interior is gray/light. The Tomtoc 40 is all black inside, which may make it hard to find stuff.
Edit 2: I think it comes down to if i want to use this as my carry-on, or my personal item bag. Teh 26+6 can be “personal item” on airlines and fits under seats (if not expanded). This would allow me to bring an additional carry-on. The 35L would just be a carry-on and wouldnt allow me the additional carry-on roll bag. So, this comes down to what function it shoudl have in my life.
(I’m not a friend of lugging two bags through ariports - but you never know if it will be needed or if check-in fees go up)
It’s up a price class… but i have had mine for 10 years now (maybe 12…14? Im getting old)
i use it daily. In the past used for work with networking equipment, plyers and screwdrivers lose in the bag. Last 10 years to/from University and work.
Packing for light travel, bringing it as my cabin-bag when traveling (i pack light, packing a week worth of clothing) (i never use check in baggage anymore, to much of a hassle)
Last trip, a week in Spain. 5 pairs of underwear, 1 pair of shoes. 4 t-shirts, pair of training clothes (which is compression shorts and a rashguard). 3 pair of socks. Swimwear. Laptop (13”), USB-C charger, drawing/note-taking blocks + pen, 2 books.
I ordered the Daylite 26+6. Ultimately I got a bit worried that some airlines don’t allow free carry-on on domestic flights and a larger bag may not qualify as personal item. And this also gives me the option to bring a rolling-carry on in addition to a backpack (where allowed). The Ogio seems to weigh 1.5 pounds more. I don’t know if I would notice that, or if I would exceed the 8kg limit. But this also seemed important enough to me. The Ogio also seems to be19” tall and most airlines allow 17” for personal items. This seems a bit risky with my strategy to maybe use an additional bag as carry-on.
My wife almost had to pay extra because her bag was a tad over 8kg. Depending on the airline, type of flight and mood of the gate agent, it seems better to be more conservative. It is sad that airlines don’t have a standardized limit. I see people with what looks like 40L backpacks + oversized carry-on be able to board. But then there are situations where gate agents literally argue over a cm or a pound.
I ordered the weird clown color for $65 and think it will be a great improvement over my hikelite.
