A Brigada reader is looking for the best carry-on backpack for extended trips. What would you recommend?
8) Attention – Packing Professionals!
A Brigada reader is looking for the best carry-on backpack for extended trips. What would you recommend?
Mother lode backpack Junior from Bags – I have one that has been around the world and has lasted well for years
That should be Mother Lode Junior from EBags
The GREGORY Day and a Half pack has served me well since 1995! And I think they still have the lifetime guarantee. Good hunting!
Betty Sue beat me to the punch. I have a couple of Mother Lode bags from eBags, too, and they are awesome. I have one that is a wheeled carry-on. Wheels got damaged at some point and eBags shipped me a brand new bag for free. The other has hideable backpack straps and is a bit lighter and maybe even a touch more spacious. Both are expandable. eBags is a great source for luggage – their own and other brands. BUT… my all-time favorite bag is an REI convertible backpack. I purchased it back around 1990 and it is still going. It’s been across Africa, Central Asia, Europe, Australia/New Zealand,… and apart from some dirt, everything is still 100% functional more than 30 years later. It has a larger, expandable main pack along with a smaller day pack that zips on & secures to the main pack, which makes it easy to carry both. I’m not sure they still make anything like this, but definitely check out REI, too. All this said, my main recommendation would be to check the airlines you are likely to be be using as many in other countries, especially the budget airlines, don’t allow full-size carry-ons that most of us in the U.S. are accustomed to. I even had my main carry-on refused on a British Air flight because it was about 1″ too wide (they don’t usually check). I’ve had the same happen on a domestic U.S. flight when I had overstuffed mine a little too much.
Cheaper airlines in Europe often charge a lot for a carry on suitcase or hold bag. An ‘underseat bag’ is free. There are a couple of different sizes (Ryan air is the smallest I think 40x20x25cm) but Cabin Max Memphis Travel bag has a range of size and colours that gives maximum storage with an easy access laptop compartment.