[ridiculous_nicholas]

If you want an expensive option but one that will last for a lifetime, get the Goruck GR2. I carry the smaller one everywhere I go. Best bag I've ever owned: http://news.goruck.com/gear-explained/gr...-by-jason/

[DJ-Matt]

I love those convertible ones that go from backpack to messenger bag, SOLD!

[Tail Gunner]

This is a thread about carry-on sized backpacks and carry-on sized backpack/suitcases. Some of you are traveling with them as your sole travel bag. But, so far, no one has addressed another important issue: maximum weight restrictions.

Weight restrictions are not an issue in the U.S., where the maximum weight for a carry-on bag is usually 40 pounds. This 40-pound weight restriction typically also applies to U.S. airlines making international flights.

But most European and Asian airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on bags of only 20 pounds or less. So, for those of you living out of carry-on bags while traveling through Europe or Asia, how are you dealing with these weight restrictions? Or is everyone also taking a checked bag?

Here is a handy chart for weight restrictions on many international airline carriers.

http://www.travelsmith.com/wcsstore/imag...ogId=10057

[Drazen]

I never check bags in and I never have had a problem with weight restrictions. I pack minimally though, but even then, I just weigh my bag before I leave to make sure. Its more about your packing methods and bringing what you only need. Its not really that big of a problem with bags without rollers in my experience.

[Frank Mackey]

Why backpack? Rolling suitcases are much more practical, even you're going for a long journey. Unless you're planning to have a safari, which in that case would not lead you to post in this forum.

[Drazen]

(03-31-2014 12:59 PM)Frank Mackey Wrote:  

Why backpack? Rolling suitcases are much more practical, even you're going for a long journey. Unless you're planning to have a safari, which in that case would not lead you to post in this forum.

They are heavier, they have a smaller capacity and you move slower, especially in places with cobble stoned roads and a lot of stairs like in Europe.

[Sourcecode]

(03-31-2014 12:42 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

This is a thread about carry-on sized backpacks and carry-on sized backpack/suitcases. Some of you are traveling with them as your sole travel bag. But, so far, no one has addressed another important issue: maximum weight restrictions.

Weight restrictions are not an issue in the U.S., where the maximum weight for a carry-on bag is usually 40 pounds. This 40-pound weight restriction typically also applies to U.S. airlines making international flights.

But most European and Asian airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on bags of only 20 pounds or less. So, for those of you living out of carry-on bags while traveling through Europe or Asia, how are you dealing with these weight restrictions? Or is everyone also taking a checked bag?

Here is a handy chart for weight restrictions on many international airline carriers.

http://www.travelsmith.com/wcsstore/imag...ogId=10057

As a carry on bag..you should be able to stay under about 25 pounds.
If you're going somewhere where you will have more than that..you probably can afford to. Check bags.

For a month trip..I just bring a checked back too.
I'm taking both a check and a carry one.
Either way.. the bag I've bought. Easily fits what I need and isn't too heavy.
In the osprey 46 I roll my clothes and fit 3-4 pairs of pants. 6 shirts. 2 pairs of shoes. Socks underwear. Plus my camera and laptop.
For added measure I stuck a light jacket and. A bottle of wine I. The bag and it only weighed about 23 pounds.

In the past Even on Ryanair flights they have been lenient on a pound or 2 or they never weighed my bad at all.
If it came down to it..just wear the jacket on the plane,put camera stuff in pockets and you instantly can drop 2pounds out of you bag.

[Frank Mackey]

(03-31-2014 01:03 PM)Drazen Wrote:  

(03-31-2014 12:59 PM)Frank Mackey Wrote:  

Why backpack? Rolling suitcases are much more practical, even you're going for a long journey. Unless you're planning to have a safari, which in that case would not lead you to post in this forum.

They are heavier, they have a smaller capacity and you move slower, especially in places with cobble stoned roads and a lot of stairs like in Europe.

Yeah, but they're not very friendly for the shoulders, and you're immediately in the "backpacker" category when you use them, for the good and for the bad. I travelled during one month in Europe using train, and did not regret bringing a rolling suitcase with me. When I had to climb the stairs, I would just hold it with one arm for a while, which is a bit hard but still better than carrying it in my shoulders all the trip... But I have to admit, I think I am the only guy that I know who used a rolling suitcase during an EU Rail trip.

[Sourcecode]

I don't think I've seen people with backpacks an immediately think about a stigma from backpackers.

Attitudes give stigmas.
Maybe people backpacking with giant trail bags look out of place..but a nice stylish backpack isn't bad.

You complain your shoulders hurt? Suck it up

[Frank Mackey]

(03-31-2014 01:46 PM)Sourcecode Wrote:  

I don't think I've seen people with backpacks an immediately think about a stigma from backpackers.

Attitudes give stigmas.
Maybe people backpacking with giant trail bags look out of place..but a nice stylish backpack isn't bad.

You complain your shoulders hurt? Suck it up

Yeah considering your last message, I guess an army style backpack weighting 30 kgs will fit you well.

[Tail Gunner]

(03-31-2014 02:15 PM)Frank Mackey Wrote:  

(03-31-2014 01:46 PM)Sourcecode Wrote:  

I don't think I've seen people with backpacks an immediately think about a stigma from backpackers.

Attitudes give stigmas.
Maybe people backpacking with giant trail bags look out of place..but a nice stylish backpack isn't bad.

You complain your shoulders hurt? Suck it up

Yeah considering your last message, I guess an army style backpack weighting 30 kgs will fit you well.

Frank,we are discussing carry-on luggage in this thread.

Just to clarify, I just booked an international flight where the maximum carry-on weight is 17.5 pounds (8kg). My normal wheeled carry-on bag, which is great for U.S. travel, weighs 7.5 pounds. That means that the weight of the bag constitutes nearly one-half of the allowed weight.

I have a month-long trip. I suppose that I could just bring my two roller bags (carry-on and check-in) and just keep the essentials in the half-empty carry-on should my check-in bag get lost. A check-in bag is pretty much a requirement for suit game. The other option is to purchase a check-in sized bag without wheels, like the ones that we discussed in this thread. I can just purchase another bag for the cost of a second checked bag (50-75 Euros).

I appreciate all the responses.

[Frank Mackey]

[/quote]

Frank,we are discussing carry-on luggage in this thread.

[/quote]

sure, just wanted to tell you that it worked for me... all the best with your choices

[DonRoberto]

Quote:

Just to clarify, I just booked an international flight where the maximum carry-on weight is 17.5 pounds (8kg). My normal wheeled carry-on bag, which is great for U.S. travel, weighs 7.5 pounds. That means that the weight of the bag constitutes nearly one-half of the allowed weight.

I appreciate all the responses.

For everyone who wants to avoid hold baggage, I have found from experience British Airways carry-on limit is 23kg/51lbs per bag, and you are allowed two, even in economy. Much better than Virgin's 10kg/single bag (although the interior of the Virgin 747 is much nicer).

As stated on the BA website, allowed in the cabin:

Quote:

1 x cabin bag
56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) including handles, pockets and wheels.
1 x personal bag
45cm x 36cm x 20cm (18in x 14in x 8in) including handles, pockets and wheels.
Maximum weight per bag is up to 23kg (51lbs).

[Drazen]

The international flights aren't the problem, its if you're taking EasyJet/Ryan Air where they are completely anal about weight and sizers.

[Sourcecode]

Ive taken almost a dozen Ryanair flights..and a handful of easyjets.
Only once did they actually weigh my bag for ryanair.
Of course this was 2 years ago..Just dont have a bulging bag.
make it look uniform.. dont look stressed carrying it..and walk right on the plain.

[malc]

(03-31-2014 12:42 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

This is a thread about carry-on sized backpacks and carry-on sized backpack/suitcases. Some of you are traveling with them as your sole travel bag. But, so far, no one has addressed another important issue: maximum weight restrictions.

Weight restrictions are not an issue in the U.S., where the maximum weight for a carry-on bag is usually 40 pounds. This 40-pound weight restriction typically also applies to U.S. airlines making international flights.

But most European and Asian airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on bags of only 20 pounds or less. So, for those of you living out of carry-on bags while traveling through Europe or Asia, how are you dealing with these weight restrictions? Or is everyone also taking a checked bag?

Here is a handy chart for weight restrictions on many international airline carriers.

http://www.travelsmith.com/wcsstore/imag...ogId=10057

In practice that is not a real problem.

Most of the time they just eye the bags. If it looks like it's 'carry on sized' and would fit inside the overhead compartment, they don't give you crap. If they ask you to weight it sometimes, it's almost always OK if its a bit overweight. Especially if its your only bag and it's one of those flights that come with free checked luggage. Just have some social skills about it.

Worse comes to worse they'll have you gate check the back or make it checked luggage. It's really something you don't have to worry about.

Now with flyers like AirAsia or RyanAir, where a big part of their revenue comes from that kind of shit, just pay the $5 fees when you buy the ticket and don't worry about it.

[PedroRome]

I use the Osprey Farpoint 70. It's done me well through quite a few countries now, but I wish it came with a waterproof cover. You can buy them separately of course but it's just easier and usually a better deal if it includes it in the first place.

The most important thing I've found in a backpack is that it opens like a suitcase or duffel bag. Makes it 100x easier to pack and repack if you're traveling around lots rather than having to shove your hand into 70L of abyss searching for something if your pack only opens from the top. Just makes it easier to stay organized, really.

[diction]

I've been researching bags for an extended trip to South America. I looked at Tom Binh, Red Oxx, Tortuga, Minaal and GORUCK and eventually settled on the cheaper MEI Voyageur. I like the idea of an internal frame and good waist straps.

This will be my first experience with this sort of bag. I wanted a convenient alternative to carry-on luggage because I'll be staying in one place for months at a time. If I were doing proper backpacking and traveling from place to place, I would avoid this sort of bag and go for something as small as possible. Minimal and light is definitely the way to go if you're constantly on the move; a few articles of easily washed clothing and your gadgets and nothing else.

[shotsinthebox]

http://shop.jack-wolfskin.at/j-pack-de-l...s-one-size

This rucksack is fairly smart and very sturdy, has very good protection for your laptop, and it is the perfect size for Ryanair, being slightly under the maximum size restrictions. If you have a laptop in there, you won't really have much space left over for clothes though. It cost 100e when I got it, and I would say it's worth it.

I use Ryanair a fair bit and only occasionally have I been asked to weigh my bag or put it in that measuring grid thing, but it does happen.

[Cobyrussell]

Look for shoulder straps with firm but forgiving padding. They should not pinch your shoulders, chafe under your armpits, or restrict your range of movement. More expensive packs have straps with shape or contour that enhances the fit and profile of the bag. A sternum strap is also a nice feature that helps keep the shoulder straps in the correct position and prevent chaffing under the armpits.

[spalex]

I have been using this backpack every day for the last 5 years. Whether its travelling, going to work or hiking / camping.
I wouldn't be surprised if I used it for another 5 years.

The worst thing that has happened is that a little patch of velcro on the inside has come loose in the corner.
But I open and close this velcro pouch about 5 times a day.

[Tail Gunner]

(05-09-2014 02:52 AM)spalex Wrote:  

I have been using this backpack every day for the last 5 years. Whether its travelling, going to work or hiking / camping.
I wouldn't be surprised if I used it for another 5 years.

The worst thing that has happened is that a little patch of velcro on the inside has come loose in the corner.
But I open and close this velcro pouch about 5 times a day.

Manufacturer and model?

[redbeard]

I'm thinking about getting one of these:

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/blac...?p=49340-0

Looks like a good duffel/backpack hybrid. I'm having trouble deciding on what size I want in a bag, and if I want something like the Keity from the OP.

[texas]

this is the one i mentioned earlier in action

http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-...-2040cu-in

[kazushu]

(03-31-2014 01:03 PM)Drazen Wrote:  

(03-31-2014 12:59 PM)Frank Mackey Wrote:  

Why backpack? Rolling suitcases are much more practical, even you're going for a long journey. Unless you're planning to have a safari, which in that case would not lead you to post in this forum.

They are heavier, they have a smaller capacity and you move slower, especially in places with cobble stoned roads and a lot of stairs like in Europe.

I put my backpack away and got myself a medium sized rolling hard case Samsonite. Small enough that they let me bring it on board, big enough that I have everything I need.

The only place it goes is from the house to the taxi to the airport and then onto the plane and then taxi to the hotel. I never find myself wheeling it around cobble stoned roads or stairs. I guess those years are behind me.