Travel Backpack - What do you prefer? - RedFlagDeals.com Forums

Mar 14th, 2018 1:58 pm

#1

redkulat [OP]: Deal Addict; Feb 1, 2009; 3987 posts; 3342 upvotes; Ajax

Mar 14th, 2018 1:58 pm

Travel Backpack - What do you prefer?

I'm looking to get an affordable and decent sized backpack I can also use as a carry-on. I don't really want to carry around a roller bag with me if I can avoid it.

Any suggestions on any brands? I'd say my budget is max $100.

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Mar 14th, 2018 2:00 pm

#2

McKinsey: Deal Addict; Oct 18, 2014; 1984 posts; 863 upvotes; HK

Mar 14th, 2018 2:00 pm

Just to clarify, a backpack that meets the carry-on sizing, while carrying as much (or close to) as a roller-bag?

Mar 14th, 2018 2:02 pm

#3

redkulat [OP]: Deal Addict; Feb 1, 2009; 3987 posts; 3342 upvotes; Ajax

Mar 14th, 2018 2:02 pm

McKinsey wrote: ↑ Just to clarify, a backpack that meets the carry-on sizing, while carrying as much (or close to) as a roller-bag?

That's right, something that fits the average carry-on size criteria.

Check out my List of Helpful Smartphone Apps for Travelling.

+1

Mar 14th, 2018 2:03 pm

#4

redkulat [OP]: Deal Addict; Feb 1, 2009; 3987 posts; 3342 upvotes; Ajax

Mar 14th, 2018 2:03 pm

What do people think of this? It's ugly but it seems like what I would need:

https://www.amazon.ca/AmazonBasics-Carr ... dpSrc=srch

Check out my List of Helpful Smartphone Apps for Travelling.

Mar 14th, 2018 2:08 pm

#5

seriesofcontradictions: Sr. Member; Feb 1, 2018; 971 posts; 1109 upvotes; Montréal

Mar 14th, 2018 2:08 pm

The gold standard backpack for travelling carry-on -- though it will run you more than $100 -- is the Osprey Farpoint 40 (men's) or Fairview 40 (women's). These are hybrid packs that can be used as either backpacks or business-friendly luggage; the advantage is that they don't scream "backpacker" but can actually look decent in a boardroom. The disadvantage is that they aren't technical packs, so if you're planning to hit the hiking trail, you may want a proper hiking pack.

If you're looking for a hiking pack, best bet is to go to MEC or a proper outfitter and get fitted. I've been using a Gregory Jade 38, which I love because it comes in women's XS (I'm a petite 5'1"). But you really want something that fits well, and that will vary from person to person. Osprey, Gregory, Deuter, and MEC's own house brand are a handful to check out.

+2

Mar 14th, 2018 2:10 pm

#6

McKinsey: Deal Addict; Oct 18, 2014; 1984 posts; 863 upvotes; HK

Mar 14th, 2018 2:10 pm

The best of both worlds: wheeled and backpack, very versatile:

https://www.tumi.com/p/wheeled-backpack-01038371621

edit: just realized you want to keep it under $100

+1

Mar 14th, 2018 2:13 pm

#7

seriesofcontradictions: Sr. Member; Feb 1, 2018; 971 posts; 1109 upvotes; Montréal

Mar 14th, 2018 2:13 pm

McKinsey wrote: ↑ The best of both worlds: wheeled and backpack, very versatile:

https://www.tumi.com/p/wheeled-backpack-01038371621

Yegawds, no. Wheels add WEIGHT to backpacks, making them incredibly uncomfortable to carry in backpack mode. Plus, they take up some of your precious bag inches in terms of maxing out carry-on space. I'd say only get a wheeled backpack if you plan to roll it 90% of the time -- in which case, why not just get a sturdy roller bag?

+1

Mar 14th, 2018 4:46 pm

#8

twotterdhc6: Deal Addict; Nov 3, 2006; 3758 posts; 259 upvotes; YUL

Mar 14th, 2018 4:46 pm

Have a look at this at your local MEC
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5038-084/ ... oulder-Bag
It's fairly light, and does have a check strap in backpack mode (no hip belt though).

I also definitely agree wheels and backpack do not go together.

Mar 14th, 2018 5:10 pm

#9

redkulat [OP]: Deal Addict; Feb 1, 2009; 3987 posts; 3342 upvotes; Ajax

Mar 14th, 2018 5:10 pm

Thanks everyone, going to take a look at all the options. $100 was my base but I am open to spend a bit more if it's a great backpack.

Check out my List of Helpful Smartphone Apps for Travelling.

Mar 14th, 2018 5:14 pm

#10

seriesofcontradictions: Sr. Member; Feb 1, 2018; 971 posts; 1109 upvotes; Montréal

Mar 14th, 2018 5:14 pm

redkulat wrote: ↑ Thanks everyone, going to take a look at all the options. $100 was my base but I am open to spend a bit more if it's a great backpack.

I definitely recommend *trying on* anything you purchase -- and pack it properly, with bag weight, and spend a while walking around the store so you can get an idea of what it would really be like to tote around the world. Also, buy from a place with a good return policy, so you can test pack all your stuff in it and try it out at home.

A good backpack is an investment. The right one can go around the world with you for years. Don't be afraid to be picky.

Mar 14th, 2018 6:44 pm

#11

rotjong: Deal Addict; Jan 2, 2009; 1821 posts; 415 upvotes

Mar 14th, 2018 6:44 pm

We have the Osprey Farpoint 40 and that’s all we use for traveling , that back pack has lots of neat storage compartments . We do use the travel cubes inside the pack for ease off clothing separation. When we fill the cubes with clothing we roll them up instead of folded this way you can pack a lot of stuff in there. When we go for 2 weeks or so we do drop of our dirty laundry off at a laundromat or the hotel takes care of that.

Mar 14th, 2018 7:59 pm

#12

Talamasca: Deal Guru; Apr 26, 2004; 12475 posts; 2703 upvotes; Mississauga

Mar 14th, 2018 7:59 pm

I recently bought the eBags TLS Motherlode and used it on a trip to Southeast Asia. It is a fantastic bag. You can pack a ton of stuff into it but it still counts as carry-on. It's well-constructed, has tons of storage pockets, and it very thoughtfully designed in all sorts of ways. It was awesome to just breeze through the airport without having to wait at the baggage claim.

+1

Mar 14th, 2018 10:54 pm

#13

moommen: Sr. Member; Mar 14, 2008; 589 posts; 249 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 14th, 2018 10:54 pm

Another vote for the osprey farpoint 40. I picked mine up from chainreactioncycles a few years back. That site had the best price, quick shipping and no additional duty.

Mar 15th, 2018 12:04 am

#14

foreigncontent: Deal Addict; Mar 1, 2016; 1092 posts; 399 upvotes; toronto

Mar 15th, 2018 12:04 am

Pay more, and you will not need to buy another one later. Plus Osprey has a lifetime warranty .

Mar 15th, 2018 5:00 am

#15

Poppwl: Deal Addict; Aug 15, 2015; 1568 posts; 203 upvotes; Markham, ON

Mar 15th, 2018 5:00 am

What will you be carrying in your carry on? What kind of trip are you going on? Don't you normally travel with a bag on a daily basis.

If you know your traveling needs, it is much easier to buy a bag for yourself. Lots of good options out there at a budget of $100.

+1

Mar 15th, 2018 9:40 am

#16

McKinsey: Deal Addict; Oct 18, 2014; 1984 posts; 863 upvotes; HK

Mar 15th, 2018 9:40 am

Poppwl wrote: ↑ What will you be carrying in your carry on? What kind of trip are you going on? Don't you normally travel with a bag on a daily basis.

If you know your traveling needs, it is much easier to buy a bag for yourself. Lots of good options out there at a budget of $100.

True, it looks like many of us are recommending various products based on various travel needs.

Backpackers vs business travelers. I got to admit, the Osprey looks great, never heard of it before!

Mar 15th, 2018 10:30 am

#17

beserk1: Sr. Member; Jan 13, 2004; 889 posts; 63 upvotes; Markham

Mar 15th, 2018 10:30 am

+1 for osprey, use it daily for work and as my personal item on planes

Mar 15th, 2018 1:25 pm

#18

manho: Deal Addict; Jul 24, 2003; 2112 posts; 976 upvotes

Mar 15th, 2018 1:25 pm

over your budget, but again, worth investing into.

Patagonia MLC

Mar 15th, 2018 1:40 pm

#19

seriesofcontradictions: Sr. Member; Feb 1, 2018; 971 posts; 1109 upvotes; Montréal

Mar 15th, 2018 1:40 pm

manho wrote: ↑ over your budget, but again, worth investing into.

Patagonia MLC

To me that looks more like a bag meant to be used as a shoulder / handle bag 99% of the time, and only occasionally carried as a backpack. The lack of a hipbelt, and the boxy shape, mean that it is probably REALLY uncomfortable to carry.

YMMV. But personally, if I'm buying a backpack, I'll be evaluating it for backpack comfort first and foremost. Any convertible features would just be nice-to-have extras.

Given that it's the same price as the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, I know which one I'd choose. Again, it depends on how you plan to use the bag most of the time.

+1

Mar 15th, 2018 7:11 pm

#20

knuks101: Deal Addict; Jan 31, 2013; 1558 posts; 378 upvotes; Red Deer, AB

Mar 15th, 2018 7:11 pm

moommen wrote: ↑ Another vote for the osprey farpoint 40. I picked mine up from chainreactioncycles a few years back. That site had the best price, quick shipping and no additional duty.

same here, we got them from chainreactioncycles as well!

Travel Backpack - What do you prefer?

Travel Backpack - What do you prefer?

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