Backpack recommendations

Parent Cafe Travel
1

I’d like to find a backpack for travel without a laptop sleeve. That holds a bunch of stuff and will fit under the seat of an airplane.

You would think this would be easy but it seems harder than I thought.

Any thoughts about the Patagonia black hole backpack?

Also backpacks sizes, any insights into the size needed for a personal item

2

I have a Jansport, and I love it.

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@deb922 , There are so many options - it is overwhelming. Part of your decision may come down to what kind of accessibility you want to your things, whether you’re thinking of this as your personal item or a carry-on single piece. Because you said personal item, you might consider ones that open at the top – almost like a shopping bag with backpack straps - if you want to load a lot into it, and you won’t have a million pockets, etc. Great for flexibilty and volume, but if you want to access what’s at the bottom in-flight, it can be hard. BUT it is easier to rummage through a bag that opens at the top when you’re in an airplane seat than any bag that has a front flap. I have one like Portland Gear Cascade Pack that I love as a carry-on or overnight bag.

The clamshell arrangement is good for organizing, but I wouldn’t want to open it in flight. In fact, I would stay away from this if I were using it as a personal item.

You might want to check out Wirecutter for some insights on these.

Those Black hole bags are indestructible, btw. I’d also think about whether I would be using it on my trip itself, or just for travel. You might then want to be sure to have a packet for a water bottle or a secure interior, pocket. Think about weight, too. You don’t want a bag that makes your back hot if you’re carrying it around for the day in a hot place. It’s often a bit of a trade-,off between comfort carrying snd lightweight.

4

Thanks so much. Lots of food for thought

My daughter said that you need multiple backpacks. One for the flight and another as a daypack.

It’s for my husband to carry as his personal item. He will be carrying all the stuff that I need him to carry :joy:. One being my CPAP, and yes I know I could carry it separately but I’m a)paranoid that I’ll forget it in the overhead bin that I can’t see into and b)my husband hates multiple small bags. So he can carry it and the rest of the stuff that he needs.

I have a MZ Wallace backpack that I love and spent a lot on. The CPAP takes up the entire pack and leaves room for very little else.

We will be on a cruise, my husband hates to carry a bunch of stuff around for a day tour. I have a crossbody bag that holds a lot. So I don’t think I will utilize a smaller backpack.

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5

This is the one I have. It’s my second, with the first lasting 7 years. The first still works, but it’s a bit ratty. I always use it as a personal item but also for hiking and sightseeing. It’s very light! And it can fold down into a tiny thing, but I never do that

I love how many pockets it has. Drinks are easily accessible in the mesh side pockets. I also use the bags in the second link, so nothing is loose in my bag and color coordinated. It’s very easy to unzip and see exactly what you want. Most little things I want on the airplane, I have in the little front pockets so I don’t have to pull the bag out to get it. My book I get out as soon as I board the flight.

https://www.amazon.com/your-orders/pop?orderId=114-1079385-2129029&shipmentId=X4pVZv0LB&lineItemId=qhlmsxqsqirouny&packageId=1&asin=B078W43BTR&ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_mob_b_pop_2

https://www.amazon.com/your-orders/pop?orderId=114-0455228-0830660&shipmentId=Xf88lDSbV&lineItemId=qjslpqpltmnrsny&packageId=1&asin=B0B425Z7K5&ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_mob_b_pop_8

6

Darn, your Amazon links are broken

7

Darn. I’ll look again. Maybe they’re too old!

try these

https://www.amazon.com/Venture-Pal-Ultralight-Lightweight-Packable/dp/B01BY6UHME

https://www.amazon.com/EOOUT-Document-Plastic-Folders-Supplies/dp/B07Q81JBNM

8

My FIL has a backpack that was specifically made to hold his CPAP. It holds the machine, accessories, toiletry bag, and has room for other stuff too. It’s quite roomy.

2 Likes
9

I have my Jansport that I use as my carry on personal item. But I pack this one to use for day trips. Some excursions I’m going on suggest bringing a backpack to remove or place layers of clothing, for example. My Jansport is too big for that so I got this:

https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/82300073/stowaway-packable-30l-backpack?size=ONE%20SIZE&sizeType=&color=Dark%20Forest

2 Likes
10

I also have a foldable backpack for that purpose too. It collapses totally flat which takes up less room than stuffing it into its built in bag. Mine is from LL Bean.

The last cruise I was on, they gave us day packs to use so I didn’t need to bring anything more.

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11

Thanks, those work. I like the backpack you linked

@momofboiler1 do you know if your fil has a travel CPAP or a full sized one? I wish I felt that I could buy a travel CPAP but I just paid for my full size one. The travel size comes with a really nice backpack, the full size one the case that came with it is pretty bulky. I’ll look on amazon and see if I find a good backpack for the CPAP.

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That stowaway is really nice for day trips. Thanks!

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I actually have an older one that does not have the padded back or straps. I used that in 2011. I just recently got the newer one. It’s much nicer, and I think will be comfortable for these day trips. DH will use the older one for day trips!

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I’m not sure but it seems pretty big to me. I think the Amazon site lists which units each pack is compatible with.

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15

I highly recommend looking at the HerOneBag subreddit. I’ve used it extensively to plan out my packing, to various degrees of success.

You don’t need an account to view.

My daughter uses a Cotopaxi, my sister and BIL have Osprey backpacks.

1 Like
16

I never used a backpack then got this as a gift a few years ago and tried it for travel. It worked great as my personal item - I just stuffed my purse inside for the plane ride. It’s probably not right for serious backpacking, but it is very lightweight and has several compartments. I think the current model is slightly different than the one I got. I used it as a day pack on my Yosemite trip to carry my camera equipment as well as my inflatable neck pillow for the bus rides.

G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Travel Daypack https://a.co/d/gxLpQNn

17

My backpack has a laptop sleeve, but I really like it. It’s called the Osprey Daylite plus. Something I didn’t know was important but is to me, is that it has a small section on the front of it with a zipper, and it has an area on the front you can shove extra stuff in that you don’t need “contained.” If you look up Osprey Daylite vs Daylite plus, you’ll see what I mean.

2 Likes
18

Thanks everyone. I decided to try this. I really appreciate all the advice, it was extremely helpful

It was close to the Patagonia black hole, I had a 20% off coupon and it worked for this.

https://www.backcountry.com/backcountry-destination-30l-backpack

I know it has a laptop sleeve, hopefully it’s not too big and bulky. If so, I’ll order the Patagonia

3 Likes
19

I know this doesn’t really help @deb922 because I don’t think you’ll have one anywhere near you (?) but Sierra Trading Post is a great place to look for very good quality, meant for traveling, hiking, etc. backpacks. I’ve seen names like Copaxi, LLBean, Patagonia, etc. there on many occasions. Sometimes it’s nice to see in person and compare - if you have a store!

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20

I wish I did have a store near me.

I could wait and go to the nearest city which would have options but I wanted to get at least this errand over.

It’s difficult to not have many shopping options

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