Can anyone recommend a brand, model, and size for a woman’s hiking backpack that can fit as carry-on luggage (fully packed) on U.S. air carriers? My 5’8" DD needs one and I’m having a hard time figuring out what packs meet these criteria. She favors an internal frame and will be using it more for travelling, including to some Third World countries, rather than for any major, extended wilderness hiking. Any recommendations or advice would be so welcome. (The pack would also be her HS graduation present.)
For airline carry on use, the non frame Osprey Porter 46 and MEI Voyageur are typical examples of backpacks. Both have hip straps.
If you live near one, take her to REI or a similar store. The fit of the backpack is very important and store staff can adjust the straps. My DS has an Osprey-very good pack.
Agree–nothing like trying to carry the pack you’re considering buying, especially if you load it to simulate a full load–some books and sleeping bag, maybe.
Thanks so much! It was getting pretty overwhelming to try to find a pack that fits her needs – a carry-on travel backpack.
@dyiu13 Does she want a real backpack that she would use for hiking and camping? Or something convertible that has backpack straps? If the former, I highly recommend the Osprey Talon as it is narrow enough to fit into narrow body planes (2/1 seating configuration) as well. It does not have a lot of internal organization but it’s very lightweight (around 2 lbs) and I have traveled extensively with mine.
The Osprey 46 is configured more like a standard carry-on bag - kind of rectangular - it does have straps and a belt and will get the job done from a train station to a hotel or while walking on cobblestones. But it wouldn’t be very comfortable for hiking for long distances.
If what she’s looking for corresponds to the Osprey 46, there are excellent options that are similar from L.L. Bean, Campmor (really inexpensive), and ebags.
Do not buy a pack before properly fitting it! Go to REI for their expert advice. They have beanbags to add weight to it to see how it would feel fully loaded. Backpacks are made in different sizes for the torso length. Two 5’8" people can have completely different backpack sizes. My kid’s best fit was a Men’s small - some Osprey style, which would be totally irrelevant to look up, because for your kid’s fit another brand might be better. She has traveled with it all over Europe and Central Asia. I wash it in the bathtub by scrubbing it with warm water and dish soap. It held up very well!
You also have to see how much structure and padding your daughter wants. My wife has an Osprey, and S2’s large backpacking trip pack is Osprey (neither is a Talon). They are super padded and have a lot of structure to them. My main pack is a little less structured and fewer schnick-schnacks, an older style Deuter that has been discontinued.
If you can find one, a CiloGear 45L Worksack is about the best thing going. If she is travelling light, she may be able to cram into their 3030 Guide Service pack. These are designed and built in Portland by some real gear nerds. Their main selling point is a super versatile design - cram it full and haul all your stuff, or pull out the internal frame, cinch down the straps and you have a light and narrow summit/day pack.
Look up how to measure torso length, pretty much the only necessary measurement for fitting packs for most people.
Magnetron, yes to torso length. That said, for ladies the placement and the comfort of the shoulder and chest straps might be important… XXers have some upper chest topography that does not always fit the makers’ standards. If the pack is going to be used anywhere for real hiking, it is important to try it on or buy it someplace where it can be easily exchanged! 
I saw the title and clicked so I could recommend the Osprey. Funny to see that it’s the favorite backpack. My oldest son got an Osprey before doing a five month couch surfing/backpack trip to Europe and it held up really well. I agree with everyone about getting someone from REI or a similar store to help find the best pack for your daughter. The pack that my son got also had a detachable day pack.
I did a bunch of research on the last year. I boughtt an Osprey Farpoint that I travel with globally. It is the only one that fits my petite frame. I am 5’5" and 118. My husband who is 5’10" and 170 has a Tortuga.
Thank you! Unbelievably helpful.
Update: A decision has been made: the Osprey Porter 46. Perfection! Thanks, again.