The immediate association which pops to my mind when I think about carry-on backpacks is my seven days trip to Berlin. On that trip, I carried my stuff in two different ways. Most of my clothes were in a suitcase, while everyday things, such as snacks, a camera, and some warm shirts, were in my gym backpack. Yes, you’ve heard right – my gym backpack — the whole trip I had to maneuver between these two – an absolute nightmare, not to mention that my stuff kept getting missing. The best way to avoid that is by just getting an appropriate carry on backpack.
To ensure you get the best carry on backpack out there, I started digging very deep on the little but most essential details. My reviews brought up with several key factors.
To choose the right carry on backpack, you should make sure it features the right size, type, straps and organization functions. In addition to that, you should choose one that is waterproof and contains a padded laptop compartment. I will also show you what the right way of packing is, so your back doesn’t pay an exorbitant price over extra weight.
What is the right size for a carry on backpack?
The perfect size for a carry-on backpack would be around 40-50 liters. That specific capacity answers several requirements. First, it is quite enough for a 6-7 days trip in different cities abroad – it is not too big and heavy, nor too small for your equipment.
Second, it fits inside an airplane cabin as a carry-on. This way you will be able to switch between connection flights without any luggage claims.
You don’t have to spend your precious time, nor worry about things getting lost on the way — the fewer you pack – the lower the chances of disorganization or a missing gear.
What type of backpack should it be?
A carry-on pack resembles a little suitcase with back straps. For example, it usually features one big compartment with tightening straps.
You might think that this structure would cause a mess, while things are being put all together. However, that is not the case. High quality carry on’s usually provide you with some organization features.
The best way of doing that would be with some stash pockets, a camera holder or a mesh compartment. The last one is the most beneficial because it allows you to see your belongings without unpacking.
Lockable zippers are a nice extra touch that many packs offer these days. This way your mind won’t stay occupied with potential thefts.
Can it be waterproof?
We all remember that old notebook from elementary school which got soaked with water on a rainy day. Traveling equipment being ruined may be much more frustrating.
Since foreign country weather is so unpredictable than the one we are used to, it is essential to prepare a waterproof backpack. The best way of getting that is by the fabric itself designed to be water resistant.
A rain cover may serve the same purpose, although it is way clumsier and can be easily lost along the way. For that reason, some of the pack I will present you, later on, offer a high technology water resistance.
What about my laptop?
Whether you go on a business trip or just city travel, your laptop would probably come along. We all like sitting in the hotel bed, after a long touring day, spending some time catching up.
Facebook, Instagram, Skype, TV-shows – are all part of our everyday life, and we prefer not to leave them behind, even abroad.
However, it is essential to keep our expensive purchase safe. For that reason, the carry-on pack you choose should provide a padded laptop compartment.
Some of the packs feature loose nylon for that purpose. Nevertheless, that wouldn’t be a wise pick since the equipment you brought might damage your computer.
What are the optimal straps?
Carrying a backpack all day long may be difficult for those who are not used to do so. It is way different than taking a bag for school or work since walking is usually longer and more intense.
This is why your backpack straps should be orthopedic and ventilated. A proper compression pad and mesh would assist you in preventing shoulder pain and inconvenient sweat.
Some backpacks feature front straps – those are great because they ease the lower back on long hikes, and therefore highly recommended.
How should I pack my things?
Packing a full capacity may be tempting because none of us know what to anticipate. We all have that belief that something would go wrong, and therefore pack extra – to be sure. From my experience – things would go wrong no matter how well you have been prepared.
For that reason, I would most certainly won’t advise packing too much. It may sound wrong, but it is usually more beneficial to have things missing than carrying stuff you don’t need.
You will learn to manage along the way even if you forgot something back home. On the other hand, you will remember every extra pound or pain that was caused by the thermos you’ve never used.
Also, your pack should be around 70 percent full. On full capacity, you won’t have any room for souvenirs, and you will find yourself carrying that annoying plastic bag for miles.
Recommendations
Honestly, there are lots and lots of carrying on backpacks out there on the market. Not all of them feature the mentioned factors. I will show you some I have carefully picked that you inevitably have to consider.
1. Osprey Packs Farpoint 40
PROS:
- Stowaway backpanel
- Laptop and tablet sleeve
- Dual front mesh pockets
- Front Compression Straps
- Padded Handles
CONS:
- Lack of internal compartments
- Colors – Blue / Red / Grey
- Weight – 3 pounds
- Dimensions – 27 x 17 x 5 inches
There is a lot to say about the Osprey Farpoint 40, for it is one of the most popular travel/hiking backpacks. The Farpoint 40 features a hip and a chest padded, adjustable straps, to provide a better weight distribution. This may ease your back significantly and decrease pains. Whenever needed, a zipped layer at the bottom may be unfolded to cover the back straps, turning it into a carry on looking backpack. This would allow easy transportation through the airport.
On the outside you will find two mesh pocket for documents storage, while its front compartment may serve for small sized gear, such as electronics or food. Its middle compartment may help for larger items and contains a meshed padded laptop/tablet sleeve.
The main compartment is extremely wide for clothes and gear storage, with a tighten strap which makes sure everything stays in one place. The Osprey Farpoint 40 would fit perfectly inside airplanes cabins, preventing you from paying extra luggage fees.
In addition to that, it features a stowaway back panel, turning it into a slim package for a day walk around the city.
2. Kelty Redwing 44 Backpack
PROS:
- Solid padded backpanel
- Waist support
- Padded meshed straps
- Large laptop sleeve
- Hydration compatible
CONS:
- No lockable zippers
- No easy access hip side pockets
- Colors – Blue / Black / Green
- Weight – 2.6 pounds
- Dimensions – 12 x 25 x 15 inches
The Kelty Redwing 44L is at the perfect size for a carry on backpack. It fits inside a carry on airplane cabin, so you don’t have to check your luggage. That would save you a lot of time, money and stress. It back features a structured back frame, maintaining a solid architecture for back support.
In addition to that, it comes with a thick waist belt for better weight distribution. This way your hips support your carry, and your back and shoulders would have to deal with less load pressure. Furthermore, the Kelty 44 offers adjustable, padded back straps, with a great ventilation mechanism for moisture prevention.
Within the main compartment, you will find a padded laptop sleeve, larger than most carry on backpacks offer. Its zipper opens all the way down, so equipment on the bottom would be accessible without taking everything out. On its sides, you would find two long,
well supported side pockets for camping gear such as hiking or tent poles. At the front, you will find a smaller compartment. In that, you may store your camera, flip flops, emergency kit, snacks and more.
3. Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack
PROS:
- Top Loading pocket
- Hydration compatible
- Meshed back panel
- Ventilating back
- Proper water resistance
CONS:
- No lockable zippers
- Wide design
- Colors – Black / Red / Green / Blue
- Weight – 3 pounds
- Dimensions – 26 x 16 x 12 inches
The Kelty Redwing 50 has a wide capability, from a light day hike to a long wilderness adventure. One of the most outstanding features of this pack is comfortability. The Kelty 50 was designed carefully to adjust and fit all kinds of body structures, from short and slim to wide and tall. That is due to its orthopedic padded back panel and its adjustable straps capability of sliding up and down according to your height.
Also, this particular pack features the option to slim down by using its side clips, resulting in a 30 liter like a day pack. At the front you may find an organizer compartment with a tablet sleeve, with a deep beavertail stashed pouch for extra gear storage behind it.
Moreover, the Redwing 50 also comes with huge side pockets, which can contain tripods, rain jackets, hiking poles and so on. Its main compartment features the capability to open all the way down, and contain a wide padded laptop sleeve.
With that spacious storage compartment, you will be able to stash your backpack, tent, and clothes with an extra room from the top without any struggle.
4. Gregory Mountain Compass 40
PROS:
- External access laptop compartment
- Weather resistant
- Padded shoulder straps
- Padded backpanel
- Great security
CONS:
- Accessibility is challenging
- Colors – Blue / Black
- Weight – 2.24 pounds
- Dimensions – 24.2 x 18.7 x 8.5 inches
The Gregory Compass 40 is one of the most recommended backpacks for short day hikes or several days camping. It is equipped with a fully padded back panel with a solid structure to fit perfectly without extra weight burden. In addition to that, it features adjustable sternum and shoulder straps to ease your carry. It is just the right size to fit on a plane as a carry-on, so you don’t have to check it in on the airport.
The compass 40 features a wide main compartment for your gear, with a meshed attached on its cover for documents or dirty laundry. This compartment may be opened all the way down, so you won’t have to take it all out to get to the bottom.
Furthermore, the main compartment is secured and may be reached only through the back panel, so you don’t have to worry about theft from behind. Its external pocket is great for a laptop or tablet storage, while its top compartment may serve for smaller items such as camera and shoes.
Its nylon fabric ensures the pack is extremely durable and resistant to weather while maintaining a lightweight appearance.
5. Deuter Transit 50
PROS:
- Adjustable shoulder harness
- Padded removable carry strap
- Breathable padded shoulder harness
- Great water resistance
CONS:
- No lockable zippers
- A bit heavy
- Colors – Anthracite
- Weight – 4 pounds
- Dimensions – 17.7 x 9.4 x 14.2 inches
The Deuter Transit 50 will be a great use in business trips or short wild travel. The Transit 50 features a solid frame, padded back panel, for extra support and comfort. Its adjustable shoulder harness would allow a perfect fit for variable body structures and therefore provide sufficient weight distribution.
The entire suspension system may be covered up with a zip panel, featuring a more organized form when it is time to check in on a flight. On the inside, you will find a large compartment for your gear, with internal tightening straps to maintain organization.
Also, a zipped mesh compartment is attached to its main, providing an excellent place for documents or dirty laundry. The compartment may be opened entirely so that you may organize or take out equipment easily. On the Deuter Transit 50 bottom, you may find a great compartment for shoes or a sleeping bag storage.
The front compartment is perfect for small gear such as sunglasses and cameras and may be removed entirely, creating a convenient small daypack for city walks.
Frequently Asked
- Q: What are the backpacks dimension allowance on flights?
- A: The maximum dimensions differ between airlines. For example, on easyJet it is 56x45x25cm, while on Wizz Air it is 55x40x23cm. However, as you can see, they do not differ that much. Most of the packs mentioned in this article qualify for domestic and international flights. You may check the product dimensions beneath the pros and cons section. Also, flight carries on approval may be mentioned on Amazon, under the product details section.
- Q: What to carry with a carry on the backpack?
- A: The answer to that depends on the nature of your trip. On a wild adventure, I recommend you pack lightweight. That can be achieved by wearing the same clothes for several days. When it comes to food supply, you should wrap those with high calories like nuts, chocolate, dried fruits, and berries. Try to avoid cans; they might be a bit heavy – stick to plastic cover instead. The rule of thumb – do not carry too much, do not be afraid to take less.
- Q: How to measure a backpack for carry-on?
- A: First of all make sure you pack is on its full capacity for your travel. That is important since its depth might differ according to its content. Take a tape measure and write down the pack length width and depth. You may now compare these to your flight carry on requirements. Make sure that you stick to the same measurement units as the airline policy (cm or inches).
- Q: What is a good carry-on backpack?
- A: The proper carry on backpack should feature several requirements. First, it should be the right size for carrying – that would be around 40-50 liters. Furthermore, it should be comfortable to carry, durable and lightweight. These are the basics, adding to that would be the properties mentioned above.
- Q: Why should I get a carry on backpack?
- A: The specific size of a carry on meats several needs that are on your benefit. First, you don’t have to check it in on flights. That means you can go straight to your plane, without sending your luggage away. If you are planning on a low-cost flight, you should know that checking luggage it may be costly. With a carry on backpack, you can save a lot of time, stress and money. Moreover, that kind of pack would serve you best for weekend traveling or short hiking in the wild. It is easy to pack and unpack and would turn your traveling experience way better.
- Q: How to weigh a carry on backpack?
- A: As you may already know, airlines provide weight allowance within their carry on requirements. Nevertheless, that may differ between airlines, so make sure you read them upfront. Most airports offer a weight meter before the check-in, but I recommend you measure this at home before that. The easiest way is by measuring your weight with the backpack on, and then reducing from it your body weight.
Conclusions
In summary, choosing the right carry on backpack should include several factors. As these packs vary from one to another, it is essential to focus on the necessary and most beneficial requirements.
As my research brought up, you should get a carry on which is within the right size, has proper straps and provides reasonable organization. Also, water resistance and laptop compartment would be a nice touch if you travel abroad.
Sources
- Cabin luggage: Guide to hand baggage sizes and weight restrictions – Skyscanner, 2018
- INTERNATIONAL CARRY-ON SIZE CHART – Osprey
- HOW TO PACK YOUR BACKPACK – Deuter
- EU Carry-On Guide – Ospreyeurope
- HOW MUCH SHOULD YOUR PACK WEIGH? – Rei