Best backpacks for travelling (or, five backpacks I haven’t bought)
July 27, 2010 in Travel Gear
Since we left New Zealand in 2006 with over 50kg of baggage, we’ve been trying to pack light. In fact, we’ve been trying to pack lighter and lighter with every jaunt. Lightweight travel is good travel.
My current set-up is a two-bag Berghaus wonder: a red and grey 45+8lt Antaeus along with a black Remote20 with my laptop, microphone and plane or train reading material in it. The goal, however, is one that Linda has already achieved: the one bag.
Linda’s currently carrying a 35lt Backfavour from the small New Zealand manufacturer Aarn. This is one of the most amazing backpacks I’ve even seen or worn, but I don’t want to get the same pack as Linda. This couple thing can only go so far!
Picky as I am, here are five backpacks I haven’t bought.
1. Mountain HardWear Enterprise
The Mountain Hardwear Enterprise Backpack
The bag has excellent external pockets, including a lined one for electronics or sunglasses. It also has expansive side pockets, which appeal to me. The laptop holder, inside the bag, is suspended, meaning the computer won’t hit the bottom of the bag and get crushed and would also be quite easily accessible from the main backpack opening. I loved the duffel bag-style grip handle, but thought the harness was a bit on the light side.
2. North Face Angstrom
The The North Face Angstrom Backpack
3. Arcteryx Blade
I loved the Arc’teryx Blade 30 Backpack
I didn’t buy this one because when fully packed (and yes, I took everything I own down to the outdoors store) it looked like I had a suitcase suspended on my back. The weight distribution was all wrong and the harness didn’t really help that much, being a little short for my back.
4. Deuter Futura
From there I turned to the Deuter Futura 32 Backpack.
Unfortunately, it would be a terrible backpack for a digital nomad: not many internal pockets, absolutely no laptop access. Notes, sketches and receipts would end up like they are in my current pack: scrunched and destroyed.
5. Kathmandu Litehaul Pack
The Kathmandu Litehaul Pack really had me excited when I first saw it. I used to use Kathmandu gear a lot, but they seem to have become more fashion-conscious than hardy recently. The price doesn’t quite reflect the build quality.
This bag, however, was innovative and seemed well-constructed. The amazing thing was that the duffel-bag style shoulder strap unclips and becomes a waist harness, meaning the bag is an excellent convertible travel backpack.
I didn’t buy this one because I was unsure how long the plastic clips that control this would last. I bet it would be less than three months with our lifestyle. It also didn’t quite seem to sit right on my back when we loaded it with a few tents for weight. Also, I am really hanging out for an external laptop pocket now; as my only bag it needs to be good for quick laptop access while we’re out and about.
The perfect bag …
My perfect travel backpack will:
- be around 35 litres
- be good for carry-on travel on most airlines
- have an external laptop access point
- have a proper harness system
- have a few external pockets, including space for a waterbottle
- have lockable zips
- be sturdy enough to handle hiking, suave enough to suit a hotel lobby
- not look stupid
- not cost the earth
Can you help me?
This article was written by Craig and Linda
Craig and Linda Martin have been living on the road since February 2006. Both born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand they are ... somewhere in the world! Craig and Linda host the Indie Travel Podcast - you can get in touch with them here.
Since November 2006 the Indie Travel Podcast has evolved into an independent travel hub with regular audio and video podcasts along with articles by travellers from all over the world. 
Hosts Craig and Linda Martin started travelling in February 2006 and have been to over 50 countries. They were 
Scott said on July 27, 2010
This may be a little on the small side but the bag I used for my week in New York far exceeded my expectations. I really hope PacSafe comes out with a 35-40L one. The best feature of the bag are the zippers that tuck really far into the protective cover and clip hooks to latch the zippers to besides. I would expect it to be near impossible for anyone to discretely get into the bag without you knowing it.
http://bit.ly/9LuJDt
not an affiliate link
Craig and Linda said on July 27, 2010
Thanks Scott, that’s a good looking bag, but yes – a bit small. 35-40lt is the sweet spot.
I’ve always found PacSafe to be on the heavy side. How did you find it in that regard?
Erin said on July 27, 2010
It’s so hard to find the perfect backpack! We spent far too long looking for ours. Simon uses a North Face Overhaul 40 litre bag that meets all your requirements except for the proper harness system. The back is not that well padded and there is no waist strap (which is the reason I went for the Vango Transit 30 litre instead) but Simon has had no problems with it and finds it perfectly comfortable.
Craig and Linda said on July 27, 2010
Hi Erin, thanks for the recommendations. Unfortunately, I’ve looked at the Overhaul as well, and I really think I need the harness. Because my pack usually weighs in around 10-12kg and I’m carrying it 2-3 times a week (plus on any hiking adventures) it needs to do more than most people would expect from an “urban” pack.
I found a good compromise from a German brand yesterday: A Jack Wolfskin Mountain Trail 40. They put one aside for me, then sold it before I returned to the shop this afternoon! It seems they put the 45lt aside for me and the back was a little long.
Brendan said on July 27, 2010
I traveled around South America with a Kathmandu Nowaki_XT as my day pack. When I did a multi-day hike (4 day inca trail, 3 day colca canyon), it was the only bag I took. I liked how it had a small pocket at the top for camera and tickets, but most of the stuff was the internal compartment which would be hard to pick pocket (nice thought when on overnight busses).
http://www.kathmandu.co.nz/Packs_&_Luggage/Packs/40350/Nowaki_XT_Pack.html
- be around 35 litres: 32L
- be good for carry-on travel on most airlines: yes
- have an external laptop access point: ???
- have a proper harness system: yes, nice and comfortable.
- have a few external pockets, including space for a waterbottle: one compartment on top, two drink bottle compartments.
- have lockable zips: no. clips and draw string.
- be sturdy enough to handle hiking, suave enough to suit a hotel lobby: yes.
- not look stupid: yes.
- not cost the earth: 89 kiwi.
My bro got the same bag, and is over in South America at the moment.
I’m not sure what you mean by have an external laptop access point, but my bro has an HP Mini (super small notebook) that he keeps in a small pacsafe shoulder bag (which just looks like a normal bag but it slash proof)>
Dave said on July 28, 2010
Hey Craig,
I’m not basing this on having used the pack in question, but I’m totally loving my 55+10 Macpac Orient Express on my current trip – ticks all of your boxes except the size, obviously. Maybe something like this – http://www.macpac.co.nz/shop/en_nz/gear-and-clothing/packs/pegasus-40.html – could be worth checking out? Design spec looks good, and if they are using the same harness as on my one, it feels like you could cart the damn thing up Everest.
For what it’s worth (not much, probably).
Craig and Linda said on July 28, 2010
Brendan, thanks! I think I looked at that one at the same time as the Lighthaul. It’s a bit small when the laptop is in it, and the idea is to get down to one bag, so it counted it out. It looks good on spec, but I’ve found some bags with the same cubic volume actually fit differing amounts of stuff into them … this one’s on the small side.
Craig and Linda said on July 28, 2010
Dave, that looks like an interesting pack. I’ll try and find myself a MacPac outlet over here in Europe.
Seems like we’ll be meeting up for La Tomatina in a few weeks – looking forward to it!
Francoise said on July 28, 2010
I also feel like I’m on an eternal quest to find the perfect traveling backpack. Last year I downsized from a 60L to a 48L pack and hopefully will be able to eliminate another 10L on my next trip.
The only pack I can think of that meets most of your requirements (and that I’ve tried on myself), is the Pangea 40 from Canada’s mountain equipment co-op. Probably not convenient seeing as you’re in Europe but here’s the link anyhow:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442617760&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302883912&bmUID=1280346071489
The 1 thing it doesn’t have is external laptop access and I’d say it’s closer to 35L than the advertised 40.
Craig and Linda said on July 28, 2010
Thanks Francoise, it’s in my notebook now. Looks good on the website, if I can find one I’ll see if it fits.
Brendan said on July 28, 2010
A few years ago I did a 4 months ski trip around canada with skiboots, ice skates, helmet, body armor, ski jackets/pants, hiking boots etc.
My girlfriend & I each managed to achieve the elusive “1 bag”, but cheated – I had a 220L ice hockey goalie bag and she had a normal ice hockey bag (about 150L). With wheels on one end and a handle on the other, was just like an oversized cabin crew bag.
Of course, that was back in the days when you were allowed several 32kg bags.
Craig and Linda said on July 29, 2010
lol! That’s where I’m going wrong
Good stuff mate.
Em said on July 29, 2010
My first attempt at this didn’t post…
Here goes again:
The North Face Overhaul
http://www.thenorthface.com.au/secureshop/product.php?ProductID=822
Lowe Alpine TT 40 Carry on
http://onebagger.squarespace.com/blog/2010/3/23/review-lowe-alpine-tt-carry-on-40.html
GoLite TraveLite Convertible Carry On
http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=355002110
High Sierra Passport
http://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Passport-Travel-Pack/dp/B000HZDTFQ
I made some suggestions on ‘locking’ soft bags at the Tom Bihn forums here:
http://www.tombihn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2519&highlight=lockable
Craig and Linda said on July 29, 2010
Sad to hear it didn’t post, Em! We can’t find it in the logs, so no idea what happened. Thanks for re-posting, though.
I’m checking out all these links now…
Rob said on July 29, 2010
Love my Eagle Creek Switchback 22.
Em said on July 29, 2010
I had the ‘Notify me of followup comments…’ box checked and it took me straight to the sign up page. Oh well.
Here are a few more that have appeared on the One Bag One World pages. As these are largely designed as carry-on only bags, they’re often not designed for loads heavier than say 10 kg (which is perhaps why most do not have solid harness systems or hip belts) nor to withstand the rigours of airline baggage systems.
LL Bean Quickload
http://www.1bag1world.com/blog/2010/1/18/reader-review-ll-bean-quickload.html
Blackwolf Skedaddle
http://www.blackwolf.com.au/urban/skedaddle/
Apparently this one is very like the older versions of the Patagonia MLC (Maximum Legal Carryon).
First Ascent Maximus 40 Carry On
http://www.eddiebauer.com/FIRST-ASCENT/First-Ascent-Gear-Equipment/index.cat#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22hide%22%7D
(It’s on the first line, second from the right)
And finally, here’s the OBOW thread that started my own (neverending?!) search:
http://www.1bag1world.com/obow-light-travel-forum/post/891510
As you’ve already commented, bag volumes specified by the manufacturers are all over the place. There is no standard for how these are measured – some take the time to measure the actual internal volume / packing space, others just take the largest external linear measurements (including the space occupied by the harness) to calculate a volume, others calculate a volume without the harness, others, well, I can’t for the life of me work out how they calculated a volume!
Craig and Linda said on July 30, 2010
Yes, those volume measurements never seem to mean anything. If I’m seriously looking at buying a pack, I carry everything I currently own down to the shop and put everything in the potential pack. That way I get to amuse the shop staff and see what the weight distribution and pack size is really like.
Rob, Em – Thanks for the recommendations.
I really need that 35-40lt space (some 32lt have this) and I’m also after a good harness system. Sometimes I’ll be using this for hiking, other times the weight of electronics means I must have that weigh distributed away from my shoulders.
Em said on August 2, 2010
Hi again!
The OBOW forums has a(nother) thread compiling known bags in this size range. These aren’t really recommendations, just an attempt to get a list together in one place. I’m posting new brands / models as I find them online.
http://onebagger.squarespace.com/obow-light-travel-forum/post/1188196?lastPage=true
Happy searching!
Gavin said on October 26, 2010
I too have been on this merry-go-round. Currently I have a OnePlanet Ronald: http://www.oneplanet.com.au/travel/ronald.html which lacks (useful) external pockets and laptop storage. Although it does have a decent harness.
For carry-on you’re limited to 56cm length which precludes most top loading backpacks. I’m a fan of the panel loading versus rummaging through a garbage bin to find what you need en-route.
Bachpacks make this: http://www.bachpacks.com/products/detail.asp?PID=242&KatId=32&prodname=FTL+45&Travel if you can find it – UK/Europe only distribution.
Chris Burlton said on August 16, 2011
So what packs are you Guys using now?
Craig and Linda said on August 17, 2011
Linda’s still got her Aarn 35, I (Craig) have a new North Face Overhaul 40 (which I nickname the Overpacked 40). Will have a review on it sometime soon.
Chris Burlton said on September 6, 2011
Thanks Craig. Will be interested in what ovthers you considered too. Wiould prefer a bigger hip belt than the Overhaul has. Was wondering about the Kathmandu Litehaul too.
Craig and Linda said on September 6, 2011
Yeah, I was very skeptical about the hip belt on it … and I’m still not 100% happy on that side of things: almost 100% of the weight sits on my shoulders. I looked at the Kathmandu, and it seemed quite a heavy bag for what it was.
Jean Bullington said on November 8, 2011
Awesome topic. But i would love to choose this bag for traveling “Mountain HardWear Enterprise”. Would it be ok to a small lady like me guys?
Craig and Linda said on November 8, 2011
It’s really hard to say, Jean: fitting a backpack is quite a personal thing. Your best bet is to try it on in a store, or order it online at a place where you can send it back if it doesn’t fit.
Robin said on November 10, 2011
The bags are cool. If I were to buy, I will choose Deuter Futura because I like the color and it’s big.
Manuel Alcantar said on November 10, 2011
@ Jean: I agree with craig and Linda reply to your post. Or the best thing that you can do is to visit on the store personally too. That would really help.
ErlindaDolphin said on November 10, 2011
I like Arcteryx Blade because it has external laptop pocket and I always bring laptop all the time. Thank for the information.
Marna said on November 10, 2011
@Manuel : I agree with you all she can do is visit the store , cause im sure they would really help her.
Alma Myers said on November 10, 2011
I will choose Kathmandu Litehaul Pack when it comes to mountain climbing adventure together with your friends. and also it can use for traveling for vacation. ^_^
Kathleen said on November 10, 2011
I love mountain hiking but the bag that I have is too small for me, I want a big one.
Thanks for the info.. I will visit that store personally so that I can choose the best.
Joan Washington said on November 11, 2011
I use to prefer Kathmandu Litehaul Pack, because it is more capable to use during travel. I usually travel to other place every month so I need to used more comfortable bag.
lenny said on November 11, 2011
I love adventure activities like mountain hiking its really fun.Me i use what ever bag i have as long as i enjoy the trips it doesn’t matte of me.
Pat said on November 14, 2011
I would prefer to choose a comfortable bag like Mountain HardWear Enterprise because it easy to carry and useful
Alena Mitchell said on November 14, 2011
Did anyone knows what is the best bag that good for female customers?
Zoe said on November 14, 2011
Arcteryx Blade is nice. The design is very simple. I will definitely choose this bag.
Barbara said on November 15, 2011
@Alena: As far as I know, female don’t look for best bag, they actually look on the style and they easily get attracted to the colors. So I advice you to sell bags that has a nice style and especially the colors.
Alice Owen said on November 15, 2011
@ Elena: I strongly agree with your post. I am very particular with the style of bags and specially the colors.
Kathy said on November 15, 2011
@Pat, Same as I, I would preferred to choose a very useful, easy to carry, and affordable price.
Robert Key said on November 17, 2011
@ Kathy i strongly agree with your post. Thanks for sharing this to us.
Craig and Linda said on January 15, 2012
Lynne emailed in with:
Check out sixmoondesigns.com Traveller backpack – extra light weight but a bushwalking type backpack.
- ticks the boxes including the harness
- not sure about a lockable zip though
Another suggestion re carryon backpack after more searching…
I have just bought an REI Vagabond 40Litre carry-on size pack and am pretty happy with it. (www.rei.com.au search for vagabond otherwise very difficult to find). It cost $139 US (to Australia add $60 postage) ticks most boxes as
it has a decent harness, is lockable, meets smaller carryon size (105cm) but is longish and narrow (good for crowded trains perhaps). Seems well made but a smallish 40L. Has a duffle-bag included in a pouch in the bottom of the
pack which is also the rain-cover. It serves as a duffle bag for the pack if you need to check it in. The pack (complete including the duffle bag-cover) weighs 1.6 kg. Also there is a flat plastic insert in the back of the pack
to make it more rigid. I have removed this in my pack as it made the pack back support stick into me a bit (easily removed) -The pack is more comfortable with out. With the rain cover and plastic insert removed my guess is it weighs only about 1.2 kg.
I also checked out the Northface Backtrack 50. Looked good and had a daypack. I didn’t want the daypack though so didn’t purchase – it was also expensive and out of stock in most places. Gearguys in Aus had it for $319.
–
Thanks, Lynne!