All - figured I would post to the forum where I would get honest answers of real world experiences.
I live in Australia and travel for work often; typically 1-2 day trips flying. I carry clothes but also running shoes and gear. My current backpack is not large enough to fit and I am tired of lugging around a small wheelie carry on. I am looking to consolidate into one backpack (maybe 30-45L).
Does anyone have a great recommendation on some options? Real world experience? I will do some research also, but currently flying back to the US for a work trip in a week and could pick one up.
I was thinking about: Roka Transition Backpack, Osprey 40L, Maybe a North Face backpack/duffel. I need it be to rugged, pocket friendly, travel 20x per year flying, and have enough space for 2 day work clothes and running gear.
I used this bag extensively for travel pre-pandemic and some now as well. I travel frequently on regional jets with limited overhead and do not have to gate check (not sure this is an issue for you). I use the backpack straps about 25% of the time and just use the shoulder strap the remaining time. I do like that the backpack straps tuck away as it looks a bit nicer if I am taking client meetings and heading directly to the airport.
I can easily get 3-4 days work clothes, plus workout, and a pair of shoes in this bag. Typically I would wear running shoes and pack dress shoes. For reference I am a standard size guy (1.8 m tall) and wear a size 13 US shoe.
I carried a computer bag as well and I am not sure if you are going to a single bag. For 1-2 days I think it would be fine.
I travel exclusively with Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 backpack, even for shorter trips. But, I’ve gone for 2+ week trips with it without any issues. I also carry a Tom Bihn Co-Pilot as my in-flight bag with my computer, iPad, etc.
If the A45 is too big for you there is also a 30 liter version - A30. They also have a newer model called the Techonaut 45/30 that’s designed to also have space for electronics.
My favorite bag for travel is the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45. Great for short trips. Perfect carry-on size and you won’t get strange looks when walking into nicer establishments.
For a short trip, the Roka Transition Backpack fits quite a lot. I have one and have used it for short trips as well as races. Lot of compartments and pockets. You might need to pack a small day pack if you need something lighter and smaller.
My favorite bag for travel is the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45. Great for short trips. Perfect carry-on size and you won’t get strange looks when walking into nicer establishments.
My favorite bag for travel is the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45. Great for short trips. Perfect carry-on size and you won’t get strange looks when walking into nicer establishments.
My wife and I have both the previous version 45 and the “mini” or international overhead sized MLC bags with the TPU coatings. I regularly use mine for work travel and pick the size based on where I’m going and how long i’ll be there. The mini is small enough to pass for a briefcase style bag when you need to go straight to a meeting from the airport. We’ve also done international vacations from 3 days in Paris with only our minis to 3 weeks in Italy using the 45’s. They’re great bags, good organization, durable, etc.
My wife and I have both the previous version 45 and the “mini” or international overhead sized MLC bags with the TPU coatings. I regularly use mine for work travel and pick the size based on where I’m going and how long i’ll be there.
This is the only bag I have used for the last 8 or 9 years. Business travel, family trips, whatever. Fits two suits, a pair of jeans, sneakers and running gear, plus your laptop. Use with shoulder strap or flip to backpack for those inter-terminal sprints at O’Hare or CDG.
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. After review and online video/reviews, I went with the Osprey Farpoint 40. Good mix of value and price. Some of your suggestions were fantastic as well. I hope it helps others in the similar career state.